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Call me naive, but I sincerely subscribe to the approach that no person is beyond the pale. Even with the terrible news from the Holy Land and France, I’ve got faith in humanity. I believe that people are essentially good. After all, were we not all created in G-d’s image? Take, for example, Esau. He was a murderer and a thief, and he had set his crosshairs on Jacob. Yet when the two met, he hugged and kissed his little brother. Sometimes we look around the world today, and there seem to be entire societies hell-bent on our destruction. Just when we think it can get no worse, depravity seems to take on a new definition. But let’s not give up hope just yet. Esau turned around, and the Esaus of today may yet follow suit. |
| Volume 17 Number 11, 15th of Kislev 5776, November 27 '15 | |
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Chabad Weekly Update
Kiddush this Shabbos
Everyone is invited to join us for this beautiful weekly gathering! Kiddush Sponsors Needed 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. Dinner Gala Approached The long-awaited Dedication Dinner Gala of our new building is quickly approaching! On Sunday, December 13th, which is the last light of Chanukah, from 4:30pm until 9pm we will have a wonderful celebration including Menorah Lighting, dedication of our new donor’s wall, live music, a sumptuous prime rib dinner, silent auction, live auction, raffle prizes, and much more. Thanks to the generosity and hard work of many in our community we have some valuable prizes including fine jewelry, art, vacation packages, sports memorabilia, and the newest electronics. We are asking our friends to show their support of our work by attending this important fundraiser. Proceeds will be going to help us finish Phase I of our building, which includes hard-scaping, landscaping, and a couple of other minor projects. Please respond to this message if you would like a formal invitation mailed to you or you can register online by logging onto the shul’s website; www.ChabadatLaCosta.com/gala. The cost to attend is $180 per person. Thank you for your support and participation! A Thought from the Rabbi Happy New Year! It is with joy that I wish each and every one of you a wonderful New Year. No, I am not missing my calendar or looking at the wrong page or confusing the Jewish and non-Jewish dates. This coming week we celebrate the 19th Day of Kislev, which is known as the Chasidic New Year. To understand the importance of this event let us first understand the importance of Chasidic Philosophy. In the times of the Baal Shem Tov, about 300 years ago, the Jewish people living in Eastern Europe were in a terrible situation. Not only were they precluded from many jobs and from owning land, they were, by and large, dirt poor. In those days there was no ‘safety net’ to protect families who were having financial difficulties. Those who could not afford food went hungry and many starved. Therefore even children from a very young age were expected to work to earn money so that the family could afford to buy food. This led to a very serious situation where people were both exceedingly poor and ignorant, as they were not able to afford the ‘luxury’ of even a basic education. Of course not all Jews were poor as a small minority managed to find their fortune in various businesses. When it came to find a spouse obviously those from wealthy families sought others from wealthy families, which led to a stark divide between the wealthy, who were also well-educated, and the poor. This lead to a profound sense of hopelessness for a large majority in the community. Along came the Baal Shem Tov, a scholar, a mystic, and an extremely holy man. The Besht, as he was known, wandered from town to town speaking to the poor and assuring them that G-d loves His children, all of His children, just as any parent loves his/her children – irrespective of the individual child’s scholarly accomplishments. The Besht was able to speak to the soul of the people and to let them know that their souls are described as a G-dly spark enclothed in a physical body so that the body should become refined. These rousing and soaring words resonated with those who listened, and the ancient wisdom of the Kabalah found purchase in the hearts and minds of the populace. The spiritually populist message of the Besht inspired the birth of a new movement that grew by leaps and bounds and ‘modern’ Chasidism was born. While the Besht’s path was through wandering his principle student’s path, the Maggid (Preacher) of Mezritch’s path was in organization. Whereas the Besht would go out to seek his students, by the time the Maggid took over the reigns of the young movement, the students came to him. One of his many outstanding students was the young Rabbi Shneur Zalman from Liadi, who became known as the Alter (Old) Rebbe. The Alter Rebbe had an encyclopedic mind and was a master in both the revealed and mystical parts of the Torah. It was the Alter Rebbe who further systemized the teachings of the Besht and the Maggid and who created what became known as Chabad Chasidism. Chabad is an acronym for three Hebrew words – Chochmah, Binah, and Da’as, which mean wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. The basic premise of the Rebbe’s philosophy was that the intellectual powers of the soul should inform the emotional powers of the soul. By doing so a person would be in better control of him/herself, and be able to maintain a stronger love and awe of the Almighty at all times and under all circumstances. The Alter Rebbe’s teachings were codified in a book called the Tanya, which, as you guessed it, was first published on the 19th of Kislev. Hence the name the New Year of Chasidus. The Alter Rebbe not only was a superlative teacher, but he was the paradigm of a great Jewish leader, and as such he did all in his power to help his Jewish brethren wherever they may have been. As has been the case throughout our long history many Jews yearned to live in the Holy Land and despite the great self-sacrifice and danger involved moved there so they could learn Torah in ‘G-d’s neighborhood.’ The Alter Rebbe would continually collect money to help support those holy souls who had made ‘Aliya’. In those days Israel was under the control of the Ottoman Empire, and the Ottomans had a contentious relationship with Russia. Unfortunately, some within the Jewish community mistakenly felt that the teaching of Chasidus de-emphasized the importance of Torah study and informed the Russian authorities that the Alter Rebbe was sending material support to the hated Turks. As a consequence of these false reports the Rebbe was imprisoned. After nearly two months of incarceration the Russians finally understood that the charges were nonsense and that the Alter Rebbe was a loyal citizen and so they released him from prison on, you guessed it, the 19th of Kislev. Ever since those times Chasidim have celebrated this auspicious day through conducting Farbrengens, gatherings where words of inspiration, Chasidic melodies, and LeChaims are shared. We also maintain a daily study of the Tanya so that we remain aware and alive to its timeless teachings, just as we study a portion of the Torah every day. The Alter Rebbe pointed out that his incarceration meant that his teachings were on trial, as it were, as everything that happens in this world mirrors what is going on in the supernal realm. The fact that the Alter Rebbe was freed demonstrates that his teachings and philosophy were exonerated. In fact, not only was his teaching allowed thereafter, it was encouraged and remains so until this day. Our Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, told us that through the promulgation of the teachings of Chasidic Philosophy we will merit the coming of Moshiach. This means that the teachings found in Chasidus are of critical importance in preparing the world for the Era of Moshiach. May he come speedily in our day! Please note that there will be a Community-wide Farbrengen on Monday, November 30th at 7:30pm at Chabad of University City featuring Rabbi Dovid Eliezrie who will be speaking about his new book, “The Secret of Chabad.” Everyone is encouraged to attend. More 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 – 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 Sam Alter, Muka Eilfort, and all of those celebrating their birthdays this week! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY wishes go out to Yossi and Dassy Eilfort and all of those celebrating their anniversaries this week! We remember all of those who have a Yarzeit this week. May Roz Mintz and Mel Bridge be blessed with a full and complete recovery! ### 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 visit http://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 at www.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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This week’s Kiddush is being sponsored by David and Anna Mintz in honor of Tanya’s birthday!