- Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Mendy Spalter invite you to a farbrengen this Friday night for the refuah shlaima of Chaya Mushka bas Hadassa Shaina, at the home of Rabbi Mendy and Haddassah Spalter 821 N. Formosa #203.
To host a Friday night farbrengen in your home please sign up using this link. - Yarchei Kallah is right around the corner, taking place this year on two consecutive Sundays: 22 Tammuz/June30 and 29 Tammuz/July 7. Click here for more information.
- Rabbi Yosef Bukiet will be giving Shiurim to the women about the Beis Hamikdosh from 10:30 to 11:30 am for 3 consecutive Sundays: Sunday, 22 Tammuz/June 30, in the backyard of Sterna Citron - 723 N Orange Dr. Sunday, 29 Tammuz/July 7, and Sunday, 7 Av/July 14, at the Schneerson’s - 364 N Fuller Ave.
- In honor of the Three weeks, Kollel Erev is hosting a series of Shiurim about the Bais Hamikdosh and yemos hamoshiach. Click here for more info.
- Mrs. Fradel Bukiet invites all women to a lunch and learn in honor of her mother's yahrzheit on Thursday, 26 Tammuz/July 4, from 10:30 am at her home 343 N Formosa Ave.
- Nichum Availim: Mrs. Sara Malka Goldberg and Mrs. Meira Ehrlich are sitting shiva in NY for the passing of their mother - Mrs. Bracha Leah Chava bas Shmuel Noson ob”m Finkelstein. Mrs. Sara Malka Goldberg can be reached at (323) 828-5536, and Mrs. Meira Ehrlich at (323) 610-1836. Hamokom Yenachem eschem Besoch Shaar Avaylay Tzion VeYerushalayim. Vehukeetzu Veranenu Shochnay Ufur vehe besochom.
Shul Bulletin
Announcements - Pinchas
Shabbos Schedule - Pinchas
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:50 pm
- Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
- Last Time To Read Shema: 9:20 am
- Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
- Shacharis: 10:00 am
- Rabbi Raichik’s Pirkei Avos Shiur: 6:50 pm
- Mincha: 7:50 pm - Pirkei Avos - Perek 1
- Shabbos Ends: 8:53 pm
Kiddush Sponsors - Pinchas
- The Bastomski Family for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Freida Bastomski’s father Reb Yacov Volf ben Reb Moshe ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Fischel Grossman for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Fischel Grossman’s grandmother Genendel bas Reb Noach ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yisroel Hecht for the yahrtzeits of Rabbi Yisroel Hecht’s two grandfathers whose yahrtzeits are both 22 Tammuz - Reb Yehoshua (Shea) ben Reb Tzvi Elimelch Hecht ob”m and Reb Boruch ben Reb Eliyahu Greenhut ob”m. May the neshomos have an aliya.
- Mr. & Mrs. Shaul Raigorodsky for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Shaul Raigorodsky’s father Reb Dovid ben Reb Feivel ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Shagalov for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Yosef Shagalov's father Reb Schneur Zalman ben Reb Yitzchok Elchonon HaLevi ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Pinchas
- Mr. & Mrs. Steve Zipp in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
Women's Shabbos Shiur - Pinchas
Special shiur in memory of
Mrs. Bracha Leah Chava
bas Shmuel Noson ob”m Finkelstein
At the home of: Mrs. Shoshana Brocha Plotke
350 N Poinsettia Pl.
6:30 pm
Speaker: Rabbi Naftoli Estulin
Mazal Tov To - Parshas Pinchas
- Mr. & Mrs. Shimon Benarroch on the engagement of their daughter Sara Chanie to Moshe Brafman.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Aryeh Leib & Meira Ehrlich (Finkelstein) on the birth of their daughter Chaya Mushka.
- Mrs. Miriam Gluck on the marriage of her granddaughter Alti Shur to Nochum Greenberg.
Upcoming Birthdays
- Nochum Zalman Gorelik - 24 Tammuz
- Gavriel Abraham Gutierrez - 26 Tammuz
Upcoming Anniversaries
- Mr. & Mrs. Steve Zipp - 26 Tammuz
Upcoming Yahrtzeits
- Genendel bas Noach (Mrs. Dorothy Grossman’s mother) - 21 Tammuz
- Shlomo Binyomin ben Dovid Leib Halevi (Mrs. Debbie Fine’s father) - 21 Tammuz
- Schneur Zalman ben Yitzchok Elchonon (Rabbi Yosef Shagalov’s father) - 21 Tammuz
- Yehoshua ben Tzvi Elimelch (Rabbi Yisroel Hecht’s grandfather) - 22 Tammuz
- Boruch ben Eliyahu (Rabbi Yisroel Hecht’s grandfather) - 22 Tammuz
- Yocheved bas Mordechai (Mrs. Varda Rav-Noy’s mother) - 23 Tammuz
- Yacov Volf ben Moshe (Mrs. Freida Bastomski’s father) - 24 Tammuz
- Dovid ben Feivel (Mr. Shaul Feivel Raigorodsky’s father) - 25 Tammuz
- Sara Relka bas Nochum (Mrs. Fradel Bukiet’s mother) - 26 Tammuz
Devar Torah - Pinchas
It Really Is Up to Us
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik
Over the last few years we have spoken many times about the importance of the Rebbe’s directive of Asei lecha Rav-To appoint yourself a Rav. In general, there are special moments in our lives when we feel an acute need for reach out for some sage advise. I recently read a story of Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb who sought the Rebbe’s advise to a question he thought only the Rebbe could answer. When he called Rav Hadokov and requested to speak with the Rebbe, he didn’t give his name. After checking with the Rebbe, Rav Hadakov related the Rebbe’s answer that there was a person in his town with whom he could speak by the name of Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb. The man calling was the very person to whom he was being sent by the Rebbe! He took this to mean that he must first look a little deeper into the matter by himself to find his answer.
There is a similar story with Rav Moshe Hecht brought in Igros Kodesh v. 23 where the Rebbe’s answer to his question was that he already sent a shalich to his town to help him named Rav Moshe Hecht and added: “You should get to know him”…
So what do we actually do? Do we look within or do we go to a mashpiah? There was a recent JEM video where the Rebbe asked R. Yehuda Avner, an advisor of Menachem Begin, why doesn’t he become part of us (meaning Lubavitch). He responded that he could see that the Rebbe has great capabilities that he doesn’t realize. The Rebbe replied: “Some people need crutches”. The Rebbe then explained what a Rebbe is with the example of a candle. What is a candle? You may have wax and a wick but it’s not yet a candle. It only becomes a candle when you set it in a holder light the wick and then the light illuminates the room. This fulfills the purpose of the candle because we can then have use of it. So too with our soul, only by lighting the wick, our neshamos used together our bodies, which is like the wax are we able to fulfill our purpose in the service of Hashem. The job of a Rebbe is to bring the fire to light the neshama. R. Yehuda then asked the Rebbe: “Rebbe, did you light my neshama?” The Rebbe answered: “No, I gave you the match”
Our ability to receive the Rebbe’s brachos depends upon our will to utilize our intellect emotions and abilities and not just to use the Rebbe as a crutch. A mashpiah serves a pivotal role in between a Rebbe and chosid to bring the chosid’s intellect emotions and abilities from potential into action.
In the sicha for parshas Behaloscha in 5751 the Rebbe explains that the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah is until the flame goes up by itself. So too it is with teachers and mashpiim with their students and mushpayim. They need to continue giving until the students are able to stand on their own.
The fact that we need to stand on our own two feet and make important decisions does not mean that we go it alone. The Rebbe has given and continues to give us the kochos so that we can accomplish what we need to, without crutches.
So in summary, it isn’t that we are looking for the Rebbe to take care of everything. Also, if we’ve gone it alone then were off the path. Rather, the Rebbe has given us the match; and we need to light it and keep it lit. The source of the light, the koach comes from the Rebbe. When the Rebbe said to look toward oneself for advice, he gave us the koach to look, decide and then to act.
Kollel Erev - Shiurim about the Beis Hamikdosh
Kollel Erev-Chabad invites you to a series of shiurim on the 3 weeks and Beis Hamikdosh:
- Tuesday, 24 Tammuz/July 2, 8:45 pm
An in Depth View into the Era of the Second Beis Hamikdosh Given by: Rabbi Moshe Kesselman – Rabbi, Congregation Shaarei Tefilah - Tuesday, 2 Av – July 9 at 8:45pm
Topic: TBA Given by: Rabbi Avrohom Zajac – Rabbi, Chabad of Sola - Wednesday, 10 Av/July 17, 8:45pm
The Times of Yimos Hamoshiach Given by: Rabbi Shimon Raichik – Rabbi, Congregation Levi Yitzchok
Shiurim will take place at
Congregation Levi Yitzchok - 356 N La Brea Ave.
About Kollel Erev
Kollel Erev Chabad was an initiative that commenced Pesach of this year. Kollel Erev hosts nightly learning and shiurim aiming to create a vibrant atmosphere of Torah learning and strengthen the Chabad community in Los Angeles.
If you would like further information on the Kollel Erev, please contact Zalmy Fogelman via email at [email protected].
Announcements - Balak
Clarification from Rabbi Raichik:
It has come to my attention, that people are saying that I am now part of a kashrus organization in our city.
These rumors or NOT TRUE, I do not belong to the RCC or Kehillah Kashrus organizations. I am only working on an oversight rabbinical committee to strengthen the level of kashrus in our city.
In reference to letter that I wrote, that people need to be very careful about what they purchase in stores or restaurants, this letter applied and still applies to all Hechsherim in our city.
- Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”.
- We would like to thank Rabbi Mendel Schapiro for coming and farbrenging with our shul until 1 am on 12 Tammuz. May he and his family be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
- Yarchei Kallah is right around the corner, taking place this year on two consecutive Sundays: 22 Tammuz/June30 and 29 Tammuz/July 7. Click here for more information.
- Rabbi Yosef Bukiet will be giving Shiurim to the women about the Beis Hamikdosh from 10:30 to 11:30 am for 3 consecutive Sundays: Sunday, 22 Tammuz/June 30, in the backyard of Sterna Citron - 723 N Orange Dr. Sunday, 29 Tammuz/July 7, and Sunday, 7 Av/July 14, at the Schneerson’s - 364 N Fuller Ave.
Shabbos Schedule - Balak
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:49 pm
- Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
- Last Time To Read Shema: 9:18 am
- Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
- Shacharis: 10:00 am
- Rabbi Raichik’s Pirkei Avos Shiur: 6:50 pm
- Mincha: 7:50 pm - Pirkei Avos - Perek 6
- Shabbos Ends: 8:52 pm
Tuesday, 17 Tammuz/June 25
Fast of Sheva Asar B’Tammuz
- Fast Begins: 4:11 am
- Minchah: 7:45 pm
- Fast Ends: 8:43 pm
Kiddush Sponsors - Balak
- 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.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yisroel Bastomski for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Etty Bastomski’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.
- 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.
Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Balak
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yitzchok Arnold thanking Hashem for all the miracles He has shown them since Rabbi Yitzchok Arnold’s heart attack 18 years ago. May Hashem cuntinunt to shower him and his family with kol tuv till 180!!
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yankel Kreiman for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Yankel Kreiman’s mother Esther Fruma bas Sholom ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Women's Shabbos Shiur - Balak
At the home of: Mrs. Tova Levine
361 N Vista Ave.
6:30 pm
Speaker: Rabbi Levi Kramer
Mazal Tov To - Balak
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Mishulovin on the birth of their grandson (to Chayim & Simi Mishulovin).
- Mr. & Mrs. Efraim Lezak on the birth of their granddaughter (to Dovid Leib & Nechama Rochel Schmerling).
Upcoming Birthdays
- Yosef Yitzchak Plotke - 14 Tammuz
- Shmuel Dovid Raichik - 17 Tammuz
- Rabbi Yrachmiel Wolowik - 18 Tammuz
- Yosef Yitzchak Plotke - 20 Tammuz
Upcoming Anniversaries
- Mrs. David Diamand - 14 Tammuz
Upcoming Yahrtzeits
- Yaakov Naftoli ben Shlomo Zalmen (Rabbi Danny Rotenberg’s father) - 14 Tammuz
- Leima ben Avrohom Yaakov Halevi (Mrs. Chani Rotenberg’s brother) - 14 Tammuz
- Noson Kalmen ben Tzvi Meir (Mrs. Etty Bastomski’s father) - 15 Tammuz
- Yitzchok ben Moshe (Mrs. Chana Ganzburg’s father) - 16 Tammuz
- Zlota Zelda bas Yaakov (Mrs. Shoshana Plotkin’s mother) - 18 Tammuz
- Esther Fruma bas Sholom (Rabbi Nachman Kreiman’s mother) - 18 Tammuz
- Tzemach ben Yitzchok (Mrs. Fayge Estulin’s father) - 18 Tammuz
- Avrohom ben Yitzchak Elimelech (Mrs. Varda Rav-Noy’s father) - 19 Tammuz
- Priva bas Yisroel Dovid (Rabbi Dovid Thaler’s mother) - 19 Tammuz
- Yechiel ben Chaim (Mrs. Shoshana Brocha Plotke’s father) - 19 Tammuz
Devar Torah - Balak
Walking Together with Every Jew toward the Redemption.
The Days of Yud Beis and Yud Gimmel Tammuz
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik
The Previous Rebbe wrote the following to chassidim about the days of Yud Beis and Yud Gimmel Tammuz: “They are fitting to be a days of fabrengen used to awaken the strengthening of the Torah and Judaism in each place according to its situation”
The Rebbe explains that strengthening the Torah and Judaism are not two separate things. Really the entire focus is on strengthening Judaism. It is impossible however to strengthen Judaism without first strengthening the Torah.
What does it really mean nowadays to be a Jew and how do we go about strengthening Judaism? Everything we know about the truth of who we are and how we achieve all that we can accomplish comes from the Torah and is defined solely by the Torah.
Therefore the Previous Rebbe is saying that we must first strengthen our connection to the Torah in its totality. Every verse every minhag, all of it, comes from Hashem Echod, min hashamayim- from on high, and is therefore infinite. Then and only then can we have the clarity to know what Judaism really is and what it means to be a Jew.
We should not and cannot be satisfied by focusing on those with whom we already ‘share the same roof’; with those who already have a foothold in Judaism. We also need to focus on every single Jew even one who has become completely estranged of any vestige of Yiddishkeit. Even with someone with whom we may not have anything in common for whom the name “Jew” is only a nickname. He may not even know what it means to be a Jew or that the Torah is from Hashem and it defines who we are.
The Previous Rebbe says in these words that this is the message of Yud Beis and Yud Gimmel Tammuz. We should use this opportunity to awaken and strengthen the Torah and Judaism in each and every place according to its situation. We have the ability to bring true warmth, sincere ahavas Yisroel and vitality to every Jew and his Judaism regardless of his personal situation.
The true meaning of ahavas Yisroel has been revealed to us by a simple statement of the Baal Shem Tov and throughout chassidus. To love your fellow Jew doesn’t only mean your personal friend, or someone you already have a sense or a feeling. The essential ahavas Yisroel is revealed when it is for the Jew whom you have never met. The Rebbe explains that this doesn’t just mean that you never met because of physical distance or lack of contact. More significantly what is meant here is a Jew that is in a far away place spiritually from Judaism and its values. He is so distant that you have never come across him at any place, nor do you even recognize him.
Shulchan Aruch (based on the Gemara) says that regardless of one’s geographical location, when a Jew davens, his prayers pass through the Beis HaMikdash. For this reason the halacha requires that we face the Beis HaMikdash and the Kodesh HaKodashim during Shemona Esrei. When a Jew davens as he should and pours out his heart he does so along with every other Jew who does the same. Because of this we all find ourselves together in the same Beis HaMikdash in the Kodesh HaKodashim. This is true even if we are physically at opposite ends of the planet.
The Rebbe teaches us that this shows us how far ahavas Yisroel goes. We are connected to every Jew even someone who has been taken captive among the nations, and has never davened ever, even for his Bar Mitzvah. Therefore we have never been together with him spiritually in the Beis HaMikdash. We must have ahavas Yisroel, even for such a Jew.
The first place we start with strengthening any Jew even the most distant is by first strengthening the Torah, by teaching him the fundamentals. We explain that the foundation of the Torah never changes according to the times or one’s local. Quite the opposite, Aharon HaKohen drew every Jew close with great love to the Torah. He never however brought the Torah down to the limited perspectives and perceptions of the world. We never compromise our standards. At the same time we realize that the Torah speaks directly and completely to every person throughout time based on his or her personal circumstances.
This is what Toras Emes is, and this is what the Previous Rebbe’s bracha for Yud Beis and Yud Gimmel Tammuz brings. By connecting to the Rebbe and the Geula of these days we get strengthened in the Torah (most essentially Penimius HaTorah) in a way that strengthens each Jew (even the most distant) and the Judaism of each individual according to their circumstances.
So while it may be that this person may be starting from the very beginning with an aleph, it is with the clarity that it never ends there. Its always followed by beis, the beis of Breishis the first letter of the Torah. It continues all the way until the final letter of the Torah, the lamed of L’einei kol Yisroel”, it is all one long word of the entire Written Torah. And immediately, with one continuation we go from the lamed to the mem of “meimasai korin es hashema barvis” straight into the entire Oral Torah. This continues seamlessly right through all of what every sage has revealed and enacted throughout the generations and culminates with the revelation of Toraso shel Moshiach. It is one complete and united Torah that is unchanging, infinite and indivisible.
Our job is to reach every Jew and show him true ahavas Yisroel.
We need to explain what is so special about being a Jew. We need to use whatever method necessary to addresses his circumstances so that he comes to realize and appreciate that the Torah and Judaism is his life and length of days as well as its relevance now and always.
By bringing a clear and inspired picture of what following in the ways of the Torah leads to, how it is our true essence and how its completion depends on all of us together doing our part, will we ourselves merit to do true and complete teshuvah.
Then all of us together will form Tzivos Hashem which will go with the strength of the Torah and its mitzvos to the true and complete redemption with Moshiach Tzidkeinu now!
(Adapted from Yud Beis Tammus Fabrengen 5729; Likutei Sichos v. 33 pages 145-148 and Sichos Kodesh 5729-1969 pages 258-262)
Announcements - Chukas
- Click here for KYY newsletter.
- KYY's Prize Redemption night this Motzei Shabbos 9:15-10 pm @ KYY! If you won a raffle during this past year NOW is your chance to redeem it!!
- Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”.
- For those who use the Erev, please note that the Eruv is DOWN. For more information, go to laeruv.com
- Nichum Aveilim: Rabbi Shmuel Binyomin (Mushi) Fogelman is sitting Shiva until Sunday morning in Worcester, Massachusetts on the passing of his father Rabbi Hershel Fogelman ob"m.
He can be reached at (323) 244-0602 or at [email protected]
Hamokom Yenachem eschem Besoch Shaar Avaylay Tzion VeYerushalayim. Vehukeetzu Veranenu Shochnay Ufur vehu besochom.
Shabbos Schedule - Chukas
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:47 pm
- Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
- Last Time To Read Shema: 9:17 am
- Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
- Shacharis: 10:00 am
- LAST SHABBOS of Kol Yakov Yehuda: 10:15
- Rabbi Raichik’s Pirkei Avos Shiur: 6:45 pm
- Mincha: 7:45 pm - Pirkei Avos - Perek 5
- Shabbos Ends: 8:20 pm
Kiddush Sponsors - Chukas
- Anonymously in honor of Rabbi Raichick's wisdom and patience. May he and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
- Anonymously in honor of Yud Beis Tammuz. May they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Tzvi Boyarsky in honor of their daughter Sima Chaya. May they have much nachas from her and may she grow up to Torah, to Chupa and to Maasim Tovim.
- Mr. & Mrs. Isser Goldstein for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Isser Goldstein’s mother Chava Rivkah bas Avraham ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Mr. & Mrs. Milton Goodman in honor of Yud Beis Tammuz. May they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
- Mr. & Mrs. Avrohom Aron Grunfeld in honor of Gimmel Tammuz & Yud Beis Tammuz. May they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
- Mr. & Mrs. Reuven Horwitz in honor of Yud Beis Tammuz. May they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Michy Rav-Noy in honor of the birthdays of their two daughters Simcha Bracha (Mimi) and Rosa Devorah (Rosie). May they have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
- Mr. & Mrs. Dan Schmeidler in honor of Yud Beis Tammuz. May they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Mendy Spalter for the refuah shlaima of Chaya Mushka bas Hadassa Shaina. May she have a speedy recovery and may she and her entire family only share good news.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yonah Mordechai Weiss in honor of Yud Beis Tammuz. May they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Chukas
- Rabbi & Mrs. Boruch Friedman in honor of the birth of their daughter Menucha Rochel. May they have much nachas from her and may she grow up to Torah, to Chupa and to Maasim Tovim.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Zalmy Raksin for the yahrtzeits of Rabbi Zalmen Raksin's mother Baila bas Yitzchok ob"m and grandparents Yitzchok ben Mordechai Tzvi and Raizel bas Yakov Hakohen ob"m. May the neshomos have an aliya.
- Mr. & Mrs. Steve Zipp in honor of Yud Beis Tammuz. May they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
Women's Shabbos Shiur - Chukas
At the home of Mrs. Inna Vcherashansky
622 N Detroit St.
6:30 pm
Speaker: Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz
Mazal Tov To - Chukas
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yanky Raichik on the engagement of their daughter Simi to Benzion Shemtov.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Boruch Zvi Friedman on the birth of their daughter Menucha Rochel. Mazal tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Dubinsky.
Upcoming Birthdays
- Rabbi Eliyahu Newman - 8 Tammuz
- Dovber Cherman - 10 Tammuz
- Yosef Chaim Kaufman - 11 Tammuz
- Yosef Yitzchak Novack - 12 Tammuz
- Rabbi Nachman Kreiman - 13 Tammuz
- Sholom Dovber Raeburn - 13 Tammuz
Upcoming Anniversaries
- Mr. & Mrs. Yonason Allison - 8 Tammuz
- Rabbi & Mrs. Asher Habibian - 13 Tammuz
Upcoming Yahrtzeits
- Chava Rivkah bas Avraham (Mr. Isser Goldstein’s mother) - 7 Tammuz
- Esther bas Mordechai (Mrs. Kelly Benarroch’s mother) - 8 Tammuz
- Moshe ben Sholom (Mr. David Peretz’s father) - 8 Tammuz
- Yitzchok ben Mordechai Tzvi (Rabbi Zalmen Raksin's grandfather) - 8 Tammuz
- Raizel bas Yakov Hakohen (Rabbi Zalmen Raksin's grandmother) - 8 Tammuz
- Baila bas Yitzchok (Rabbi Zalmen Raksin's mother) - 9 Tammuz
Devar Torah - Chukas
The Everlasting Bond
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik
This week’s parsha, Chukas discusses the laws of the parah aduma. Hashem told Moshe Rabbenu, “Vayikchu Aleicha” Take the parah aduma to you. Chazal explain that taking to you means for to take it permanently. All the other parah aduma in later generations will not be ones that last, but yours will last.
Moshe Rabbenu brought the first parah in the midbar. Ezra brought the second in the time of the second Beis HaMikdash. Every 50 years another was brought up until the churbon Beis HaMikdosh. Moshiach will bring the tenth.
Why did the ashes of Moshe Rabbenu’s parah last for over 1000 years until the first churbon? How is this connected to Moshe Rabbenu? Every Kohen who prepared a parah needed to use this ash in order to become pure first. Why was that necessary to mix his parah with all others that were made after his, even with the 10th parah that Moshiach’s will make?
Rashi explains that the parah was a female. The purpose was to receive forgiveness for the sin of the golden calf. This is analogous to a mother (the parah) cleaning the filth of the child (the calf).
What does the sin of the golden calf represent on a deeper level? Once bnei Yisroel experienced Matan Torah they became altogether free from death. As the medrash says don’t read that the luchos were “charut-engraved” rather read “cheirus-they were freed” (from death). When they sinned at the golden calf however, that brought death back into the world. The mitzvah of parah aduma cleanses away the impurity of death, and restores the state of freedom once again. This is why Rambam explains that Moshiach will bring the 10th parah. This is because he will bring complete purity for now and for always. “Es ruach hatumah avir min haaretz” The spirit of impurity will utterly disappear and therefore the malach hamaves will no longer exist.
This is the connection to Moshe Rabbenu. More than nullifying the impurity, he removes its true cause, death itself. Only Moshe Rabbenu has that power. The gemara in Sukkah says ;“Maaseh Moshe nitzchiim” Every action that Moshe Rabbenu took had an everlasting effect. Even the things that he made that disappeared, the Mishkon, the Luchos etc., will resurface at a later date. The gemara in Sotah says that just as Moshe stood and served Hashem then, so too now he did not pass, he continues to serve. Because of this the ashes of Moshe Rabbenu’s parah lasted for over 1000 years and his parah has the power to forgive our sins and remove the impurity until Moshiach arrives and removes all impurity forever.
This is the power of the parah aduma that was made by Moshe Rabbenu and the reason that all subsequent paros were prepared by first purifying using those ashes. It is because that parah is connected with Moshe Rebbenu who has complete bitul, is completely nullified before Hashem. Moshe Rabbenu was extremely humble. He was the faithful servant of Hashem that had complete self sacrifice for the Jewish people. Mesirus nefesh never changes, it is beyond both time and place. Nothing changes in regard to what we must accomplish for Hashem. This is the ash of Moshe Rabbenu that lasts. From this ash comes all taharah.
What is the message to each and every one of us today? “Atem Hadeveikim bHashem chayim..-those that are connected to Hashem are alive today. Any disconnection equals the opposite (R’L). How do we see this in our daily life? A person says: “I’m not into it today”, or he gets effected by moods that get’s one off track. With mesirus nefesh however he remains connected to Moshe Rabbenu, rain or shine, whether he’s in New York, California or Hawaii. It’s the same if it were 20 years, 40 years or 100 years ago. This is true in the times of the Alter Rebbe, the Baal Shem Tov or today.
There are two main points here. The ash itself exists today, and that all the subsequent parahs needed the cleansing of Moshe Rabbenu’s and was mixed with some of his for perpetuity. The ash itself existing today represents the awakening of the essence of a Jew and his power of mesirus nefesh. Cleasing from the ash and mixing it in with others represents the strength and vitality that mesirus nefesh gives to all of the Torah and mitzvos that we do.
In the end of the 25th chapter in the Tanya it says that we need to remember to be ready to serve Hashem in everything that we do. This includes davening in general and the Shema in particular in which we arouse mesirus nefesh and ahava for Hashem. This continues as we enter into the world as we take with us the impressions from our davening and mix it together with all that we do. Then the connection to Hashem is seen in all of our ways.
This is the connection to Gimmel Tammuz. Gimmel Tammus arouses the inner connection to the Moshe Rabbenu of our generation. It places every chosid on a higher plane with the bitul we have to the Rebbe. We then mix it with everything we do in our daily life throughout the year. This helps us cleanse and prepare ourselves, and those around us every day for the complete revelation of Moshiach Now.
(Adapted from Likutei Sichos v. 33)
Announcements - Korach
- Click here for KYY newsletter.
- Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”.
- It is customary for all men to get an aliya the Shabbos before Gimmel Tammuz. Minyanim for Kriah will begin at 9:00 am. The Gaboim ask that everyone please come to shul before davening to get an aliya.
- All men of our community are invited to a Yom Iyun - Day of Learning in preparation for Gimmel Tammuz. This Sunday morning at Congregation Levi Yitzchok. Click here fore more info.
- Black Hats & Kapote Close-Out Sale Going on NOW. Click here for more info.
Shabbos Schedule - Korach
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:45 pm
- Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
- Minyanim for Kriah: 9:00 am
- Last Time To Read Shema: 9:16 am
- Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
- Shacharis: 10:00 am
- Kol Yakov Yehuda: 10:15
- Rabbi Raichik’s Pirkei Avos Shiur: 6:45 pm
- Mincha: 7:45 pm - Pirkei Avos - Perek 4
- Shabbos Ends: 8:48 pm
Seder for Gimmel Tammuz
Monday, 2 Tammuz/July 4
- Yahrzheit licht will be available for sale in shul after Mincha
- Mishnayos will be learned between Mincha and Maariv
- After Maariv, Rabbi Simcha Bart will be studying a portion of the Maamer V'Ata Tetzaveh
Tuesday, 3 Tammuz/July 5
- Mishnayos will be learned between Mincha and Maariv
- After Maariv, there will be a chassidishe farbrengen for men led by the Rosh HaYeshiva, Rabbi Ezra Shochet
Special Customs
- It is customary to write a Pan and to have it placed at the Rebbe's Ohel. If you were not able to send your Pan before Gimmel Tammuz, you can fax the Pan to (718) 723-4444 or email it to [email protected] and your Pan will be brought to the Ohel
For more information and minhagim, see this month's Chodesh.
Kiddush Sponsors - Korach
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yaakov BenZaquen in honor of Rabbi Yaakov BenZaquen’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
- Mrs. Aliza Coren for the yahrtzeit of her grandmother Shaindel bas Moshe Dovid ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Rabbi Gershon Overlander in honor of his ufruf. May he be Zoche to build a binyan aday ad.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Eli Vcherashansky for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Eli Vcherashansky’s father Yosef Hirsh ben Leib ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Korach
Sponsored by the Shul
In honor of the early minyan’s 3rd anniversary.
May the minyan and all its members grow from strength to strength and be blessed with kol tuv sela.
Women's Shabbos Shiur - Korach
At the home of Mrs. Chana Mishulovin
711 N Fuller Ave.
6:30 pm
Speaker: Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz
Mazal Tov To - Korach
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yisroel Feiner on the birth of their grandson (to Avi and Chayke Meer).
Upcoming Birthdays
- Levi Yitzchok Weiss - 30 Sivan
- Shmuel Berkowitz - 1 Tammuz
- Schnuer Zalmen Raeburn - 2 Tammuz
- Rabbi Dovid Thaler - 3 Tammuz
- Rabbi Yaakov BenZaquen - 4 Tammuz
- Dr. Ze'ev Rav-Noy - 4 Tammuz
- Mr. Rami Tamir - 5 Tammuz
Upcoming Anniversaries
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Bukiet - 1 Tammuz
- Mr. & Mrs. Yaakov Michoel Ginsburg - 3 Tammuz
- Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuel Fogelman - 5 Tammuz
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yehudah Lerman - 6 Tammuz
Upcoming Yahrtzeits
- Shaindel bas Moshe Dovid (Mrs. Aliza Coren’s grandmother) - 30 Sivan
- Yosef Hirsh ben Leib (Rabbi Eli Vcherashansky’s father) - 2 Tammuz
- Avrohom ben Moshe (Mrs. Kelly Benarroch’s brother) - 4 Tammuz
- Masi Mindel bas Levi Yitzchok Halevi (Mrs. Debbie Fine’s mother) - 5 Tammuz