Volume 25 Number 13 | 3 Tevet, 5784 | December 15, ‘23

MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI

As Chanukah comes to a close, we must continue to take its message along for the rest of the year. The lights of the menorah emphasize light, warmth, and unity, especially this year as the Jewish community continues to come together in unprecedented ways since the terror attacks of October 7. The final days of Chanukah are in the Hebrew month of Tevet, which the Talmud describes as a month in which we share warmth with one another due to the winter cold. When it’s cold–and cold can be literally or figuratively–we are reminded of the importance of sharing our inner warmth with others. When it’s warm outside, it’s easier to overlook our responsibility of being there for one another, but when it’s cold outside, the inner warmth of our souls radiates and creates the desire to share. So as we transition from the light of Chanukah into the rest of winter, we cannot allow the spirit of warmth and unity to wane. We must resolve to continue building on the days and weeks that preceded, making Jewish unity a permanent fixture in everything that we do. As we go about our lives, especially in the cold of winter, we warm ourselves up by sharing the light and warmth with those around us. And of course, the more we share with others, the warmer our own souls will become. Wishing you and warm and bright Shabbat,

Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort

LIGHT CANDLES FOR PEACE:

Shabbat Candlelighting Time: @ 4:26pm
Shabbat Ends: @ 5:24pm

Come pick up a Shabbat Candle lighting kit with the prayers and instructions. Stop by any Friday from 11:00am until Candle lighting time. Take an extra one to give to a friend.

 

MINYAN SCHEDULE

SERVICES THIS WEEK: 

Saturday @ 10am

PLEASE LET US KNOW WHICH DAY/S YOU CAN COME.

Thank you in advance and G-d bless!

 

Supporting Our Community

End-of-Year Campaign

Friends,

As we close out 2023, it is important to share our vision for the collective future of our community. Despite numerous challenges we have had a year of tremendous growth, Baruch Hashem!

Our Capital Campaign has made progress. Our preschool has grown and prospered. Our class offerings have been robust. Our services have continued to inspire.

All of this is because of YOU, our supporters, our community, our family!

At this time of year many people like to make their charitable contributions. We would not only be honored, but we would be inspired by your continued support. Your financial backing is our life-blood; it is the rocket fuel we need to spur our continued growth and success.

If you can see your way to include Chabad at La Costa in your end-of-year plans we would be most appreciative! Please see below for the various giving channels available.

May Hashem bless you and your family with a fantastic 2024!

Sincerely,

Rabbi Eilfort

 

How to Make a Donation (or Payment)

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 (even though they say Nechama's name).

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

6. Join our Legacy Circle - see below

 

Fast of the 10th of Teves This Week

This coming Friday, December 22, is the Fast of the 10th of Teves. We observe this sad day to commemorate the siege placed upon Jerusalem by the Babylonians in the year 422 BCE. This catastrophe ultimately led to the destruction of the First Holy Temple.

Ironically, other than when Yom Kippur falls out on Shabbos, this is the only time when we are mandated to fast on Shabbos, as we cannot eat on Friday night until after the evening prayer and Kiddush are recited.

 

NO Torah Classes This Week – Winter Break
NO JLI NO Torah Studies

 

Enhanced Security

Our number one priority is to ensure the safety and security of our shul family. We have a robust security system in place. We have gone to the added expense of hiring a uniformed, armed guard, who is with us, watching over us, in addition to our internal security team.  

The added layer of security is expensive. Please help us by donating to the security of our shul community by following this link: www.chabadatlacosta.com/donate. The cost is approximately $300 per week. All donations are tax-deductible.

 

Kiddush Sponsor

This week’s Kiddush is being sponsored by the Buenaventura family in honor of Bernardo’s birthday, and by Rabbi and Rebbetzin Elia and Chaya Eilfort in honor of Follie Eilfort’s birthday! 

Each Shabbos after services, our beautiful community enjoys Shabbos lunch together. It is a true celebration where we bask in each other’s company while savoring delicious food. YOU ARE INVITED AND ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE

An Important Note about Kiddushes –

The policy of the shul is to allow multiple sponsors for every Kiddush unless it is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or something similar (like a 50th wedding anniversary etc.).

There is no such thing as an exclusive Kiddush sponsor.

This is our policy for numerous reasons, not least of which is the fact that Kiddush sponsorships help generate much-needed income for our community and encourages more people to participate.

We thank you for your support and understanding!

Soup & Challah Sponsors

Soup and Challah is being sponsored by Clive Walden & the estate of Channah Hale. A big Yasher Koach to our volunteer deliverers - Carrie Rossenfeld.

Challah is delivered to Mental Health Residential Centers in the area, people undergoing chemotherapy, and people who really love the addition to their Shabbos experience. 

Deliver and get a bag of challah for your family as well!

Haftarah for Shabbos Parshas Mikeitz

I Kings 3:15-4:1.

This week's haftorah opens with the words "And Solomon awoke, and behold it was a dream," echoing this week's Torah portion which opens with Pharaoh's dreams.

Though not included in the  haftorah, in this dream G‑d granted King Solomon his legendary wisdom. The haftorah relates a famous episode that made all of Israel aware of their new monarch's keen intellect.

Two harlots approach King Solomon to adjudicate their dispute. They lived together in the same house, and each had given birth to an infant three days apart. One night, one of the infants was accidentally crushed to death by her mother, and one woman accused the other of switching infants in order to have a live baby. Each woman claimed that the live child is theirs and the deceased child was the other's. King Solomon asks that a sword be brought and orders that the child be cut in half with each woman receiving one half. At this point, the mother of the living child exhorts the king to give the child to the other woman so that he may live, while the other woman says, "Let it be neither mine nor yours, divide!" The king ruled: "Give her the living child, and by no means slay him: she is his mother!"

PLEASE CHECK YOUR CALENDAR FOR BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES, AND YARZEITS AS WELL AS OTHER IMPORTANT DATES AND NEWS

MAZEL TOV to Rebbetzin Chaya Eilfort and the Weiss Family on the engagement of her brother, Rabbi Eli Weiss to Fruma Belinsky of Baltimore, Maryland!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes go out to Follie Eilfort, Bernardo Buenaventura, and all of those celebrating their birthdays this week!

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

WE REMEMBER Arnold Gross, Dr. William Pincus, Esther Cohen, Ann Miller, Yoel Siegal, Pearl Benbassat, and all of those whose Yarzeit is observed this week.

May Doreen Prager, Rachel Perez, Clive Walden, Sheila Lebovitz, Adam Lemberger, Sandy Radom, Rachel bas Shoshana, and Roz Mintz, be blessed with a speedy and complete recovery!

Upcoming Kiddush Sponsors: Sponsors Needed ...

December 16: Follie's Birthday
                     Bernardo 's Birthday

December 23: No Sponsor

December 30 No Sponsor

FUTURE KIDDUSH SPONSORS NEEDED

Sponsoring a Kiddush is a great way to feel part of the Chabad at La Costa family!

 The Foundation Project

We are raising funds that will be used towards completing our basement. This project will include a TEEN LOUNGE, CLASSROOMS, a PLAYGROUND, OFFICES, STORAGE SPACE, BATHROOMS, and more. Call Rabbi to inquire about available dedications. The money we raise also goes towards scholarships for Hebrew School students, our Challah and Chicken Soup program, and all of our ongoing expenses.

For more pictures and information go to chabadatlacosta.com/JLC 

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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.

Chabad has partnered with the Jewish Community Foundation in the creation of our Legacy Circle "Generation to Generation - Ensuring a Jewish Tomorrow, Today".  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.  

We honor our Legacy Circle Members*:

Joel Barnett

Angela Chapman

Beverly Galperin

Anonymous 1

Channah Hale

Len Hyman

Devorah Katz

Sheila Lebovitz

Ilyse Loven

David Markoff

Anonymous 2

Karen Miller

Ed Richard

Ira Schechtel

Sharon Silverstein

Steve and Cindy Marion Walker

Anonymous 3

  *Has provided Chabad with a Declaration of Intent. 

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 in the newsletter and in the calendar and the light on the Board will be illuminated each year on the Yarzeit. The donation is only $500 per Memorial Board plaque.

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 $180 for a leaf on the Tree of Life.

Those who wish to participate should send an email to   [email protected], or call Rabbi Eilfort at 760-943-8891.

We are excited to designate a section of our Tree of Life to our Legacy Circle. Watch the Tree and see article above. ​

 

New Mitzvah Opportunity

Bikur Cholim of SD Volunteers Needed!

There are a number of patients at UCSD La Jolla that have come from Israel to receive transplants here. They need our help!

Bikur Cholim of S Diego is a community organization helping the sick with care packages, visitation, driving spouses to and from the hospital, etc.

If you are able to give a few hours of your time, it will make another person's day that much better!

To get involved, sign up at www.BikurCholimSD.com

 

Volunteering

Our Soup and Challah Project has been going strong for three years! It was sponsored by Channah Hale and now carried on in her memory.

We are at the point that we need NEW volunteers to drive and deliver food packages around the area.

Please consider making this a part of your Friday routine. Volunteers pick up a few containers of soup and bags of challah at 3:00pm and delivering them to the door of the recipients. Volunteers also get soup and challah!

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, on Facebook.

Weekly Parsha Class - with Rabbi Eilfort in person and on Facebook Live Thursday nights at 7:00pm

JLI Course - this series of courses requires registration... 

Would you like to SPONSOR next year's JLI lineup? 

FALL – 6 LESSONS  The World of Kabbalah - Revealing How Its Mystical  Secrets Relate to You

WINTER – 6 LESSONS  Advice for Life - The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Guidance for  Leading a More Purposeful Life

SPRING – 4 LESSONS  Decisions of Fate - Guiding Jewish Values for Making  Life-and-Death Decision ( This course will be accredited for CME (for doctors) and CLE (for lawyers) credits. )

 

 Coastal Gan - Going Strong!

 

Hebrew School Calendar and Events for this year

 

We are working on next year's lineup - call if you have any suggestions

• Rosh Chodesh Coastal Women's Society
• Men's Club Coming Soon

 

Please Like the shul’s Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/ChabadatLaCosta

For up to date pictures and announcements follow our Facebook Page and join our community Group.  

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Security Protocols

Everyone is Subject to Search

No Firearms (We have a well-defined security plan in effect and any unauthorized firearms could create confusion and actually reduce security).

Backpacks Prohibited

All Bags Subject to Search

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 *Jewish Encinitas *Chabad of Carlsbad N *Coastal Gan Preschool 

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.

Membership

NOW is the time to join the family! Membership includes High Holiday seats and discounts on other programs and activities. However, the main reason to join is to demonstrate your commitment to the future of Judaism in our area and to our community.

If you have already filled out and returned your Membership form please accept this message as our sincere thank you!

We urge you to pick the level of Membership and the financial commitment you feel comfortable with, and to fill out the form that you will find by following this link: www.ChabadatLaCosta.com/membership. We thank all of our amazing donors!

 

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!

Public Service Announcement – Let’s Work TOGETHER to Maintain OUR Shul

We have a beautiful shul. Everyone agrees. It is not easy to maintain everything, but we work hard to keep things clean and in good working order. We need your help.

Our sanctuary is graced with gorgeous, custom made, stained glass windows. These windows MUST be kept in pristine condition. Please respect the windows by only looking and never touching them. G-d forbid, they can easily be scratched if we are not careful. Also, please do not put ANY objects (cups, books, tissues etc.) on the window sills as it detracts from the windows.

Our custom-built furniture from Israel is as precious as it looks. People have put down cups (full and empty) on the partitions and the shelves. This is inappropriate. Children cannot sit on or climb on the furnishings – other than sitting in the pews as they were designed to be used. No exceptions.

Please put away your own Talis and prayer books, and replace the book racks when done using them. Please throw away your own garbage.

If we can all work together we will keep our shul beautiful!

THANK YOU for your understanding and cooperation.

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.

More than 600 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.

For discount details, to make your reservation, or to share the information with a friend, visit www.chabadatlacosta.com/omni and click through. And remember to leave a positive review.

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► Marc Buksbaum is an experienced local transactional attorney and former certified public accountant. Marc has experience in a wide range of business matters, including corporate/venture formations, mergers and acquisitions, financing transactions, and supply chain transactions, and his colleagues also have extensive experience in complex real estate and estate planning matters. Marc is licensed to practice law in California and New York and is a Certified Public Accountant (on “inactive status”) licensed in New York. If you have any questions or need help with your legal matter please contact Marc  at: 
Marc Buksbaum
Attorney at Law 
JUDKINS GLATT & RICH LLP
2784 Gateway Road, Suite 104
Carlsbad, CA  92009 
T 760 438 2211
F 760 438 2014  

►Rina Coleman is an Enrolled Agent with more than 20 years experience preparing taxes for all walks of life. Please contact her at [email protected] for a free 15 minute consultation.

►Marc Nimetz Farmers Insurance

It's almost all the same, until you have a claim!

Marc Nimetz
Farmers Insurance                                                
15644 Pomerado Road, Suite 104                                  
Poway, CA 92064
License #0H35885
858-866-8147 (Office)
858-603-4961 (Cell)
858-815-6930 (Fax)

►Jonathan Rozansky : Your Chabad Real Estate Agent & Mortgage Broker 
Whether you are Selling, Buying or Refinancing your home, do not proceed without calling Jonathan Rozansky, a licensed realtor and mortgage professional, first.  Jonathan will look out for your best interest and can answer all your real estate and financing questions.  Call for a free market analysis report today.

Jonathan Rozansky
Direct   (619) 392-1234
[email protected]
www.rozanskyteam.com
DRE. # 01754457
NMLS ID : 315987

► Ron Lewis Insurance Services

www.MedigapExpress.com
[email protected]
760-525-5769 - Cell
866-718-1600 - Toll-free

Specializing in Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance! 

• As an independent agent, I work with ALL the major insurance carriers.

• Let me do the shopping for you!

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• Call me for a free, no-obligation quote.

• References available upon request.

 

► Neal Sperling Business Development

Highly talented, highly experienced business development/marketing consultant to wide range of businesses and non-profits can help you to find innovative new ways to raise money, launch, brand, market, sell, merchandise, and promote your products, services, and organization. Has written and improved wide variety of business plans, marketing plans, obtained major grants/new funding for a wide variety of ventures. Has unique ability to study most any business, quickly and creatively identify new sources of potential revenue, reduce costs, increase efficiencies, and drive more sales in the quickest time frames. Recognized expert on how to drive new sales via the internet. Acclaimed speaker to Southern California business groups, and particularly known for being a great “connector” with ability to introduce you to a wide variety of hard-to-reach decision-makers in various fields. Strong background in consumer products, medical products, high tech, "clean tech," "green" products, non-profits, much more. Call for details: cell: 818-219-9585.

 

►Dream Home Cinema

*Family Room Surround
*Wholesale House Audio
*Home Automation

Joseph Markowitz:
760-415-8742 
[email protected]

►Pammy's Pony Parties and Petting Zoos

I am a small Jewish farmer running my business in La Costa  called Pammy's Pony Parties and Petting Zoo. I arrive with my animals at little children's birthday parties, senior homes,  graduation parties, and resorts in the area, to share my love of animals. I also do animal therapy with children and adults. Fantastic!! Call me to make an appointment or set up a birthday party.

Pam Glickman 760-535-5293

►Healthy Haven Live Radio Show with Anna Mintz

►Window Paintings and Murals by Eileen Tilt-Lavy contact info available

Cost Effective Advertising Available HERE

Hundreds of people see Chabad at La Costa's Weekly Email Update. Those who are looking to effectively promote their business and at the same time support this important community resource are invited to become sponsors for only $50 per month (that's per MONTH, not per week). Call Rabbi Eilfort at 760-943-8891 to get your message out there.

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