- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 4:36 pm
- Kabbolas Shabbos: 5:15 pm
- 2nd Minyan Kabbolas Shabbos: 6:20 pm
- Shabbos Mevorchim Tehillim: 8:15 am
- Followed by a Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik
- Shacharis: 10:15 am
- Kol Yakov Yehuda: 10:30 am
- Mesibos Shabbos for Girls: 3:30 pm in Shul
- Mincha: 4:35 pm
- Shabbos Ends: 5:39 pm
- Father & Son Learning: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
- Rosh Chodesh Shevat: Thursday, January 6
- Molad of Shevat: Tuesday, January 4 - 10:32 pm + 5 Chalokim
Shul Bulletin
Shabbos Va'era Schedule:
Announcements:
- The shul is collecting cell phone numbers to send text messages for critical reminders. Please email us with your cell phone number and cell phone provider to be added to the list.
Kiddush Sponsors:
- Dr. & Mrs. Ze’ev Rav-Noy for the yahrtzeit of Dr. Rav-Noy’s father Yehudah Mordechai ben Baruch ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Together With:
Dr. & Mrs. Sholom Fine for the yahrtzeit of Dr. Sholom’s father Avrohom ben Nachum ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Fishman for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Fishman's mother Basya Rochel bas Shmuel Hirsh ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Mr. & Mrs. Ariel Haratz for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Haratz's father Mordechai ben Yakov ob”m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Rabbi & Mrs. Zali Munitz in honor of R' Zali's birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
Rabbi & Mrs. Reuven Nathanson for the yahrtzeit of R' Reuven's mother Malka Chana bas Yosef ob”m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Rabbi & Mrs. Michy Rav-Noy in honor of their daughter Estie’s Bas Mitzvha. May she have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Revere in honor of Mrs. Revere’s birthday. May she have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
Rabbi & Mrs. Gershon Schusterman for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Schusterman's mother Chava bas Yakov Yisroel ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
And by the shul for the yahrtzeit of Bracha Chaya bas Refoel ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Women's Shabbos Shiur:
At the home of Mrs.Yocheved Lezak
423 N Fuller Ave
At 4:30 pm
Speaker: Mrs. Chana Rochel Schusterman
Mazal Tov To:
- Mr. & Mrs. David Kaufman on the engagement of their son Ari to Chanah Ainyah Nerenberg.
The West Coast L’Chaim will be on Sunday, January 2nd, 7 - 10 pm at the home of Rabbi and Mrs. Fishel Grossman, 366 N. Citrus Ave. - Rabbi & Mrs. Simcha Frankel on the engagement of their daughter Mushky to Yisroel Karasik.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Ben Zion Oster on the birth of their daughter Ita.
Upcoming Birthdays:
- Eliyahu Binyomin Engelson - 25 Teves
- Rabbi Yehudah Lerman - 25 Teves
- Dov Avrohom Fine - 26 Teves
- Mr. Harvey Benton - 28 Teves
- Elisha Lerman - 28 Teves
- Dovid Leib Bastomski - 1 Shevat
- Mr. Yosef Yitzchok Mishulovin - 1 Shevat
- Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi - 2 Shevat
Upcoming Anniversaries:
- Mr. & Mrs. Boruch Greenbaum - 1 Shevat
Upcoming Yahrtzeits:
- Masha bas Shlomo (Mrs. Nana Rushka Stark’s mother) - 25 Teves
- Mordechai ben Yakov (Mrs. Elisa Haratz’s father) 25 Teves
- Bracha Chaya bas Refoel - 26 Teves
- Chava bas Yakov Yisroel (Mrs. Chana Rochel Schusterman’s mother) - 26 Teves
- Chaim Meir ben Avrohom Shmuel (Rabbi Yosef Bukiet’s father) - 27 Teves
- Pari bas Shlomo (Rabbi Asher Habibian’s mother) - 28 Teves
- Avrohom ben Nachum (Dr. Sholom Fine’s father) - 28 Teves
- Shmuel ben Moshe (Mrs. Marsha Alperin’s father) - 28 Teves
- Shmuel ben Avrohom (Mrs. Nana Rushka Stark’s father) - 29 Teves
- Yehudah Mordechai ben Baruch (Dr. Ze'ev Rav-Noy’s father) - 29 Teves
- Malka Chana bas Yosef (Rabbi Reuven Eliezer Nathanson’s mother) - 29 Teves
Devar Torah - Va'era
In the parshas we read during these weeks, Shemos, Veyera and Bo, the topic throughout is galus and redemption, the exodus from Mitzrayim. The Rebbe explains that Pharoh had a threefold misconception. Pharoh said; “Lo yadati es Hashem- I do not recognize Hashem”, and “MiHashem asher eshma b’kolo-who is Hashem that I should listen to his voice”. This implies three things. Firstly he does not recognize the existence of Hashem. Secondly, even if he does exist, he would be aloof and uninvolved in our daily life. Thirdly, even if He were not aloof, what difference would it make, He could not change the very nature of the way things are anyway.
The Rebbe teaches that this was indeed the purpose of the makos, to show Pharoh and all of Mitzrayim otherwise, quite the opposite of Pharoh’s notions. This is also a deeper understanding of why Rebbe Yehudah divided the ten makos into three distinct groups; DaTzaK, AaDaSh, BaAaChaB. Each group of makos addresses another one of Pharoh’s misconceptions about Hashem.
In the first group, about the makah, Dam-Blood the Torah says; “With this you will know that I am Hashem”, meaning the very existence of Hashem. This was also the conclusion of the chartumim-the magicians of Pharoh when they exclaimed in the last of the first three makos, “etzba Elokim he- This is Hashem’s finger”. With the first set of makos, the entire country of Mitzrayim including Pharoh became intimately aware of a creator, Hashem.
In the first makah of the second group, arov-the mixture of wild animals, the Torah states; “l’maan teidah shAni Hashem b’kerev haaretz- it is so that you should know that it is I Hashem in the midst of the earth”. This set of makos makes very clear that Hashem is present and involved within workings of our world, dispelling Pharoh’s second notion.
In the third group by the makah of barad-hail the Torah says “l’maan teidah sh’ayn kamoni bekol haaretz- it is so that you should know that there is none like me in all of the earth”. The reason this statement is made by barad is because in this makah Hashem changes the very nature of creation, bringing harmony to opposites, fire and water, to serve a singular miraculous purpose.
The ten makos served to break Pharoh and his misconceptions of “lo yadati es Hashem” and “mi Hashem sh-eshma bkolo- I do not recognize Hashem that I should listen to his voice”. They also served to teach that which is said in parshas Bo, “so that you should tell these things into the ears of your children, so that you should know Hashem” to strengthen our faith and knowledge of Hashem.
Pharoh’s chief decree was to throw the Jewish children into the Nile River. What lesson does the Torah teach by recording this point? It is to teach that he was sending a message to the Jews that he wanted them to “throw themselves” meaning fully involve themselves with the Nile, the Egyptian idol of their time. He wanted them to co opt his belief that the way to get ahead in Egyptian culture is to believe that the Nile is everything. Since the Nile serves as the source of Egyptian parnasa, their souce of water, therefore it is symbolized as the source of everything; exclusive to all else which are only distractions.
This timeless message is relevant to current events today. The Rebbe spoke about the greatness of America in that it was founded by those that believed in Hashem; that the motto “in G-d we trust” is printed right on the country’s currency; and an awareness of Hashem pervades throughout the systems and thinking of the country. The Rebbe recommended a moment of silence in the school system to send a message that belief not be limited to the house of worship but be incorporated into the daily life of everyone, Jew and non Jew alike.
Since the 1960s there has arisen politicians who have toiled to have mention of Hashem removed from the schools and the streets, and be quarantined to only the house of worship. Mention of Hashem is slowly being washed away from all public discourse. Hand in hand with these efforts has been a steep decline in the quality of education.
But today’s idol is not the Nile, it’s the field of science. Science and technology are held up as the singular thing that can change anything. They allow themselves to alter the genetic structure of many aspects of life without a true understanding or knowledge of the long term repercussions or of its sustainability. In today’s environment it’s ok to “play G-d”. Finding cures and innovations are wonderful, but it comes with awesome responsibility to safeguard its abuse.
A hospital’s ethics committee today in 2010 allows itself to decide when to remove a patient’s basic nutrition based upon their decision of how long that person will live! The medical community has decided to offer a patient an option to “die in dignity”. This approach is diametrically opposed to a doctor’s job to do all he can to save the patient’s life. There is a slippery slope in this thinking. One may wonder how long it will just be an “option”...
Today, as we are freezing from record cold, our politicians in Washington are claiming that we suffer from “global warming”! They claim that it is they that have the remedy to change the natural outcomes of nature. That man can control if it is cold or hot not Hashem. In truth it is their brains that are warm, even fried with the notion that it is they that control our future, “lo yadati es Hashem” with no factoring of Hashem’s role in our lives and their responsibility need to safeguard basic values.
Therefore when we daven “Ashreinu mah tov chelkeinu- how fortunate we are” we need to rejoice and be proud that we are not under the control of Pharoh Melech Mitzrayim. We are guided by Hashem, and every solution to every detail of life can found in our Holy Torah. With it we learn and understand the proper use of all aspects of Hashem’s creation in the best possible way, using every detail to reveal the presence of Hashem. When we say “Asher Kidishanu” we think Asher- how delighted we are to have the “ner Mitzvah” and “Torah ohr” to guide our lives!
Nevertheless in such an environment we need special strength to overcome the daily onslaught to our sensibilities. We gain this strength by connecting to Moshe Rabbeinu. It was Moshe Rabbeinu alone, due to being so close and batul to Hashem, was able to enter to Pharoh to break the klipah of Mitzrayim. Through him Hashem systematically broke through Pharoh’s three misconceptions about Hashem mentioned above in front of the eyes of all of Mitzrayin and the entire world. As the Alter Rebbe says in Tanya, each one of us has a spark of Moshe Rabbeinu within us, and by connecting to the Ispashtusa d’Moshe, the Rebbe, the Moshe Rabbeinu of our generation and to his Torah and his minhagim takanas and Mivtzoyim we gain great strength to be firm and strong. Not only is there no reason to be effected by this environment, we can go out and successfully draw others close to the Torah and Mitzvos.
Announcements:
- Zalman Rosenbloom is getting up from shiva on Erev Shabbos. Mincha is at his home 840 1/2 N Alta Vista Blvd. at 2:30.
- There will be a farbrengen for men in honor of 24 Teves on Thursday, December 30 at 8:30 pm in shul. For the customs of 24 Teves see Chabad Chodesh.
- The shul is collecting cell phone numbers to send text messages for critical reminders. For example, a kiddush levonah reminder was sent out last Thursday (which happened to be the last night to say kiddush levonah on account of the weather). Please email us with your cell phone number and cell phone provider to be added to the list.
Shabbos Shemos Schedule:
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 4:31 pm
- Kabbolas Shabbos: 5:10 pm
- Early Minyan Shacharis: 8:20 am
- Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
- Shacharis: 10:00 am
- Kol Yakov Yehuda: 10:15 am
- Mesibos Shabbos for Girls: 3:30 pm in Shul
- Mincha: 4:30 pm
- Shabbos Ends: 5:34 pm
- Father & Son Learning: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Kiddush Sponsors:
The kiddush for the early minyan is sponsored by:
- Reuven Friedman in honor of his birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
Also for the yahrtzeit of his grate grandfather Reuven Yehuda ben Moshe Dov ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya. - Rabbi & Mrs. Yitzchok Arnold for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Arnold's father Noson Notte ben Yakov Yeshayohu Hakohen ob”m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Zali Munitz (the Mashpia) birthday in honor of his birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
Women's Shabbos Shiur:
At the home of Mrs. Sima Zeifman
421 N Poinsettia Pl
At 3:45 pm
Speaker: Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz
Mazal Tov To:
- Rabbi Lazer Handelsman - on the birth of his grandson.
Upcoming Birthdays:
- Yitzchok Tzvi Gorelik - 18 Teves
- Rabbi Zali Munitz - 21 Teves
- Mr. David Peretz - 22 Teves
- Yitzchok Wolowik - 23 Teves
- Mr. Elozor Plotke - 24 Teves
- Shneur Zalman Shem Tov - 24 Teves
Upcoming Yahrtzeits:
- Noson Notte ben Yakov Yeshayohu Hakohen (Rabbi Yitzchok Arnold’s father) - 17 Teves
- Sora Golda bas Yaacov (Mrs. Necha Lerner’s mother) - 17 Teves
- Dov ben Pesach (Mrs. Chana Baila Burston’s father) - 19 Teves
Devar Torah
What is the meaning of having the quality of bitachon-trust in Hashem? Having bitachon does not just mean that one believes that Hashem can provide all of his needs. It also means that he is calm and serine to the point that he does not worry at all.
But how in truth is this possible to have such a trust? We see that even after Yaakov was promised by Hashem that he would later return to Eretz Yisroel, he nonetheless feared. He was afraid that “she-ma yigrom ha-cheit- perhaps his sins had caused him to no longer be worthy”. If this is the case for Yaakov, certainly this is the case for us!
A common approach to this seeming discrepancy can be expressed through the following thought process. From time to time we encounter challenges and we find ourselves in a bind. We say to ourselves that since Hashem is in charge we can remain calm. If only good things occur then this is because Hashem protected us. If chas v’Shalom not, it is because we are not worthy. Either way there is no possibility that someone of something can be harm us. The only possibility is that something other than revealed good is being provided by Hashem because it is necessary for our own benefit, to cleanse our neshama of any stains. Therefore one’s only fear is from above and not from any “thing” or any worldly cause. Therefore one can have full and complete bitachon and nevertheless fear of being unworthy of a miracle due to sin , a fear that we see by Yaakov.
The Rebbe has a completely different approach toward explaining the true meaning of bitachon. Bitachon means that we trust everything will go well in life, in all aspects of both spiritual and physical, in a revealed way. Because of Hashem’s kindnesses we trust that we will be zoche regardless of whether we are worthy.
But where does this security come from? There is a story of a Chosid of the Tzemach Tzedek who had a sick child. When he spoke to the Elder Chassidim about his child they suggested that he go to the Tzemach Tzedek for yechidus. He asked them how can I do that when the doctors said that the child had but a few hours to live and he could not even make it to the Rebbe on time. The Elder Chassidim answered that once you set out with the intention to go, the Malachei Rachamim will cause a delay on high until you arrive and the Tzemach Tzedek answers. When he arrived preoccupied with worry he handed his Pidyon to the Rebbe and burst out in tears thinking about what might be occurring at home. The Rebbe answered “Tract gut es veit zayin gut- think positive and it will be good”. Because of this, the Chosid forced himself to think positively and the child became better. As a result of this experience the Chosid continuously integrated positive thinking into his daily routine. The point is that the positive thought itself is what caused the positive outcome.
The Rebbe is teaching that bitachon is not just an extension of emuna, bitachon is a discreet service in itself. Bitachon means to completely rely upon Hashem, to even cast one’s heavy baggage upon Hashem; “hashleich el Hashem yahavecha- cast upon Hashem your load”. True bitachon means that even when changing oneself is impossible in a natural way, nevertheless, since Hashem is unlimited change is possible. This is possible regardless of one’s personal unworthiness. If this good were purely because of Hashem’s kindness, then ultimately there would be no reward and punishment. Rather it is the responsibility of the individual to summons from the deepest depths of his neshama a true reliance upon Hashem. This authentic trust in Hashem is a service that requires arousal from the depths. The work to reveal this deep bond of trust and reliance arouses midah kneged midah-measure for measure from above that “es veit zein gut- that it becomes good” in a revealed way.
(Likutei Sichos Shemos v. 36)
Shabbos Vayechi Schedule:
- Mincha: 3:15 & 4:15 pm
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 4:28 pm
- Kabolas Shabbos: 5:00 pm
- Fast Ends: 5:21 pm
- Early Minyan Shacharis: 8:20 am
- Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
- Shacharis: 10:00 am
- Kol Yakov Yehuda: 10:15 am
- Mesibos Shabbos for Girls: 3:30 pm in Shul
- Mincha: 4:30 pm
- Shabbos Ends: 5:31 pm
- Melave Malka: 8:00 pm
Announcements:
- Dr. Luchins live this Motzei Shabbos! Melave Malka starts promptly at 8:00 pm. $10 donation. Click here for more information.
Sholom Zochor:
Rabbi & Mrs. Paz Shusterman
Invite the community to a Sholom Zochor
at 800 N. Detroit St.
Kiddush Sponsors:
- Mr. & Mrs. Meilach Weiss in honor of the R’ Meilach’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
- Together with:
Mr. & Mrs. Avrohom Plotkin for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Plotkin’s mother Yenta bas R’ Nochum ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Mr. & Mrs. Shmuel Stroll in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
The kiddush for the early minyan is sponsored by:
- Choni Grossman in honor of his birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
- Josh Rosen in honor of Michael Zaghi for all his hard work. May we all dance at his wedding very soon.
Mazal Tov To:
- Mr. & Mrs. Alti Burston on the birth of their daughter. Mazal Tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Chaim Binyomin Burston.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Paz Shusterman on the birth of their son.
Upcoming Birthdays:
- Rabbi Shalom Elharrar - 13 Teves
- Mr. Betzalel Fleischman - 12 Teves
- Mr. Nachum Marks - 13 Teves
- Rabbi Shimon Raichik - 13 Teves
- Mr. Meilach Weiss - 14 Teves
- Chaim Binyomin Estulin - 16 Teves
- Mattisyahu Tzvi Stark - 16 Teves
Upcoming Anniversaries:
- Mr. & Mrs. Shmuel Stroll - 11 Teves
Upcoming Yahrtzeits
- Perel bas R’ Noson - 12 Teves
- R’ Tanchum ben R’ Moshe Yaakov - 14 Teves
- R’ Moshe Yaakov ben R’ Yeshaye - 14 Teves
- Bassya bas R’ Yaacov - 17 Teves
- R’ Noson Notte ben R’ Yakov Yeshayohu Hakohen - 17 Teves
Devar Torah - Vayechi
The Torah ends this week’s parsha and Sefer Breishis by relating Yosef HaTzadik’s passing, being placed in a coffin and layed to rest in Mitzrayim. It is upon this ending verse that we exclaim “chazak chazak v’nischazeik”. As the familiar idiom states; “misayamim b’davar tov- we conclude on a positive note”, how is it that we conclude parshas Vayechi and the entire Sefer Breishis on such a note! The parsha could have ended with the oath that Yosef administered to his brethren that when they would go out of galus they would bring his coffin to Eretz Yosroel. What is the positive lesson can we learn from this ending?
There is a basic difference between Yosef and Yaakov. Yaakov was immediately taken back to be buried in Eretz Yisroel. Yaakov was so careful to assure that this would occur that he made Yosef swear. This vow was required even though Yosef already had agreed to do so. Didn’t Yaakov trust Yosef that he would take care of it without an oath? One possible answer is that by making Yosef take an oath he insured that Pharoh would have to agree. This actually worked as the oath was the only reason that Pharoh agreed. But this Yosef was also aware of and therefore should have also suggested the oath.
A deeper explanation relates to Yosef’s concern for the Jewish people left behind in Mitzrayim. Yosef feared that Yaakov’s internment in Eretz Yisroel would leave those in Mitzrayim feeling forsaken. Because of this concern he didn’t want to swear. For this reason Yaakov made him take the oath. Yaakov had a different approach. Yaakov remained beyond the galus from the very beginning as Hashem informed him before he arrived that He would take out. When he arrived the famine stopped and even while in Mitzrayim he lived away in the land of Goshen and was removed from directly interfacing with Mitzrayim.
Yaakov wanted to be beyond Mitzrayim in order to be more helpful as is known; “aiyn hachavush matir es atzmo- a prisoner cannot release himself from prison”. Mitzrayim was like a prison for the Yidden. For that reason Yaakov insisted that he be taken up from Mizrayim to Eretz Yisroel where he could be of the greatest assistance, to help them also leave Mitzrayim, as he had.
Yosef wanted Yidden to receive direct support in the place they were at that time. He wanted to meet their immediate needs to overcome the challenge of galus Mitzrayim, to insure that when they would leave that it they would be fully intact, with their Hebrew names and their Jewish identities.
This is the way that Sefer Breishis ends, with a message that Yosef is with us, and remains with us throughout the galus. He is with us to assist us to remain intact and overcome its challenge. To this we say “chazak chazak v’nischazeik”, we strengthen ourselves that we have the strength to overcome all the difficulties of the galus, and that the Tzaddikim are together with us. We are able to uphold our observance of all the Torah and Mitzvos in the best possible way. This is the approach of the Chabad Rabbeim. They remain with us throughout galus and will come together with us out of galus. Lo azav es tzon mariso- we are not forsaken.
(Adapted from Sichos on parshas Vayechi 5747 and volume 25)
Shabbos Vayigash Schedule:
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 4:26 pm
- 2nd Minyan for Kabolas Shabbos: 6:20 pm
- Early Minyan Shacharis: 8:20 am
- Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
- Shacharis: 10:00 am
- Kol Yakov Yehuda: 10:15 am
- Mesibos Shabbos for Girls: 3:30 pm in Shul
- Mincha: 4:25 pm
- Shabbos Ends: 5:29 pm
- Father & Son Learning: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Announcements:
- THANK YOU to everyone who arranged and participated in the wonderful Chanuka Melava Makla.
Hey Teves - Didan Natzach - Farbrengen for men in Shul - Sunday, December 12, at 8:00 pm with Rabbi Avrohom Berns. Click here for more info. - Taharas Hamishpocho review seminar - for women - with Mrs. Sara Morozow. Tuesday & Wednesday December 14 & 15. Click here for details.
- Please say Tehilim for Yehosefa Nechama Basya bas Leah Frayda, Shterna Soro Dono bas Minet and Menachem Mendel Halevi ben Ita.
Kiddush Sponsors:
- Mr. & Mrs. Shimon Benarroch for the yahrtzeits of Mrs. Benarroch’s sister Simcha bas Esther ob”m and brother R’ Mordecahi ben Esther ob”m. May the neshomos have an aliya.
- Mr. & Mrs. Zechariah Davidson in honor of the birthdays of R’ Zechariah Davidson, Mrs. Yehudis Davidson and Moshe Davidson. May they have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
Also for yahrtzeit of Mr. Davidson’s grandmother Bluma bas R' Eliezer Hakohen ob”m. May the neshomo have an aliya. - Mr. & Mrs. Jon Engelson for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Engelson's mother Chaya Barbera bas R’ Binyomin ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Mr. & Mrs. Doron Israeli for the yahrtzeit of Doron’s father R’ Yona ben R' Yitzchok ob”m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Binyomin Kaplan for the siyum hakadish after R’ Binyomin’s mother Rochel bas R’ Dovber ob”m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yossi Schneerson in honor of R' Yossi's birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
- Mr. & Mrs. Shmuel Stroll for the yahrtzeit of R’ Shmuel’s mother Tsharna Gittel bas R' Yaakov ob”m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
The kiddush for the early minyan is sponsored by:
- Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Antian in honor of the Bar-Mitzvha of their son Menachem Mendel Yishai. May he grow up to be a chossid yerei shomaim and lamdon.
Women's Shabbos Shiur:
At the home of Mrs. Yehudit Schneerson
364 N Fuller Ave.
at 3:30 pm
Speaker: Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz
Mazal Tov To:
- Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Antian for the Bar-Mitzvah of their son Menachem Mendel Yishai.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Elozor Fisch on the birth of their daughter.
- Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Lerner on the birth of their granddaughter, Golda Perl Cunin.
- Dr. & Mrs. Rav-Noy for the birth of their granddaughter, Sarah Esther Rav-Noy.
- Mr. & Mrs. Shmuel Stroll on the birth of their grandson.
Upcoming Birthdays:
- Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson - 8 Teves
- Shmuel Dovid Andrusier - 10 Teves
- Mr. Bob Meyer - 10 Teves
Upcoming Yahrtzeits:
- Simcha bas Esther - 3 Teves
- Bluma bas R' Eliezer Hakohen Green - 5 Teves
- Tsharna Gittel bas R' Yaakov Stroll - 5 Teves
- R' Aharon Dovid ben R' Yitzchok Aizik Stark - 6 Teves
- Chaya Barbera bas R' Binyomin Engelson - 8 Teves
- R' Mordecahi ben Esther - 9 Teves
- Yenta bas R' Nochum Plotkin - 9 Teves
- R' Yona ben R' Yitzchok Israeli - 10 Teves
Weekly Thought
The Rebbe often said quoting the Rambam that a person can change the entire world with one word or thought or action. We see this most clearly in this week’s parsha.
As we know from the previous parsha, Yosef was sold by his brother’s and ended up in Mitzrayim in charge of the house of Potifar. Then, due to the episode with Potifar’s wife ended up in jail where he interpreted the dreams of the Sar HaMashkin and the Sar HaOfim, Pharoh’s butler and baker. Then, because of Pharoh’s dreams and the fact that the Sar HaMashkin remembered him, was taken out of jail.
Later, he became the leader in Mitzrayim due to the unique fashion in which he interpreted the dreams. He explained that the dreams had a similar content, that both the dream of cows and wheat stalks were one and the same. They both pointed to seven years of plenty and seven of famine, the two dreams painted one picture. Most importantly his interpretation was unique in that it came with a horah- a directive. Yosef taught that the sets of seven years interrelated to each other. During the seven good years they must be thinking and planning for the seven of famine, so that the seven years of famine would be nourished by the seven good years.
Because of all of this, Yosef saved his family as well as all of Mitzrayim from starvation in the years of famine. Therefore the entire Jewish people are named after Yosef as it says in the pasuk; “noheig katzon Yosef”
The Torah revealed to us what it was in reality that triggered this chain of events. One day, while in prison, Yosef saw that the Sar HaMashkin and the Sar HaOfim, Pharoh’s butler and baker were looking upset. He could have easily said to himself the following. These men used to serve Pharoh inside his palace. They were on top of the world. Now look at them, they have no family to be with here, and no hope for the future. I cannot let them out of this place, how could I possibly make them feel better? Instead of looking the other way, he approached them and asked them “Why are you down?” He tried to lift their spirits with a good vort! He was ready to do that to see if he might possibly be of service to them. Since they saw that he was sincere, they told him their dreams… From there one thing led to another and all of this was due to one good word.
This teaches each one of us that with one good word toward another person we can improve their life and change the entire world and help hasten the revelation of Moshiach now!
(Based upon Sichos from Parshas Miketz-Channukah)
Shabbos Schedule
- Mincha: 3:30 pm
- Chanukah Candles are to be lit before Shabbos Candles.
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 4:25 pm
- Kabolas Shabbos: 5:10 pm
- Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim: 8:15 am
- Followed by a Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik
- Shacharis: 10:15 am
- Kol Yakov Yehuda: 10:30 am
- Mesibos Shabbos for Girls: 3:30 pm in Shul
- Mincha: 4:25 pm
- Shabbos Ends: 5:28 pm
- Motzei Shabbos - Start saying V’sein Tal Umatar L’Brochah at Ma’ariv
- Chanukah Candles are to be lit after havdala before veyiten lecha.
- Shul Chanuka Party: 8:00 pm
- Molad Teves - Monday/December 6 - 9:48 am + 4 Chalakim
- Rosh Chodesh Teves - Tuesday & Wednesday, December 7-8
Announcements
- This Motzei Shabbos, Dec. 4th - Shul Chanuka Party for men & women at 8:00 pm.
- On Dec. 7th, the 7th night of Chanukah is the annual Car Menorah Parade. Line up is at Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad at 6:30. For information click here.
- Please say Tehilim for Yehosefa Nechama Basya bas Leah Frayda, Shterna Soro Dono bas Minet and Menachem Mendel Halevi ben Ita.
Kiddush Sponsors:
- Mr. & Mrs. Milton Goodman for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Goodman's mother Risha bas R' Tzvi Hirsh ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Together with:
Rabbi & Mrs. Sender Munitz for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Munitz's father R' Yitzchok Yosef ben R' Avrohom Dov ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Rabbi & Mrs. Yitzchok Arnold for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Arnold's monther Devorah bas R' Yechiel Shraga Faivish ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Lerner for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Lerner's mother Basya bas R' Mordechai ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Women's Shabbos Shiur:
At the home of Mrs. Chana Rachel Schusterman
126 N Fuller Ave.
at 4:30 pm
Speaker: Mrs. Chana Rachel Schusterman
Upcoming Birthdays:
- Menachem Mendel Yishai Antian - 27 Kislev
- Mr. Zechariah Davidson - 27 Kislev,
- Sholom Yehuda Gorelik - 27 Kislev
- Rabbi Ari Goldman - 28 Kislev
- Rabbi Chayim Mishulovin - 28 Kislev
- Chaim Eliyahu Mishulovin - 28 Kislev
- Mr. Michael Zaghi - 29 Kislev
- Rabbi Naftoli Estulin - 2 Teves
- Elchonon Dovber Grossman - 3 Teves
Upcoming Yahrtzeits
- Devorah bas R' Yechiel Shraga Faivish Arnold - 28 Kislev
- Chaya Liba bas R' Yosef Ganzburg - 2 Teves
- Basya bas R' Mordechai Lerner - 1 Teves
- R' Yitzchok Yosef ben R' Avrohom Dov Zaidoff - 3 Teves
- Risha bas R' Tzvi Hirsh - 3 Teves
Weekly Thought
A Freilichin Chanukah!
The gemora asks, "Mai Chanukah-what is the festival of Chanukah all about"? The answer given is that when the Greeks entered the Beis HaMikdash they defiled all of the oils. If they were waging war against the Jews why didn't they attempt to destroy the Beis HaMikdash entirely and instead satisfy themselves by merely defiling the oils.
In truth the Greeks were amazed by the Torah and its wisdom, but they waged war upon its kedusha. They did all they could to persecute those who were "Barchu bTorah techila"- made a blessing over the Torah before studying. Their real goal was to get them to forget the one who gave us the Torah, Hashem, and to get them to transgress the Mitzvos of Hashem. They didn't mind the Jews celebrating Yom Tov as a commemoration of a historical event, but to celebrate in order to fulfill the will of Hashem was an anathema to their thinking.
From their point of view, one studies because it follows the dictates of their intellect, never because of the sanctity of its text. So too did they view the lighting the oil in the Beis HaMikdash. They allowed the Jews to light the menorah as long as it would be done with neither kedusha or tahara- santity or purity, rather just because it's "nice". They wanted them to light the menorah with a Greek touch.
This episode teaches us the meaning of the statement that if someone tells you that the nations of the world have chochma-wisdom, believe them, but if they say that they have Torah, do not believe them. The essential difference between the two is that the Torah is wisdom with guidance. The meaning of the word Torah itself means horah- guidance. Chochmah will define a situation but it does not tell you what to do. If you are a good person you will use that wisdom for the good. Other people will use it in other ways; they will define the blood thirsty enemies of Israel, Hamas and the terrorism of their Jihad as a "struggle" of the underdog. Others of a similar ilk, want make it seem as if America is to blame Chas vShalom for 911, as if they had it coming.
The Torah clearly defined the fight against the Greeks for what it really was, nothing less than a struggle against a Jew's kabbolas ohl Malchus Shomayim- acceptance of the mastery of Hashem and his Kingship over the world. Conversely, when once the great philosopher Aristotle was caught in an unflattering situation dismissed the event by saying that at this particular moment he was not the great Aristotle. He was admitting that his type of wisdom did not require integration into one's lifestyle. Our Torah requires our entire being and encompasses all of our life and lifestyle. Our leaders lead us beyond the constraints of logic. Mattisyahu's name means mattis-yud kei- that everything he received was from Hashem which is beyond the world. Ben Yochanan Kohan Gadol who entered the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur "lifnai v;'lifnim- he connected entirely to Hashem beyond limitation, and therefore merited to receive from beyond; to win the war and experience a miracle that lasted eight days.
The lesson to us in our lives is clear. We have a choice. We can get stuck in the "teit hayavan- get trapped in the Greek mud". This occurs when we use the Torah to conform to our preconceived notions and desires. When we abuse the Torah in this way to fulfill our personal needs, then we sink into the mud of the Greek outlook.
On the other hand, we can take the initiative to fulfill the Torah's directives even in times when we do not necessarily feel up to it. We can be the weak and we can be the few, but when we push ourselves beyond our limitations, then Hashem answers from beyond and we overcome the mighty and the many and bring Moshiach.
(Based on the Reshimos, and Sichos 5732, 1971-72 on Channuka)