Volume 25 Number 14 | 10 Tevet, 5784 | December 22, ‘23

MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI

Of all the fast days on the Jewish calendar, only one can ever occur on a Friday, as it does this year: the 10th of Tevet. This fast commemorates the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem which ultimately led to the destruction of the first Holy Temple. The purpose of a fast day, in addition to being a day of mourning, is to inspire us to repair and correct the reason for the destruction in the first place. The primary reason for the destruction of the Temple was discord and strife among the Jewish people. To that end, the siege of Jerusalem was actually the beginning of the remedy. By shuttering all entry and exit points of the city, the Babylonians forced its Jewish inhabitants to live with one another, providing them with the opportunity to come together as one. This was G-d’s way of sending a cure before the illness. While at the time this was not actualized, and the destruction still followed, every year on the 10th of Tevet we are reminded of the need to be united, to come together and bring an end to this 2,000 year exile. This is especially significant this year, as Jewish communities have been coming together in unprecedented ways in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel, and in our own cities. That’s why the fast can be observed on a Friday, even though all other fasts are postponed or the calendar is arranged so it would never occur: Going directly from fasting to the holy day of Shabbat is the most indicative expression of transforming the destruction into an opportunity for growth and redemption. May we indeed experience it this year, with the coming of Moshiach and the ultimate redemption, when all fast days will be transformed into days of joy and celebration! Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort

LIGHT CANDLES FOR PEACE:

Shabbat Candlelighting Time: @ 4:29pm
Shabbat Ends: @ 5:28pm

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

Sunday @ 8:30am

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

Thank you in advance and G-d bless!

 

Chinese Dinner – Some-YumYum-Fun!

It is an ancient Jewish ritual (at least 80 years old) to indulge in Chinese food at this time of year. 

Join us Sunday night at 6pm for a delicious Chinese Food buffet featuring:

Salad

Asian Soup

Beef Lo Mein

Orange Chicken

White Rice

Fried Rice

Special Desserts (see picture below)

Herbal Tea

And more

Reservations are required.

The cost is $25 per person. Payment can be made here: www.ChabadatLaCosta.com/donate Please note what the payment is for under Notes.

 

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

Today, 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 Rebbetzin Chana Levy (Rebbetzin Nechama’s mother) in honor of the upcoming Yarzeit of her father, Rabbi Elia Nachum Sklar.

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 Va’Yigash

Ezekiel 37:15-28.

This week's haftorah mentions the fusion of the kingdoms of Judah and Joseph during the Messianic Era, echoing the beginning of this week's Torah reading: "And Judah approached him [Joseph]."

The prophet Ezekiel shares a prophecy he received, in which G‑d instructs him to take two sticks and to write on one, "For  Judah and for the children of Israel his companions" and on the other, "For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim and all the house of Israel, his companions." After doing so he was told to put the two near each other, and  G‑d fused them into one stick.

G‑d explains to Ezekiel that these sticks are symbolic of the House of Israel, that was divided into two (often warring) kingdoms: the Northern Kingdom that was established by Jeroboam, a member of the Tribe of Ephraim, and the Southern Kingdom, that remained under the reign of the Davidic (Judean) Dynasty. The fusing of the two sticks represented the merging of the kingdoms that will transpire during the Messianic Era — with the Messiah, a descendant of David, at the helm of this unified empire.

"So says the L-rd G‑d: 'Behold I will take the children of Israel from among the nations where they have gone, and I will gather them from every side, and I will bring them to their land. And I will make them into one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel, and one king shall be to them all as a king...'"

The  haftorah ends with G‑d's assurance that "they shall dwell on the land that I have given to My servant, to Jacob, wherein your forefathers lived; and they shall dwell upon it, they and their children and their children's children, forever; and My servant David shall be their prince forever."

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

HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes go out to Joe Reisman, Michelle Rozansky, Jeff Sapol, Avi Rossenfeld, Nicolas Tubis, Jason Coleman, Hannah Markowitz, and all of those celebrating their birthdays this week!

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

WE REMEMBER Edith Rudoff, Stewart Miller, Cindy Turtle Walden, 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 23: Chana Levy

December 30: No Sponsor

January....: Sponsors Needed

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 7:15pm

NEW SEASON: CALL TO ORDER YOUR BOOK

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!

• I will save you money on your insurance premiums.

• 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.