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This week we will read about the crossing of the Red Sea. Have you ever taken a moment to imagine how you’d feel if you were one of those Israelites crossing on dry land, with towering watery walls on either side of you? Would you feel safe? Or would you be scared by the countless possibilities of what could go wrong? Sometimes I think life is one big crossing of the Red Sea. There’s lots to be afraid of. But then G-d’s hand is right there, supporting, guiding and protecting. And you know what? Just like our ancestors sang praises to G-d once they reached land, we’ll be singing when we look back at our challenges, recognizing that it was all part of His plan.
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| Volume 17 Number 19, 12th of Shvat 5776, January 22 '16 | |
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Chabad Weekly Update
This week’s Kiddush is being sponsored by the Channah Hale in memory of her son Jeffrey, Yaakov Hillel ben Asher Baruch HaLevi, on his first Yarzeit. 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 In this week’s Torah portion, titled Beshalach, the newly liberated Jewish people are triumphantly marching towards their glorious destiny; receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai and inheritance of the Promised Land, Israel. However, they find a huge impediment in their path. The Sea of Reeds looms before them. While encamped directly in front of this seemingly insurmountable obstacle they turn to see the Egyptian Army in their mighty chariots bearing down upon them. What to do?! Those familiar with the story know that they plunged into the sea as it miraculously split. The Jews successfully traversed the seabed while the Egyptian army came to an inglorious end, as the waters crashed down up them, wiping them out, and finally negating the last vestige of any hold the Egyptians held over their former slaves. While facing the sea the Jews were confronted with a test of faith. Thankfully they made the correct decision, which was, since G-d said to move forward, MOVE FORWARD, even though it seemed as though there was an insurmountable obstacle. Who amongst us can fault those whose faith waivered at the critical moment? How can we judge those who feared for their lives and their families’ future? In fact, however, we need to understand the context of this story. Context is crucial; it always has been and it always will be. The Jews had just witnessed the absolute mastery of the Almighty over every aspect of His creation, as evidenced by the 10 Plagues and the miraculous departure from Egypt. With such dramatic bona fides, G-d had certainly ‘earned’ the peoples’ trust! The same may be said about their Egyptian pursuers. They too had witnessed the redemption of their former slaves. They too had seen, with their own eyes yet, the breaking of Egyptian power and even that of the Egyptian system of idol worship and false gods. Yet they too had a test of faith; should we try to destroy G-d’s people? Unfortunately for the Egyptians they failed their test. They allowed their arrogance to again get the best of them, and despite all that they had seen followed the Jews leading to their own destruction. What does this story tell us in our lives? Each must answer that question for him/herself, but to me it means that my existence as a Jew does not come from a vacuum. Rather there is a very long and rich history that tells me when I demonstrate the requisite faith in the Creator a way forward will always be found. I must have the courage to follow the path I know to be the one desired by the Commander-in-Chief. To my limited understanding I may not see it at a given time, but my intellect tells me which way to proceed and my faith reassures me that I will be successful in my journey! Upcoming JLI Course: “The Jewish Course of Why”
Sign-Ups Have Begun! 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! Limited Space – Early Registration HIGHLY Recommended 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. 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. 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.
Tu BiShvat Seder for Women THIS Sunday L'Chaim... Bless you... Gezuntheit... Every blessing that we give to each other is full of hidden potential. When we answer ‘Amen!’ we bring that potential into actuality in this world and we strengthen each other. Sunday January 24th at 7pm RSVP 760 943 8891 Chazak! Be strong! and together let us say... Amen!
Paint, Wine, & Cheese Rosh Chodesh Event for Everyone Scheduled
Erica Wolfsen is a talented teacher who can release YOUR inner artist. Don't have an inner artist? Come enjoy friends and foods while getting messy. $36 includes an array of Kosher wines and Chalav Yisroel cheeses. RSVP 760 943 8891 *Art by Bina Barth with instruction by Erica Wolfsen 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 Kaley French, 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 Jeffrey Hale, Irving Belfer, Kelly Lewis, and Molly Seigal, 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.
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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Kiddush this Shabbos
Drink creatively!
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.).