|
This week we read an added portion from the Torah about how our ancestors each brought a half-shekel contribution toward the construction of the Tabernacle in the desert. Why only a half? To tell us that we are each but a half of ourselves. The other half can be found in our fellows. Through all of Israel contributing to a single home for G-d, they all became whole. |
| Volume 17 Number 25, 24th of Adar I 5776, March 4th '16 | |
 |
|
|
Chabad Weekly Update
This week’s Kiddush is sponsored by Sheila Lebovitz in loving memory of her husband Norman Lebovitz (Nosson Chaim ben Binyomin) and her mother Bertha Stern (Bluma bas Berel Leib). The Kiddush is being cosponsored by Joel Barnett in loving memory of his brother Hugh Barnett. 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. Time Change! MINYAN NEEDED Today @ 1pm (NOT 5pm)
The final Minyan for the Gelbart Shiva and for the Reisman Yarzeit will take place in the Gelbart’s home, 2291 Paseo Saucedal, Carlsbad. We need a Minyan TODAY at 1pm for 15 minutes. YOUR PARTICIPATION IS APPRECIATED. Current JLI Course: “The Jewish Course of Why” Going Strong! 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.
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. A Thought from the Rabbi This week’s Torah portion is titled “VaYakhel,” which means when you will gather. It is also Parshat Shekalim, a special added portion that we read to commemorate the Mitzvah of the Half Shekel coin that was given by the Jewish people to underwrite the costs of the daily communal sacrifices. This is a year of Hakhel, of gathering the people together. As a reminder our calendar works in cycles with every Seventh Year being a Sabbatical Year and every Eighth Year being a Hakhel Year. The people would all come to Jerusalem and there they would listen as the King would read to them portions of the Torah. In honor of this Mitzvah and because we are in the midst of the election season I have decided to devote this column to the notion of leadership as viewed by the Torah. Every four years millions of Americans head to the polls to fulfill our civic duty and vote. Invariably debates begin as we discuss who we feel will make the best president. In fact, American politics is downright divisive! To be perfectly clear, the purpose of this column is not to endorse any candidate or party. Instead it is to inform and advise regarding the characteristics we should be looking for in our elected officials. For those who say that Judaism does not speak to these issues, that is simply not the case. When we study the Torah we come to see what traits the Torah values – particularly in our elected leadership. Another point of fact; Democracy, is not, strictly speaking, a Jewish ethic. Jewish leaders were chosen by the Almighty Himself, who made his choice known through His prophets. However, the populace had to be pleased and supportive of the eventual king. So what should we look for in a leader? Well, as the name implies we should look for someone who leads. Leading does not mean dictating to others what they should be doing nor does it mean ‘testing the winds’ and then telling the people what they want to hear. Rather, leadership means that the head must demonstrate how one is to live his/her life, eg. to be a positive role model and then use his moral authority to inspire the people to keep the laws of the land. One who says one thing and does another is not fit to be a leader, instead he is a hypocrite and deserves contempt. Name calling and lying are additional negative traits that we should reject, out of hand, in our elected representatives. It is far preferable if a candidate admits his/her mistakes, and even takes ownership over the mistakes rather than lie about it. To me, someone who made a mistake and admits it is superior to one who portrays himself as perfect. A leader must be strong and able/willing to make and execute even difficult decisions. He should be kind, as a leader is compared to a shepherd, who must always look out for all of his flock – even the very old, very young, and those who cannot fend for themselves. He should be above suspicion when it comes to even the appearance of conflict of interest. He should be humble – for an arrogant person cannot admit his failings and therefore cannot address his shortcomings. He should have a generous spirit, but at the same time, guard the wealth of others as though it was his own, so as not to squander public funds. He must be disciplined, for true leadership is very hard work and time consuming at that. He must be honest to a fault and he must have the gift of taking the long view. He must have utter control of his emotions and only make decisions based upon intellect. He must value the power of forgiveness and master the art of communication. These are important here in a democracy where governmental transparency is rightfully valued. A good leader must also be an articulate spokesman for this, the greatest country in the world. He should be able to amply express the values of this great nation to both friends and foes on the international scene. While he should be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others he should be amply self-confident of the righteousness of his position. He must definitely assume the leadership role in the world but he must always remember that his first responsibility is to the people of the United States. And finally he should be someone who can inspire the people to come together in the service of something greater than themselves. He should be able to cultivate a sense of love and devotion to this country and to its citizens. Now you, the reader, must decide, who from among the remaining candidates would best embody the traits described above? Weekly Class Schedule Shabbat: During Mincha – Women’s Issues with the Rebbetzin Hebrew School – Sunday 9:30 – 12:05 Monday: Caffeine for the Soul – A Class for Women @ Target, Encinitas – 12pm Tuesday: JLI – The Jewish Course of Why – 7pm Wednesday: Torah Portion of the Week – 7:30pm. Special Wishes HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes go out to Ivan Jellinek 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 Norman Lebovitz, and 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
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.
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.
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. |
|
Kiddush this Shabbos
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?”
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!
Cell Phones & Chatting During Services