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What will keep us warm during these weeks when the night is longer than the day, and winter feels like it may never end? You may have heard me mention that Kislev is a month replete with chassidic “holidays,” marking births, deaths, releases from cruel imprisonment, and even recoveries from illness of the leaders of Chabad. So if you ever feel the need to celebrate, no need to worry—we are never more than a day or two from one joyous occasion or another. L’chaim! |
We’re currently jumping into the month of Kislev, which leads us to the warm and happy holiday of Chanukah. But there are still three weeks to go, so no need to pull out the candles quite yet.| Volume 17 Number 9, 29th of Cheshvan 5776, Nov. 11 '15 | |
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Chabad Weekly Update
Pre-Chanukah Menorah Workshop @ Home Depot THIS Sunday We are excited to announce that on Sunday, November 15th from 10am-12pm, we are hosting a Chanukah Menorah Workshop at the Home Depot in Encinitas! Children (of all ages) will have the opportunity of building their own Menorahs using the building materials found in the store. The Home Depot is generously sponsoring this event. There is no charge to attend, however, children may not be left unattended and reservations are necessary to come. Please call 760-943-8891 to enjoy this creative and fun Chanukah event. Kiddush this Shabbos This week’s Kiddush is being sponsored Channah Hale in honor of the Yarzeit of her mother-in-law Feigele Chaya bas Dovid. Everyone is invited to join us for this beautiful weekly gathering! Kiddush Sponsors Needed We currently have no sponsor for the week after next. Will you step up to the plate? If you have not sponsored a Kiddush for a while and/or if you have a birthday, anniversary, or perhaps a Yarzeit you wish to mark, please respond to this message. Kiddush sponsorship begins at $180. A Thought from the Rabbi This week’s Torah portion focuses on the next link in the chain of the Jewish people, Yitzchak, or in English, Isaac. We previously learned that Isaac married Rebecca who is described as a very righteous woman, despite having been brought up amongst immoral people. The meeting and marriage of Isaac and Rebecca is the first recorded ‘shidduch’ in history. After several years of trying Isaac and Rebecca finally get pregnant; a common theme amongst our forefathers. The commentaries note that the truly righteous sometimes have difficulty conceiving for the Almighty yearns to hear their prayers. Lo and behold, Rebecca had twins. Most people would expect twins to look alike and have similar personalities – not so with Rebecca’s twins Esau and Jacob. In fact, they couldn’t be more dissimilar. Esau was born with a reddish hue and had thick hair, as opposed to Jacob who was very smooth skinned. At a very young age we are told that Esau became a hunter. Unfortunately, he did not only hunt animals, but he hunted people. He abandoned the path his parents had set for him. He rejected the ways of G-dliness. He nonetheless continued to pretend to observe the commandments and he feigned holiness. His father was blind and fell for Esau’s act. Rebecca, however, saw through his act and understood that Jacob was the child who would carry on the ways of Judaism. There was a constant tension between the brothers, which over time evolved to an intense hatred. A point would come when Esau sought to murder his brother. From these portions we see that the Patriarchs and Matriarchs all had profound challenges in their lives. Nothing came easy to them, yet, despite their difficulties they clung to their Creator and continued on His path. Under the best of circumstances it is difficult to live a fundamentally different life than all of one’s neighbors and associates. But our forbearers not only introduced a radically different faith system into the world, they did so under personally difficult circumstances. And yet, do we see them complain? What we see is utter devotion and loyalty to Hashem. And it is due to this unremitting loyalty that they earned their place of honor in the ‘Jewish Hall of Fame.’ It seems that in these times many of us have expectations. Our inflated expectations lead us to grave disappointments, frustration, anger, and many other negative attributes. We live a life of unprecedented wealth, health, fun, and frolic. We live in the age of instant gratification, and when we don’t get what we want when we want it, we become upset. In short, we are spoiled. Those who are spoiled lack gratitude, and those who lack gratitude lack happiness. So ironically, we who are so spoiled, are less happy! It behooves us to study the lives of our Patriarchs and Matriarchs. Loyalty, self-sacrifice, service to something greater than they, hard work, perseverance, devotion, and many other superior attributes added up to extraordinary people. These few people changed the entire world! And, fortunately for us, they left us their precious legacy. We have all that we need to follow in their footsteps. The question we have to ask ourselves is this: “What will we do with this legacy? Will we successfully pass it on to our children or will it die with us?” “Journey of the Soul” Continues THIS Week! This week some of the questions regarding the afterlife will be addressed like; What is reincarnation? How does it work? Does Judaism believe in ghosts and spirits? And does everyone go to heaven? Rabbi Eilfort is teaching this incredible series, which is open to everyone. The all-inclusive cost to attend is $100, but reservations (by responding to this message) are necessary to participate. Prizes Needed for Building Dedication The dedication of our new building has been a long time coming! There are still several minor projects that need to be completed around our building. We need to do our landscaping and the hard-scaping, as well as some additional kitchen upgrades. For these reasons we need to raise about $50,000 at our Dinner Gala coming up on December 13th. We will be hosting a festive silent auction, live auction, and raffles throughout the evening. We are currently seeking prizes that may be used for this purpose. We are not looking for used furniture/clothing or other items that may found at a yard sale. Instead, we are looking for collectibles, jewelry, fine art, time-shares, ‘experiences,’ and other such items. If you can help by donating some prizes, or know someone who can, please contact Rabbi Eilfort to discuss your gift or ideas. Email [email protected]. Thanks to dedicated individuals we have already received a diamond ring appraised at $8,000, his/hers mountain bikes, 500,000 airline miles, a time share, fine art and lots more! Thanks for your help! Hebrew School Friday Night Dinner All Hebrew School students and their families are invited to join us for a special Friday Night Community Service and Dinner. Friday, November 20thCandle lighting is at 4:27pm followed by a Family Service. Dinner will be served at 5:30pm. The cost to attend is $18 per adult and $10 per child – not to exceed $50 per family. Reservations are necessary to attend by sending an email to us at [email protected] or by calling 760-943-8891. Hebrew School – Hebrew School this Week 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. Our students want to be here! Weekly Class Schedule Daily: Code of Jewish Law with Rabbi E – Following Minyan Shabbat: During Mincha – Women’s Issues with the Rebbetzin Monday: Caffeine for the Soul – A Class for Women @ Target, Encinitas – 12pm Tuesday: JLI Journey of the Soul with the Rabbi – 7pm Wednesday: Torah Portion of the Week – 7:30pm. Special Wishes HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes go out to Taylor Hale, Tanya Mintz, 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 Etta Weksler, and all of those who have a Yarzeit this week. May Roz Mintz and Mel Bridge be blessed with a full and complete recovery! ### Building Dedication to be Held December 13th (Last light of Chanukah) Dinner Committee Announced We are pleased to announce the members of the Dedication Dinner Committee. Rabbi Eilfort and Brenda Joseph are co-chairs. Others on the committee are Rebbetzin Eilfort, Naomi Alter, Arlene Fogel, Beverly Galperin, Channah Hale, Sheila Lebovitz, Edon Moyal, Lerut Moyal, Yehuda Moyal, Marianne Rack, Rusty Rack, and Jon Rozansky. The Dedication Dinner will be serving three purposes; 1. To formally dedicate the new building. 2. To honor those who made the new building possible. 3. To raise funds so that the new building can be fully utilized. During the first meeting the group formed sub committees including Advertising, Auction, Catering, Décor, Entertainment, Invitation, and Utility. The group also discussed looking for valuable new gifts for the auction, and has already started making inquiries. Everyone’s help is needed in this regard so if you have or can sponsor hotel/time-share getaways, tickets to sporting events or entertainment events, beauty/health products or experiences, jewelry, or electronics please respond to this message. It will be a great Mitzvah and deeply appreciated! 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. Learn the Code of Jewish Law with Rabbi Eilfort A daily class in practical Jewish Law is held immediately following the Minyan taught by Rabbi Eilfort. Using the Code of Jewish Law, known in Hebrew as the Shulchan Aruch, participants are able to discuss the laws while learning about the ongoing opportunities one has to serve the Almighty on a moment-by-moment basis. The class begins at about 8:50am and lasts for about 20 minutes. There is no charge to attend. 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 and the new Board was dedicated by the Alter Family. 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 will shortly be going up. 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 $360 per plaque for either the Memorial Board or the Tree of Life. Those who wish to participate should send an email to[email protected], or call Rabbi Eilfort at 760-943-8891. 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. 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! Please Patronize Our Sponsors Your Chabad Real Estate Agent & Mortgage Broker Jonathan Rozansky is a licensed realtor and mortgage professional. Whether you are Selling, Buying or Refinancing your home, do not proceed without calling Jonathan Rozansky 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 DRE. # 01754457 NMLS ID : 315987 Ron Lewis Insurance Services 760.525.5769 / [email protected] Specializing in Medicare Supplements, Long-term care (LTC) plans, Individual health plans, Dental, and Term life insurance. Need health or life insurance or know someone who does? If so, please visithttp://InsuranceProductQuotes.com and get plan and rate comparisons INSTANTLY from the major insurance carriers in California and Washington. Apply directly online or call for more information. There is no charge for this service! Interested in having long-term care insurance WITHOUT purchasing an expensive LTC insurance plan? Watch this 10 minute video: http://www.westlandinc.com/downloads/10MinMG/player.html 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 Energy, Health, Weight Loss I help people get resultswith having more energy, losing weightand improving their health with safe, natural, guaranteed kosher products along with free coaching. Leah/Linda Buckner 760-63+5-3405. For free samples, including Power Breakfast, call me or fill out contact info atwww.FeelGreatSamples.com. For Skin Care samples,www.MySkinCareSurvey.com. Your referrals are appreciated. 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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