- Click Here for KYY Update.
- Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”.
- Click here for this week's Lmaan Yishmeu publication.
- Click here for a list of our ongoing shiurim.
- Click here to pay up all your kibud or yiskor pledges and outstanding membership. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!
- Click here for information regarding this years membership and high holiday seats.
- Please say tehillim for Sholom ben Chana.
Shul Bulletin
Announcements - Nitzavim
Schedule - Nitzavim/Rosh Hashanah
For all the laws and customs please see the Chabad Chodesh
Friday, Elul 27/September 30
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 6:19 pm
Shabbos, Elul 28/October 1
Shabbos Parshas Nitzavim
- Tehillim: 8:15 am
- Followed by a Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik
- Thillim Club: 9:00 am
- Last Time To Read Shema: 9:45 am
- Early Minyan Shacharis: 10:00 am
- Shacharis: 10:15 am
- Kol Yakov Yehuda: 10:30 am
- Hilchos Yom Tov Shiur with Rabbi Raichik: 5:20 pm
- Mincha: 6:20 pm
- Pirkei Avos - Chapters 5-6
- Shabbos Ends: 7:22 pm
Sunday, Elul 29/October 2
Erev Rosh Hashanah
- Slichos: 6, 7, 8 & 8:30 am
- Each Selichos Minyan followed by Shachris & Annulment of Vows
- Light Yom Tov Candles: 6:17 pm
Monday, Tishrei 1/October 3
First Day Rosh Hashanah
- Shacharis: 9:00 am
- Children’s program downstairs in shul at 9:30 am
- Please leave all strollers downstairs
- Tekias Shofar: 11:30 am
- Tehillim: 5:00 pm
- Minchah/Tashlich: 5:45 pm
- Light Yom Tov candles from a pre-existing flame after 7:20 pm
Tuesday, Tishrei 2/October 4
Second Day Rosh Hashanah
- Shacharis: 9:00 am
- Children’s program downstairs in shul at 9:30 am
- Please leave all strollers downstairs
- Tekias Shofar: 11:30 am
- Tehillim: 5:00 pm
- Minchah/Farbrengen: 6:00 pm
- Yom Tov Ends: 7:19 pm
Wednesday, Tishrei 3/October 5
Tzom Gedaliah
- Fast Begins: 5:37 am
- First Mnyan Shacharis: 6:10 am
- Minchah: 6:00 pm
- Fast Ends: 7:06 pm
Sholom Zochor - Nitzavim
Levi & Dini Kramer
Invite the community to a Sholom Zochor
at 416 N Alta Visa Blvd.
Kiddush Sponsors - Nitzavim
- Mr. Milton Goodman for the yahrtzeit of his father Reb Yisroel ben Reb Zalmen ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya
- Rabbi & Mrs. Boruch Braude in honor of their new grandson. May they have much nachas from him and may he grow up to Torah, to Chupa and to Maasim Tovim..
- Mr. & Mrs. Saul Newman for all the kindness Hashem has bestowed upon their daughter Sima Chana Miriam. May Hashem continue to shower them and the entire community with kol tuv sela.
Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Nitzavim
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yecheskel Raeburn for the Bar-Mitzvah of their son Mendel. May he give them much nachas and may he grow up to be a true chossid yirei shomaim and lamdan.
Women's Hakhel Shabbos Farbrengen - Nitzavim
5:30 pm at the home of: Mrs. Fradel Bukiet
343 N. Formosa Ave.
Speaker: Women from community
Mazal Tov To - Nitzavim
- Mr. and Mrs. Shimon Benarroch on the birth of their granddaughter (to Zalmen & Simcha Minkowitz.)
- Rabbi & Mrs. Dovi Gorelik on the birth of their daughter. Mazal tov to the grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Yisroel Feiner.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Levi Kramer on the birth of their son.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yecheskel Raeburn on the bar mitzvah of their son Mendel.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Meir Schmukler on the engagement of their daughter Bassie to Chaim Asher Landa. Mazal tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Zalmen Schmukler.
Upcoming Birthdays
- Mr. Ezra Sarue - 28 Elul
- Chaim Morris - 28 Elul
- Rabbi Yecheskel Raeburn - 29 Elul
- Mendel Arnold - 29 Elul
- Menachem Cohen - 29 Elul
- Mr. Yonason Allison - 2 Tishrei
- Mr. Yerachmiel Altman - 2 Tishrei
- Yosef Yitzchok Wolowik - 4 Tishrei
Upcoming Yahrtzeits
- Reb Sholom Dovid ben Reb Yoisef (Rabbi Nachman Kreiman’s father) - 28 Elul
- Reb Moshe ben Reb Menachem Mendel Hilel (Mr. Mendel-Hilel Ganzburg’s father) - 2 Tishrei
- (Mrs. Miriam Diller’s father) - 5 Tishrei
Devar Torah - Nitzavim
We win the debate before Rosh Hashana
by being prepared, focused and staying on message!
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik
This last week was the presidential debate. It was all about who will become the most influential leader of the modern world. An estimated 85 million people anticipated and then watched the debate. What can be the possible connection between the debate and the fact that it fell out on the week of Selichos and the week leading into Rosh Hashana, a time when we coronate Hashem as our King?
There is a debate that goes on in different communities as well as in the life of each individual about the central purpose and focus of Rosh Hashanah. On one hand many focus and reflect upon it strictly as the Day of Judgment spending the day asking Hashem for forgiveness and for a good sweet year. Others are primarily involved with the fact that Rosh Hashanah is the day that we crown Hashem as King. So the debate is all about which perspective will gain center stage in our service of Hashem. Is it the "chatanu,we sinned against (you Hashem) or the "simloch, we crown (you Hashem)".
The sound of the shofar is the inner cry of the soul and its desire to return to Hashem. The shofar represents a deep teshuva from within which touches our living connection with Hashem. The Baal Shem Tov brings a parable of a prince who gets lost and tries to return to his home in the castle to once again be united with his father the king. When he arrives at the gates of the castle no one recognizes him. In the midst of his pain and anguish of not being recognized he lets out a cry from the depths of his soul full of yearning and longing to return home. The only one who recognizes the cry is his father the king who instructs his servants to let his son return. This is the sound of the shofar. This parable reflects our desire to return to our close relations with our Father our King.
Nevertheless we see throughout Chassidus in too many places to count the primary emphasis being placed on Rosh Hashanah as the coronation of Hashem as King. This is the thematic focus throughout all of the tefillos on Rosh Hashanah and it is why we emphasize this with special versus with the three themes of Malchios, Zichronos and Shofros which accompany the blowing of the shofar. They all describe different aspects of coronation with the sounding of the shofar which expresses the main focus, to crown Hashem as King.
In the final analysis the theme of coronation is the true emphasis of the day. The process of teshuva is to enable us to be able to say with our entire being, body and soul, that "we are your servants and you are our King" . When we do this Hashem provides all that we need and grants us a Shana Tovah u'mesukah.
Once this is clarified the debate continues on with a fundamental quandary as to our ability to be able to coronate Hashem as king. All too often we ask ourselves with amazement; how can a person of flesh and blood possibly crown Hashem, the King of all kings, the Infinite One Blessed be He? What possible contribution can our acknowledgment and coronation bring to Hashem? We need Chassidus to help us realize that we are certainly able because we have within ourselves, within our mind and within our hearts a portion of Hashem, a chelek Elokai Mima'al Mamash. True, we have a soul that is confined within the physicality of a body, nevertheless the body itself is also holy because it's part of a holy nation.
Rosh Hashanah falls on the sixth day of creation. It is the day that Adam, the first man was created as a soul within a body. The name Adam (which means 'similar to above and aleph-dam) similar to above means a soul while aleph-dam with refers to the body in Hebrew. Adam was the first one to crown Hashem as King on Rosh Hashanah. As his offspring we are neither a soul alone nor a body alone rather a body and the soul together as one. We have power of teshuva, the cry of the prince. The cry of the shofar comes from being part of Hashem, a son of the King. Because our neshama is one with Hashem we are able to reveal our connection and our ability to coronate Hashem. By assuming our truest identity, that we are part of Adam and of the Jewish nation we utilize that power to unanimously elect Hashem as soverign King over the world in a revealed way. We can do this once we have won the debate.
In the midst of this debate we may get tripped up with side arguments; get lost in a litany of our many faults. We may fall prey to the bait of accusations that come from the other side. We may forget for a while the purpose of the day and begin to think it's only about achieving personal forgiveness and to achieve personal benefit. We may also feel swayed to believe that we are unfit to fulfill our purpose, to coronate Hashem. By learning Chassidus we are able to pivot, and not get caught up in our personal lackings rather re-focusing, staying on message on our truest ability and thereby provide real new and lasting change (shana, year also means shinui, change) by focusing on the central purpose of the day, Hashem's coronation.
By focusing on our truest identity and by focusing on coronating Hashem as King may we merit the true and lasting change the shofar of Moshiach immediately!
Ksiva vChasima Tovah l'Shana Tovah uMesukah. May we all be inscribed and sealed for good sweet year both physically and spiritually.
BD'E Levaya Info
The Levaya of Eli Graden (11 years old!)
Elimelech ob"m ben Menachem Mendel Malkiel
will be Friday morning 9:00AM
at Cong Sharei Tefila 7269 Beverly Blvd LA CA 90036.
Kevura will be in Mt Carmel Cemetary
6501 Gage Ave. Commerce CA
at 11:30
Shiva will be at 176 S Fuller Ave LA CA 90036
Friday from 1:00-3:00
Motzei Shabos right after Shabos until...
Sunday Shachris at 7:00 with Shiva ending for Rosh Hashana at 2:30
We are kindly requesting no one bring any food. It is all arranged already.
Besuros tovos
Chabad Chodesh - Tishrei
The new issue of the "Chabad Chodesh"
is now available online by clicking here
LAST REMINDER!! Seating Chart being finalized tonight
The seating chart for the women in the upstairs minyan
is being finalized TONIGHT!!!
If you haven’t filled out our online form
please go to www.chabadofla.com/seats ASAP
to let us know how many seats you need.
Mrs. Aliza Coren Shiva update
Mrs. Aliza Coren is sitting shiva
on the passing of her husband Mr. Philip Coren
Monday & Tuesday
12:00-2:00 pm & 6:00-8:00 pm at
at the Coren residence
6114 Glen Holy st. Los Angeles CA, 90068
(off Beachwood north of Franklin ave.)
Wednesday
2:00-8:00 pm
at the residence of Rabbi Yosef Y Mishulovin
602 N Alta Vista Dr.
Hamakom Yenachem Eschem B'soch Sheor Avalei Tzion V'yerushalayim. Vehukeetzu Veranenu Shochnay Ufur vehu besochom!
Reminder: The Chassidus Initiative
The Chassidus Initiative - Hod: Glory, Submission and Gratitude.
Presented by Yekusiel Kalmenson - Director: Renewal Sobriety, An intensive outpatient treatment center.
Sunday, Elul 22/September 25,
Maariv: 7:20 pm. Presentation: 7:30 pm,
Followed by Q&A, Ending: 8:45 pm sharp.
At Cong. Levi Yitzchok - 356 N. La. Brea Ave.
Be very careful in our neighborhood
I was just walking home from shul, Ahavas Israel, just after 8pm, Motzi Shabbas September 24th. I was walking south on Formosa almost to the corner of Clinton when a black man, about 25 years old ,jumped around the corner and pointed a gun at me. There is a high hedge on the north east corner so the lighting is very bad, and I did not see him until he was about 5 feet away with a gun in my face. He demanded my wallet, cell phone and money. I was still shabbasdich and was not even carrying a key and told him as such. He patted me down and ran away.
He is medium complexion, about 5'8", with short hair. Dark long sleeve shirt, and looks like jeans. His pants were worn normal and no gang look or signs. I have worked in ghetto areas and this looked like a normal black 20 something guy. He did not act like he was on drugs.
I have walked past this corner dozens if not HUNDREDS of times at night. Please everyone be careful
Sincerely
Michael Norton
University of La Verne, College of Law
JD/MBA Candidate, Class of 2018
Tel: 213-622-2879
Letter from Mrs. Yehudit Schneerson - Walk for Aaron & Libby!
As you may know, my son Aaron has special needs. Each and every day, we feel uniquely blessed by the special blessings our extraordinary child shines upon our lives and upon our world. At the same time, the challenges we face can be extremely taxing and overwhelming. What can be most challenging of all, however, is seeing how Aaron is often deprived of the basic joys of childhood: things like friendships, play-dates and recreational and social experiences.
Friendship Circle programs like Sunday Circle, Hebrew School, Basketball Club, Winter & Summer Camps, Birthday Bashes and much more have introduced a whole new dimension of joy and connection into the lives of children who have special needs and their families, Aaron, being one of them.
This Sunday, September 25th fro 1:30pm-6:00 at Shalhevet High School, we will be walking in the annual Friendship Walk for the benefit of the Friendship Circle. We would like you to join us!
The Friendship Walk is our small way of giving something back to this wonderful cause.
Would you please help us reach our fundraising goal of $1,000.00 by making a tax-deductible contribution? Every little bit helps. $1, $5....$100.... It's all greatly appreciated.
Will you please join our team and come walk with us in honor of Aaron?
You can participate in honor of Aaron by clicking the link below to view our special page on the Friendship Walk website. Simply follow the directions from there, and you will ensure that our every step helps bring a smile to the faces of some very special children in our community!
https://www.walk4friendshipla.
Alternatively, you can also make an off-line donation by mailing a check to:
Friendship Circle of LA:
1952 S. Robertson Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90034
Memo: Walk 4 Aaron
Your participation would really mean a lot to us.
Thank you so much and a Kesiva Vechasima Tova,
Yehudit
PS – Contributions to The Friendship Walk are tax-deductible. Any amount will help. Please know how grateful we are for you belief in the work of FCLA! You may also a check to Friendship Circle 1952 S. Robertson Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90034 and simply indicate that it’s for our Walk page.
Announcements - Ki Tavo
- Click Here for KYY Update.
- Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”.
- Click here for this week's Lmaan Yishmeu publication.
- Click here for a list of our ongoing shiurim.
- Click here to pay up all your kibud or yiskor pledges and outstanding membership. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!
- Click here for information regarding this years membership and high holiday seats.
- Message from Rabbi Raichik: As was my father’s yearly custom to bring the Panim of the Los Angeles community to the Rebbe, I will be leaving to the Ohel next Tuesday morning (23 Elul/Sep 27), bringing along the Panim of our community. If you would like to send a pan with me, please give it to me or put it in my mailbox by Monday night. I will not be reading your panim, I will bl"n try to tear each one as the custom is. Wishing you and your family a good and healthy year!
- SUNDAY: The Chassidus Initiative - Hod: Glory, Submission and Gratitude. Presented by Yekusiel Kalmenson - Director: Renewal Sobriety, An intensive outpatient treatment center. Sunday, Elul 22/September 25, Maariv: 7:20 pm. Presentation: 7:30 pm, Followed by Q&A, Ending: 8:45 pm sharp. At Cong. Levi Yitzchok - 356 N. La. Brea Ave.
- Please say tehillim for Sholom ben Chana.
Shabbos Schedule - Ki Tavo
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 6:29
- Chassidus for Early Minyan: 8:45 am
- Last Time To Read Shema: 9:43 am
- Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
- Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
- Shacharis: 10:00 am
- KYY #15 FIRST SHABBOS: 10:15 am
- Hakhel - Mesibas Shabbos for girls in Shul: 4:30 pm
- Shiur in the Halachos of Tishrei with Rabbi Raichik: 5:30 pm
- Mincha: 6:30 pm - Avos Perokim 3-4
- Shabbos Ends: 7:32 pm
- Motzei Shabbos Slichos: 1 am
- Monday-Friday Slichos: 6:05, 6:30, 7:05 & 7:40 am
TWO Sholom Zochor's - Ki Tavo
Eli & Malky Chitrik
Invite the community to their twins Sholom Zochor
in Shul - 356 N La Brea Ave.
Tzemach & Devory Rosenfeld
Invite the community to a Sholom Zochor
at 321 N Highland Ave.
Kiddush Sponsors - Ki Tavo
- Rabbi Tzvi Burston in honor of his birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Dubinsky for the yahrtzeit of their son Reb Dovid Yonah ob"m ben yblct”a Reb Menachem Mendel Hokohen. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Leib Lerner in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
- The Raichik Family for the yahrtzeits of their brother Reb Yosef Yitzchok ben Harav Menachem Shmuel Dovid Halevi ob”m and grandmother Leiba Devora bas Harav Chaim Shmaya Halevi ob"m. May the neshomos have an aliya.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuel Stroll for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shmuel Stroll’s father Reb Yehuda ben Reb Tzvi Hirsch ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Mr. & Mrs. Steve Zipp in honor of Mrs. Barbara Zipp, Mr. Josh Zipp and Dovid Moshe Klein’s birthdays. May they have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Ki Tavo
- Mr. & Mrs. Noteh Berger in honor of the birth of their daughter Henya Matil. May they have much nachas from her and may she grow up to Torah, to Chupa and to Maasim Tovim. Also for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Noteh Berger’s father Reb Mordechai Yosef Shimon ben Reb Yerachmiel Menachem ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Goldman for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Tzirel Goldman’s father Reb Yisroel Issar ben Reb Dovber ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Levi Goldman in honor of Rabbi Levi Goldman’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
Women's Hakhel Shabbos Shiur & Farbrengen - Ki Tavo
5:30 pm at the home of: Mrs. Chani Hecht
419 N Poinsettia Pl.
Speaker: Rabbi Yisroel Hecht
Mazal Tov To - Ki Tavo
- Rabbi & Mrs. Boruch Braude on the birth of their grandson.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Eli Chitrik on the birth of twin boys.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Shaya Eichenblatt on the birth of thier grandson.
- Dr. & Mrs. Sholom Fine on the engagement of their daughter Alanna to Benjamin Friedman.
- Mr. & Mrs. Yankel Ginsburg on the engagement of their daughter Nechama to Mendy Flamer.
- Mr. & Mrs. Tzemach Rosenfeld on the birth of their son.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Gershon Schusterman on the birth of their granddaughter.
Upcoming Birthdays
- Rabbi Tzvi Burston - 21 Elul
- Rabbi Moshe Hackner - 21 Elul
- Dovid Moshe Klein - 23 Elul
- Mr. Michael Mordechai Cohen - 25 Elul
- Mr. Josh Zipp - 26 Elul
- Yosef Yitzchok Raeburn - 26 Elul
- Mendel Rav~Noy - 26 Elul
- Mr. Richard Rosenbloom - 27 Elul
- Rabbi Levi Goldman - 27 Elul
Upcoming Anniversaries
- Mr. & Mrs. Ben Tzion Novack - 21 Elul
- Rabbi & Mrs. Leib Lerner - 21 Elul
- Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Pollard - 21 Elul
- Mr. & Mrs. Yeshaya Ratner - 23 Elul
- Mr. & Mrs. Mottel Polityko - 24 Elul
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yankee Raichik - 26 Elul
Upcoming Yahrtzeits
- Ita bas Reb Aharon (Dr. Bassya Pinson’s mother) - 21 Elul
- Reb Yosef Yitzchok ben Reb Menachem Shmuel Dovid Halevi (Yossi Raichik) - 21 Elul
- Reb Dovid Yonah ben yblct”a Reb Menachem Mendel Hokohen (Rabbi Mendel Dubinsky’s son) - 22 Elul
- Reb Avraham Zelig ben Reb Tzvi Hersh (Mr. Isser Goldstein’s brother) - 24 Elul
- Reb Yisroel Issar ben Reb Dovber (Mrs. Tzirel Goldman’s father) - 24 Elul
- Reb Mordechai Leib ben Reb Avrohom (Rabbi Yoel Edelson’s father) - 26 Elul
- Reb Meir Eliezer ben Reb Chaim Yehuda (Rabbi Zalman Schmukler’s father) - 27 Elul
- Reb Mordechai Yosef Shimon ben Reb Yerachmiel Menachem (Mr. Noteh Berger’s father) - 27 Elul
- Reb Yehuda ben Reb Tzvi Hirsch (Rabbi Shmuel Stroll’s father) - 27 Elul
Seats Form
There are only a few days left until Rosh Hashana.
please go to www.chabadofla.com/seats ASAP
to let us know how many seats you need.
Please make sure to specify how many seats you need in each section.
Seats are $300/members and $500/non-members for each family.
If you haven’t done so, please go to www.chabadofla.com/donate to pay for your seats.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds!
Seats are being assigned Tuesday!!!,
and we don't want anyone to miss out.
If you have any questions, please contact the gabboim,
Levi Raichik, David Kaufman or Leib Lerner.
All those who pledged money to help families in need for tishrei. Please pay up the pledge asap online by clicking here or by bringing a check to shul.
Thank you!
Bd"e: Levaya today
With sadness we inform you of the passing of
Philip Coren
Feivel Ben Yitzchok Halevi of blessed memory
[Husband of Aliza Coren]
The funeral will be today, Friday, Elul 20/Sep 23, 2:30pm
at the Home of Peace Memorial 4334 Whittier Blvd, East LA 90023
Shivah will be held at the home of his wife, Aliza Coren
6114 Glen Holly Drive 90068
on Sunday 10:00am - 12:00pm and 3:00pm - 5:00pm
future shiva schedule will be announced.
May G-d console the esteemed family, together with all those that mourn Zion and Jerusalem.
Panim
Wednesday, Chai Elul/Sep 21
Dear Friend
Greetings and Blessings:
As was my father’s yearly custom to bring the Panim of the Los Angeles community to the Rebbe, I will be leaving to the Ohel next Tuesday morning (24 Elul/Sep 27), bringing along the Panim of our community.
If you would like to send a pan with me, please give it to me or put it in my mailbox by Monday night. I will not be reading your panim, I will bl"n try to tear each one as the custom is.
Wishing you and your family a good and healthy year!
Rabbi Shimon Raichik
Farbrengen for Men - TONIGHT
Farbrengen for Men in Shul
TONIGHT!!! (Wed)
immediately after maariv (around 7:45 pm)
in honor of Chai Elul
REMINDER - SUNDAY: Multiple Events!!!
- FOR MEN: 10 am to 12 pm. Yom Iyun for men in preparation for Yomim Noraim. 10 am 'Chassidus outlook on teshuvah' by Rabbi Sholom Ber Kesselman. 11 am 'Rosh Hashana - Crowing the king' by Rabbi Mendel Cohen.
- FOR MEN & WOMEN: Grand Hakhel with Rabbi Menachem Mendel Kaplan from Toronto.
Announcements - Ki Teitzei
- Click Here for KYY Update.
- Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”.
- Click here for this week's Lmaan Yishmeu publication.
- Click here for a list of our ongoing shiurim.
- Click here to pay up all your kibud or yiskor pledges and outstanding membership. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!
- Click here for information regarding this years membership and high holiday seats.
- Please say tehillim for Sholom ben Chana.
- SUNDAY FOR WOMEN: Hachnassat Kallah of Los Angeles Trustee Event: 10 am at 1388 S Longwood Ave. Click here for more info.
- SUNDAY FOR MEN: 10 am to 12 pm. Yom Iyun for men in preparation for Yomim Noraim. 10 am 'Chassidus outlook on teshuvah' by Rabbi Sholom Ber Kesselman. 11 am 'Rosh Hashana - Crowing the king' by Rabbi Mendel Cohen.
- SUNDAY FOR MEN & WOMEN: Grand Hakhel with Rabbi Menachem Mendel Kaplan from Toronto.
- NICHUM AVEILIM: Shmuel Sufrin is sitting shiva in London for the passing of his father Rabbi Mordechai Sufrin ob"m. Email: [email protected]. Hamokom Yenachem eschem Besoch Shaar Avaylay Tzion VeYerushalayim. Vehukeetzu Veranenu Shochnay Ufur vehu besochom!
Shabbos Schedule - Ki Teitzei
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 6:39
- Chassidus for Early Minyan: 8:45 am
- Last Time To Read Shema: 9:42 am
- Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
- Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
- Shacharis: 10:00 am
- All division of KYY, join us this Shabbos for Musaf (following Krias HaTorah in the 1st minyan) and a SUSHI KIDDUSH in the tent!
- Hakhel - Mesibas Shabbos for girls in Shul: 4:30 pm
- Rabbi Raichik's Pirkei Avos Shiur: 5:40 pm
- Mincha: 6:40 pm - Avos Perokim 1-2
- Shabbos Ends: 7:42 pm
Kiddush Sponsors - Ki Teitzei
- Rabbi & Mrs. Chaim Burston for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Chaim Burston’s mother Chaya Baila bas Reb Yaacov ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Rabi & Mrs. Shmuly Gurary in honor of the birth of their daughter Shayna. May they have much nachas from her and may she grow up to Torah, to Chupa and to Maasim Tovim.
Also in honor of Rabbi Shmuly Gurary’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus. - Mr. & Mrs. David Kaufman for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Marci Kaufman’s mother Chaya Leah bas Reb Yom Tov ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Rabbi & Dr. Mordechai Halevi Leaderman for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Mordechai Halevi Leaderman’s father Reb Avrohom Volf Reb Yona Halevi ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Shalom Ber Levine for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shalom Ber Levine’s mother Chaya Stera bas Reb Yisroel Boruch ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Levi Raichik in honor of their son Mendel's birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
- Mr. & Mrs. Zalman Roth for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Zalman Roth’s mother Chaya Braina bas Reb Shlomo Mordechai ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuel Stroll in honor of Rabbi Shmuel Stroll’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
Women's Hakhel Shabbos Shiur & Farbrengen - Ki Teitzei
5:45 pm at the home of: Mrs. Enna Vcherashansky
622 N Detroit St.
Speaker: Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz
Mazal Tov To - Ki Teitzei
- Rabbi & Mrs. Nota Berger on the birth of their daughter Hena.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Brod on the marriage of their daughter Moussie to Sholom Ber Eckhaus.
- Rabbi & Dr. Nachum Pinson on the bar mitzvah of their grandson Chezky Pinosn.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Hertzie Richler on the birth of their grandson (Shmary and Chava Richler.)
Upcoming Birthdays
- Rabbi Shmuel Gurary - 16 Elul
- Shloima Glabman - 16 Elul
- Ben Tzion Yaakov Dovid Yachzel - 17 Elul
- Mendel Raichik - 17 Elul
- Rabbi Shmuel Stroll - 19 Elul
- Yisroel Pinson - 19 Elul
- Rabbi Noach Vogel - 20 Elul
- Moshe Yaakov Berkowitz - 20 Elul
Upcoming Anniversaries
- Rabbi & Mrs. Reuven Wolf - 15 Elul
- Rabbi & Mrs. Naftoli Estulin - 15 Elul
- Rabbi & Mrs. Sholom Langsam - 16 Elul
- Rabbi & Mrs. Eli Feiner - 17 Elul
- Mr. & Mrs. Avrohom Plotkin - 17 Elul
- Mr. & Mrs. Pesach Kornreich - 18 Elul
- Dr. & Mrs. Binyomin Kaplan - 19 Elul
- Rabbi & Mrs. Elozor Fisch - 20 Elul
Upcoming Yahrtzeits
- Chaya Baila bas Reb Yaacov (Rabbi Chaim Burston’s mother) - 14 Elul
- Reb Yosef ben Reb Efraim Nachman (Mrs. Sima Bart’s father) - 15 Elul
- Chaya Stera bas Reb Yisroel Boruch (Rabbi Shalom Ber Levine’s mother) - 15 Elul
- Chaya Leah bas Reb Yom Tov (Mrs. Marci Kaufman’s mother) - 16 Elul
- Reb Moshe Menachem Mendel ben Reb Smaryahu (Mr. Yisroel Feiner’s father) - 19 Elul
- Leah bas Reb Shimon (Dr. Penina Rivka Watstein’s mother) - 19 Elul
- Reb Yisroel ben Reb Zalmen (Mr. Milton Goodman’s father) - 20 Elul
- Chaya Braina bas Reb Shlomo Mordechai (Mr. Zalman Roth’s mother) - 20 Elul
- Reb Yechezkel ben Reb Nochum Yitzchok (Rabbi Nochum Pinson’s father) - 20 Elul
Membership/Seats 5777
Elul 13, 5776
September 16, 2016
Dear Shul Member
Greetings and Blessings:
Tishrei is nearly here. Boruch Hashem, our shul continues to grow in membership and services to the community. The cost of running the Shul is enormous. Funds collected for membership and Yom Tov tickets provide the majority of the money required to operate the shul. Shul Membership dues and Yom Tov Tickets are therefore the most important contributions that you can make to keep the shul running.
Our shul is famous for its Shabbos Kiddush, chesed programs and other activities. Those items are self-funding. In fact, Shabbos Kiddush now helps underwrite other shul operating expenses.
Our shul has four minyonim on Shabbos, including Kol Yaakov Yehuda during the school year. We have a full range of Shabbos programs for the kids. We also have five official weekday shacharis minyonim with more in the later morning. Hundreds of men use our shul on a daily basis for mincha and maariv. Men and women from throughout Southern California participate in our shul sponsored shiurim and farbrengens. Congregation Levi Yitzchok is a destination shul for out of towners visiting the area and for anyone that wants to experience our special environment.
Keeping the mortgage current, utilities paid and managing the other expenses that go into operating our shul is up to us, the members. The Shul needs our participation and contributions to survive. For the upcoming year 5777, the membership and Yom Tov ticket fee schedule remains unchanged:
- Family Membership - $770
- Single Membership - $360
- Associate Membership - $360
- Yom Tov Tickets/Family - $300 member/$500 non-member
- Yom Tov Tickets/Single - $100 member/$250 non-member
Most people now make all payments to the shul online by credit card or e-check at www.chabadofla.com. When paying online, you can easily set up a recurring monthly payment. Many members now pay a nice round $100 per month. For those who are making recurring payments, please consider increasing your monthly contribution. Also, you should check to make sure that your credit card has not expired or been replaced during the year. Of course, full membership payment in advance is also welcome. If you are paying by check, please make sure that it is clearly identified as membership. Checks can be given to Levi Raichik, Leib Lerner, or David Kaufman. Checks can also be left in the metal pushka just inside the shul entrance.
A limited number of lockers are available to members. The annual fee for lockers is $75 and lockers that are not paid for will be released to members that have signed up on the waiting list on a first-come/first-served basis.
Wishing you a kesiva v’chasima tovah,
Members of the Volunteer Shul Operating Committee
REMINDER - SUNDAY: Grand Hakhel for men and women
with Rabbi Menachem Mendel Kaplan from Toronto.
REMINDER: Unveiling for Avrohom Leaderman
Unveiling for Avrohom Leaderman
(father of Mordechai Leaderman)
Sunday, 8 Elul/September 11, 10:30 am,
at Hillside, 6001 Centinela Ave., LA 90045.
Announcements - Shoftim
- Click Here for KYY Update.
- Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”.
- Click here for this week's Lmaan Yishmeu publication.
- Click here for a list of our ongoing shiurim.
- Click here to pay up all your kibud or yiskor pledges and outstanding membership. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!
- Please say tehillim for Sholom ben Chana.
- Message from Aleph: Undoubtedly, you are looking for an extra Mitzvoh! How about volunteering an hour or two, this coming Wednesday for a vital phone-a-thon, chairdy campaign Aleph is launching to ensure we that absolutely, no one feels alone or forgotten. Please email [email protected] to sign up.
- SUNDAY: Unveiling for Avrohom Leaderman (father of Mordechai Leaderman) this Sunday, 8 Elul/September 11, 10:30 am, at Hillside, 6001 Centinela Ave., LA 90045.
- SAVE THE DATE: Grand Hakhel for men and women with Rabbi Menachem Mendel Kaplan from Toronto. Sunday, Elul 15/September 18.
Shabbos Schedule - Shoftim
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 6:49
- Chassidus for Early Minyan: 8:45 am
- Last Time To Read Shema: 9:41 am
- Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
- Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
- Shacharis: 10:00 am
- NO KOL YAKOV YEHUDA IN THE SUMMER... Starting after construction (hopefully next week!)
- Hakhel - Mesibas Shabbos for girls in Shul: 4:30 pm
- Rabbi Raichik's Pirkei Avos Shiur: 5:50 pm
- Mincha: 6:50 pm - Avos Perek 6
- Shabbos Ends: 7:52 pm
Kiddush Sponsors - Shoftim
- Mr. & Mrs. David Kaufman in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Reuven Nathanson in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yudi Schmukler in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yossi Schneerson in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Velvel Tsikman in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
- Mr. & Mrs. George Weiss for the yahrtzeit of Mr. George Weiss’s mother Yenta bas Reb Elimelech ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Women's Hakhel Shabbos Shiur & Farbrengen - Shoftim
6:00 pm at the home of: Mrs. Chani Pinson
453 N Martel Ave.
Speaker: Mrs. Chani Pinson
Mazal Tov To - Shoftim
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yankee Raichik on the marriage of their son Avremi to Rivky Hartman.
- Mr. & Mrs. Reven Weiner on the birth and bris of their grandson.
Upcoming Birthdays
- Sholom Dov Ber Polityko - 8 Elul
- Moshe Stark - 8 Elul
- Rabbi Shalom Rubashkin - 8 Elul
- Levi Gurary - 9 Elul
- Rabbi Levi Zirkind - 9 Elul
- Ezra Kaplan - 12 Elul
- Mr. Aviv Topps - 13 Elul
Upcoming Anniversaries
- Rabbi & Mrs. Dovid Thaler - 7 Elul
- Rabbi & Mrs. Velvel Tsikman - 8 Elul
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yudi Schmukler - 9 Elul
- Rabbi & Mrs. Reuven Nathanson - 10 Elul
- Mr. & Mrs. David Kaufman - 10 Elul
- Rabbi & Mrs. Simcha Frankel - 11 Elul
- Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Kaszirer - 12 Elul
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yossi Schneerson - 13 Elul
Upcoming Yahrtzeits
- Yenta bas Reb Elimelech (Mr. George Weiss’s mother) - 7 Elul
- Amiram ben Avraham (Mrs. Ilanit Gluckowsky’s father) - 8 Elul
Devar Torah - Shoftim
The Art of Educating in Today’s World
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik
My father sent my brother Abby to the yeshiva at Bedford and Dean when he was 10 years old. In September/October 5722/1961 after completing his first year in yeshiva it became clear that he wasn’t happy. My father spoke to the Rebbe in yechidus after Tishrei. The Rebbe offered the following advice: Check into his friends and his roommates and make changes for the better.
Rabbi Avraham Mordecai Segal spoke here in Los Angeles he told a story about his father being a teacher in Torah vDaas. In the yeshiva there was a particular student that always came late to the shiur. It didn’t seem to matter which day it was or what the reason was for, he still showed up late. One day this student walked in late. Rav Segal called the student over and gave him a note and told him to take it to the cook. The note read: Today we are learning the sugiya of “yeush shelo m’daas” in the gemara. Please feed this student so he will have the strength to learn. And from that day on the student was changed!
I recently heard a story about a bachor who attended a large yeshiva. For whatever reason, the hanhala always seemed to be on his case, catching him with minor infractions. After some time one of his friends approached the hanhala and asked; do you know how much this bachor sacrificed to be here? His family is against him going to yeshiva and constantly discourages him and yet he perseveres. If you knew about him you would support him in any way possible.
The first pasuk of this week’s parsha reads:
You shall set up judges and law enforcement officials for yourself in all your cities that the Lord, your God, is giving you, for your tribes, and they shall judge the people [with] righteous judgment.
We learn from this pasuk that the judges make the laws and then police enforce those laws. The main mitzva is to have laws decided upon by the judges to live by while law enforcement is there to support that those laws are properly implemented.
When Moshiach comes we will no longer have law enforcement because it will no longer be necessary as we see in a pasuk in Yeshaya HaNavi (1:26) and we say three times a day in Shmonah Esrei: And I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning.
In the year 5751/1991 at the last fabrengen we heard from the Rebbe for Shabbos parshas Shoftim, the Rebbe spoke about the difference between law enforcement and advisors or counselors. Since the advisor is focused on the good of the person he is helping he doesn’t try to force rather work together to help him realize the goal of the judge. In our life we learn halacha and then we arouse our emotions and uplift ourselves in the best possible way to fulfill the halacha and through it be connected to Hashem.
As parents and educators we need to stop policing Yiddishkeit. Some parents handle their homes like boot camp with a lot of kabbolas ohl, while others only want to be their child’s best friend. Either approach alone won’t work; we need a combination of the two. First we listen to the judge, we learn about what the Torah wants from us and we arouse a desire to fulfill in the best way possible. At the same time we remain open to explain and offer support, understanding and guidance as they go through all of their stages of development. It’s an honor not a burden and we aren’t the police. It’s our merit that we are able to accompany our child along their way.
This is especially true in our schools today. Every student needs to feel that they are understood by all of their educators and they are there for one purpose only, to help, to guide and to encourage. Once the student knows this, you have them, and then we progress together. Is there a teacher who goes to the homes of his students to visit them before the school year begins and gets a feel for the whole child not just his life as a student? He sees how the interacts with his parents and siblings and he becomes more aware of his as person and therefore more sensitive and capable to guide, advise and inspire him in class and in life. This is the difference between a mashpia and a mashgiach. In Lubavitcher yeshivos we use the term mashpia, to give and inspire instead of the term mashgiach used by others, which denotes oversight.
The Rebbe had a similar approach when addressing global issues. When the Rebbe spoke about not giving away territory in Eretz Yisroel he always based it on halacha. At the same time he explained the clear and present danger of not following the halacha. Along with the halacha he incorporated insight understanding and guidance of both the spiritual and the physical as one. This is true as well for all aspects of life. The Rebbeim did not only take care of our spiritual needs but also helped and guided us in our physical needs. Having the judge and the advisor together as one brings the whole solution into focus.
A Good Shabbos
REMINDER: Start saying 3 extra kapitlach
From Hayom Yom - Elul 1
When the Tzemach Tzedek was nine years old the Alter Rebbe said to Him: I received from my Rebbe (the Maggid) who received from his Rebbe (the Baal Shem Tov) in the name of his well-known Rebbe that from the second day of Rosh Chodesh Elul until Yom Kippur we are to say three chapters of Tehillim every day. Then, on Yom Kippur, thirty six (chapters): Nine before Kol Nidrei, nine before sleeping, nine after Musaf, and nine after Ne'ila. Whoever did not start on the second day of Rosh Chodesh is to start with the Tehillim of the particular day on which he realizes his omission, and complete the missing Tehillim later.
Announcements - Re’eh
- Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”.
- Click here for this week's Lmaan Yishmeu publication.
- Click here for a list of our ongoing shiurim.
- Click here to pay up all your kibud or yiskor pledges and outstanding membership. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!
- Please say tehillim for Sholom ben Chana.
- FRIDAY: There is a chiyuv who needs an early minyan mincha today (Friday) at 2:00 pm. If you can, please help out. Good Shabbos.
- MOTZEI SHABBOS: 9 pm. Unite: Women join together to share in Torah & Music @ Maayan Yisroel. Click here for more info.
- SUNDAY: 10:30 am, Hakhel Rally & KYY Hascholas Sefer Torah in honor of Chaya Spalter ob"m's birthday. Click here for more info.
- MONDAY: Shloshim for Mrs. Shterna Rodal's mother - Mrs. Sara Nechama Baumgarten ob"m. 8:15 pm at Beis Betzalel. Click here for more info.
- SAVE THE DATE: Grand Hakhel for men and women with Rabbi Menachem Mendel Kaplan from Toronto. Sunday, Elul 15/September 18.
Shabbos Schedule - Re’eh
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 6:58
- Chassidus for Early Minyan: 8:45 am
- Last Time To Read Shema: 9:36 am
- Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
- Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:40 am
- Shacharis: 10:00 am
- NO KOL YAKOV YEHUDA IN THE SUMMER :(((
- Hakhel - Mesibas Shabbos for girls in Shul: 4:30 pm
- Rabbi Raichik's Pirkei Avos Shiur: 6:00 pm
- Mincha: 7:00 pm - Avos Perek 5
- Shabbos Ends: 8:01 pm
Sholom Zochor - Re'eh
Alon & Sara Asefovitz
Invite the community to a Sholom Zochor
At 6002 W 3rd St. (just off corner)
Kiddush Sponsors - Re’eh
- Mr. & Mrs. Avrohom Aron Grunfeld for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Avrohom Aron Grunfeld’s father Reb Moshe Yaakov ben Reb Aron ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Lerner for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Chaim Lerner’s father Reb Yaakov ben Reb Chaim ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Sender Munitz for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Sender Munitz’s father Reb Yisroel Meir ben Reb Alexsender Sender ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Mr. & Mrs. Shaul Raigorodsky for the Siyum hakadish of Mr. Shaul Raigorodsky’s aunt Bas-Sheva bas Reb Fievel ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Women's Hakhel Shabbos Shiur & Farbrengen - Re’eh
6:00 pm at the home of: Mrs. Tova Levine
361 N Vista St.
Speaker: Mrs. Chana Rochel Schusterman
Mazal Tov To - Re’eh
- Mr. & Mrs. Alon Asefovitz on the birth of their son.
- Mr. & Mrs. Dovid Diamand on the birth of their son.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Benzion Mishulovin on the engagement of their daughter Chaya Mushka to Yoel Shmuel Hasofer.
Upcoming Birthdays
- Mr. Yossi Palace - 1 Elul
- Menachem Mendel Davidson - 1 Elul
- Levi Bart - 1 Elul
- Rabbi Chaim Drizin - 1 Elul
- Yona Israeli - 3 Elul
- Yechiel Dovid Yonah Friedman - 5 Elul
- Rabbi Benyomin Hoffman - 6 Elul
Upcoming Anniversaries
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yoel Edelson - 30 Av
- Rabbi & Mrs. Chaim Avrahom Mentz - 1 Elul
- Rabbi & Mrs. Benyomin Hoffman - 3 Elul
- Mr. & Mrs. Richard Rosenbloom - 4 Elul
- Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Davidoff - 5 Elul
- Mr. & Mrs. Asher Bastomski - 5 Elul
- Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuel Raigorodsky - 6 Elul
Upcoming Yahrtzeits
- Musa bas Reb Yehoshua Halevi (Mrs. Debbie Tibor’s mother) - 30 Av
- Reb Yaakov ben Reb Chaim (Mr. Chaim Lerner’s father) - 30 Av
- Reb Refoel ben Reb Yitzchok (Mr. Avrohom Plotkin’s brother) - 1 Elul
- Reb Moshe Yaakov ben Reb Aron (Mr. Avrohom Aron Grunfeld’s father) - 1 Elul
- Sima Baila bas Reb Avrohom (Rabbi Yoel Edelson’s mother) - 3 Elul
- Reb Yisroel Meir ben Reb Alexsender Sender (Rabbi Sender Munitz’s father) - 4 Elul
- Yehudis bas Reb Shalom (Mr. Moshe Kaszirer’s mother) - 6 Elul
Devar Torah - Re’eh
Stop Sleepwalking through Life
by Joining in on the Avodah of Elul!
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik
This Shabbos is the first day of Elul. Elul, being the month last month of the year, is a time for making an accounting for the entire past year. The Rebbe explains the process of taking stock with an example in the Hayom Yom for the 27th of Menachem Av: “The month of Elul is the month of reckoning. In the material world, if a businessman is to conduct his affairs properly and with great profit, he must periodically take an accounting and correct any deficiencies. This is also true in the spiritual avoda of serving Hashem. Throughout the year all of Israel are occupied with Torah, mitzvos and (developing and expressing) good character traits. The month of Elul is the month of reckoning. It’s a time when every Jew, each commensurate with his abilities, whether scholar or businessman, needs to make an accurate accounting in his soul including everything that occurred in the course of the year. Through this he comes to know the good qualities in his service of Hashem so that he can strengthen them. He also becomes aware of the deficiencies in himself and in his service, and is able to correct them. Through this good preparation, one merits a good and sweet year, materially and spiritually.”
Elul is a month of teshuva. In order to awaken us to engage in a process of teshuva the custom is to blow the shofar every day throughout the month. The goal of the shofar is to awaken us from our state of spiritual slumber. Most people define the word teshuva to mean repentance. Chassidus explains that teshuva means to return, go back to where we belong and to reveal who we really are. This is the truest and deepest meaning of teshuva. To do this we need to hear the call of the shofar. The shofar reminds us to wake up because we have forgotten who we really are and what we can be either completely or to some extent. We wake up to the need to make an accounting for this. When we do we can change and return to our true nature. But we can only begin once we have awoken. We cannot do it sleepwalking! Just as every morning we first wake up and the say Modei Ani, we cannot say it while we are still sleeping! This is also true with our service in the month of Elul. We first need to wake up and then we can get back on track.
Last week we spoke about the concept of personal responsibility and accepting the sovereignty of Hashem (kabolas ol). This does not mean that we are some kind of separate being that accepts Hashem as an authority outside and infinitely removed. We also feel that we are a portion of Hashem (Chelek Hashem Amo), and through that connection we achieve our purpose, our truest selves. Just as anyone who suffers from addiction and eventually goes into recovery and returns to his or her original health, so too we recover when we do teshuva and we return to our true state and our true potential. Re-cover means to ‘remove the cover’. From the beginning of Elul until the day of Yom Kippur is a 40-day recovery program. The gates are open and the King is waiting with open arms to welcome us back.
There's a story told about Reb Mendel from the years that he was in the Gulag. One day he noticed a follow prisoner didn’t look well. Another prisoner approached the man and asked him what was bothering him. He responded by saying that once he was a great doctor. He wasn’t just any doctor; he was the director of a very large hospital, which had many departments. He said; “People were constantly coming to me for all kinds of advice and guidance. Then they arrested me and threw me into this prison. Now look at me, and what has become of me; my life has no value.” Another one of the prisoners overheard the conversation and approached with his story. He said; I was the lead attorney of a large law firm. I was responsible for litigating some of the most famous and important cases in recent history. He then sighed and said “Look at me today and where I am.” Another man approached to say that high ranked Natchalnik who wielded a lot of authority and of whom everyone was afraid. One day the NKVD arrested him and now he is the prisoner, in the place he put so many of his victims. “Now look at me” he said. They then all turned to Reb Mendel to see what he would say. Reb Mendel said: “I never lost anything. Before I came I was a servant of G-d, 24 hours a day seven days a week. It is different now because before it was easier and now it's harder, but I never lost anything. I’ll still the exact same servant who still needs to serve 24 hours a day seven days a week.”
Hashem waits for us to begin our recovery. He’s waiting for us to return to him and to give us good sweet year materially and spiritually.
A Good Shabbos A Good Chodesh
Chabad Chodesh - Elul
The new issue of the "Chabad Chodesh"
is now available online by clicking here