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ב"ה

Shul Bulletin

Pan Kloli

In light of the situation,
we are sending a Pan to the Rebbe on behalf of Anash of LA

Anyone who would like to join this Pidyon Klali should sign it ASAP for themselves and their families

We would like to send the Pan at 10 pm (la time.)

To sign the Pan - Click Below
https://forms.gle/YWSk8Uu8rCLD9imq5

Announcements - Shavuos

  • Click here for this week's KYY newsletter and for All you need for KYY home Edition. 
  • 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!

Schedule - Shavuos

 For all laws and customs please see the Chabad Chodesh

Thursday, Sivan 5/May 28
Erev Shavuous

  • Remember to make an Eruv Tavshilin
  • Light Candles: 7:40 pm
    (Shel Yom Tov and Shehechiyanu)

Friday, Sivan 6/May 29
First Day Shavuous

  • Latest Shema: 9:17 am
  • Light Candles from a pre-existing flame: 7:40 pm
    (Shel Shabbos V’Shel Yom Tov and Shehechiyanu)

Sivan 7/May 30/Shabbos
Second Day Shavuous

  • Latest Shema: 9:16 am
  • Shabbos/Yom Tov Ends: 8:42 pm

Mazal Tov To - Shavuos

  • Rabbi & Rebbitzen Shimon Raichik on the birth of their grandson (to Levi & Mushky Zaltzman.)
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Levi Kramer on the bar mitzva of their son. 

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Nosson Pesach Sroka - 6 Sivan
  • Mr. Gary Apfel - 9 Sivan
  • Rabbi Yisroel Noach Raichik - 9 Sivan
  • Rabbi Simcha Levenberg - 9 Sivan
  • Shmuel Leaderman - 10 Sivan
  • Yoisef Yitzchok Halevi Ginsburg - 11 Sivan
  • Rabbi Yosef Nathanson - 11 Sivan

Upcoming Anniversaries

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Sholem Perl - 9 Sivan
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yaakov BenZaquen - 9 Sivan
  • Mr. & Mrs. Shmuel Eiferman - 9 Sivan
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Levi Goldman - 11 Sivan

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Reb Yehoshua ben Reb Moshe Yaakov (Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz’s brother) - 6 Sivan
  • Lee ben Reb Yacov (Mrs. Chana Weiss’s brother) - 7 Sivan
  • Reb Mich'l ben Reb Shlaima (Mrs. Esther Ginsburg’s father) - 9 Sivan
  • Reb Yaakov ben Reb Zalmen Leib (Mr. Zalman Roth’s father) - 10 Sivan
  • Bracha Toiba bas Reb Yitzchok (Rabbi Lazer Handlesman’s mother) - 10 Sivan
  • Reb Shmaryahu Fishel ben Reb Binyomin (Mrs. Susan Blauner’s father) - 12 Sivan
  • Reb Yosef ben Reb Aryeh (Mr. Yisroel Koch’s father) - 12 Sivan
  • Tova bas Reb Yerachmiel (Rabbi Boruch Braude’s mother) - 13 Sivan

Devar Torah - Shavuos

Our Pledge of Allegiance 
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

The wording of the Rebbe’s bracha for the Yom Tov of Shavuos; Kabbolas HaTorah b’Simcha uv’Pnimius, to receive the Torah with joy and taken internally originated with the Previous Rebbe.

One may ask that every Yom Tov is a time of simcha; why do mention simcha specifically in the bracha for the Yom Tov of Shavuos?

There is a story about a chosid named Rav Peretz (who was a melamed and known to be on a high level in the service of Hashem) who once came to the Rebbe Maharash for Shavuos. He wasn’t expecting to be granted a yechidus but out of the blue the secretaries suddenly called him into the Rebbe. During his yechidus he complained to the Rebbe that he felt like he was an empty vessel (meaning he is not where his is supposed to be in his service of Hashem). The Rebbe responded positively saying that if he felt like an empty vessel he had already reached an important level in his service of Hashem. Then the Rebbe said to him that he was already on the road but that he still needed to wash out his vessel. Usually that is done with Tehillim and tears; but not before Shavuos. We approach Kabbolas HaTorah with simcha.

It is known that the transformation of the Jewish people that took place from before to after Matan Torah was a transformation of gerus, of conversion. When we entered into the new covenant at Matan Torah we were converted into the Jewish nation. When we became a nation we became a new being which is a great cause for simcha!

Even though Shavuos is the Yartzeit of David HaMelech who was the author of Tehillim, and therefore there is no better time to recite Tehillim, which is even better when it is with tears, nevertheless we don’t. This is because of the overwhelming simcha of our collective gerus, our conversion to becoming the Jewish people. This simcha is remembered and relived every Shavuos throughout the entire Yom Tov.

So far we have explained the reason the Rabbeim wish us a kabbolas HaTorah bSimcha; but why does the bracha include; “u’v’pnimius, and inwardly” as well? The answer can be understood from the example of when a person becomes a citizen of a new country. When he is tested and confirmed he isn't just checked that he knows and follows the rules but they look to see if he is involved and motivated, patriotic to be a new citizen of their country. The same is true when we become a nation on Shavuos. On Shavuos we don’t just go through the motions, robotically fulfilling the obligations of hearing the Ten Commandments and eating cheese cake just to fulfill the requirements and no more. We internalize the greatness of Shavuos and the opportunity we have been given to receive the Torah with true involvement and simcha. This simcha and pnimius gives us inspiration and power for the entire year.

A Good Yom Tov! Kabbolas HaTorah b’Simcha uv’Pnimius

Shavuos Plans!! Please Respond ASAP

The shul is considering having a minyan in shul for shavous, we are also aware that many have arranged their own minyanim in their yards, thus, before we make anything final we must first find out who is considering to join.

The minyan will NOT be for:

Small children - under bar/bas mitzva.

Older mispalelim - above 65.

Anyone with underlying health conditions.

IMPORTANT: If you are considering joining us, please respond ASAP with you name and number of Men/Women who are considering attending.

THE DECISION TO OPEN WILL BE PASSED ON THESE RESPONSES

p.s. we are also trying to arrange special minyanim just for krias hatoarh, outside shul, for women and children who want to listen to Aseres Hadibros.

Chabad Chodesh - Sivan

The new issue of the "Chabad Chodesh"
is now available online by clicking here

Announcements - Bamidbar

  • Click here for this week's KYY newsletter and for All you need for KYY home Edition. 
  • 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!!
  • Ateres Avigail Blood Drive: This Sunday. Click here for more info.

af0c43508088479b844f3e7e043e7ceb.jpg 

Message From Rabbi Raichik

In the year 5746-1986 the Rebbe made a vakasha nafshis- a soulful request. The request was that on Shabbos Bamidbar, Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan, everyone should gather together around the time of Mincha (the time of Shalosh Seudos-Ravin d’Ravin) in unity. The theme of the gathering should be ahavas Yisroel and achdus Yisroel, the love and unity of the Jewish people. Just as then when the Jewish people united together as one on Rosh Chodesh Sivan before receiving the Torah so too now the Rebbe requested that we unite together before Shavuos to receive the Torah. 

Because of the pandemic we are in quarantine. Therefore, in place of gathering on Shabbos there will be b’eztras Hashem two events:

  1. Motzei Shabbos Rosh Chodesh at 9:30 PM there will be an online Zoom fabrengen for men and women with Rabbi Raichik. 
  2. Sunday night at 9:00 PM there will be a community wide Zoom fabrengen for both men and women with multiple speakers.

Hashem will surely help us to overcome this pandemic and be able to unite together both spiritually and physically on Rosh Chodesh Sivan for Matan Torah.

Rabbi Shimon Raichik

Shabbos Schedule - Bamidbar

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:36 pm
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:16 am
  • Thillim Club: Any child who says Tehillim for 30 minutes should have their parents send Rabbi Frankel a message at 323-678-6115 they will receive their pizza coupon and a treat!
  • After Mincha - Pirkei Avos - Perek 6
  • Shabbos Ends: 8:39 pm

REMINDERS:

  • On Shabbos, when we review the Parsha, we say both the Haftorah of Bamidbor & the Haftorah for Machar Chodesh. 
  • After we bench the chodesh we say Av Harachamim.
  • By Mincha we do not say Tzitkoscho Tzedek. 

MOTZEI SHABBOS:

  • 9:30pm Melava Malka online with Rabbi Raichik on Zoom - Meeting ID: 435 263 4589 Password: 770. Click here to Join

PLEASE PRINT THIS SECTION: So that you can have it ready to bench the chodesh when they daven at home.

  • Molad Chodesh Sivan: Friday, Iyar 28/May 22, 11:42am and 13 chalakim.
  • Rosh Chodesh Sivan: Sunday, May 24.

Mazal Tov To - Bamidbar

  • Mr. & Mrs. Shaul Raigorodsky on the engagement of their son Dovid to Zelda Rochel Bogomilsky

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Noson Kesselman - 29 Iyar
  • Mr. Yankel Ginsburg - 1 Sivan
  • Michel Revere - 1 Sivan
  • Mr. Yisroel Feiner - 1 Sivan
  • Mr. Yisroel Koch - 2 Sivan
  • Moshe Yitzchok Yusevitch - 2 Sivan
  • Rabbi Shmuel Fogelman - 3 Sivan
  • Rabbi Ami Meyers - 3 Sivan
  • Rabbi Eli Vcherashansky - 5 Sivan

Upcoming Anniversaries

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Nachman Kreiman - 3 Sivan

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Reb Mordechai ben Reb Shlomo (Mrs. Chana Leiba Nathanson’s father) - 4 Sivan
  • Reb Dovid Anshil ben Reb Eliyhu (Mrs. Rae Shagalov’s father) - 5 Sivan
  • Reb Yehoshua ben Reb Moshe Yaakov (Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz’s brother) - 6 Sivan

Devar Torah - Bamidbar

Seize the Moment, Change the World! 
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

This week we begin Sefer Bamidbar.  A desert in the spiritual life of a Jew is the feeling or sense of being away from home and out of our element. We are in the desert, or in the galus, where we don’t belong. We belong in Eretz Yisroel our home and we are anxious to get there as soon as possible. We need to be careful not to become weakened or complacent in the meantime because we are caught in between where we are and where we would rather be. Sometimes, because of this protracted struggle we allow ourselves to give up responsibility for the outcome thinking that we have been overcome to some degree by circumstances. We would like to succeed in serving Hashem in all areas, but after all we are but a little spot in the midst of a vast desert..

Although we may be stuck in the galus, in the vast desert, nevertheless just as Hashem gave the Jews in the desert the ability to build a Mishkon for Hashem, so too He has given us great powers to succeed in our struggles. We have the power to transform the desert into a garden by making our homes an extension of Eretz Yisroel, as the Tzemach Tzedek taught: “Mach da Eretz Yisroel- Make Eretz Yisroel here” in each one’s own life home and environment.

What does it mean to make Eretz Yisroel here? It means that while there are many formidable obstacles and challenges in life, unique to each person, and it seems that the circumstances block our ability to fulfill our purpose in this world; nevertheless, just as Yaakov overcame Lavan as well as the Angel of Eisav so too, all of us have been given that strength.  Just as Yaakov was given the name Yisroel which means that he wrestled with and then overcame all difficulties so too hidden within us is a very strong will, ratzon to fulfill our purpose of making out of our life a Mishkon for Hashem. This is the meaning of making here Eretz Yisroel. Eretz means the will (as in the saying; ‘Eretz Yisroel is the land that runs [ratzesa] to do the will of Hashem).

Sometimes we may think; will one thought, one word or one action change the entire world? There are billions of people on this earth and my ‘lone voice in the desert’ will make all the difference? We know that we are a nation of Kohanim and a holy nation. Everything that we do 24/7 with all that we have is done to serve Hashem in one way or another. Our unique role in this world as a nation of Kohanim makes all the difference and transforms the world into Eretz Yisroel wherever we are found.

But where do we get the vitality need to reveal this will? We get the vitality from “Toras Chayim”, from receiving the Torah at Sinai, in the desert, Bamidbar Sinai. Moshe Rabbenu first received the Torah and then he gave it to us, as the pasuk says; Torah tzivah lanu Moshe morasha kehilas Yaakov. Everyone one of us, man woman and child has received the entire Torah on all levels, pshat, remez, drush, sod etc, with all the teachings of the Tanaim, Amoraim and Geonim etc, as a personal inheritance.  By studying and connecting to Toras Chayim we have the vitality to make Eretz Yisroel here. Because we are a Nation of Kohanim we can make a Mishkon for Hashem in this world. This is who we are, and our ability is unlimited because it is connected to Hashem’s Torah.

The Rambam says that one thought, word or deed tips the scales of the entire word toward salvation. This teaches us the greatness and the power of every moment. We reveal the greatness of every moment because we are connected to Toras Chaim, the living Torah, then every moment, every day, every week, month and year is infused with true life. This is the power to overcome all challenges and be victorious in our mission to bring Moshiach now!

(Adapted from the Sicha of  the 23rd of Iyar 5742-1982)

Announcements - Behar-Bechukosai

  • Click here for this week's KYY newsletter and for All you need for KYY home Edition. 
  • 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!!
  • Ateres Avigail Blood Drive: This Sunday & next Sunday. Click here for more info.

Shabbos Schedule - Behar-Bechukosai

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:31 pm
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:18 am
  • After Mincha - Pirkei Avos Chapter 5
  • Shabbos Ends: 8:34 pm

MOTZEI SHABBOS:

  • 9:30pm Melava Malka online with Rabbi Raichik on Zoom - Meeting ID: 435 263 4589 Password: 770. Click here to Join

 Reminders:

  • On Shabbos, when we review the Parshios Behar & Bechkosai, we say chazzak chazzak, and both haftoras.
  • Erev Rosh chodesh is known as Yom Kippur Katan, when erev Rosh chodesh is shabbos (like this year) Yom Kippur Katan is on Thursday before Rosh Chodesh. Thus, on Thursday, we should add in Torah, Tefilah & Tzedoka. Some people also fast, we should instead give Tzedoka worth of two meals. May Hashem protect us and give a speedy recovery for all those who need it, and bring moshiach now!

Mazal Tov To - Behar-Bechukosai

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Nochum Pinson on the engagement of their granddaughter Itta Pinson (bas Reb Yisroel) to Dovid Rosenfeld.

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Zusha Lerman - 22 Iyar
  • Schneur Zalmen Berger - 22 Iyar
  • Rabbi Yoel Edelson - 22 Iyar
  • Rabbi Levi Raichik - 25 Iyar
  • Noson Kesselman - 29 Iyar

Upcoming Anniversaries

  • Mr. & Mrs. Meilach Weiss - 28 Iyar

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Reb Mordechai ben Reb Eliyahu (Rabbi Gershon Schusterman’s father) - 22 Iyar
  • Reb Yitzchok ben Reb Yaakov Shmuel (Rabbi Reuven Nathanson’s father) - 22 Iyar
  • Chana bas Reb Avrohom (Mrs. Neshe Grossman’s mother) - 25 Iyar
  • Reb Yissochor Dov ben Reb Yona (Rabbi Yonah Mordechai Weiss’s father) - 27 Iyar

Devar Torah - Behar-Bechukosai

One Good Thought, One Sincere Prayer and One Good Deed with Ahavas Yisroel can and will Sanitize the World for the Geula

By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

This week was Lag bOmer. On Lag bOmer the students of Rebbe Akiva stopped passing away.   According to Chazal the plague started  due to a lack of ahavas Yisroel, because of improper respect amongst the students of Rebbe Akiva. Rebbe Akiva was known to put great focus on the mitzvah of ahavas Yisroel.  Rebbe Akiva was the one who stated that ahavas Yisroel is a klal gadol-an essential axiom of the Torah. How is it possible that his students, the students of Rebbe Akiva would stumble specifically in this mitzvah?

The Rebbe explains that each one of the students of Rebbe Akiva were truthful and sincere and felt that they knew the true innermost way of Rebbe Akiva. Specifically because of each student's concern for their fellow student they felt compelled to share what they thought they didn’t know about Rebbe Akiva’s teachings. This is what led to disrespect. When they would converse with their fellow student they realized that he too felt precisely the same about their understanding. They  differed in their understanding because each person is unique and based on their unique perspective understood the message of Rebbe Akiva in a different way. Their inability to understand the unique but equally acceptable differences in approach is what brought about a lack of respect between them. Their passion to help  in their own way without properly understanding their fellow student’s different but equally legitimate way was what contributed to the downfall.

When the day of Lag bOmer  arrived they came to understand that everyone is right in their own way based on their own particular unique understanding, and that this itself is the true meaning of Rebbe Akiva’s ahavas Yisroel.  The day they reached this understanding  the plague stopped. 

The Rebbe spoke on the 28th of Nissan 5751-1991 that He has done all that He can to bring the Moshiach  and now it’s up to all of us to do everything possible to bring the Moshiach. The Rebbe said that each one of us should desire and push ourselves to do all that we can to bring about the coming of Moshiach.

A common response I hear from people about this is that if the Rebbe did all that is possible for the Rebbe, what difference could I possibly make to bring Moshiach? From others I hear, even if they are willing to try, that they do have no idea what exactly to do.

In a Sicha on Purim 5746-1986 the Rebbe  said; “Everyone should put in a hand to bring the Moshiach.” The Rebbe  was saying on both occasions, on the 28th of Nissan and on Purim,  that everyone is needed and necessary  in thought speech and deed, collectively, in order to bring the Moshiach. By adding something in Torah and good deeds we will break the quarantine of the galus and bring Moshiach.

May people question if we are worthy, in our times, to be redeemed from galus.

In a Sicha on the 7th of Marcheshvan 5746-1986 the Rebbe brought quotes from the Chidah and the Radak with regard to the connection between hoping and desiring the geula and dispelling plagues. 

The Chidah quotes the Yalkut Tehillim (Remez 736) that even if the Jewish people only have the hope for the Redemption they are fitting for the Redemption in the merit of that hope. 

The Chidah then quotes the bracha we say everyday in the Amidah: 

“The sprout of David Your servant, speedily cause to flourish and exalt his power with Your deliverance, Because for Your deliverance we hope all day.”

The Chidah then asks why the bracha says that because of our hope for Hashem’s deliverance that we will merit the coming of Moshiach. If we legitimately merit it then it will happen without the hope. If we don't merit, how will hoping help? But according to the wording of the bracha it's clear that in a time or place where we don't have merit nevertheless  the deliverance will flourish because of our hope. Because we have the hope for the coming of the Moshiach we are fitting for the Redemption.

Similarly we find a similar approach in the words of the Radak in Shmuel Beis (24:25)

The pasuk states: 

“And David built there an altar to Hashem and sacrificed burnt offerings and offerings of well-being. Hashem responded to the plea for the land, and the plague against Yisroel was checked.”

The Radak comments that Hashem accepted the prayers of those that dwelt in the land. The Radak then quotes Medrash Tehillim (17) in the name of R’ Shimon bar Yochai  that the thousands that fell in the days of David only fell because they did not plead for the Beis HaMikdash. R. Shimon goes on to say that if in those days when the Bais HaMikdash was not destroyed thousands fell because they didn't request it, all the more so in our days when it was destroyed. Is for that reason that the Zakeinim and Nevi'im planted within the mouths of the Jewish people to pray three times a day, everyday for the return of the Shechina and to Your Kingship to Tzion, and the order of Your service in Yerushalayim. The Radak ends by saying; Amen may it be Your will. 

With regard to our situation today during the corona pandemic we also need to broaden our horizon with regard to what we want for our future.  Without a doubt we  want our shuls  to reopen and that our communities and life in general should go back to normal. But that's not enough. We need to expand the horizon of our hopes and envision a much brighter future, a future of Geula. Now is the time to open up our hearts and our hopes. We need to put away our differences, even those about how to demand for Moshiach, and know that when we sincerely cry out in truth with ahavas Yisroel, in the merit of that hope,  as we say everyday in the Amidah, we are  fitting,  and Moshiach will come.

One good thought, one good prayer, one positive word to another and one good deed all with ahavas Yisroel can and will sanitize the world for the geula. 

 A Good Shabbos

Ateres Avigail Blood drive

20200507_170825.jpg AA Blood Drive5-01 (1).jpg

BDE Levaya today

Boruch Dayan Haemes

We regret to inform the community of the untimely passing of Menachem Mendel Gutnick, 
Menachem Mendel A'H Ben Harav Moshe Zalman Hakohen

Beloved son of 
Rabbi Moshe Gutnick
Mrs Sarah Gutnick

Brother to
Chaya Mushkah Reisner (Pittsburgh)
Rochel Gutnick (LA)
Mordechai Zev (Crown Heights)
Henya Bracha Chein (Crown Heights)
Shprintza Leah Gutnick (LA)

The levaya will be today 5/13 at 6:30 PM  at Mt Olive Cemetary 7231 Slauson Ave, Commerce CA

There will be a live hookup using this link https://youtu.be/Ed3br9GsBcg

Shiva info will be sent later

Pan Kloli

In honor of Lag Baomer we are sending a Pidyon Klali to the Ohel on behalf of the Anash of Los Angeles.

Our son Rav Moshe HaLevi Raichick is going to the Ohel and I personally asked him to be our shliach to present the Pidyon tomorrow on our behalf. 

Anyone who would like to join this Pidyon Klali should sign it by tonight for themselves and their families in time for him to bring it to the Ohel tomorrow.

Hashem should listen to our prayers. Anyone who needs a refuah should receive a refuah. Anyone who needs parnassa, especially because of the present situation should have parnassa. Hashem should open His hands and provide from His infinite treasures to everyone for whatever they need.

May we all be zoche to be in Yerushalayim in the Third Beis HaMikdash with Moshiach.

To sign the Pan - Click Below
https://forms.gle/MqqTm9LhYmpSwaMg8

Devar Torah - Emor

Pesach Sheni: Enough is Enough!

By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

This Friday is Pesach Sheni. What is the relevance of Pesach Sheni to all of us today in the midst of the Coronavirus?

What originally brought about the establishment of Pesach Sheni? A year after Yitzias Mitzrayim Hashem instructed the Jewish people to bring the Korban Pesach offering on the afternoon of the fourteenth of Nissan, and to eat it that evening, roasted over the fire, together with matzah and maror, as they had done the previous year just before they left Mitzrayim.

“There were, however, certain persons who had become ritually impure through contact with a dead body, and could not, therefore, prepare the Korban Pesach on that day. They approached Moshe and Aaron . . . and they said: ‘. . . Why should we be deprived, and not be able to present Hashem’s offering in its time, amongst the B’nei Yisroel?’” (Bamidbar 9:6-7)

In response to their plea, Hashem established the 14th of Iyar as a day for the “Second Pesach” (Pesach Sheni) for anyone who was unable to bring the offering on its appointed time in the previous month.

Because there was a commandment to celebrate Pesach in the Midbar and it required ritual purity, those that were not pure implored Moshe for an opportunity to fulfill the commandment. It is strictly because of their heartfelt request that we have the Yom Tov of Pesach Sheni and we don't say Tachanun on this day etc.

The Rebbe asks why they didn't begin their complaint to Moshe Rabbenu by first emphasising the obligation to bring the Korban Pesach  and then point out that they were impure. Based firstly on their obligation to bring the Korban Pesach they could then point out that they were impure and ask Moshe to help them fulfill the mitzvah. Why did they begin first with mentioning their impurity?

The Rebbe answers that there is a deeper meaning and a profound lesson to be learned from the parsha of Pesach Sheni.  The Korban Pesach is different from any other type of Korban. in general there are three types of korbonos. There is an individual korban which is upon an individual to bring when required for a thanksgiving, free will or a sin offering.  They do not have time restrictions. There are also communal Korbonos that are brought for the entire congregation at specific times. They are brought to the Bais HaMikdash only through appointed representatives Kohanim (accompanied by Leviim and Yisraelim (Anshe Maamad)) of the community that do it on behalf of the entire congregation.  There is one unique Korban, the Korban Pesach that is a combination of both types, individual and communal. Hashem commanded that every individual to bring it in a specific time together like a communal sacrifice together with all the Jewish people.

Therefore the Korban Pesach is an individual korban incumbent upon every Jew to bring individually.  At the same time it's also a communal offering that the entire Jewish people bring at the same specific time.

Now we can understand the heartfelt request of all of the Jews who were impure to Moshe Rabbenu. The meaning of their question was that Hashem established an order of the world in such a fashion that amongst the billions of people alive that it's not possible that occasionally someone should not pass away G-d forbid, in particular when were speaking about an entire nation.  Just as each and every day there are new Jewish people born so too it's not possible that there will not be the opposite in the days of preparation before Pesach. Therefore there is an inherent contradiction between the way that Hashem fashion the world requiring people to become impure to fulfill the mitzvah of burial and the mitzvah of Korban Pesach which requires ritual purity.  Both are necessary according to the Torah.

Because of this  inherent contradiction Hashem  recognized their complaint and answered that they will be allowed to fulfill the mitzvah of Korban Pesach. For this reason the Yom Tov  of Pesach Sheni was created.

There's a deep lesson for all of us. Many ask that on one hand Hashem desires that the Jewish people to be a holy nation separate with a different way of life than the rest of the world. The Jewish people keep the Shabbos, eat kosher and do the mitzvahs as commanded. On the other hand Hashem put the Jewish people in a situation that requires them to dedicate many hours to worldly activities that take away from learning Torah. It takes away hours from mothers to be dedicated to education that's fitting for their children because of their responsibilities. It seems to compromise their ability to build true Jewish homes instilled with the values of the Torah and mitzvos.

Although a Jew is in the physical world that Hashem created, Hashem desired that he should act according to the Torah which is higher than the world.

This is the lesson from the answer that Hashem gave with regard to Pesach Sheni. Even if it appears  that to be in the world and to fulfill the Torah and do mitzvos well at the same time is something great and difficult;  especially when we speak about a mitzvah that comes only once a year it depends entirely on one’s desire. When something happens that makes it impossible and an inherent contradiction to both live in the world and do the mitzvah and it seems like a lost cause, we need to know that it is not a lost cause. Each one of us needs to know that if we really want in truth to fulfill the Torah and do the mitzvos and we cry out and complain about it to Hashem, Hashem will create the opportunity that he can do it and nothing will be lost.

Even if an entire new Yom Tov of Pesach Sheni needs to be created to afford that opportunity, Hashem will do it for those who truly desire to do the right thing.

The lesson of Pesach Sheni  is there for each one of us when it seems like it's impossible to be dedicated to the proper education of our children or to live  the life of a Jewish family as we know it should be lived. Maybe we feel that we can't learn the Torah the way it really should be learnt and therefore  our lives feel like an inherent contradiction because it doesn’t fit with what this world demands of us and of our time. We need to realize that it's only our imagination. We only need to arouse our will desire and  strong decision that this is what we truly want. Each one of us can and should say to ourselves that it's not impossible and that I, whether a man, a woman, elderly or young, should be among the Jewish people to fulfill Hashem's commands. We will then see that Hashem will give us the opportunity we desire each person in their particular way to accomplish.

There are those that ask why didn't Hashem create Pesach Sheni in the first place since Hashem already knew that there would be people that would become impure.  The same question could be asked that since Hashem knows that learning Torah and doing mitzvos within the world and living the way we should would be difficult why didn't He create the world in such a way that it would be easier.

To this the answer of Pesach Sheni teaches us that as long as it doesn't bother the Jew that he can't fulfill the Mitzvah there is no opportunity. It's only when he arouses an inner will and cries out, “Why should we be deprived?”; it is then that Hashem provides Pesach Sheni a new opportunity for a mitzvah is opened up to overcome those difficulties of the world. He is blessed in worldly matters and together with this is able to fulfill Hashem's will. Hashem wants that the Torah and mitzvos should be precious in the eyes of every Jew.  The trials and the tribulations bring out and prove how precious it is to each and everyone of us to fulfill Hashem's will through fulfilling the Torah and mitzvos.

This same challenge applies to the time we find ourselves in the midst of the coronavirus. On one hand we need to take precautions for ourselves, our families and in our communities because it's a  matter of pikuach nefesh. At the same time there are mitzvos that we are not able to do during the time of quarantine such as davening in a minyan, answering Kaddish and Barachu and hearing Krias HaTorah etc. When they are so precious to us and we call out “Why should we be deprived?” we cry out “Hashem you created the corona virus. You also require us to daven in a minyon etc. Why should we be deprived?! End this pandemic and bring Moshiach now”. When we truly desire the opportunity to fulfill these mitzvos surely Hashem will provide  whatever it takes so that that with good health and well-being we will all be able to break through the quarantine as well as the entire galus, and return to live the way Hashem desires with the coming of Moshiach now.

A Good Shabbos

(Adapted from a Sicha delivered on the 14th of Iyar, Pesach Sheni 5725-1965)

Announcements - Emor

  • Click here for this week's KYY newsletter and for All you need for KYY home Edition. 
  • 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!!
  • PSA: The shul board is discussing opening the shul as soon as possible. We are speaking with Doctors, experts and Rabbonim and will continue to keep everyone informed.  In the meantime, continue davening at home and remember to say extra tehillim. 

Lag Baomer

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Shabbos Schedule - Emor

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:25 pm
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:21 am
  • After Mincha - Pirkei Avos Chapter 4
  • Shabbos Ends: 8:28 pm

MOTZEI SHABBOS:

  • 9:30pm Melava Malka online with Rabbi Raichik on Zoom - Meeting ID: 435 263 4589 Password: 770. Click here to Join

Mazal Tov To - Emor

Upcoming Birthdays
  • Moshe Arnold - 15 Iyar
  • Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz - 16 Iyar
  • Mr. Aleksandr Ganzburg - 16 Iyar
  • Rabbi Dovi Gorelik - 19 Iyar
  • Mendel Raichik - 19 Iyar
  • Yaakov Moshe Sroka - 19 Iyar
  • Menachem Moshe Cherman - 20 Iyar
  • Elimelech Moshe Allison - 21 Iyar

Upcoming Anniversaries

  • Mr. & Mrs. Aleksandr Ganzburg - 18 Iyar
  • Mr. & Mrs. Michael Zaghi - 18 Iyar
  • Mr. & Mrs. Ari Kaufman - 18 Iyar
  • Mr. & Mrs. Yirmiyahu Andrusier - 18 Iyar
  • Mr. & Mrs. Meilach Weiss - 28 Iyar

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Reb Daniel ben Reb Nochum (Mr. Efraim Lezak’s father) - 15 Iyar
  • Reb Yihya Amram ben Reb Nissim (Rabbi Shalom Elharrar’s father) - 15 Iyar
  • Reb Ozzie ben Reb Zev (Mrs. Julie Glabman’s father) - 16 Iyar
  • Chana bas Reb Moshe (Rabbi Shalom Elharrar’s mother) - 16 Iyar
  • Reb Shmuel ben Reb Kurt (Mr. Elozor Plotke’s father) - 16 Iyar
  • Reb Moshe Bunim ben Reb Shlomo (Mrs. Chana Arnold’s father) - 17 Iyar
  • Reb Moshe ben Reb Shmuel (Rabbi Boruch Braude’s father) - 17 Iyar
  • Shosha Vita bas Reb Yitzchok Aryeh (Mrs. Etty Bastomski’s mother) - 18 Iyar
  • Etel bas Reb Gershon (Mrs. Roberta Solomon’s mother) - 19 Iyar

Benarroch Shiva

Mr. Shimon Benarroch
is sitting shiva until Wednesday
on the passing of his sister, Esther Bas Avraham OB”M

Phone: 323-687-4847

 Hamakom Yenachem Eschem B'soch Sheor Avalei Tzion V'yerushalayim. 
Vehukeetzu Veranenu Shochnay Ufur vehe besochom! 

Announcements - Acharei Mos - Kedoshim

  • Click here for this week's KYY newsletter and for All you need for KYY home Edition. 
  • 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 - Acharei Mos - Kedoshim

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:20 pm
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:24 am
  • After Mincha - Pirkei Avos Chapter 3
  • Shabbos Ends: 8:23 pm - Remember to say Kiddush Levana

MOTZEI SHABBOS:

  • 9:30pm Melava Malka online with Rabbi Raichik on Zoom - Meeting ID: 435 263 4589 Password: 770. Click here to Join

Mazal Tov To - Acharei Mos - Kedoshim

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yossi Eilfort on the birth of their daughter.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Dovid Hoch on the birth of their daughter. Mazal tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Goldman. 
  • Dr. & Mrs. Zeev Rav-Noy on the birth of their grandson (to Rabbi & Mrs. Muchnik.)

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Avrohom Menachem Arnold - 8 Iyar
  • Mr. Avrohom Plotkin - 8 Iyar
  • Mr. Dovid Kagan - 9 Iyar
  • Sholom Dovber Berkowitz - 9 Iyar
  • Shmuel Dovid Yehoshua Perl - 11 Iyar
  • Mr. Yitzchok Michael - 11 Iyar
  • Chaim Dovid Sroka - 12 Iyar
  • Menachem Mendel Plotke - 14 Iyar

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Shaindel bas Reb Moshe Yitzchok (Mrs. Mindy Sroka’s mother) - 8 Iyar
  • Reb Baruch ben Reb Yehudah Mordechai (Dr. Ze'ev Rav-Noy’s brother) - 8 Iyar
  • Rivka bas Reb Yisroel Noach (Mrs. Chana Leeba Raichik’s mother) - 9 Iyar
  • Reb Ber ben Reb Isroel (Mr. Mottel Polityko’s grandfather) - 11 Iyar
  • Reb Sender Elya Ha Kohain ben Reb Avram Yosef (Mrs. Sarah Horwitz’s father) - 13 Iyar
  • Reb Zeida Moshe ben Reb Alter Asher Anchel (Rabbi Sholem Perl’s father) - 14 Iyar
  • Tzipora bas Reb Moshe (Mr. Martin Leaderman’s mother) - 14 Iyar
  • Reb Tzvi Hersh ben Reb Shmuel (Mr. Isser Goldstein’s father) - 14 Iyar
  • Chaya Mushka bas yblct”a Reb Menachem Mendel (Rabbi Mendy Spalter’s daughter) - 14 Iyar

Devar Torah - Acharei Mos - Kedoshim

We are all Schneersonites 
By Rabbi Raichik

The world now in quarantine for more than six weeks! No one would have ever imagined that this can happen!! But it did, and almost in the blink of an eye. How? Because of a few people in China, the virus spread like wildfire.

As discussed many times in the name of the Baal Shem Tov, everything we see or hear is a lesson in service of hashem. One of the things we can learn is how Moshiach is going to come, and how every action speech and thought of one person can change the world. 

Last week the 28th of Nissan, Koach Nissan, the day the Rebbe said; “I have done all that I can to bring Moshiach and now it is up to you”.

Many try to picture Moshiach’s coming, a changed world in the blink of an eye. The Haftorah for Acharon shel Pesach describes the times of Moshiach and gives us a picture of what the times of Moshiach will be. The beginning of the Haftorah relates to the reign of King Chizkiyahu in the times of the first Beis HaMikdash. The King of Ashur, Sancheriv amassed a giant army encircling the city of Yerushalayim. Many felt the only way out of their predicament was to make peace with Sancheriv by hand over control of the Beis HaMikdash and then to live under his rule as a vassal state. King Chizkiyahu refused to capitulate under any circumstances and instead went into the Beis HaMikdash and prayed to Hashem. He said that we have no ability to fight back such a large force. Nevertheless after placing his emunah and his trust in Hashem he went on to sleep a serine and restful night of sleep with complete trust in Hashem. That night Sancheriv’s entire army miraculously died. That’s real and lasting instantaneous change! Even though this story occurred on the first night of Pesach we read it on the last day because Hashem wanted to make Chizkiyahu Moshiach. The war with Sancheriv as described was supposed to have been the war of Gog and Magog. Acharon shel Pesach is connected with Moshiach as is known.

Things can change from one extreme to another in one moment! Without emunah we are nowhere.  With emunah and bitachon we see can see a completely different picture, a good outcome in one moment.

When the Rambam says that we should see the entire world as balanced between good and evil and with one act, with one mitzvah we have the power to tip the scale to the good of the entire world some cringe their noses. What me? C’mon, saying one chapter of Tehillim or putting Tefillin on one time with a person will do all that? This world is in serious trouble, look in the news, isn’t it a dream to think that we have the power to evoke such great change? The Rebbe answers that every mitzvah is everlasting and always present, it can never be taken away. This is not true for negative things, through teshuva and the pains of galus they are washed away. If we stop perceiving this world with galus colored glasses and instead switch to the Rebbe’s view that all good is with us and the bad and the galus is washed away (batul b’rov) then the next thing we do tips the scales for the good and for the geula.

We need however to be stubborn to be successful. Just as Nachshon ben Aminadav and Chizkiyahu was stubborn so too we need to be stubborn. This is the take way lesson of Pesach; learn (Torah), give (Tzedaka), do (Mitzvos and Mivtzoyim) live (Moshiach), and the next moment Moshiach arrives.

In Toronto there is a person by the name of Rappaport. He grew up in Russia with his grandparents because his parents were being held in jail in Russia. After 10 years, the father, R. Michel came out of prison and told his story of interrogation in prison. The interrogator said; “You are a Shneersonite; the proof is that you have a Chabad Siddur.” R. Michel responded; “That’s not a proof, I received that siddur as a present at my Bar Mitzvah”. The interrogator continued; “You are a Shneersonite, a Chabad Rabbi officiated at your wedding.” R. Michel answered; “What kind of proof is that, he was the local available Rabbi.” Finally R. Michel said; “Look, if you have real proof then charge me, if you have no proof then let me go.” The interrogator responded; “My father once said that if you find a Rabbi in Leningrad, sentence him to Siberia for two years and you will deprogram him without a problem. If you find a Shneersonite then there’s no way to deprogram him. If you send him to Siberia he’ll open a Yeshiva. The only answer for him is to sent him out to the woods with three soldiers (to be shot).” The interrogator then walked out of the room.

We are all Schneersonites. We don’t give in to the galus. There’s nothing to stop us, we can go forward and bring Moshiach Now.

A Good Shabbos

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