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Do you know anyone who could use a Chanukah menorah? Please let me know, and I’ll be happy to arrange a kit for you to share. Do you know a few people who need? Please don’t be shy. The more the better. Together, we can make sure that the Chanukah candles burn in every Jewish home. Happy Chanukah! |
Chanukah is just around the corner. Like my fellow Chabad rabbis around the globe, I’ve been busy doing my part to bring Chanukah to as many Jewish people as possible. I’d love for you to join in the effort.| Volume 17 Number 12, 22nd of Kislev 5776, December 4 '15 | |
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Chabad Weekly Update
Kiddush this Shabbos This week’s Kiddush is being sponsored by Steve and Linda Rivkin in memory of Rochel Rus Rivkin’s (Steve’s mother) Yarzeit! 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. Chanukah Fun!
Annual Chanukah Festival at the Forum Shops in Carlsbad is scheduled for Sunday, December 6th from 4-6pm. Not only will we be lighting a giant Menorah, we will have all sorts of arts-n-crafts projects available. There will be lots of delicious Chanukah treats like jelly doughnuts, homemade latkes with apple sauce, and lots more. Prizes for all the children will be given out and there will be raffles as well. Make your plans now to join us for this wonderful event perfect for the whole family! Dinner Gala Approached Have YOU Reserved Your Place? 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 It’s Chanukah time! A favorite for ‘children’ of all ages. We gather with family, friends, and community and light the Menorah. Many partake of latkes (fried potato pancakes) and/or sufganiyot (jelly donuts) to remind ourselves of the miracle of the oil that stayed lit in the Holy Temple Menorah for eight days instead of one day. We may play dreidel (a special Chanukah top) with the children for ‘gelt’ (chocolate coins) to remind ourselves that the Syrian Greeks forbade the study of Torah as a religious work so whenever the soldiers were on patrol looking for Jews who would not / could not stop studying, they would take out their dreidels showing that they were only playing games. These were the same Greeks that we look to as the creators of democracy. These are the very same Greeks that we look to as the source of Western Culture and Values. In fact, there are even those in the Jewish community who view the Greeks as the ‘good guys’ and the Macabees (the Jews who led the rebellion against the Greeks) as the bad guys. Perhaps we are in danger of becoming so open minded that our brains will fall out. Jews have become the leaders and spokespeople of political correctness in this day and age, and this, I believe has started to cloud our sense of Torah morality. The Torah has definite ideas on what is right and what is wrong and it doesn’t all necessarily mesh with the Western definitions. But that is neither here nor there. Chanukah is about light. We add light into the world through lighting candles. The light that we bring makes a huge difference. We place the Menorah near a door or window so that the light created is shared with the world at large – so that others benefit by the light that the Menorah represents. We Jews have something to offer the world. We have a timeless moral code. We have ethical standards. Now, let’s look at those who adhere to this code and judge what kind of life they lead. Those who keep to the code are honest, generous, kind, and careful in what they say and do. They are model citizens where they live. The Torah instructs us to be industrious and this often leads to material as well as spiritual success. So, my dear friends, share the light of Chanukah this year with your friends, family, and community! A Heart-Felt Request Dear Friends, As we approach the end of the year it is time to take stock. Just as we are meant to examine ourselves on the Jewish New Year, particularly regarding our spiritual situation, so too we should use the end of the secular year to examine our material situation. Thank G-d, we live in a place and time of unprecedented wealth and plenty. In all of human history there has never been a time of such riches finding their way into the hands of so many. Yet unfortunately, many do not feel rich. Somehow many people choose to focus on that which they do not have instead of that which they do have. For instance, I would wager ‘dimes to doughnuts’ that nobody reading this article is worried about where his next meal is coming from or if he will have a roof over his head next week. These are precisely the types of worries that all previous generations had. Every one of us should feel rich! While it may be true that we would like more (money, clothes, vacations etc.) it would probably be hard to argue that we need more. In the Ethics of Our Fathers (some of the most poignant ethical teachings in Judaism) we are taught; “Who is rich? He who is satisfied with what he has.” He who trains himself to be happy with his lot will be as happy as the richest person on the planet, in fact it can be argued that he is the richest person on the planet. It is with this in mind that I am asking for your help at this time. Many are thinking ahead to April 15th, Tax Day. Many are now making their decision about how much they want to contribute to a worthy cause and to therefore be able to maximize their tax deductions. I am asking that you include Chabad at La Costa / North County Jewish Center in your plans. Your tax-deductible contribution does so much! It enables us to do something as simple as keep the lights on or bring chicken soup to someone who is not well, and it also helps us do something as sublime as teach a child the beauty of his/her heritage or hold inspirational services every Shabbat. Your generous contributions help us do all that we do, which makes you our partner in everything we accomplish. Indeed you are being offered the opportunity of ‘getting in on the ground level’ of the best investment possible; an investment withguaranteed results Please take a moment to share your gratitude for all that you have been blessed with by sharing with others. Please take a moment to log onto our secure website www.chabadatlacosta.com/donate, and make a profound difference in the life of all those whom we touch. You can also make your donation via check if that is more convenient. G-d has given you the ultimate privilege, and that is to be His partner in perfecting this physical and mundane physical world and transforming it into something G-dly and beautiful! G-d bless you for your generosity and support! Sincerely, Rabbi Eilfort Chinese Friday Night Dinner & Community Board Games
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: Jewish Mysticism – Cancelled Wednesday: Torah Portion of the Week – 7:30pm. Special Wishes HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes go out to Julia Horowitz, 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 all of those who have a Yarzeit this week. May Roz Mintz and Mel Bridge be blessed with a full and complete recovery! 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!
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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Everyone knows of the ancient Jewish Tradition of having Chinese Food on December 25th. Well, this year December 25th happens to fall on a Friday – so we will have a beautiful Friday Night Dinner together featuring the most scrumptious Chinese Food. Candle lighting is at 4:30pm, followed by a word of Torah by the Rabbi and a family-friendly Friday night service. Dinner will be served at 5:30pm. Following dinner we will have board games available to play together. 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
