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I never met the sixth Rebbe—he passed away in 1950—but I’ve learned a lot from him. For one thing, he was a fighter. Stalin’s killing machine didn’t faze him. And neither did the lackadaisical Jewish establishment in the U.S., which politely told him that America was not the place where Jewish day schools would flourish. The fact that I am writing this e-mail and you are reading it is proof that he was right. Judaism—the eternal Torah given by the eternal G-d to the eternal people—will live forever! |
This coming week is special. Why? On 10 Shevat, Wednesday, we will mark the anniversary of passing of the sixth Rebbe, and the ascent of our Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—to the helm of Chabad.| Volume 17 Number 17, 4th of Shvat 5776, 14th of January '16 | |
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Chabad Weekly Update
Please note that a Minyan is needed so Kaddish can be recited this coming Tuesday evening, January 19th at 7pm, Wednesday morning at 8am, and Wednesday afternoon at 4:30pm. If you are able to help with this Mitzvah please respond to this message right away. Southern- Style Friday Night Dinner & Community Board Games – THIS WEEK
This month’s Family Friday Night Dinner and Game Night will take place on Friday, January 15th, which is Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend. We will have a beautiful Friday Night Dinner together featuring the most scrumptious Southern-Style menu featuring; Deep Fried Fish Balls, Green Salad, Eggplant Salad, Humus, Chicken Hominy Soup with Kale, Southern Fried Chicken with Waffles (no kidding!), Corn Bread, Taters with Gravy, Corn & Black Eyed Peas Salad, and for dessert Pineapple Upside-down Cake. Candle lighting is at 4:47pm, followed by a word of Torah by the Rabbi and a family-friendly Friday night service. Dinner will be served at 6pm. 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[email protected] or by calling 760-943-8891. Please join us for another wonderful community dinner!
This week’s Kiddush is being co-sponsored by the Alter family in honor of Jake’s birthday and the Eilfort family in honor of the 10th of Shvat – the Yarzeit of the previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, of sainted memory. We will share thoughts about the previous Rebbe and hear of his inspirational dedication to his fellow Jews during the Kiddush. Everyone is invited to join us for this beautiful weekly gathering! Kiddush Sponsorship 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 What would you do with a BILLION bucks?! That was the question circulating this week as the Powerball Lottery jackpot reached unprecedented heights. I remember when I was a newly minted rabbi speaking to Rabbi Fradkin, head Chabad rabbi in San Diego. He told me that he had lost millions of dollars because of the lottery. Flabbergasted I asked how that was possible?! He replied, “Whenever the jackpot gets really big people promise to donate millions when they win.” Alas, they have never won. Since those days I too have lost millions because of the lottery. But like everyone else I like to fantasize about what it would be like to win the big one. What would I have done with that Billion Dollar prize? I listened with great interest to the ‘man in the street’ interviews conducted by the news media asking a wide variety of folks what they would do should they win. The demographics interviewed could not have been more varied yet the responses were remarkably similar; “I will pay off my bills, help my family and friends, and support charitable causes.” Certainly very worthy goals. A good friend of mine is in the financial services sector and he told me an interesting thing. He said it is interesting that when people are buying a car, a major investment for anyone, they often do so without shopping around and educating themselves on what’s out there and the differences. But when they shop for a tv or vacuum or sodas they will go to great lengths to get the best deal. What is the connection between these two ideas? Our priorities and value systems may be inverted. If an individual suddenly came into a billion dollars he/she could, and I suggest should, immediately do his/her part in making the world a more G-dly place. He/she shouldn’t wait until next month’s cable bill is settled (G-d forbid cable service should be cut off for an hour). The big winner should be sprinting, not meandering, towards using the remarkable and miraculous gift to better the world. Do people realize and appreciate what could be done with a billion dollars?! So many lives could be saved! So many people could be educated! So much malnutrition could be alleviated. There is practically an endless pool of potential benefits from such a princely sum. With a properly structured investment strategy a Jewish education could be guaranteed to all of the children in the United States, in perpetuity! And what about the new car discussion brought up above? How does that relate to this? My theory is that have devolved into an instant gratification mind-set. Unlike other generations and cultures we want what we want, and we want it now. We have a financial system that encourages almost rabid consumerism. The ‘holiday season’ has become an orgy of ham-fisted shoppers roughing each other up in their local Walmart to get the best deal. We have been told repeatedly that by owning such-and-such a car we will achieve happiness and become much more desirable at the same time. Of course our inner consciousness knows this is nonsense. But the mind-numbing repetitiveness of the message often has the desired effect. So we decide we want a new car because we saw it, and once we decide we want it we buy it (then we deal with the bills for the next 60-72 months!). In conclusion, I am reminded of a joke. Once there was a very holy rabbi who ran an orphanage. He was desperately poor and so he would pray to G-d every day, three times a day that he should win the lottery. He wanted to win the lottery not so he could buy a nicer car or move into a larger apartment. No, he was holy. All he wanted was to be able to properly feed, clothe, and house his charges. Every day he prayed for the winning number and he did so for more than 20 years! Finally the Almighty had had enough and a heavenly voice could be heard to say, “Meet me halfway, BUT A TICKET!” Indeed, we want to win the lottery and that is not a bad thing. If we must fantasize, using our fantasies to genuinely help people, including ourselves, family, communities, and humanity, is not a bad way to do it. But one thing is certain – to win the lottery one must buy the ticket. To fix the world one must fix it – not plan on fixing it – not talk about fixing it – simply rolling up the proverbial sleeves and fixing it! Upcoming JLI Course:
“The Jewish Course of Why” Chabad at La Costa is a proud part of the world-wide Jewish Learning Institute (JLI), which has become known as the preeminent Jewish Adult Education provider. There are hundreds of JLI chapters around the world, all of which study the same course at the same time. The next scheduled six-part course, “The Jewish Course of Why,” is particularly intriguing as it will answer some of the most important practical questions regarding Judaism. Some of the questions included are: “Why are there no more miracles of Biblical proportions?” “Why doesn’t G-d respond to my requests?” “Why is slavery sanctioned in the Torah?” Why do we place pebbles on a headstone?” “Why are Jews singled out for persecution?” And everyone’s favorite, “Why do we say Mazel Tov and L’Chaim?” This promises to be a fun and dynamic learning experience with rational insights into the most intriguing aspects of Judaism. This is everyone’s opportunity to expand his/her Jewish knowledge in an open and safe environment where questions and discussions are not only tolerated, they are encouraged! “The Jewish Course of Why” begins Tuesday, February 9th at 7pm and continues for six Tuesdays. The cost to attend is $100, which includes the text book. However, if two sign up together the total is $150 including the two books. To take advantage of this saving both must sign up at the same time. For further information log onto www.myjli.com, or visit our website; www.ChabadatLaCosta.com. Announcing the Super Bowl of Retreat Weekends with Renowned Scholar-in-Residence! Score a Touchdown with your Family by bringing them to an Enriching and Fun-Filled weekend, February 5th – 7th, in PARADISE! PERFECT for the WHOLE FAMILY!
Chabad at La Costa in conjunction with the World Famous Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, located on the coast in beautiful Carlsbad, California, will be offering deeply discounted room rates (use the code “Chabad” at time of booking), sumptuous meals, inspiring services, special children’s activities, and an outstanding Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi Mendel Duchman, for a Super Bowl Weekend Retreat.
Omni La Costa Resort and Spa is a world-class facility set upon hundreds of acres where you can discover a secluded destination overlooking the tranquility of a Spanish Colonial-style village, manicured gardens and greenery of the surrounding areas, and is directly adjacent to Chabad at La Costa’s beautiful new facility, which is where all services and meals will take place. Immerse yourself in pure luxury as you settle into one of 607 rooms, or for even more pampering, one of the 77 suites or 137 villa suites. All the senses swim in blissful harmony as you take in warm, personal spaces and find perfection in the rooms’ blend of unmatched elegance and modern amenities.
We will have sumptuous meals on Friday night and for Kiddush on Saturday, as well as movies for the children Saturday night with refreshments. The Super Bowl Retreat will culminate with a Super Bowl Party of epic proportions on Sunday, February 7th at 3pm, with one of our famous Barbecue Bounty Celebrations. Participants can watch the game while enjoying an all-you-can-eat bounty of hamburgers, hotdogs, the Rabb’s super-hot wings, salads, sides, snow cones and cotton candy! There is very limited space available for this retreat, which will invigorate both body and soul! To find out more visit our website;www.ChabadatLaCosta.com/Retreat, or call 760-943-8891.
Drink creatively!
When the sin of the Golden Calf occurred the women realized the gravity of the error and stayed away from being involved. Because of this wisdom it has become a custom for women to join together for a special event each month – on Rosh Chodesh (the Jewish new month). Each month different events are scheduled that are both educational and entertaining. This month’s event will take place on Sunday, January 24th at 7pm, which is actually Tu BiShvat, considered the New Year for Trees. We hold a Seder, a special meal where delicious fruit is served and blessings recited. Contact Rebbetzin Nechama for further information at[email protected]. Ladies, be sure to come and bring your friends! Ladies, please mark your calendars now for next month’s Rosh Chodesh event – wine and cheese tasting! That will take place on Monday, February 8th at 7pm at the shul. Weekly Class Schedule Shabbat: During Mincha – Women’s Issues with the Rebbetzin Monday: Caffeine for the Soul – A Class for Women @ Target, Encinitas – 12pm Tuesday: Jewish Mysticism – 7:30pm Wednesday: Torah Portion of the Week – 7:30pm. Special Wishes HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes go out to Jake Alter, Yosef Shapiro, Meghan Harter, 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 Esther Belfer and Bruce Fisch and all of those marking a Yarzeit this week. May Roz Mintz and Mel Bridge be blessed with a full and complete recovery! ### Hebrew School
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. 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.
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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Minyan Needed
Kiddush this Shabbos
Our Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi Mendel Duchman, is a world-renowned motivational speaker and personal coach who has managed to fuse a successful business career with building dynamic Jewish communities around the world. He is the founder and director of Kol Yaakov Yehudah, an innovative community of children who have learned how to run their own services and programs. Over the course of Shabbat Rabbi Duchman will teach us how to infuse our children with enthusiasm for Judaism, how to balance Jewish observance with a career in business, and share some incredible stories of personal inspiration.
Paint, Wine and Cheese Party for Women
Tu BiShvat Seder for Women in Lieu of Doris Markus Rosh Chodesh Gathering
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.).