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Shul Bulletin

Shabbos Parshas Masei Schedule

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:38 pm
  • Shabbos Mevorchim Tehillim: 8:15 am
  • Tehillim Club: 9:00 am
  • Followed by a Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:31 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • Shacharis: 10:15 am
  • Pirkei Avos Shiur by Rabbi Raichik: 6:40
  • Mincha: 7:40 pm
  • Pirkei Avos Chapter 2
  • Shabbos Ends: 8:41 pm
  • Molad of Chodesh Menachem Av: Shabbos, Tammuz 28/July 30, 3:40 pm + 12 chalakim
  • Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av: Monday August 1

Announcements

  • The shul needs volunteers to make siyumim every night from Rosh Chodesh through Tu B'Av. Please contact Rabbi Levi Raichik if you can participate.
  • Yarchei Kallah is right around the corner, taking place this year on 2 Sundays: 29 Tammuz and 7th of Av. For more information and to register online visitYarcheikallah.com.
  • Please say Tehillim for Rochel Bas Simcha Chaya, Devorah Miriam bas Sarah and for Rachamim Oscar ben Rochel.
  • A Yesher Koach to Rabbi & Mrs. Yechezkel Raeburnfor their donation of a set of Mishnayos, Chumashim and 2 sets of Likutei Sichos.

Kiddush Sponsors

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Chaim Binyomin Burston for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Chaim Binyomin Burston’s fatherYehuda Shmuel ben Yitzchok ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Simcha Frankel in honor of the birthdays of their grandaughters Liba Frankel and Sara Nejar. May they have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Simcha Levenberg for the yahrtzeit Rabbi Simcha Levenberg’s father Velvel Efraim ben Yisroel Halevi ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Michy Rav-Noy in honor Rabbi Michy Rav-Noy’s Birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Levi Raichik in honor of Dr. Sholom Fine’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.

The kiddush for the early minyan is sponsored by:

  • Sponsored by the Chevrah in honor of Zalmy Fogelman and Yitzchak Nassi engagements. May they build a banyan adi ad.

Women's Shabbos Shiur/Farbrengen

At the home of Rebbitzen Chana Liba Raichik 
6724 Beverly Blvd. 
6:00 pm 
Speaker: Mrs. Roth Devorah Wallen

Mazal Tov To

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yitzchok Arnold on the birth of their granddaughter.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yossi Chazanow on the engagement of their son Shmuli to Chaya Paltiel
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yona Mordechai Weiss on engagement of their daughter Mushkie to Ari Mochkin.

Upcoming Birthdays:

  • Rabbi Michy Rav-Noy - 28 Tamuz
  • Chaim Israeli - 28 Tamuz
  • Menachem Mendel Lerner - 29 Tamuz
  • Rabbi Moishe Carlebach - 29 Tamuz
  • Menachem Mendel Stroll - 2 Av
  • Dr. Sholom Fine - 3 Av
  • Mr. Ephraim Levy - 3 Av

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Hershel Tsvi ben Avraham (Mr. Richard Rosenbloom’s father) - 28 Tamuz
  • Shimon ben Yaakov Reuven (Mr. Maayan Kerbel’s grranfather) - 1 Av
  • Malka bas Yitzchok Yosef (Mrs. Chani Rotenberg’s mother) - 2 Av
  • Yehuda Shmuel ben Yitzchok (Rabbi Chaim Binyomin Burston’s father) - 4 Av

Devar Torah- Parshas Masei

This week is parshas Masai. It is most common for parshas Matos and Masai to be combined and read together on one Shabbos. Occasionally, as it this year, they are read separately. What lesson can we learn from the Bnei Yisroel’s travel, stops and passing through the desert in avodas Hashem? The Baal Shem Tov explains that the travels in the desert represent 42 journeys that a person travels throughout his or her lifetime. The purpose of these travels for each person and for all of us collectively is to fulfill our mission of making this world a dwelling for Hashem. Ultimately we will reach the Jordan River, as the pasuk says; “Ad Yarden Yareicho”. The root of the name “Yareicho” means “reiach”- smell. This refers to Moshiach about whom it says that he will be “moreiach vadayin- he will judge with his sense of smell”. 
Some of the names of places that Bnei Yisroel camped refer to negative events that occurred at those locations. For example, one place was named “Kivros Hataavah” (meaning the burial place of lust) because it was here that the Bnei Yisroel went to their graves for the sin of lusting after meat. What can this location and negative event teach us in our service of Hashem? The Baal Shem Tov teaches our service to Hashem requires us not only to control our lusts, but even more, to bury them! This means that we only desire Hashem and have no lust for the physical. We do however, have free choice to decide which path to take either for the good or the opposite chas v’Shalom. 
Wherever we travel we need to know that our purpose is to bring Moshiach, and that we are never alone. Hashem is with us to guide us along the path to fulfill the divine purpose for which our neshamos descended into this world. As we travel, He sends His Malachim to help us. The journey, at times, seems like an endless desert. Ultimately will be successful in accomplishing the purpose of making this world into an oasis, a pleasure garden of Hashem’s presence. 
So too it is when we do the Rebbe’s shlichus, we do not go alone. The Rebbe escorts us and gives us the power to accomplish and be successful on our shlichus. 
In 1971 I was among the third group of Shluchim that were sent to Australia on Shlichus. During our Yechidus we had before we left, the Rebbe said that although our ultimate goal is to reach Australia, nevertheless each stop (each encampment) is important, and a journey in and of itself. We stopped in Israel, Iran and India. We had planned to be in Australia for Shabbos but were not able to arrive on time so we ended up having to stay over Shabbos in a hotel in Calcutta (India). We took the opportunity to speak in the local Shuls. In a hallway at the hotel we were welcomed with a greeting of “Shalom” from an American teenager who was stuck in the hotel due to a delayed flight, as he was returning from exploring the Far East. We became friendly and soon invited him to share with us our Shabbos meal of tuna, mangos, oranges, Coca Cola, flat bread. We also shared a bottle of vodka that we had purchased at duty free to make a farbrengen for Shabbos Mevarchim. We had a fabrengen that night and stayed up until the early hours of the morning. At the end we helped him get back to his room. When he left the hotel he left us a note that read; “Thank you for showing me the green light”. 
This is the meaning of the masaos. Each journey and every stop is; “Al pi Hashem-according to Hashem’s plan”. There was a reason that we got stuck in Calcutta for Shabbos.

Announcements

  • The shul needs volunteers to make siyumim every night from Rosh Chodesh through Tu B'Av. Please contact Rabbi Levi Raichik if you can participate.
  • Yarchei Kallah is right around the corner, taking place this year on 2 Sundays: 29 Tammuz and 7th of Av. For more information and to register online visitYarcheikallah.com.
  • Rabbi Raichik will be giving Shiurim to the men about the Beis Hamikdosh every night between Mincha & Maariv.
  • Rabbi Yosef Bukiet will be giving Shiurim to the women about the Beis Hamikdosh for 3 consecutive Sundays, starting this week, Sunday, 22 Tammuz/July 24, at the Schneerson’s, 364 N Fuller Ave. from 10-11 am. Followed by the weekly Tehillim group.
  • Mrs. Fradel Bukiet invites all women to a lunch and learn in honor of her mother's yahrzheit on Thursday, 26 Tammuz/July 28, from 11:30am to 2:00 pm.
  • Please join Yad LeIma on Tuesday, July 26, for a special evening, raising awareness about postpartum women's health awareness. For more information click here.
  • Tzeischem Lesholom to Dr. & Mrs. Ze'ev Rav-Noy on their trip to Eretz Yisroel. May they have a safe trip, and may we all meet soon in Yerushalaim.
  • We would like to welcome Rabbi & Mrs. Levin into our community, may it be meshane mokom meshane mazal letova velivrocho.

Shabbos Parshas Matos Schedule

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:43 pm
  • Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:29 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
  • Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • Mesibos Shabbos for Girls: 4:30 pm in Shul
  • Pirkei Avos & Hilchos Beis Habechira Shiur by Rabbi Raichik: 6:45
  • Mincha: 7:45 pm
  • Pirkei Avos Chapter 1
  • Shabbos Ends: 8:46 pm

Kiddush Sponsors

  • Mr. Shlomo Noury for the yahrtzeit of Nissan ben Rafael ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Shagalov for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Yosef Shagalov's father Schneur Zalman ben Yitzchok Elchonon ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Dr. & Mrs. Sholom Fine for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Debbie Fine’s father Shlomo Binyomin ben Sholom Halevi ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Shaul Raigorodsky for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Shaul Raigorodsky’s father Dovid ben Feivel ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.

The kiddush for the early minyan is sponsored by:

  • Shmuly Sufrin in honor of his brother Moshe’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Steve Zipp in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.

Women's Shabbos Shiur/Farbrengen

At the home of Mrs. Yehudit Schneerson 
364 N. Fuller Ave. 
6:30 pm 
Speaker: Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz

Mazal Tov To

  • Mr. & Mrs. Aron Nassy on the engagement of their son Itzik to Danielle Tabak.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Labkowsky on the engagement of their daughter Mushky to Getzy Rosenfeld.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Chaim Burston on the birth of their granddaughter.

Upcoming Birthdays:

  • Nochum Zalman Gorelik - 24 Tamuz
  • Gavriel Abraham Gutierrez - 26 Tamuz

Upcoming Anniversaries:

  • Mr. & Mrs. Steve Zipp - 26 Tamuz

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Shlomo Binyomin ben Sholom Halevi (Mrs. Debbie Fine’s father) - 21 Tamuz
  • Schneur Zalman ben Yitzchok Elchonon (Rabbi Yosef Shagalov’s father) - 21 Tamuz
  • Dovid ben Feivel (Mr. Shaul Feivel Raigorodsky’s father) - 25 Tamuz
  • Sara Relka bas Nochum (Mrs. Fradel Bukiet’s mother) - 26 Tamuz

Devar Torah - Parshas Matos

This week is parshas Matos. The Tzemach Tzedek explains that the Yidden are called both “Matos” and “Shevatim”. The difference between the two is that a shevet is the branch of a tree that has vitality and a mateh is a disconnected stick that is hard. The shevet represents the Jew in time of the Bais HaMikdash whose neshama feels openly connected to Hashem, while the mateh represents the Jew in galus who feels dry and lifeless. His virtue however, is that he’s hard and stiff, and like Moshe’s mateh can break through stone. Living through the galus brings out the strength of the neshama and its ability to overcome obstacles and difficulties. Being that now we are so many years after Gimmel Tammuz we need extra strength to arouse our neshamos to break through the walls of galus in these final moments before Moshiach’s arrival. 
This past week was a chassunah of my nephew Eli, the son of my brother Yossi obm in Argentina. The Kallah’s father is the Head Shliach, Rav Tzvi Grunblatt. She is also a great granddaughter on her mother’s side of the Chosid Shlomo Aharon Kazenovsky. Rabbi Kazenovsky was a yedid, a close friend of my father. We spoke at the Chassuna about how with this marriage a new link has been added in the golden chain. Rabbi Kazenovsky came here to California to work with my father in communal affairs throughout the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. They were very close. Once when were traveling together to Israel, the Rebbe told Rabbi Kazenovsky to see to it that Rabbi Raichik eat properly. The Rebbe added that it didn’t mean according to Rabbi Raichik’s standards, but actually making sure that he ate the proper amount. 
Rabbi Kazenovsky was over 20 years older than my father. He arrived in America in 1926 long before the war; my father only arrived after the war. Also, they were not similar types of Chassidim. My father was known for his intellect and his focus on avodah, while Rabbi Kazenovsky was known for his great perseverance of Chassidishkeit in America. So what was their connection that made them have such a closely bonded friendship? It was the fact that each one of them was connected in their inner core to the Rebbe. Both of them were strong like a mateh, each able to break through their challenges and remain complete. Raising a frum chassidishe family in America in 1926 who knew that they were Lubavitchers, or to live in Shanghi through the war without food to keep the Lubavitcher Yeshiva open took the same resolve; to be a mateh! To remain strong and stiff and to break through and prevail was something they both shared. 
Rabbi Kazenovsky’s dedication to a proper chinuch in America was so strong that the Freidiker Rebbe said of him when he arrived in America that he had done better with his children than the very best, the cream of the students in Lubavitch. All his children married bachurim that learned in Yeshiva and had full beards. To teach his children to want his in those times is to be on the level of a mateh. The same is true of my parents who after six weeks of marriage in 1949 came to California on Shlichus. Growing up we knew that we were Lubavitch. It was stern and there was no wavering. We knew that we were connected to the Rebbe, no if’s, ands or buts’. We knew this even though we did not go to New York every year, or even visit the Rebbe until we were 11 or 12 years old. In a word; the absolute resolve that I have a Rebbe and will not budge is what united them. 
Today we can take an important lesson in how we relate to and educate our children. We can instill the resolve and that connection that Chassidim have that breaks through all boundaries and challenges. We can instill the connection we have as Chassidim of one Rebbe. We have the power not only to overcome any form of peer pressure, we have the ability to infuse our surroundings with the resolve to guard every holy word and every psak halacha for everyone without exception. It is with this emunah and bitachon we live, and we instill this resolve into the next generation. This generation hardly had an opportunity to see the Rebbe. They see the Rebbe and Chassidus through our eyes. When we live this and instill this in our children then its one mishpacha. Then, together as one community, young and old we walk hand in hand to greet Moshiach Now!

Sheva Asar B’Tammuz Schedule

  • Fast Begins: 4:27 am
  • Minchah: 7:30 pm
  • Fast Ends: 8:38 pm

For the laws and customs of this fast day please see the Chabad Chodesh

Sheva Asar B’Tammuz Schedule

  • Fast Begins: 4:27 am
  • Minchah: 7:30 pm
  • Fast Ends: 8:38 pm

For the laws and customs of this fast day please see the
Chabad Chodesh

Announcements

  • Yarchei Kallah is right around the corner, taking place this year on 2 Sundays: 29 Tammuz and 7th of Av. For more information and to register online visit Yarcheikallah.com.

Shabbos Parshas Pinchas Schedule

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:47 pm
  • Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:26 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
  • Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • Mesibos Shabbos for Girls: 4:30 pm in Shul
  • Pirkei Avos Shiur by Rabbi Raichik: 6:50
  • Mincha: 7:50 pm
  • Pirkei Avos Chapter 6
  • Shabbos Ends: 8:50 pm

Tuesday, July 19 - Fast of Sheva Asar B’Tammuz
For the laws and customs of this fast day please see the
Chabad Chodesh

  • Fast Begins: 4:27 am
  • Minchah: 7:30 pm
  • Fast Ends: 8:28 pm

Kiddush Sponsors

  • Dr. & Mrs. Ze’ev Rav-Noy for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Varda Rav-Noy’s father Avrohom ben Yitzchak Elimelech ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
    Also as a Seudas Hodaah thanking Hashem for the miracle that they had on 11 Tammuz a few years ago.
  • Together With:
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yisroel Bastomski together with Rabbi Tzvi Meir Fellig for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Etty Bastomski & Rabbi Tzvi Meir Fellig ’s father Noson Kalmen ben Tzvi Meir ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Naftoli Estulin for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Fayge Estulin’s father Tzemach ben Yitzchok ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi Tzvi Meir Fellig in honor of his birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus. Also in honor of his grandson Yisroel Halevi’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Nachman Kreiman for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Nachman Kreiman’s mother Esther Fruma bas Sholom ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Elozor Plotke for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Shoshana Brocha Plotke’s father Yechiel ben Chaim ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Avrohom Plotkin for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Shoshana Plotkin’s mother Zlota Zelda bas Yaakov ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya..

The kiddush for the early minyan is sponsored by:

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Goldman .

Women's Shabbos Shiur/Farbrengen

At the home of Mrs. Ruchama Thaler
418 N Martel Ave.
6:30 pm
Speaker: Rabbi Levi Kramer

Mazal Tov To

  • Mr. & Mrs. Joshe Feigelstock on the birth of a son.

  Upcoming Birthdays:

  • Yosef Yitzchak Plotke - 14 Tamuz
  • Shmuel Dovid Raichik - 17 Tamuz
  • Rabbi Yrachmiel Wolowik - 18 Tamuz
  • Yosef Yitzchak Plotke - 20 Tamuz

Upcoming Anniversaries:

  • Mr. & Mrs. David Diamand - 14 Tamuz

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Yaakov Naftoli ben Shlomo Zalmen (Rabbi Danny Rotenberg’s father) - 14 Tamuz
  • Leima ben Avrohom Yaakov Halevi (Mrs. Chani Rotenberg’s brother) - 14 Tamuz
  • Noson Kalmen ben Tzvi Meir (Mrs. Etty Bastomski’s and Rabbi Tzvi Meir Fellig’s father) - 15 Tamuz
  • Yitzchok ben Moshe (Mrs. Chana Ganzburg’s father) - 16 Tamuz
  • Zlota Zelda bas Yaakov (Mrs. Shoshana Plotkin’s mother) - 18 Tamuz
  • Tzemach ben Yitzchok (Mrs. Fayge Estulin’s father) - 18 Tamuz
  • Esther Fruma bas Sholom (Rabbi Nachman Kreiman’s mother) - 18 Tamuz
  • Avrohom ben Yitzchak Elimelech (Mrs. Varda Rav-Noy’s father) - 19 Tamuz
  • Yechiel ben Chaim (Mrs. Shoshana Brocha Plotke’s father) - 19 Tamuz

Devar Torah

As we reflect upon the miraculous days of Gimmel Tammuz through Yud Beis Tammuz there are many stories and lessons that we admire and from which we are greatly inspired. What is most important however is not just our admiration and praise of these events but the practical implications these days have upon our daily lives. This sentiment is clearly reflected in the Hayom Yom for Yud Beis Tammuz where a quote from a letter from the Rebbe says that there should be Fabrengens held on Yud Bais Tammuz. The Fabrengens will result in reinforcing set times for Torah study that will impact all areas of life both physically and spiritually. 
Rabbi Groner once told a story that took place around Channuka time. Rabbi Groner was not feeling well and the Rebbe told him to go see a doctor. When he returned from his appointment the Rebbe asked what the doctor said. He answered that the doctor gave him some medicine. The Rebbe told him that if you place the medicine on the shelf and just admire it and appreciate it, it will not make you better. If you open it, remove its contents and use it, then it will help you get well. So too, the Rebbe continued, it is with the Yom Tov of Channuka. If our forefathers, after miraculously winning the war and finding the jar of oil, placed the jar on the shelf in a museum and admired it and then told our children about it, there would not have been the Yom Tov of Channuka. We had to actually open the bottle and use its contents! Only when we used the oil did the miracle occur and the menorah remained lit for eight days. And because we used the oil we now have the Yom Tov of Channuka. 
So too each one of us has a new opportunity every day. Every day we wake up and say Modei Ani, we thank Hashem for life, and praise Hashem for all of the greatness of life. But with all that we need to use our lives to their utmost. On Yud Bais Tamuz we internalize this message. That not only do we praise, admire and get inspired. We most importantly utilize every opportunity to accomplish all that we can. 
The day of Gimmel Tammuz teaches an essential lesson of how best to carry out our resolutions to accomplish our purpose in the world. This year, the day of Gimmel Tammuz fell out on Monday night and Tuesday. In the year 5687-1927 the arrest and liberation of the Previous Rebbe occurred on the first day Rosh Chodesh Tammuz (the 30th of Sivan) on a Thursday. On Rosh Chodesh they informed the Rebbe that he was going to be sent out of prison into three years of exile to the city of Kostroma. Since it was already Thursday the Rebbe asked when he would arrive in the city of Kostroma. Their answer was; Shabbos. The Rebbe informed them that under no circumstances would he travel on the Shabbos. Only after many special efforts in government circles was it agreed that the Rebbe could stay in the prison until after Shabbos and travel on Sunday the 3rd of Tammuz. 
According to many opinions in Halacha the Rebbe could have left on Thursday. This was a dire situation. The government had first decided that there would be the death sentence, lo aleinu. That was overturned and commuted to ten years of hard labor. That was also overturned and he was down to three years of exile. In the Rebbe’s writings it was found that the cell that the Rebbe was in was on death row. Every night he heard the authorities removing people from their cells. Some screaming ensued, and then there were gunshots; and then there was silence. No one knew who would be next. 
There were other options. He could have just left due to the danger, and refused to travel later, or get a letter from a doctor etc.. Nevertheless, in these circumstances the Rebbe refused because he knew that they would use the fact he left in order to get to Kostroma on Shabbos for their anti Yiddishkeit propaganda whether or not he actually arrived there on Shabbos. And then it would be too late. He knew the impact this could have on all of Russian Jewry and how it could cause them to weaken in their resolve to keep Torah and Mitzvos come what may. Guarding Yiddishkeit among Russian Jewry is the very cause he had been moser nefesh for until now that had caused his arrest in the first place. Once again he was moser nefesh, but here in a situation of most eminent danger. He knew that it was possible that this refusal could anger the authorities. He knew that these authorities were forced to release him by those above them due to pressure and this could cause them to reverse the decision to allow him to leave. 
What is the lesson do we take from the geula of the Friediker Rebbe on Gimmel to Yud Beis Tammuz. Recently, there was a story involving a woman travelling on a Friday from Cincinnati to JFK. The flight was diverted to Baltimore due to bad weather. Her goal was to be in Crown Heights for Shabbos. Their connecting flight was delayed. Since candle lighting was at 8:15pm, she wasn’t sure at 5:00pm whether to board the plane. In the end she got on at 6:00pm, but the plane was delayed on the runway. At 6:45pm they still hadn’t taken off. She was together with another frum woman and they asked the supervisor to deplane. Their request was denied. A Shlucha found out what happened and called the supervisor to prevail upon him to let them off. The supervisor said; “G-d will forgive them”. She replied; “neither you nor I have the authority to speak for G-d; now please, these women need to get off before Shabbos” The supervisor agreed to bring the plane back and allowed the women to deplane at 7:45 pm. They rushed to the Shliach of Maryland’s home and arrived 7 minutes before shkiah! This woman was later asked why she decided to get on the plane at 6pm knowing that it was just over two hours until Shabbos . “What me?” “There was another frum woman who was older and more experienced; she said that we could make it” 
She could have stopped and asked herself, “Its 6pm Erev Shabbos, why take a chance? There could be a delay?” All too often, we believe in the computer schedule, the weather report, and the good traffic and we don’t think ahead about the eternal value of the Shabbos. The Rebbe never for a second lost focus of the essence, he thought far ahead. He did not rely on what he heard alone. He knew that he was the Nasi, and his impact, for now and what was at stake for the future. We need to learn to do this in our way as well. 
In everything we attempt to accomplish we need to focus on our commitment and responsibility for others. We need to have great concern for how others perceive what we do. Even if we have a heiter and however good an explanation we may have for what we have chosen, still, they will see what was done, and that leaves a lasting impression. 
A good Yom Tov and a Good Shabbos

Announcements

  • Community wide Farbrengen in honor of 12 Tammuz Featuring Rabbi Yossi Lew. Wednesday, July 13, 8:30pm At Congregation Bais Bezalel. For more info click here.
  • Tzischem Lesholom Farbrengen for Mrs. Robin Ferzt this Shabbos in the Kolel after daevning.

Shabbos Parshas Balak Schedule

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:49 pm
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:24 am
  • Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
  • Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • Mesibos Shabbos for Girls: 4:30 pm in Shul
  • Pirkei Avos Shiur by Rabbi Raichik: 6:50
  • Mincha: 7:50 pm
  • Pirkei Avos Chapter 5
  • Shabbos Ends: 8:52 pm

Sholom Zachor

Mr. and Mrs. Levi Nagel 
invite the entire community to a Sholom Zachor 
at their home, 160 N. McCadden Place.

Kiddush Sponsors

  • Mr. and Mrs. Mottel Politiko in honor of their daughter's bas mitzvah.
  • Mrs. Robin Ferszt and friends as a Tseichsem L'Shalom for her upcoming trip.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Mitch Reichman in honor of the yarhzheit of Mitch's father Meir Ben Moshe Efraim. May the neshomo have an aliyah.
  • Mr. and Mrs. Asher Habibian, in honor of their anniversary.
  • Note: In honor of Mrs. Ferszt, the farbrengen for women will be hosted in the Kollel after davening.

The kiddush for the early minyan is sponsored by:

  • Mr. & Mrs. Chananya Silber in honor of their anniversary on 3 Tammuz.
  • Rabbi and Mrs. Yechezkel Raeburn in honor of their son Sholom Dov Ber's birthday on 13 Tammuz.

Women's Shabbos Shiur/Farbrengen

At the home of Mrs. Sima Berkowitz
435 N Poinsettia Pl. 
6:30 pm 
Speaker: Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz

Mazal Tov To

  • Mr. and Mrs. Levi Nagel on the birth of their son.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Gershon Schusterman on the birth of their grandson.

Shabbos Parshas Chukas Schedule

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:50 pm
  • Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
  • It is customary for all men to get an Aliya the Shabbos before Gimmel Tammuz.  
    Minyanim for Kriah will begin at 9:00 am
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:21 sm
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
  • Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • Shiur in Pirkei Avos with Rabbi Raichik: 6:50 pm
  • Mincha: 7:50 pm - Pirkei Avos - Perek 4
  • Shabbos Ends: 8:53 pm

Kiddush Sponsors

  • Dr. & Mrs. Ze'ev Rav-Noy in honor of Dr. Ze'ev Rav-Noy's birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Dr. & Mrs. Sholom Fine for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Debbie Fine’s mother Masi Mindel bas Levi Yizchak Halevi ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuel Fogelman in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.

Mazal Tov To

Upcoming Birthdays:

  • Levi Yitzchok Weiss - 30 Sivan
  • Shmuel Berkowitz - 1 Tamuz
  • Schnuer Zalmen Raeburn - 2 Tamuz
  • Rabbi Dovid Thaler - 3 Tamuz
  • Dr. Ze'ev Rav-Noy - 4 Tamuz
  • Mr. Rami Tamir - 5 Tamuz

Upcoming Anniversaries:

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Bukiet - 1 Tamuz
  • Mr. & Mrs. Yaakov Michoel Ginsburg - 3 Tamuz
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Labkowsky - 4 Tamuz
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuel Fogelman - 5 Tamuz
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yehudah Lerman - 6 Tamuz

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Masi Mindel bas Levi Yizchak Halevi (Mrs. Debbie Fine’s mother) - 5 Tamuz

Devar Torah

This week’s parsha of Chukas discusses the law of the Parah Adumah. Hashem told Moshe and Aharon to tell Elazar to take the ashes and use them to purify-be mitahr the tameh. This is a decree of the Torah. With this ritual of purification Elazar became impure when he left the camp until nightfall. 
From this parsha we learn an essential message for each and every one of us. We need to go out of the comfort of our environment to help another Jew who has become tameh meis, who doesn’t feel his connection to Hashem and doesn’t feel alive. The pasuk says; “Atem Hadeveikim B’Hashem”, when one is attached to Hashem he is alive, as the pasuk continues; Chayim kulchem. Elazar HaKohen left the Beis HaMIkdash and made a Parah Adumah to purify those that had become impure and thereby disconnected from Hashem. This is the greatness of Ahavas Yisroel. He leaves his comfortable environment, where he can achieve the greatest spiritual levels, in order to help a tameh meis to become purified. 
This is the approach of the Rebbe and the work of his Shluchim throughout the world. Shluchim go out all over the world to bring the wellsprings to purify so many. 
When the Kohen sprinkled the blood of the Parah Adumah he needed to face the doors of the Beis HaMikdash. The Eastern Wall of the Beis HaMikdash was lower that enabled the Kohen to see over it into the opening of the Heichal while he sprinkled the blood. This teaches us that the place that every Chosid has his shlichus to be mekareiv others is on the outside. At the same time the message we must take is that in the midst of our involvement, we need to keep our focus that our true chayus, our ‘life blood’ is directed straight toward the Kodesh- “el pnei HaKodesh”. We cannot forget this even for a moment. 
Just as this is the case for a Chosid on shlichus, so too this is true for every Yid, in whatever involvement brings him into the world, be it business or any worldly occupation. His service is to bring the outside world close to Hashem and all the while to keep his eyes and mind focused on Hashem- “el pnei HaKodesh” 
So too, when strengthening our connection to the Rebbe, wherever a Chosid finds himself he must ask; “How does the Rebbe want me to respond to this, and what does the Rebbe want from me in this situation” 
This week was the siyum Mishnayos of R. Yissochor Dov, Beryl Weiss. Many people speak of his great work in Tzedaka, whose greatness and proliferation across the globe is to such an extent that it cannot be fully known. I would like to speak about his hiskashrus to the Rebbe. He wasn’t born into a Chabad family. Through my Father he became mekushar to the Rebbe. Reb Beryl would speak of my Father’s influence on his hiskashrus. 
Once, some people came to Reb Beryl to speak about an opportunity to invest in a mine in Liberia. Reb Beryl said that he would have to ask the Rebbe first, and then to only proceed with his bracha. They themselves were Chassidim of a different Rebbe and were very surprised. “What?” they asked; “What if the Rebbe says no?!” “Then it’s no!” said Reb Beryl clearly. Then he asked; “Aren’t you Chassidim? “Yes” they replied. “But we do our business, and then we only afterwards ask for a bracha” “What does the Rebbe know about such matters?” Later Reb Beryl went into Yechidus after Tishrei. Went he emerged they were waiting. Reb Beryl said; “The answer is no!” They said; “But Liberia is the Switzerland of Africa!” Reb Beryl replied; “The Rebbe said that it’s not a stable government and therefore not a safe place to invest. I can make a short term investment only!” They exclaimed; “What does He know?!” He answered “The answer is no!” Three years later the Liberian government collapsed and anyone with property there lost their investment. 
In 5749-1989 on the second day of Shavuos the Rebbe spoke about growing a beard. On the previous day (the first day of Shavous) when they took out the Sifrei Torah, Reb Beryl looked at the Rebbe, and made a decision that it’s time to grow his beard. The next day at the Fabrengen when the Rebbe spoke about the beard. Reb Beryl understood that it meant him.
Reb Beryl realized that a Chosid always wants to do more. That to just stay the way he is, is incomplete; a Chosid must do more. When he got older he realized that a when Chosid learns something from the Rebbe he knows that it means him and that he must do something. After the Six Day War on Yud Beis Tammuz the Rebbe spoke about the Tzemach Tzedek shul needing to be rebuilt. My Father brought back a reel to reel tape of the Fabrengen from New York and played it for Reb Beryl. When Reb Beryl heard the tape he said that he wanted to give the Shul a Sefer Torah. He heard the Rebbe’s words and he wanted to do something to be part of it. A few years later the Sefer Torah was complete and he was able to give it to the Shul. He did it for the Rebbe. He did it without being asked because he knew it would make the Rebbe happy. 
Once on Lag B’Omer he asked the Rebbe for a bracha that one of his children should merit having children of his own. The Rebbe responded “Why ask me? Ask the Rashbi, he is here”. Reb Beryl pointed to the Rebbe and said; “I’m asking a bracha from our Rashbi!” 
After Gimmel Tammuz he went to 770, to the Rebbe’s Ohel and his room to daven. His hiskashrus was not weakened. Reb Beryl was not known as a Mashpia. He was known as a great Baal Chesed and a Businessman. He was known to love the Torah and learn. Reb Beryl was a Chosid. 
Reb Beryl felt that the Rebbe thought of him. Reb Beryl would usually spend Hoshana Rabba by the Rebbe. One year on Hashana Rabba he wasn’t by 770. When he went for lekach the Rebbe told him “I didn’t see you”. Thousands of Yidden were there going around the bimah, and the Rebbe knew that he was not there. 
On Yud Aleph Nissan 1981, the Rebbe asked him where he was for Birchas Hachama on Daled Nissan. The Rebbe noticed he wasn’t there. Reb Beryl replied that he sent his son Yonah Mordecai Sh’yichyeh. The Rebbe answered that he saw Yonah Mordecai but he didn’t see him, and that they should together for the next Birchas Hachama in Yerushalayim. 
On Gimel Tammuz the Rebbe is looking for us…where are we….

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