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Besides for fasting and reciting extra prayers, I’d like to suggest that this is a most appropriate day to strengthen our protective walls. No, I do not mean walls of stone, wire, or anything like that. Rather, I mean the ropes of love that bind our nation together, joining us into a single unbreakable unit of Jewish peoplehood. Look around you. Is there a fellow Jew who can use a little TLC? Is there someone who may be drifting away from Judaism and Jewish life? Now’s the perfect time to pick up the phone and reach out. You’ll feel good about it, and you will have done your part in the ongoing program to rebuild Jerusalem. |
This coming Tuesday is 10 Tevet, a fast day that commemorates the date when the armies of the Babylonian emperor Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem. Thirty months later the city walls were breached, and the Holy Temple was destroyed.| Volume 17 Number 13, 6th of Tevet 5776, December 18 '15 | |
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Chabad Weekly Update
Kiddush this Shabbos This week’s Kiddush is being sponsored by Ron Lewis in honor of his father Milton Lewis’ 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. Dedication Dinner – A Sincere Thank You!
The results are in and the Dedication Dinner was an outstanding success! We had a capacity crowd and everything went precisely as planned, thank G-d. Special thanks are extended to our wonderful Dinner Committee, who worked so hard, those who attended, and those who generously donated so many wonderful prizes! It is times like this that one sees how truly amazing our community is. A Thought from the Rabbi In this week’s Torah portion, which is called ‘VaYigash’ (And He Came Close) we see Judah engage in a confrontational conversation with whom he thinks is the Viceroy of Egypt, but who is actually his brother Joseph. As a reminder, Joseph had framed Benjamin by planting his chalice in Benjamin’s sack and then accusing him of stealing it. He did so as a test, as he wanted to see how the brothers would react. Joseph wanted to know if they had properly repented for the wrong they had committed against him and which resulted in him being a slave and then a prisoner in Egypt. Before planting the chalice in Benjamin’s sack Joseph lavished extra attention and gifts upon the youngest brother as a test to see whether there were any issues with jealousy. As the Torah indicates the brothers, particularly Judah, came through with flying colors! No jealousy issues were displayed whatsoever, and here Judah offers himself to replace Benjamin. Not only does Judah stand by his brother, but he is ready to confront the Viceroy of Egypt. On a practical level this means that Judah was willing to sacrifice everything, including his very life, to save his brother’s! This is the Judah that was destined to be the father of Kings, and ultimately the progenitor of Moshiach. This is true leadership exemplified. A man who displayed the willingness to give up all that he had, both in this world and the next (as explained by the commentaries regarding Judah’s promise to Jacob), for the sake of someone else. This obviously represents a dramatic turnaround from Judah’s earlier behavior. There he used his leadership and influence for a negative action, while here he harnessed those self-same attributes and used them to bring redemption. Joseph perceived Judah’s change and responded favorably. In fact, he was so touched by Judah’s gesture that he broke down and stopped the charade. He revealed what he had long held inside – his brotherly love. They assumed the proper relationship of brothers and together were ready to transform a dark world into one of light and goodness. So we learn the powerful lesson of doing Teshuva, of changing our past evil deeds. And we see the victory of love over hate and jealousy. The power of the love can have an effect that is above nature and can literally change the world! We also see the complete self-sacrifice that we must be willing to display in order to save the life of our Jewish brothers/sisters. Without calculations or consideration for our own wellbeing we must be willing to give up everything for others, and it is precisely that willingness that will ultimately bring Moshiach. 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 with guaranteedresults! 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 NEXT Week
Fast Day Approaches Tuesday, December 22nd is the 10th of Tevet. It is the day that we commemorate the beginning of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, which led to the Temple’s destruction 30 months later. On days that are related to the calamity of the destruction of the either Holy Temple and the exiles that came as a direct consequence we do more than simply marking the day on the calendar, we are commanded to fast. Fasting includes the prohibition against eating and drinking, so it is not easy. The good news is this is only a partial day fast, as it begins at 5:25am and concludes at 5:15pm. We wish you an easy and meaningful fast! 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 Cancelled due to Fast - Tuesday: Jewish Mysticism – 7:30pm Wednesday: Torah Portion of the Week – 7:30pm. Special Wishes HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes go out to all of those celebrating their birthdays this week! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY wishes go out to all of those celebrating their anniversaries this week! We remember Yoel Siegal, Milton Lewis, and Rose Zalman and all those observing 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
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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