Please remember to make your contributions to the Building Fund. Funds are desperately needed to complete the project.
Shul Bulletin
From: Yossi Schneerson
Dear Anash,
As you may know Yanover esrogim this year are in short supply and lower quality then other years, due to the freeze in Italy. Therefore the price has increased globally and we will only be purchasing a select amount. If you would like to reserve a Yanover esrog please email [email protected] before September 3rd / Yud Gimmel Elul
We will have a greater variety of Kfar Chabad Esrogim available.
Thank you,
Yossi Schneerson-Yitschak Abend
Announcements - Shoftim
- Click here for this week's Lmaan Yishmeu publication.
- Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”.
- Click here for a list of our ongoing shiurim.
- Click here to pay up all your building fund, kibud or yiskor pledges and outstanding membership. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!
Shabbos Schedule - Shoftim
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:09 pm
- Last Time To Read Shema: 9:38 am
- Chassidus for Early Minyan: 8:45 am
- Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
- Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
- Shacharis: 10:00 am
- NO Kol Yakov Yehuda during the summer :(((
- Rabbi Raichik's Pirkei Avos Shiur: 6:10 pm
- Mincha: 7:10 pm Followed by Pirkei Avos - Perek 1
- Shabbos Ends: 8:12 pm
Kiddush Sponsors - Shoftim
- Mr. & Mrs. Asher Bastomski in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
- Hatomim Yisroel Berkowitz in honor of Chodesh Elul. May he and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
- Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Davidoff in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
- 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. David Kaufman in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
- 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.
- 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. Velvel Tsikman in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
- Mr. & Mrs. Joel Yachzel for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Linda Yachzel’s father Reb Avrohom ben Reb Dovid ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Shoftim
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yisroel Meir Munitz for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Yisroel Meir Munitz’s grandfather Reb Yisroel Meir ben Reb Alexsender Sender ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Women's Shabbos Shiur & Farbrengen - Shoftim
6:00 pm at the home of Mrs. Varda Rav-Noy
428 N Martel
Speaker: Rabbi Levi Kramer
Mazal Tov To - Shoftim
- Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Duchman on the marriage of their son JJ to Frumie Rosenfeld.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Simcha Frankel on the birth of their grandson.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Mordechai Katz on the engagement of their daughter Tzilka to Moshe Scheiner.
- Mr. & Mrs. Shaul Raigorodsky on the birth of their grandson.
Upcoming Birthdays
- Yechiel Dovid Yonah Friedman - 5 Elul
- Rabbi Benyomin Hoffman - 6 Elul
- Sholom Dov Ber Polityko - 8 Elul
- Moshe Dov Ber Stark - 8 Elul
- Rabbi Shalom Rubashkin - 8 Elul
- Levi Gurary - 9 Elul
- Rabbi Levi Zirkind - 9 Elul
Upcoming Anniversaries
- Mr. & Mrs. Richard Rosenbloom - 4 Elul
- Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Davidoff - 5 Elul
- Mr. & Mrs. Asher Bastomski - 5 Elul
- Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuel Raigorodsky - 6 Elul
- 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
Upcoming Yahrtzeits
- Reb Yisroel Meir ben Reb Alexsender Sender (Rabbi Sender Munitz’s father) - 4 Elul
- Reb Avrohom ben Reb Dovid (Mrs. Linda Yachzel’s father) - 5 Elul
Devar Torah - Shoftim
We are our Children's Keepers
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik
This week's Torah portion of Shoftim opens with the mitzvah to appoint “judges and law-enforcement officials for yourself in all of your gates that the L‑rd your G‑d is giving you, for your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.”
The human body is a city with seven gates—seven portals to the outside world: the two eyes, two ears, two nostrils and the mouth. Here, too, it is incumbent upon us to place internal “judges” to discriminate and regulate what should be admitted and what should be kept out, and “officers” to enforce the judges’ decisions .(Sifsei Kohen)
As parents and mashpiim we have the opportunity and obligation to take care and attend to guarding the gates windows and doors of our children and students both within and outside our homes and schools.
Parents teachers and schools have a heightened responsibility in today's environment. Everything is much more open and available than ever before. With the internet and smartphones our children have easy and casual access to things which we could have never imagined they would be able to see. And see they do.
There was a recent survey of 90 high level students taken in a yeshiva program. 85 percent said that they had seen unacceptable content (schmutz) through their smartphone or the internet. Whether it's through their phones unrestricted internet or circumvented filters at home or through friends, many parents have no idea or are in denial about what our children are up to. It is truly distressing and a worry that we must and are entrusted to address. There is a story of student who's parents were presented with evidence of unacceptable content their child was involved with on the internet. Notwithstanding the irrefutable evidence, the parents nevertheless blamed the messenger instead of understanding the real problem! They are not alone, many have handled this situation in this in a similar fashion, preferring denial over the truth.
While it is true that the Rebbe wanted us to use technology in the service of Hashem nevertheless the Rebbe was clear about television. He unambiguously opposed having a television in the home. Once there was a television set that was taken away from someone being stored in Bais Rivkah in France. The Rebbe told them to take the television and throw it out. Would the Rebbe agree to what's happening today with smartphones? Absolutely not! He would be vehemently opposed and speak openly against them.
What is the lesson from all of this to us today? First of all our job as parents is to put our own phones way when we get home. By spending our time with the family we make the strongest statement possible. We relate nonverbally a most important message to our child. We are saying you come first before anything else. This gives our children strength in their lives to be strong as well. Once there was a school that considered canceling homework so parents could spend more time together with their children instead of them being preoccupied with homework. What they found was that the families did not use the time for bonding, instead they were distracted and doing other things. They concluded that it's better to give homework so at least the children will have some time with their parents as they help them complete their homework assignments.
Teachers in schools, with all due respect, should also put their cell phones away and set an example for the children. No teacher should be seen from the moment they arrive until the moment they leave with the cell phone in their hands.
We can also serve as advisors for our older children. In the parsha the Torah instructs us to set up court systems comprising judges who determine the law, and officials who enforce the judges’ rulings. In the prophecies regarding the era of the future Redemption, however, Hashem says, “I will restore your judges as at first and your counsellors as in the beginning” (Yeshayahu 1:26). The pasuk makes no mention of law enforcement officials, only judges who will determine the law, and counsellors who will advise the people how to conduct their lives.
This is because in the era of the Moshiach all evil will be annulled (see Zechariah 13:2), including the yetzer hara—the negative inclination we have within us. This will eliminate the need for police to enforce the law. Instead, counsellors, whose task will be not to enforce laws or give orders, but to advise, will complement the judges’ authority.
Advice, by definition, is offered; i.e., it is a suggestion, not a command. The person advising speaks as though to an equal, in a manner that the recipient does not feel compelled but can come to understand that this advice is truly in his best interest.
This will be the role of the “counsellors” in the era of Moshiach: they will help people recognize the value of adhering to the Torah’s laws on their own. Consequently, in the time of Moshiach we will not only observe the laws of the Torah (taught by the judges) obediently, we will do so with inner passion and drive. We can learn from this how we can focus with our older children on inspiring them and encouraging them to desire on their own to do what is right. It doesn't require force only inspiration and guidance similar to the way it will be in the times of Moshiach.
As a child I remember seeing my father sitting over a sefer late into the night. Seeing my father this way inspired me and gave me a perspective of what's important in life. When we are good examples for our children then our words have a positive effect . When we say to them that watching inappropriate content on the internet is wrong, es past nisht, meaning that it's not appropriate for them and they are much too good for that kind of behavior; when we inspire them to stand taller they hear what we say and they take it to heart.
By living an inspired life full Chassidus the Torah and mitzvos, may we merit to be living examples to our children and our students and together merit the geula ha'amitis now.
A Good Shabbos
Chabad Chodesh - Elul
The new issue of the "Chabad Chodesh"
is now available online by clicking here
Shacharis Shabbos
Moshe Ganz hall is NOT available to us this Shabbos.
Therefore the Main Minyan will squeeze into KYY.
As usual, the Early Minyan will be in the Kollel room starting at 9:30.
We appreciate your continued patience in dealing with the inconveniences caused by the shul construction project.
Zipp Ufruf
Josh Zipp
Invites the community to his ufruf this shabbos
at Chabad of Melrose (in Zephyr Theatre)
7456 Melrose Ave (between Martel & Vista)
May he be Zoche to build a binyan aday ad.
Announcements - Re’eh
- Click here for this week's Lmaan Yishmeu publication.
- Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”.
- Click here for a list of our ongoing shiurim.
- Click here to pay up all your building fund, kibud or yiskor pledges and outstanding membership. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!
- HELP NEEDED WITH A MINYAN: Since the bachurim of YOEC are away for the summer, there is help needed with minyanim by Rabbi Hurwitz's house. Kabablos shabbos is 8:00. Shacharis is 10:30. Shabbos Mincha is 7:20 (We meet for the minyanim in the zal of YOEC before the above times and then go next door to his house) . If you want to confirm your coming or any questions text (323)336-3858. Thank you and have a good Shabbos.
Shabbos Schedule - Re’eh
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:17 pm
- Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim: 8:15 am
- Followed by Rabbi Raichik’s Shiur Chassidus
- Tehillim Club: 9:00 am
- Last Time To Read Shema: 9:36 am
- Early Minyan Shacharis: 10:00 am
- Shacharis: 10:15 am
- NO Kol Yakov Yehuda during the summer :((
- Rabbi Raichik's Pirkei Avos Shiur: 6:15 pm
- Mincha: 7:15 pm Followed by Pirkei Avos - Perek 6
- Shabbos Ends: 8:20 pm
- Molad of Chodesh Elul: Wednesday, 1 Elul/August 23, 10:44 am and 15 chalokim.
- Rosh Chodesh Elul: Tuesday & Wednesday, August 22 & 23.
Sholom Zochor - Re’eh
Asher & Chaya Aliza Katz
Invite the community to a Sholom Zochor
at 341 N. Mansfield Ave.
Kiddush Sponsors - Re’eh
- Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Dubinsky in honor of Rabbi Mendel Dubinsky’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Sholom Elharar in honor of Shabbos mevorchim Elul. May they and the entire community be blessed with a gut gebenched yohr be’gashmiyus ub’ruchniyus.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Simcha Frankel for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Simcha Frankel’s mother Ratza Liba bas Reb Chaim ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Mr. & Mrs. Reuven Horwitz in honor the name his parents gave him and the conccetion to out Parsha ראה= ראובן אליהו הורביץ. May they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Avrohom Klyne for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Avrohom Klyne’s mother Esther Leah bas Reb Shmuel Tuvia ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Re’eh
- Rabbi Meir & Mrs. Mushka Finck in honor of the birth of their daughter Batsheva Rivkah. May they have much nachas from her and may she grow up to Torah, to Chupa and to Maasim Tovim.
Shabbos Kalla - Re’eh
Shira Paffrath
Invites all women to her Shabbos Kalla
6:00 pm at the home of Mrs. Leah Schumukler 601 N Citrus
Mazal Tov To - Re’eh
- Mr. & Mrs. Asher Katz on the birth of their son. Mazal tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Mordechai Katz.
- Rabbi & Mrs. BenZion Mishulovin on the engagement of their son Mendel to Brochie Kanelsky. Mazal tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Dovid Mishulovin.
Upcoming Birthdays
- Rabbi Mendel Dubinsky - 27 Av
- Mendel Thaler - 29 Av
- Eliezer Meir Tzvi Winograd - 29 Av
- Menachem Mendel Rubashkin - 29 Av
- Mr. Pinchas Hirsch - 29 Av
- Mr. Yossi Palace - 1 Elul
- Yisrael Shusterman - 1 Elul
- Zakkai Hanania Shusterman - 1 Elul
- Menachem Mendel Davidson - 1 Elul
- Levi Bart - 1 Elul
- Rabbi Chaim Drizin - 1 Elul
- Yona Israeli - 3 Elul
Upcoming Anniversaries
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yoel Edelson - 30 Av
- Rabbi & Mrs. Chaim Avrahom Mentz - 1 Elul
- Rabbi & Mrs. Benyomin Hoffman - 3 Elul
Upcoming Yahrtzeits
- Ratza Liba bas Reb Chaim (Rabbi Simcha Frankel’s mother) - 28 Av
- Esther Leah bas Reb Shmuel Tuvia (Rabbi Avrohom Klyne’s mother) - 29 Av
- 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
Devar Torah - Re’eh
Shabbos Mevarchim Elul
by Rabbi Shimon Raihcik
This week is Shabbos Mevarchim Elul. Elul, the last month of the year, is a month of Cheshban HaNefesh, a time that we make a spiritual accounting of all that has transpired in the past year. In business finance one needs to review the books to be eligible for a new line of credit. So too, in Elul we provide Hashem an assurance that we are committed to fulfill His will of learning Torah and doing Mitzvos. Then on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur we ask Hashem to open a new line of credit.
In order to prepare for our new line of credit, we need to consult our ‘accountant’ to see how well we did with last year’s credit line. This accounting extends throughout the month of Elul which lasts thirty days. Each day of the month numerically corresponds to that day in all of the months from the previous year (e.g. The first Elul corresponds to the first of each month etc.) Beginning with Chai Elul, each day corresponds to an entire month. We ‘balance our books’ with Teshuva U’maisim Tovim in order to merit a good sweet year.
To make things easier Chassidus teaches us about Melech B’Sadeh and the Yud Gimmel Midos Harachamim. Hashem receives and welcomes each and everyone one of us as we are with a shining countenance and encourages us to approach and come close.
Therefore, beginning with Shabbos Mevarchim Elul, the last month of the year we begin to put our ‘house in order’ to protect from anything unwanted, and through this everyone will be bentched with a Ksiva Vechasim Tovah, a good g’bentched yohr.
This avodah is illustrated though the following story. One year, on Simchas Torah the Rebbe Rashab was not ready to begin Hakafos. He called over a business man and asked him about how he conducts his business. The man explained that he takes a loan and uses the money to buy the stock that he sells in the market. After a while he needs an additional loan. In order to qualify for the new loan, he makes payments on the first loan to show the bank that he has good credit. When he begins his payment plan the bank sees his good credit and then gives him a new loan.
The Rebbe Rashab concluded that so too is this true for us in Tishrei. Tishrei is the new line of credit. We begin our review and payment plan on last year’s loan in Elul. We increase in Teshuva, Torah, Tefilla and Tzedaka. Then Selichos arrives and we continue to increase even more in these areas. So too in Rosh HaShana and Eseres Ymei Teshuva and Sukkos. At the end of Sukkos and we arrive at Hakafos; and the meaning of Hakafos is a loan, we can now seal our new loan and be zocheh to a new good line of credit. At that point the Rebbe went to Hakafos. Hashem in His kindness gives us Elul to make good on our loan.
Announcements - Eikev
- Click here for this week's Lmaan Yishmeu publication.
- Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”.
- Click here for a list of our ongoing shiurim.
- Click here to pay up all your building fund, kibud or yiskor pledges and outstanding membership. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!
- HELP NEEDED WITH A MINYAN: Since the bachurim of YOEC are away for the summer, there is help needed with minyanim by Rabbi Hurwitz's house. Kabablos shabbos is 8:05. Shacharis is 10:30. Shabbos Mincha is 7:25 (We meet for the minyanim in the zal of YOEC before the above times and then go next door to his house) . If you want to confirm your coming or any questions text (323)336-3858. Thank you and have a good Shabbos.
Shabbos Schedule - Eikev
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:25 pm
- Last Time To Read Shema: 9:35 am
- Chassidus for Early Minyan: 8:45 am
- Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
- Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
- Shacharis: 10:00 am
- NO Kol Yakov Yehuda during the summer :(((
- Rabbi Raichik's Pirkei Avos Shiur: 6:25 pm
- Mincha: 7:25 pm Followed by Pirkei Avos - Perek 5
- Shabbos Ends: 8:28 pm
Sholom Zochor - Eikev
Zalman & Esther Roth
Invite the community to a Sholom Zochor for their grandson
at 136 S Highland
Kiddush Sponsors - Eikev
- Friends of Rabbi Tzvi Boyarsky in honor of his birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Shalom Elharar in honor of Chof Av. May they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
- Mr. & Mrs. Ariel Haratz in honor of Mr. Ariel Haratz’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
- The Raichik Family for the yahrtzeit of Rebbitzen Leah bas Reb Avrohom Abble Raichik ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
- Mr. & Mrs. Shmuel Stroll in honor of Chof Av & for all the miracles and kindness Hashem has shown their family. May Hashem continue to shower them and the entire community with kol tuv sela.
Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Eikev
- Mr. Reuven Gradon in honor of his birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Menachem Rubinstein in honor of Rabbi Menachem Rubinstein’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus. Also in honor of Mrs. Chavi Rubinstein’s birthday. May she have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
Women's Shabbos Shiur & Farbrengen - Eikev
6:00 pm at the home of Mrs. Chana Weiss
411 N Martel
Speaker: Rabbi Yisroel Hecht
Mazal Tov To - Eikev
- Rabbi & Rebbitzen Shimon Raichik on the birth of their granddaughter Esther Zaltzman.
- Mr. & Mrs. Zalmen Roth on the birth of their grandson.
Upcoming Birthdays
- Mr. Ariel Haratz - 20 Av
- Mr. Reuven Gradon - 20 Av
- Rabbi Yisroel Gurary - 20 Av
- Gavriel Soussana - 20 Av
- Menachem Mendel Raeburn - 21 Av
- Levi Yitzchok Perl - 21 Av
- Yitzchok Meyer Davidson - 22 Av
- Rabbi Tzvi Boyarsky - 24 Av
- Rabbi David Diamand - 24 Av
- Meir Rubashkin - 25 Av
- Mr. Joel Yachzel - 26 Av
- Menachem Mendel Perl - 26 Av
Upcoming Anniversaries
- Rabbi & Mrs. Zalmy Fogelman - 24 Av
Upcoming Yahrtzeits
- Reb Yaakov Immanuel ben Reb Dov Yehuda (Mr. Yisroel Schochet’s father) - 20 Av
- Reb Yaakov ben Reb Meir (Mrs. Chana Weiss’s father) - 21 Av
- Sima bas Reb Shmuel Dovid (Rabbi Tzvi Rauh’s mother) - 23 Av
- Rebbitzen Leah bas Reb Avrohom Abble Raichik - 24 Av
- Chana Priva bas Reb Alter Yehoshua (Mrs. Leah Perl’s mother) - 24 Av
- Reb Mannis ben Reb Yitzchak Leib Halevi (Rabbi Simcha Frankel’s grandfather) - 26 Av
Devar Torah - Eikev
Ready and Willing
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik
Often I feel lonely when reflecting on the Chassidim of previous generations. They had a deep and expansive understanding of Chassidus. They lived relatively simple lives, the life of the shtetl without all of the complexities and interferences of our world today. They had refinement of character. They had close-knit stable communities with support systems and with warm and inspiring examples to look up to. They were bolstered by the legendary fabrengens which we read about and close relations with their fellow Jews. It's as if they were almost half angels. Then, when I descend from those thoughts into the mundane thoughts of today I see the difference and think; what is it that we bring to the table? Haven’t they already done it all? What’s left for us?
When we look in the Rebbe’s Sichos and Maamarim we get a completely different perspective. This week is parshas Eikev. It begins with the words “V’haya Eikev tishmaun, And it will be, because you will heed these ordinances”. Rashi explains that the word, eikev, also refers to the Mitzvos which we trample under our feet that they too should be listened to and done. The word eikev also means heel which hints to the end of times the heels of Moshiach. What is the difference between the head the heart and the heel? The head and the heart understanding and feel. The Rebbe explains that the heel has neither understanding nor feeling. The heel represents these times when we neither understand nor feel G-dliness. In the times of the Bais HaMikdash the perception of the people was wide open to G-dliness and therefore they had pleasure and inward commitment toward all that is Holy. Since there was understanding and feeling, therefore when it came time for self-sacrifice it was carried out with great emotion desire and commitment.
Not so today! In this confusing busy and distracting world of ours, bereft of feeling and understanding, there are times when we ask ourselves why we do the mitzvos. Our answer, the only proper answer, is because this is what Hashem wants. We do it because it's the right thing to do, period. The Rebbe states that this is the ultimate form of bitul, self nullification. The Rebbe sees the ultimate value in our service of Hashem because it's pure and unadulterated. It's not based on our personal inspiration or insight. It's simply and purely doing that which is what Hashem wants, period.
In previous generations people understood what a Rebbe and a Tzaddik is all about. When they stood in front of the Rebbe they trembled knowing the Rebbe knew their innermost thoughts and everything about them. It was often far beyond what they could bear; some fainted. They were incredibly nullified before the Rebbe. There are others unaware of any of this. All they know is to immediately do what the Rebbe asks for, whether or not they understand.
In terms of bitul, self nullification the first person, the true Chosid and even the person who lived in the times of the Bais HaMikdash represents a great quantity of nullification. The greatest bitul, qualitatively however, the true end pure nullification is even greater by the second person the one with less sensitivity and insight. To be doing it SOLELY because Hashem wants, and only because the Rebbe wants, regardless if it's a high level mitzvah or only a minhag is the highest level of bitul possible.
When we study the Rebbe’s Torah, his Sichos and his Maamarim not just once or twice but over and over again and think about it deeply, we begin to experience a shift in our thinking. We begin to realize what the Rebbe is really telling us and it changes us. It affects how much we do as well as the way we act. Making the extra effort of applying ourselves to the Rebbe’s words and ways actually gets us to be motivated with all of our abilities. May we all immediately come to the clarification of our service of Hashem to the point where we realize and recognize where we stand; prepared to greet Moshiach now
A Good Shabbos
Lockers
If you have a locker in shul, please fill out the short form found taped to your locker.
Return the form to David Kaufman or place in shul mailslot.
NEW LOCATION for Devar Malchus & Chayenu
New Location for Devar Malchus & Chayenu
182 N Mansfield Ave.
(corner Beverly)
Announcements - V'Eschanan
- Click here for this week's Lmaan Yishmeu publication.
- Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”.
- Click here for a list of our ongoing shiurim.
- Click here to pay up all your building fund, kibud or yiskor pledges and outstanding membership. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!
- TZEISCHEM LESHALOM to Mr. Chaim Mrs. Necha Lerner on their move to Las Vegas. May it be meshane makom meshane mazal letova ulivracha.
- HELP NEEDED WITH A MINYAN: Since the bachurim of YOEC are away for the summer, there is help needed with minyanim by Rabbi Hurwitz's house. Kabablos shabbos is 8:10. Shacharis is 10:30. Shabbos Mincha is 7:30 (We meet for the minyanim in the zal of YOEC before the above times and then go next door to his house) . If you want to confirm your coming or any questions text (323)336-3858. Thank you and have a good Shabbos.
Shabbos Schedule - V'Eschanan
- Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:32 pm
- Last Time To Read Shema: 9:33 am
- Chassidus for Early Minyan: 8:45 am
- Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
- Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
- Shacharis: 10:00 am
- NO Kol Yakov Yehuda during the summer :(((
- Rabbi Raichik's Pirkei Avos Shiur: 6:30 pm
- Mincha: 7:30 pm Followed by Pirkei Avos - Perek 4
- Shabbos Ends: 8:35 pm
Kiddush Sponsors - V'Eschanan
- Rabbi & Mrs. Yitzchok Abend in honor of the birth of their daughter Esther Keila. May they have much nachas from her and may she grow up to Torah, to Chupa and to Maasim Tovim.
- Anonymous good for all the miracles and kindness Hashem has shown their family. May Hashem continue to shower them and the entire community with kol tuv sela.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Simcha Bart in honor of Mrs. Sima Bart’s birthday. May she have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
- Mr. & Mrs. Reuven Horwitz in honor of Mrs. Sarah Horwitz’s birthday. May she have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
- Mr. & Mrs. David Kaufman in honor of Mrs. Marci Kaufman’s birthday. May she have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
- Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Lerner in honor of Rabbi Shimon and Chana Leeba Raichik and the entire Congregation Levi Yitzchok community. May they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Leib and Esther Lerner in honor of Chaim and Necha Lerner moving to Las Vegas. May it be meshane makom meshane mazal letova ulivracha.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Meir Schumker in honor of their son Effy’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
- Mr. & Mrs. Yerachmiel Soto in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - V'Eschanan
- Rabbi & Mrs. Ami Meyers for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Ami Meyers’s mother Bina Rivka bas Reb Moshe ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
Women's Shabbos Shiur & Farbrengen - V'Eschanan
6:30 pm at the home of Mrs. Tova Levine
361 N Vista
Speaker: Rabbi Levi Kramer
Mazal Tov To - V'Eschanan
- Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuly Schapiro on the upshernish of their son Alter. Mazal tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Leibel Schapiro - Rosh Yeshiva in Miami.
- Rabbi & Mrs. Nochum Pinson on the birth of their great grandchild.
Upcoming Birthdays
- Rabbi Dovid Morris - 13 Av
- Effy Schmukler - 13 Av
- Yosef Gorelik - 13 Av
- Rabbi Sheye Eichenblatt - 15 Av
- Yakov Yehuda Duchman - 15 Av
- Asaf Levi Silver - 15 Av
- Moshe Menachem Mendel Feiner - 16 Av
- Mr. Eliezer Yaakov Kahan - 16 Av
- Mr. Izzy Soussana - 17 Av
- Mr. Dan Schmeidler - 18 Av
- Rabbi Menachem Rubinstein - 19 Av
- Shlomo Mordechai Habibian - 19 Av
Upcoming Anniversaries
- Dr. & Mrs. Ze'ev Rav-Noy - 13 Av
- Rabbi & Mrs. Dovid Drizin - 15 Av
- Mr. & Mrs. Yerachmiel Soto - 17 Av
- Rabbi & Mrs. Tzvi Boyarsky - 19 Av
Upcoming Yahrtzeits
- Harav Yaakov Yehuda ben Reb Yehoshua (Mrs. Chana Rochel Duchman’s father) - 15 Av
- Alta Shula bas Reb Sholom Yeshaya (Rabbi Mendel Schwartz’s mother) - 17 Av
- Reb Shlomo ben Reb David (Mr. Zev Oster’s father) - 17 Av
- Bina Rivka bas Reb Moshe (Rabbi Ami Meyers’s mother) - 19 Av
- Ester bas Reb Avrohom (Mr. David Peretz’s mother) - 19 Av
Devar Torah - V'Eschanan
Doubling Returns because of our Involvement
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik
This Shabbos is Shabbos Nachamu. The name is taken from the opening word of the week’s haftarah: Nachamu, nachamu ami—“comfort, comfort My people.” It is with this sentence that we begin the series of seven haftaros known as shiva d’nechemta, “the seven [haftaros] of consolation.”
The reason why the Navi repeats the word of comfort twice, nachamu nachamu, is because we suffered a double punishment. The reason we received double punishment is because our sin was doubled. What is this doubling effect of first sin then punishment followed by comfort that the Navi refers to and what does it teach us in our service of Hashem?
We can understand this by first defining the two dimensions of the Bais HaMikdash. The Bais HaMikdash was a physical edifice as well as place completely infused with a spiritual purpose. Although the Bais HaMikdash was built from physical materials it's purpose is spiritual, to create a home for Hashem's presence, the kedusha of Hashem in this world . Every action that occurred in the Bais HaMikdash had both a physical and spiritual component. The korbonos for example had both the very physical requirements and specific procedures to make it valid. At the same time it was all carried out with spiritual intention and purpose by the Kohanim with the assistance of the Leviim singing etc. All in all the Bais HaMikdash was the physical house of Hashem with the spiritual glory and honor of Hashem revealed. The destruction of the Bais HaMikdash was a destruction of both of these physical and spiritual dimensions. When we mourn, we mourn over both the physical and spiritual loss. The comfort that follows and its rebuilding will therefore encompass both the physical and the spiritual.
We attempt to best reflect both of these modes in our personal service of Hashem. Whenever we say Kiddush or put on Tefillin for example we carefully complete the physical observance of the mitzvah while focusing and placing our spiritual intention on feeling and connecting with Hashem through the fulfillment of each mitzvah. We infuse the spiritual into each physical act. We look to Chassidus for the inspiration and hope necessary to complete our purpose in its fullest, both spiritually and physically. Just like when a physical heart is touched it beats differently so too spirituality. The double reference in this week's haftarah teaches us that not only can we be moved spiritually but that inspiration can go further to the point that we are also moved physically.
This is what the entire avodah of Chassidus and Chassidim is intended to accomplish. Chassidus has been given to us through our Rabbeim to awaken our higher understanding and sensitivity towards G-dlines and then to carry it into action. We saw this definitively by the Chassidim of the previous generations. They didn't just listen to a maamar from the Rebbe and enjoy its depth and power, they worked intensely to internalize its message and put it into practice in their lives.
Once Reb Nissan Neminov was by the Rebbe at a fabrengen. After the fabrengen he approached Reb Yoel Kahn saying that there
were certain things from the fabrengen that he didn't understand. Reb Yoel went over the maamar with Reb Nissan in detail explaining various novel insights contained in the maamar. When he completed his review Reb Nissan said that he had not covered the part of the fabrengen he was having trouble understanding. He explained that in the fabrengen the Rebbe was clarifying a certain level in avodas Hashem to be achieved and he wanted to get to the bottom of it. Reb Nissan was after what the Rebbe's fabrengen demanded in our avodah. Reb Nissan as a Chosid was always aware that the Rebbe wants and waits for us to take the initiative to fulfill our part.
By never giving up, regardless of our spiritual stature of for any other reason may we merit though our involvement to take part in the comfort when we will see the third and eternal Bais HaMikdash. The third Beis HaMikdash, the work of Hashem will descend into the physical world from heaven and we will be able to see with our physical eyes the kedusha of every part of the Bais HaMikdash together with the Rebbe.
A Good Shabbos
(Based on a Sicha for Shabbos Nachamu 5750)
Please Note
The main Shul and the tent are CLOSED for Construction
There is no access to the rest of the facility through the tent.
If you are not directly involved in the construction project,
DO NOT ENTER THE TENT
Access to the Kollel and KYY is available during the day through the alley.
Construction update
We need to send out an email today updating everybody on shul availability.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
The Shul is closed until further notice due to construction.
KYY will be used for the 7:00 AM minyan Monday through Friday.
KYY will also be used as needed for Mincha and Maariv Sunday through Friday.
All other weekday minyanim will be in the Kollel.
The main Shabbos minyan will be upstairs.
The Shul and the tent are active construction areas during the week. No admittance. Starting Thursday August 3 there will be no access to the Kollel or KYY via the tent.