Volume 22 Number 3 | Tishrei 21, 5781 | October 9, 2020

Living with the Times

By: Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort

Simchat Torah

Does this Holiday have Soul (or is that sole) or What?!

It is time to dig deep into those closets and pull out those old dancing shoes! Simchat Torah is upon us! This holiday epitomizes and serves as the climactic conclusion to the Sukkot Holiday, known as the Time of Our Joy. We celebrate this great festival with much fanfare and gaiety.

We remove all of the Torahs from the Holy Ark and proceed to dance around the bimah while singing joyous Jewish melodies. In many congregations the children are featured and treated to special Simchat Torah flags to be waved amidst the celebration. This is one of the few times during the course of the year that we go out of our way to say at least a couple of L’Chaims, and giddily imbibe (while remaining completely responsible in our actions).

Of course the previous paragraph describes a ‘regular’ Simchat Torah, but this year is certainly not typical. Therefore, we will have to follow the protocols established by the governmental agencies as well as Rabbinic authorities. For those of us going to in-person services there is no doubt that this year’s festivities will be quite different from anything we have previously experienced.

Simchat Torah represents the very best of Jewish values. Normally, we specifically dance in a circle, for when dancing in this fashion every person takes the place previously occupied by his friend. This emphasizes that all of us come from the same Source, and that every person is essential to G-d’s plan. Intriguingly, we dance with our Torahs while they are still covered and wrapped. This shows that the happiness transcends our learning and understanding of the Torah.

What is the cause of this grand merriment?

On Simchat Torah we complete the yearly reading of the Torah and immediately begin it again. It is this cycle that has perpetuated the Jewish people for well over 3,000 years. The Torah represents G-d’s will and wisdom; His desire for the conduct of His creation. It is therefore the ultimate gift. It was the Jewish people that were entrusted with this priceless treasure.

Everyone who is part of the Minyan is called to the Torah on this auspicious day showing that we all have a portion of the Torah. It is merely up to us to claim that portion. The children are also called up, for they served as the guarantors that the Torah would always be studied and observed by the Jewish people.

If Simchat Torah is all about the Torah why do we celebrate now instead of on the Holiday of Shavuot, which is the anniversary of when we received it? The Rabbis explain that it takes time to appreciate the grandeur and vastness of G-d’s Law, and therefore the Torah is celebrated a few months after it was given.

Of all of the Jewish Holidays Sukkot is by far the most universal in nature. In the times of the Holy Temple special sacrifices were brought for all of the nations of the world. However, specifically on Shmini Atzeret / Simchat Torah special sacrifices were brought for the Children of Israel. It is analogous to a king who threw a vast party for all of his subjects. Finally, after a week-long event he invited only his closest and most beloved friend to remain with him for one more day of festivities.

Simchat Torah is that one last day of merrymaking for the Almighty and His precious Jewish children. Simchat Torah is the day when we revel in G-dliness and concurrently, He revels in us. The joy is boundless! The energy is endless! The time is now!

Every Jew must endeavor to celebrate Simchat Torah. Wherever one goes, or if going nowhere at all, it is a time of limitless joy and thanksgiving celebrating our unbreakable relationship with G-d! This year we will have to internally generate the boundless joy of the holiday. That is certainly a taller order than previous years, but it demonstrates that we have greater potential than we previously realized.

Wishing everyone an uplifting, joyous, and HEALTHY Shabbos and Chag Same’ach!

Shimini Atzeret / Simchat Torah Haftorahs by Chabad.org

Day One:  I Kings 8:54-66.

The setting for the haftorah for the holiday of Shemini Atzeret is the dedication of the first Holy Temple by King Solomon. The dedication was a seven-day festive affair, which was immediately followed by the seven festive days of the holiday of Sukkot. And then, as we read in this haftorah, on the "eighth day" (i.e., Shemini Atzeret), Solomon sent the people off to their homes.

The reading opens immediately after King Solomon concludes a lengthy public prayer to G‑d. He then blesses the assembled Jewish people and encourages them to follow G‑d's will and observe the commandments—it is this blessing that occupies the bulk of the reading.

The King then inaugurates the Holy Temple by bringing various offerings: peace offerings, burnt offerings, and meal and fat offerings. And then, "on the eighth day he dismissed the people, and they blessed the King and went to their homes, rejoicing and delighted of heart for all the goodness that G‑d had wrought for David His servant and for Israel His people."

Day Two:  Joshua 1:1-18.

This week's Haftorah describes Joshua's succession of his master Moses, whose passing is discussed in the Torah reading.

G‑d reveals Himself to Joshua, and appoints him as Moses' successor. G‑d encouraged Joshua to lead the Israelites in to the Holy Land. "Every place on which the soles of your feet will tread I have given to you, as I have spoken to Moses. From this desert and Lebanon to the great river, the Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the great sea westward shall be your boundary." G‑d assures Joshua that He will be with him just as He was with Moses and encourages him to be strong and brave, to study the Torah constantly and keep it close, so that he may succeed in all his endeavors.

Joshua orders his officers to prepare the Jewish people to cross the Jordan River. He then tells the members of the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh, who had chosen to settle on the eastern bank of the Jordan, to go and assist their brethren in the conquest of the Canaanite mainland, after which they would return to their plot of land. The Jewish people pledge their allegiance to Joshua: "Just as we obeyed Moses in everything, so shall we obey you. Only that the L-rd your G‑d be with you as He was with Moses."

 

NEW TIME - Weekly Sermon Friday @ 3pm on Facebook Live

Join Rabbi Eilfort this afternoon at 3pm as he gives his weekly sermon as a Facebook Live event. If you have not already done so, please send Rabbi Eilfort (Yeruchem Eilfort) a Friend Request on Facebook!

Shabbat & Shmini Atzeret / Simchat Torah Services are Inside OR Outside! It is YOUR Choice!

We continue to offer services indoors with available seating in the Breezeway, which is consistent with all governmental, rabbinic, and Chabad standards. Actually, we are exceeding many of the protocols so as to make the environment safe.

Please note that we have invested heavily so as to be able to open up safely and comfortably.

Below please find our safety rules:

Masks must be worn at all times while on campus other than when eating (masks available).

Hands must be washed with soap or sanitized upon entry and should be regularly while here.

Social distancing must be maintained at all times. No exceptions and no physical contact.

If you have been exposed to anyone with the virus within the last 14 days, those with symptoms, or those whose doctors advise them not to participate, should not, under any circumstances, come to shul. But rather should pray at home.

If you plan on joining us on Shabbos or Sunday please let us know by responding to this message.

Happy Holidays!

It is Shmini Atzeret / Simchat Torah – “The Time of Our Joy!”

The holiday of Sukkot leads directly into the holiday of Shmini Atzeret / Simchat Torah. If Sukkot is known for being joyful this coming holiday is ‘happiness on steroids’!

This year will be different than any previous year in how we celebrate. Numerous competent authorities have been contacted so as to ascertain how to be best celebrate SAFELY.

We WILL be offering Hakafot (Dancing with the Torahs) – see schedule below. However, we will be assigning one person to hold each Torah throughout the event. The Torahs will not be passed around. They will not be kissed. Also, the dancing will look quite different, as the person holding the Torah will circle and the congregation will dance in their own place (clapping hands and stomping feet etc.).

We WILL be offering a holiday banquet, but it will not be a buffet. Instead individual portions will be wrapped and be made available for those who desire to eat.

Our most sincere THANK YOU goes out to Elias and Rachel Perez for their tremendous generosity in sponsoring this yearly event!

With regret we must announce that Le’Chaims will NOT be pro-actively served.

All of this means that WE will have to internally generate the Simcha/happiness! We KNOW that we can do it!

Please remember if you do not feel comfortable/safe or your doctor recommends that you should not come – DON’T! Instead, celebrate at the same time as us from your own home.

 

Special ‘Different’ Shmini Atzeret / Simchat Torah Services this Year

Hoshana Rabbah

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Friday, Oct. 9 2020

Morning Services: 9:00 am – 11 am

 

SHEMINI ATZERET & SIMCHAT TORAH

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Friday, Oct. 9, 2020

Light Candles at 6:04 pm

Evening Services: 6:00 pm

Followed by Kiddush & Hakafot

 

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020

Morning Services: 10:00 am

Yizkor Memorial Service: 12:00 pm

Evening Services: 7:00 pm

Followed by Kiddush, Hakafot & Banquet

Light Candles* after 6:58 pm

 

Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020

Morning Services: 10:00 am

Followed by Kiddush & Hakafot

Holiday Ends at 6:57 pm

Working Car (still) Needed

We are currently seeking a car in good mechanical condition. If you, or someone you know, has a car that you can donate please respond to this message. This request is time sensitive. Thank you in advance!

Seeking Room to Rent

Single female seeking a room to rent. Please contact Rabbi with leads.

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER - Tuition Free Hebrew School

Due to the economic hardships created by the pandemic we will be offering Tuition Free Hebrew School this year. Families are struggling to make ends meet, but we cannot allow the children to suffer. We are offering two options – In-person learning (outdoor and indoor classes, socially distant, masks on), and virtual learning. Please respond to this message for further information. We are the only synagogue in the county making such an offer! Morah Chaya has worked diligently to create an amazing curriculum that will educate and inspire our students. Our teachers will always offer lots of positive reinforcement to the students so that they will not only learn, but they will ENJOY the EXPERIENCE! Please get back to us and let your friends know.

Pay-What-You-Can-Membership

We want the membership experience to be positive. We want you to feel GOOD about giving. Yes, we have suggested donations, but you should give what you feel you can afford. If you cannot comfortably give the suggested amount THAT IS OK. If you can give more than the suggested amount, THANK YOU, IT IS APPRECIATED! We  love and appreciate your participation, and that is that. Please fill out our Membership form online by logging onto: www.ChabadatLaCosta.com/Membership. 

Calendar Delayed – Our Apologies!

We are sorry that we are running very late in getting out our Jewish Art Calendar this year. To make a long story short the pandemic has made planning the year exceedingly difficult, which has impacted our timing. They have been mailed out and you should receive them shortly. The bulk boxes should also arrive this week if you would like to pick up an extra calendar. THANK YOU for your understanding and patience. 

Jewish Family Services Food Drive – Let’s Help!

Jewish Family Services is trying to collect food for their annual Food Drive. Their goal is to be able to collect at least 30,000 pounds of food, 15,000 pounds of which they have already collected. Those who would like to participate please respond to this message. It would be very nice if our community can pitch in with this worthy goal!

No Chicken Soup & Challah this Week

We are extraordinarily proud of the fact that we have provided chicken soup and challah from the beginning of the pandemic. During this time we have distributed thousands of challahs and servings of soup, at no cost, to our community and those in need. We have been able to do this due to the generosity of our sponsors (best in the world!) and our outstanding volunteers. Let’s face it; we are blessed to have such a beautiful community!

Sorry, but no Chicken Soup and Challah THIS Week

Those who live near Chabad at La Costa are welcome to let us know if you want some delicious Challah and/or Chicken Soup delivered to you on Friday to help you celebrate Shabbat in the most delicious way possible.

Please note that all food is prepared and delivered using recommended safeguards.

Sponsors Appreciated (And Needed)

These are extraordinary times. Many people are reaching out for help and, Baruch Hashem / thank G-d, we are HERE to help! ‘We’ means YOU and US, TOGETHER. It is an amazing partnership that we have!

We are extremely grateful to those who have reached out to help fund us, enabling us to serve others.

We would like to specifically acknowledge at this time:

Channah Hale for her generous sponsorship of the Challahs. Channah has been absolutely phenomenal in her generous sponsorships! We thank her for her kindness and love. This week Channah has sponsored in memory of David Glovsky and Doris Bornstein, may their memories be for a blessing!  

We are seeking additional sponsors for the following dedications:

Next week’s Loaves of Love.

Next week’s Chicken soup.

Next week’s Torah classes.

Note About Sponsorships

You may have noticed that we seek multiple sponsors for the Challah, Soup, and Torah classes. We do this because we need to find ways to cover our budgetary shortfall that has been caused by the coronavirus. The donations coming to the shul have been dramatically reduced. We greatly appreciate those of you who are still supporting us! G-d bless you! We greatly appreciate your understanding as we seek ways of propping up the income necessary to keep things afloat. Your ideas about additional income streams are likewise greatly appreciated!

Ways to Give

We would be nowhere without the generous support of our community. Please know that your support is profoundly appreciated!

There are many ways to donate besides for checks and cash. Following please find a list of the various other ‘platforms’ that are available for secure donations that go directly and entirely into the synagogue account.

1. PayPal   [email protected]  or PayPal.me/Neilfort

2. Venmo @Nechama-Eilfort

3. Cashapp $nechamae

4. Zelle (Bank of America)  [email protected]

5. Personal credit card   chabadatlacosta.com/donate

Easy Fundraising Opportunity

First, let us take this opportunity to thank all of those who have had  Facebook Birthday Fundraisers for Chabad at La Costa! I cannot tell you how much Nechama & I appreciate it! The money we have received through these fundraisers has helped our shul continue with programming, delivering soup and challah as well as other activities. 

Do you have a birthday coming up? We would be honored if you would consider making our shul the recipient of your birthday fundraiser.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to celebrate your birthday and do a wonderful Mitzvah at the same time? Thank you for your consideration and Happy Birthday!  

NEW TIME - Weekly Sermon Friday @ 3pm on Facebook Live

Join Rabbi Eilfort this afternoon at 3pm as he gives his weekly sermon as a Facebook Live event. If you have not already done so, please send Rabbi Eilfort (Yeruchem Eilfort) a Friend Request on Facebook!

Havdala Live with Rabbi Yossi (Sunday this week.)

Join Rabbi Yossi Rodal on Facebook Live on Sunday night at 7:30pm for a meaningful Havdalah service. Following Havdalah Rabbi Yossi will share an uplifting Chasidic story as is traditional on Saturday night.

Daily & Weekly Classes

Join us, at no cost, on Facebook Live (must friend request Yeruchem Eilfort if you are not already my friend) and be a member of the Chabad at La Costa Facebook page for ongoing classes in Chasidic Philosophy, Caffeine for the Soul, Torah Portion of the Week, Positivity Bias, Holiday Overviews, and much more. Torah study is THE way to keep the soul charged! 

 

 

OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES are extended to the families of the victims of the coronavirus! We pray for the day when the Almighty will remove death and suffering from humanity. May it come speedily in our day!

SPEEDY RECOVERY wishes are extended to all of those who are suffering from the coronavirus. May you be granted a complete and speedy recovery! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes go out to Yossi Rodal, Bailey Belfer, Barry Infeld, MD Eilfort, John Amrein, and all of those celebrating their birthdays this week!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY wishes go out to all of those celebrating their anniversaries this week!

WE REMEMBER the Dr. Bernard David Perlow, Rose Weill, Dr. Ira Charles Levine, Rudolph Max Falkenstein, Art Markovits, Albert Walden, David Glovsky, Esther Krystal Reisman, and all of those whose Yarzeit is observed this week.

May Channah Hale, Sheila Lebovitz, Camille Stern, Adam Lemberger, Sandy Radom and Roz Mintz be blessed with a speedy and complete recovery!

We have an ever-expanding menu of online learning opportunities for everyone. Below please find an overview of our current classes and a schedule of when you can join in on Facebook Live. If you miss the live class you can watch the recorded version, either on Facebook or on YouTube (our channel is called the Chabad Virtual Academy).

If you cannot get the classes online please email us at  [email protected] and we will work out a different arrangement.

Rabbi Eilfort Published Weekly by the San Diego Jewish World

Our own Rabbi Eilfort is submitting weekly columns on the Torah Portion of the Week and other subjects, which are published by the San Diego Jewish World ( www.SDJewishWorld.com).

Rabbi Eilfort always enjoy hearing feedback about his articles, so please don’t be shy!

Please check the shul’s Facebook page for information on live broadcasts.  

https://www.facebook.com/ChabadatLaCosta

Belonging to a Jewish Community is not only gratifying and fulfilling it is also extremely important, for within the community one finds a place to connect with G-d and one’s soul, a place of learning and spiritual enrichment, a great source of friends, a place to bestow one’s Jewish legacy upon his or her child/ren, and so much more. Check out   www.ChabadatLaCosta.com to learn more. 

The beauty of OUR Jewish Community is that we offer so many different options that everyone is sure to find something enriching and meaningful. Below please find a partial list of some of our current offerings. If you have never come by before pick an item or two and try it out. If you have already tried an item or two find another one that sounds interesting and give it a whirl. “Connection” – that is the name of the game and that is precisely what you will find here! 

*Daily Minyan   *Shabbat Services   *Weekly Kiddush Luncheon   *Mysticism Classes   *Torah Portion Class   *Hebrew School   *Bar/Bat Mitzvah Training   *Mommy and Me   *Family Friday Night Services and Dinner   *Women’s Group   *Youth Activities   *Pastoral Counseling   *Holiday Programming   *Community Meals   *Hospital Visitation   *Weekly Email Updates   *Hospital Visitation   *Mezuzah Campaign   *Jewish Heritage Workshops   *Jewish Learning Institute Affiliate *www.JewishEncinitas.com *Chabad of Carlsbad N

 

Need a Minyan?

If you need a Minyan to say Kaddish please give the office at least a few days’ notice. We are happy to provide this important service, but it takes time to arrange enough participants to assure the quorum is present. Please email  [email protected] your request.

Shabbat Services with Meaning & Joy

Every Saturday we get together to celebrate the holy Shabbat in song and prayer. Our services are both traditional and user-friendly, as we fully recognize that not everyone has experience ‘Davening’ (praying) in a traditional setting. What those who have joined have found is that the atmosphere in our synagogue is conducive to meaningful meditation. A knowledge of Hebrew is not necessary to participate. In fact, the only thing that is needed is the desire to learn and to connect to the Almighty. It is an enriching experience not to be missed! Shabbat services begin at 10am and conclude at approximately 12:30pm and are followed by a wonderful community lunch. There is no cost to attend and reservations are not needed.

Hebrew School & C-Kids

Give your children the Jewish education that they deserve! Our Sunday Hebrew School offers lots of hands-on activities and positive reinforcement. Students learn Hebrew language skills, Jewish living and observance, Jewish history, and so much more! We include arts & crafts, field trips, and holiday programming to make their experience even more enjoyable. Your child will have fun as he or she gains an appreciation for the ‘why’s and ‘how’s of Judaism. Currently Distance Learning with Zoom! Our students want to be here!

Please contact our Hebrew School Director, Morah Chaya Eilfort for info at   [email protected].

Omni La Costa Resort Welcomes Chabad at La Costa Guests

We are pleased that our world-famous neighbor, the Omni La Costa Resort, has extended a special program offering all sorts of perks to those who book using the ‘Chabad’ code when booking. The special terms include the lowest room rate available, a reduced resort fee of $15.00 (normally $28.00) and complimentary self-parking (savings of $18.00 per car per day).  The resort’s deposit requirement is waived for Chabad guests as well as the three-day cancellation policy.  Chadad guests may cancel until 6pm on the day of arrival to avoid a charge of one night’s room and tax.

To book your room at the special Chabad rate, call toll-free 800-854-5000 or book online at   http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa/meetings/chabad.  Or you can find more information or book through our website:   www.ChabadatLaCosta.com. Follow the link for Visitor Information.

More than 500 people use the Chabad code each year ! Many people have expressed gratitude at having such world-class facilities in such close and convenient proximity to our Shul, and the joy at being to stay at the Omni and walk to Chabad for Shabbat services.

 

Create Your Jewish Legacy Plan for the Future - NOW

We have been blessed with life! Yet, we know that no one lives forever. This begs the question, “What will  your legacy be?” Most of us have children, and they certainly should figure prominently into our plans. But our children are only a part of what we leave behind. Just as we endeavor to give Tzedakah generously, so as to selflessly make the world a better place while we are alive, so too we need to make sure that we leave a percentage of our estates for the benefit of others. Judaism tells us that it is incumbent upon us to leave the world better than when we found it. We do this by giving Tzedakah.

We can help.

Many people do not prepare appropriately for the inevitable. They do not leave a will, or even if they do it is not consistent with Jewish Law. If one wants his body to be handled with the respect and care mandated by Jewish Law or if one wants the funeral service conducted according to Jewish Law, it must be arranged in advance. Don’t leave these critical details to luck!

Contact Rabbi Eilfort for a private appointment so these important matters can be handled how you want. Send a personal email to   [email protected] to schedule an appointment today. Click here for a Declaration of Intent and more information.

 

Memorial Plaques & Tree of Life Plaques Available

Our beautiful Memorial Boards have been installed. We specifically designed our custom-built bookcases to ‘frame’ each of the boards. The first Memorial Board was dedicated by the Brunelle Family, the second Board was dedicated by the Alter Family, and the new Board has been dedicated by Miriam Reisman in memory of her husband, Harold.

We are currently offering Memorial Plaques to those who wish to perpetually honor the memory of a loved one in a most dignified and permanent manner. Those who dedicate Memorial Plaques will also receive yearly reminders of the Yarzeit and the light on the Board will be illuminated each year on the Yarzeit.

We also have a gorgeous Tree of Life dedicated by the Lieberman Family that has been ‘growing’. The purpose of the plaques on the Tree of Life is to commemorate joyous occasions (like Bar/Bat Mitzvah, anniversaries, special birthdays, weddings etc.).

The donation is only $500 per plaque for the Memorial Board or $180 for the Tree of Life. Those who wish to participate should send an email to   [email protected], or call Rabbi Eilfort at 760-943-8891.

Shul Etiquette

Those who join us regularly for Shabbat services will agree that we have something very special going. The family-friendly atmosphere is unique and most inviting. We welcome everyone as though he/she is a long time member of the family.

At the same time it is important to remember that we are a synagogue. Our sanctuary is meant to be a place where it is conducive to finding inner peace and tranquility. That is why the Rabbis have many laws concerning the decorum of a shul.

It is appropriate to dress modestly and to dress somewhat formally in shul. Men should wear button down shirts, slacks (no jeans or shorts), with jackets and even ties when possible. Of course the head is to be kept covered at all times. Women should wear skirts that go past the knees and blouses with high neck lines and sleeves that cover the elbows. Married women should wear hats and the like.

Children must be supervised at all times by the parents except during Junior Congregation (11:30am). While we want the children to have a great time together it is also important that they do not become so wild and/or boisterous that they disturb those of us who are participating in the services.

We must remember that we should walk to shul and never park in the parking lot if there already eight cars parked. Finally, and we fully realize this goes against Jewish DNA, it is appropriate to come to shul ON TIME. While we know everyone is vying to be counted as the 10th, we are equally sure Hashem will give extra credit to those who come ON TIME at 10am (not to be confused with 11:30). We look forward to seeing you here!

Cell Phones & Chatting During Services

Needless to say the sanctuary on Shabbat or holidays is a place that must be conducive to reflective prayers and serenity. To help keep it this way, please refrain from engaging in any conversations during services and please do not bring in your cell phone. Thank you for your cooperation.

Critical Maintenance Issue – Your Cooperation Needed

PLEASE NOTE: The ONLY thing that may be flushed is toilet paper – NO EXCEPTIONS. This means tissue, baby wipes, paper towels, or any other product may NEVER be flushed, but instead must be disposed of in the provided trash receptacles.

THANK YOU for your cooperation!