boc a raton synagogue weeklynewsletter.brsonline.org/weekly_8_29_14.pdfour group made a shiva visit...

RABBI EFREM GOLDBERGMarah D’asrah

RABBI PHILIP MOSKOWITZassociate rabbi

RABBI JOSH BROIDEoutreach rabbi

RABBI DR. DAVID SHABTAIsepharDic rabbi

RABBI SIMMY SHABTAIrosh beit MiDrash

DAVID WOLGIN, PhDpresiDent

RABBI GERSHON EISENBERGER Youth Director

RABBI ELI ZIANSteen Director

RABBI MORDECHAI SMOLARCIKrabbi, brs West

RABBI KENNETH BRANDERrabbi eMeritus

MATTHEW HOCHERMANexecutive Director

ESTHER LUPIN, MSWbrs/JFs social Worker

KERRY PURCELLeDitor-in-chieF oF the WeeklY

HAHN JUDAIC CAMPUS • 7900 MONTOYA CIRCLE N. BOCA RATON, FLORIDA 33433-4912(561) 394-0394 • FAX (561) 394-0180 • WWW.BRSONLINE.ORG • [email protected]

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WEEKLYB o c a R a t o n S y n a g o g u e

FRIDAY NIGHTPlag Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 6:05 pmEarliest Candle Lighting 6:23 pmEarly Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 7:00 pmCandle Lighting 7:25 pmMincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 pm

SHABBAT DAYWomen’s Class 5:10 pmThe Bigger the Challenge, the Bigger the Fulfillment

(Part One)Mrs. Shoshana Deakter

Rabbi’s Class 6:10 pmWas Hadar Goldin Killed by the IDF on Purpose?

Rabbi Efrem GoldbergShabbat Mincha 7:10 pm Ma’ariv/Havdalah 8:18 pm

PARSHAT SHOFTIMStone Chumash 024

August 29 • September 5 - 3 Elul • 10 Elul 5774Generously sponsored Dr. David Cohan, Sofia, Harry & Rafael, Dr. Sam & Lisa Freedman, Elazar, Avinoam, Lior, Shai and Yoel

in honor of Sydney Freedman becoming a Bat Mitzvah.

FROM THE RABBI’S DESK I have been longing to go to Israel all summer. Each day while following the news and connecting closely with the unfolding of events I have felt drawn to walk the land of our forefathers, to be one with our brothers and sisters and to experience the destiny of our people not as a spectator on the sideline, but on the big stage itself. While some have experienced Israel fatigue, growing tired of the rallies, sermons and articles focused almost exclusively on Israel, I have felt the opposite – an increasing appetite and craving for more.

All summer long we have watched and read about the incredible displays of unity, the remarkable acts of chesed, the courage and bravery of a people forced to endure the kidnapping and murder of three of their children, the incessant fall of rockets, the danger of sending their boys into battle and the challenge of living normal lives in utterly abnormal circumstances. The people of Israel have more than risen to the challenges; they have been brave, filled with faith, and resolute in their unwavering commitment to our land, our people and our values. Like an uncomfortable itch that is gnawing to be scratched, each and every day of this summer I have been uncomfortably itching to show solidarity and to be part of our people’s experience in Israel directly, not simply watching from the side.

And so, when the opportunity presented itself to join nine of my rabbinic colleagues on a very brief solidarity visit to Israel organized by the Orthodox Union, I jumped at and I remain deeply grateful to my wife and our BRS President for giving their consent, support and encouragement.

What could one really accomplish in two days? How much could one see, do, and experience? The answer, I learned, is an enormous amount.

Our group made a shiva visit to the Turgemans, whose four-year-old son was murdered by a mortar. We visited an iron dome installation and a tank unit still gathered on the Gaza border. We met the people of Sderot, shopped in their stores, visited their Hesder Yeshiva and met with its Rosh Yeshiva. We met with an incredible youth program in Sderot and participated in a siyum by one of their madrichim (youth leaders) who studied most of the mesechta (tractate) during his time fighting in Gaza. We toured a Kibbutz two miles from Gaza that was hit 19 times by rockets in the last three months alone. We spent significant time with the Shaer family whose son Gil-ad was kidnapped and murdered.

We met with the Chief Rabbi of the IDF as well as with Col. Bentzi Gruber, an expert on war ethics who is responsible for directing 20,000 soldiers. We visited Soroka hospital and spent time with injured soldiers and their families.

The real question is did our visit matter, not only to us who got to scratch our itch to be in Israel, but to the people of Israel itself? I must share with you that as I read our itinerary on the plane over, I was somewhat skeptical and even cynical. All summer we have seen pictures and read testimony of American rabbis and lay people who went to Israel to show solidarity. But while the trips made those who took them feel connected, inspired and motivated, what impact did they truly have on those whom they came to support?

Were the soldiers on the army base, the injured ones in the hospital and even the Sha’er family just going to humor us? Were the people in the south and dignitaries we met going to be courteous and kind on the surface, but in their hearts feel like props in a photo op? Our visit would certainly make us feel good, but would it really matter to the people we came to see?

Among the powerful messages of this short trip is not only did our visits matter, but we were blown away by how much they seemed to matter. I want to share with you a few of the reactions to our visit, not as an expression of self-congratulations, but to communicate and hopefully inspire you to coordinate a visit of your own as soon as possible with the recognition that it truly matters.

• A few of us took a cab to daven at the Kotel early our first morning. The driver described that in the last 50 days he has barely had any business. He averaged 70 shekels of income a day while his fuel costs exceeded 100 shekel a day. He asked us to encourage visits to Israel as soon as possible to help the damaged tour industry recover and thanked us for being in Israel and supporting the economy.

• We stopped in Sderot on our way to an army base in order to buy cold drinks, food and treats. The owners of the stores we entered described how challenging it has been to make a living this summer with so few people leaving their homes as the sirens sounded regularly and rockets fell incessantly. While of course we thanked them for the resilience and courage in not allowing our enemies to drive them from their homes, remarkably they overflowed with gratitude to our group for visiting and showing support. The woman who owns the Judaica store described how she was born in Sderot, got married in Sderot and will not be driven from Sderot. We hit a remarkable impasse when we tried to support her by shopping broadly while she insisted on giving us discounts in appreciation for our visit.

• When we arrived at the army base on a steaming hot day, I knew the soldiers would appreciate the goodies, but I didn’t realize how much they would welcome our warm sentiments and love. Rabbis Topp and Posey bought cards written by the children of their community in LA. I watched as they handed out the cards to the soldiers and wondered if they would even read them after we left or just toss them aside. As we were gathering to get on the bus, I was amazed as a soldier rushed up to R’ Topp and asked him, “can I please have one too.” Our well wishes and messages of support clearly matter.

• Our visit with Ofir and Bata Galim Shaer was transformative. They are beyond exceptional people who have emerged role models and teachers to us all. Their response to the kidnapping and murder of their son Gil-ad is nothing short of heroic. As we pulled into their home in Talmon, I wondered if they really wanted to meet with us. After all, shiva and sheloshim were completed and I imagined that they must be trying their hardest to return to some sense of normalcy. Not only did they greet us warmly and host us graciously, they were tremendously expressive of their gratitude for our visit and for demonstrating that we have not forgotten their ordeal. We went around and all shared the rallies, tehillim gatherings and sheloshim ceremonies held in our communities. We told them about how you, my beloved friends, felt their pain personally without even knowing them. They told us how our visit closed a circle for them as they heard about the support from American Jewry, but meeting us in person and by extension feeling the love of the communities

Boca Raton SynagogueValuing Diversity • Celebrating Unity

“Are They Humoring

Us or Do Our Solidarity

Visits Matter? Reflections

on 2 Days in Israel this

Week”

BOCA RATON SYNAGOGUE DERECH ERETZ STATEMENTIn the spirit of our mission “Valuing Diversity and Celebrating Unity,” we believe that a community is built on the collective engagement of individuals representing differing perspectives, whether religious, political, or social. As Boca Raton Synagogue is an environment where all of its members and visitors need to feel valued and welcomed, members are required to comport themselves in a manner which reflects mutual respect and a sense of inclusiveness. In our Synagogue, we value debate about pressing issues. This is consistent with the American democratic tradition. Our sages saw the value of arguments conducted L”Shem Shamayim,“ for the sake of heaven, believing that great minds who engage in respectful debate will arrive at better solutions. They valued and welcomed alternate views, as do we. “Derech Eretz,” good and proper conduct, and mutually respectful dialogue are core values of the Synagogue community. These create a “safe place” for inspiration and spiritual growth, the central purpose of the Synagogue. It is a violation of Jewish law and ethics to use harsh language (vitriol) to demonize or to marginalize people with whom one may disagree. Uncivil expression reflects negatively on our Synagogue as well as on the individuals who engage in such behavior. Boca Raton Synagogue expects its members to act and to speak with kindness and sensitivity to others. It is only in this fashion that a strong, vibrant, and harmonious community can be created and maintained. Adherence to this policy is a requirement for membership in good standing at the Boca Raton Synagogue.

In line with our recently published Derech Eretz Statement, we mention some examples of how we can be more sensitive towards others and create an even better community. • Try not to stand and talk in doorways where it prevents the movement of traffic.• Please make an effort to return greetings and wish others a Good Shabbos. If you have a Mensch Message you would like us to promote, please email us at [email protected]


PARSHAT SHOFTIM SUMMARYJudicial system. Moshe reviewed the regulations needed to ensure the conditions for a civilized society. Local judges and officers were to be appointed in each city, and justice was to administered righteously and impartially. The crime of idolatry. The crime of idolatry, determined after a thorough inquiry, was to be punished by death by stoning. Qualifications of a king. Moshe noted that a time would come when the people might desire a king to rule over them, as did other nations. When this occurred, the king was to be a Jew chosen by Hashem, who was not to misuse his powers to amass many horses, or accumulate great wealth. He was to handwrite a copy of the Torah, so that he would be God fearing and Torah observant.Superstition/magic. The Torah forbids all form of superstition and “magic” practiced by the soothsayer. Israel has no reason to resort to such tricks, for Hashem would provide inspired prophets from among them to communicate His will. False prophets speaking in the name of idols were to be punished by death. The false seer could be distinguished from the true one by non-fulfillment of his predictions. Theft. Removing a landmark to enlarge one’s own estate constitutes theft. Exemptions from military service. The Jews shouldn’t display fear before engaging in battle with a powerful enemy, for Hashem will protect them. Three categories of men were exempt from military service: one who had just (a) built a new house, but hadn’t yet dedicated it; (b) planted a vineyard, but hadn’t yet enjoyed its fruit; and (c) become betrothed.Rules of engagement. Before Israel attacked a hostile city, she should try to negotiate a peaceful entry, in which case the city’s inhabitants would become subservient to Israel. Only if these peace efforts failed could war be waged. If Israel was victorious, all men of the enemy were to be killed, but their women and children were to be spared. Fruit trees were not to be destroyed during a siege where there were other things available, so that they could continue to benefit the new inhabitants of the conquered city.

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we represent, gives them great comfort. Ofir hugged each one of us and gave us his email and cell phone number asking us to keep in touch.

• There are, thank God, only three soldiers remaining in Seroka hospital ailing from their injuries due to the war. The first, Dan, who has undergone 12 surgeries in the last month, was not feeling well enough to receive us, but we spent time with his family. The second, Yehudah, sustained a direct injury to his head and has been in a coma for the last few weeks. He will please God wake up to find out that his wife has given birth to their son. The bris took place outside of his hospital room shortly before our visit and we were invited by the family to eat from the seudas mitzvah and share in the simcha, as bittersweet as it was. The third soldier, Roi, has undergone three surgeries in the last month and still needs more. We visited with him and his parents and frankly they all seemed tired from the attention and eager to just go home. They were lukewarm in our conversation until we shared with them how in all of our Shuls, every single day following davening we say tehillim on his behalf and for all of his comrades injured in battle. Roi and his parent’s eyes literally opened wide as they had no idea and couldn’t believe that people in our communities from the East Coast to the West Coast of America think about and care deeply about them literally every day. Their shyness to our visit turned to expressive appreciation as we invited Roi to visit our communities and enjoy a vacation to America on us.

Not everybody can go to Israel on short notice for a very brief trip. However, we can all continue to do more to show our appreciation, support and love to those who are sacrificing so much, some economically, some through trauma, some sustaining injuries and some paying the highest price for our people and our land.

If you can plan a trip to Israel in the short future, don’t hesitate, do it now. If you can’t, you can continue to contribute to causes that provide for our soldiers, you can send cards and messages to those who have experienced loss from this war and you can continue to daven for the recovery of the injured and the well-being of the IDF.

We learned so much from this trip, but most of all we learned that our expressions of support and love truly matter, so please don’t stop sharing them. Good Shabbos,


FRIDAY NIGHTFriday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pmEarly Sephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 6:00 pmPlag Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Social Hall) 6:05 pmEarliest Candle Lighting 6:23 pmEarly Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) 7:00 pmSephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 7:25 pmCandle Lighting 7:25 pmMincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Social Hall) 7:30 pm

SHABBAT DAYNeitz Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 6:15 amHashkama Minyan (Social Hall) 7:25 amSephardic Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 9:00 amAshkenazi Minyan (Rand Sanctuary) 9:00 am Sermon: Rabbi Efrem GoldbergShtiebel Minyan (Shtiebel Beit Midrash) 9:30 amTeen Minyan (Berdugo Beit Midrash) 9:45 amYouth Tefillah Groups (Jacobs and Rubin Youth & Senior Center) 10:00 amSof Zman Kriat Shema 10:10 amEarly Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 3:00 pmWomen’s Class 5:10 pm

The Bigger the Challenge, the Bigger the Fulfillment(Part One)

Mrs. Shoshana DeakterRabbi’s Class 6:10 pm

Was Hadar Goldin Killed by the IDF on Purpose?Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

Sephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 7:10 pmAshkenazi Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 7:10 pmDaf Yomi (Berdugo Beit Midrash) between Mincha/Ma’arivSh’kiah 7:42 pmMa’ariv/Havdalah 8:18 pm

SHABBAT LEARNINGSichot of the Lubavitcher Rebbe (Shtiebel Beit Midrash) 8:30 amTefillah Insights with Rabbi Josh Broide (Rand Sanctuary) 8:30 amTeachings of the Ba’al Shem Tov (Shtiebel Beit Midrash) 9:00 amAdvanced Gemara Chabura 15 minutes after Hashkama MinyanJunior Congregation (Shechet Beit Midrash - Rooms 205 & 206) 10:00 amYouth Groups (Drop-off begins at 10:00 am) 10:30 amSephardic Roundtable (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 11:00 amFather & Son Learning (Senders Library) 5:00 pm

PARSHAT KI TEITZEIFriday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pmEarly Sephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 6:00 pmPlag Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Social Hall) 6:05 pmEarliest Candle Lighting 6:17 pmSephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 7:15 pmCandle Lighting 7:17 pmMincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Social Hall) 7:20 pmMa’ariv/Havdalah (Shabbat) 8:10 pm

BRS WEST (At the Hillel Day School, 21001 95th Ave. • (305) 725-2292 • www.brswestonline.org)

FRIDAY NIGHTMincha 7:20 pm Candle lighting 7:26 pm

SHABBAT DAYShacharit 9:30 amYouth Groups 10:30 amKiddush follows Davening Mincha (Shabbat) 7:15 pmShabbat Ends/ Maariv 8:18 pm

WEEKDAYSSunday Morning Minyan 8:00 am

Breakfast is Sponsored by the D’Var Torah Club

SHABBAT SCHEDULE

DAILY MINYAN TIMES

SUNDAYMONDAY

LABOR DAYTUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Sephardic Selichot/Shacharit

5:30 amSephardic Beit Midrash

5:30amSephardic Beit Midrash





Ashkenazi Shacharit 6:25 am Social Hall

6:15 amSocial Hall

6:25 amSocial Hall

6:25 amSocial Hall

6:15 amSocial Hall

6:25 amSocial Hall

SephardicSelichot/Shacharit

7:00 amBerdugo Beit Midrash






Ashkenazi Shacharit 7:15 amSocial Hall

7:15 amSocial Hall

7:00 amSocial Hall

7:00 amSocial Hall

7:00 amSocial Hall

7:00 amSocial Hall

Ashkenazi Shacharit 8:00 am Social Hall

8:00 am Social Hall

7:45 am Social Hall

7:45 am Social Hall

7:45 amSocial Hall

7:45 amSocial Hall

Ashkenazi Shacharit 9:00 amSocial Hall

9:00 am Social Hall

8:30 am Social Hall

8:30 am Social Hall

8:30 am Social Hall

8:30 am Social Hall

Early Ashkenazi Mincha

2:00 pm Senders Library

2:00 pm Senders Library

3:40 pmSephardic Beit Midrash



Sephardic Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:20 pmSephardic Beit Midrash


7:20 pmSocial Hall



Ashkenazi Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:25 pmSocial Hall

7:25 pmSocial Hall

7:25 pmRand Sanctuary

7:25 pmRand Sanctuary

7:25 pmSocial Hall

Late Ashkenazi Ma’ariv 9:30 pmSenders Library

9:30 pmSenders Library




MAIN MINYAN GALA KIDDUSH SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Following a successful inaugural Main Minyan Gala Kiddush campaign, we are looking forward to another year of great Kiddushim and the camaraderie it rings. As the cost of a private Kiddush has become prohibitive, the monthly Gala Kiddush affords those with a Simcha to share that Simcha at an affordable price with the entire BRS community. Please consider joining our growing list of sponsors to ensure the Kiddushim continue.

The Gala Kiddushim for this year are tentatively scheduled as follows:September 6, 2014 February 21, 2015October 17, 2014 (Simchat Torah) March 14, 2015November 29, 2014 April 18, 2015December 27, 2014 May 16, 2015January 24, 2015 June 13, 2015 (Graduation Kiddush)

We are very grateful to our Executive Chef Sponsors who contributed $1,000 for the year and our Sous Chef Sponsors for contributing $500 for the year. These sponsorships are what makes the Gala Kiddush possible.

SPONSORSHIP LEVELSExecutive Chef Sponsor $1,000Sous Chef Sponsor $500Bar Mitzvah / Aufruf $360Bat Mitzvah / New Baby / Engagement $250Birthday / Anniversary $100Grandchild / Other Occasion $100

Sponsorships are announced from the pulpit on Shabbat morning of the Kiddush and listed in the Weekly. If you would like to sponsor on any level in this coming year, please contact Matthew Hocherman at [email protected] or our Kiddush Club chairs, Donny Cohen and Avi Greenbaum.

List in formation

EXECUTIVE CHEFDonny & Dr. Freyda CohenMartin & Ileana FlicsAvi & Dr. Laura Greenbaum Yanki & Lauren HofstatterAnonymousAnonymous

SOUS CHEFJoseph BensmihenLeo & Heni EhrlichDavid & Reena MakoverDr. David Levine & Dr. Sara MarkowitzDr. Zorik & Ellen Spektor

MAIN MINYAN GALA KIDDUSH


SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTSMAZAL TOV

Dr. Ben & Cara Freedman on their daughter, Sydney, becoming a Bat Mitzvah. AND to her proud siblings, Jacob & Rebecca. AND grandparents, Dr. Mark & Helen Cohan and Rabbi Simcha & Anna Freedman. AND Uncle Sam, Aunt Lisa and the Freedman cousins. AND Uncle David and the Cohan cousins.Avi & Melinda Tansman on the forthcoming marriage of their son, Gil, to Serach Eladia Ramú . AND to his proud siblings, Mia & Gil Rubinstein, Dean and Noam. Her parents are Philip & Marléné Ramú , of Wilton, Maine. Rabbi Dr. Zvi & Hassia Yehuda on the marriage of their grandson, Raanan Rosenbaum, to Naomi Aziz in Israel.

KIDDUSHHashkama Minyan Kiddush sponsored by The Hashkama Minyan Kiddush FundSeudah Shlishiet co-sponsored by the Boca Raton Synagogue, Jack & Shifra Zwick

SHABBAT AFTERNOON WOMEN’S SHIURA community-wide learning opportunity for women, by women. Shabbat Shoftim, August 30, 5:25 pm with Mrs. Shoshana Deakter “The Bigger the Challenge, the Bigger the Fulfillment”Part 1. Join us for part 2 next Shabbat, September 6.

FAMILY MINYAN THIS SHABBAT With great excitement, we announce that our next Family Minyan will take place this Shabbat, May 3 at 9:45 am in the Social Hall. This Minyan is most ideal for parents and their elementary aged children (boys & girls). Every child that comes on time will receive a special ticket for a special prize. Please make sure to arrive at 9:20 am for the Mishna Chabura. Great Kiddush following Davening.

HIGH HOLIDAY PACKET DEADLINE IS THIS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

The High Holiday Packets have been mailed out. The packet you received includes all of the necessary forms for the High Holidays, as well as your statement showing your outstanding balance, including Dues for 2014/2015, and a Payment Form. In order to reserve your seats for the High Holidays, you must fill out the Payment Form and submit it with either post-dated checks or credit card information with a payment plan selected. Also, please note that seats for the High Holidays cannot be reserved until all past due balances are paid in full. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. If you need a confidential Dues Adjustment Form, see Amy in the Shul office. If you would like to discuss anything pertaining to membership, contact Matthew Hocherman at [email protected]. The deadline to submit all of your forms is Tuesday, September 2. If you are planning to set up a monthly payment plan, please note that the payments will be divided over 10 months.

LABOR DAY FUN DAY YOUTH EVENTMonday, September 1, 12:30 - 3:30 pm (for children ages 6 and up) at Planet Air Sports, 1401 Green Road, Deerfield Beach, FL 33064. For more information, visit their website at www.planetairsports.com. Featuring trampoline park, ropes course, aeroball, bungee trampoline, gyroscope, rock climbing walls, vertical drop slide, leap of faith, x- board (aero board). Cost is $15 per child. Lunch will be available for purchase. Parents, please fill out waiver before arriving at Planet Air Sports. Please register with Rabbi Gershon

Eisenberger [email protected].

HIGH HOLIDAY TEEN MINYAN INFORMATIONAfter overwhelming demand, Rabbi Eli Zians WILL be running a Teen Minyan this year on Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur! The Minyan will be taking place at the Montoya Estates Clubhouse. The Teen Minyan is for those in 7th - 12th grades, no adults will be permitted to attend. The cost for seats at the Teen Minyan is $50 per seat. If you have already submitted a seating request form, and would like to move your teens over to the Teen Minyan, please contact the Shul Office ASAP. If you have any questions about the Teen Minyan please feel free to contact Rabbi Eli Zians at [email protected]

SHEMITA: RETURNING TO OUR ROOTSStarting this Shabbat, join Rabbi Efrem Goldberg for the first of a five part Sermon Series on Shabbat Mornings at the 9:00 am Minyan in the Rand Sanctuary. SHABBAT PARASHAT SHOFTIM: AUGUST 30Shemitat Karka: Fulfilling our Mission as Guardians of God’s EarthSHABBAT PARASHAT KI TEITZEI: SEPTEMBER 6Shemitat Kesafim: Releasing Loans and Freeing Ourselves from MaterialismSHABBAT PARASHAT KI TAVO: SEPTEMBER 13“For the Land Is Mine:” The Uniqueness of the Land of IsraelSHABBAT PARASHAT NETZAVIM/VAYELECH: SEPTEMBER 20Taking a Sabbatical to Work on Our FaithSHABBAT SHUVA: SEPTEMBER 27 BRS Kiddush Hashem Campaign: Doing Our Part to Repair Hashem’s World and Heal Our People

LABOR DAYThe Shul office will be closed Monday, September 1 to observe Labor day.

“JUST ONE MITZVAH” CAMPAIGN Oftentimes, we think that we need to undertake major changes in order to approach the High Holidays. However, our Rabbis champion the idea of doing one Mitzvah at a time. Join the BRS Rabbis as we explore four relatable and doable Mitzvot that each of us can improve upon over the coming year. All classes at 8:00 pm in the Social Hall.

NICHUM AVEILIM (Comforting Mourners)Tuesday, September 9 with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

BIKUR CHOLIM (Visiting the Sick)Tuesday, September 16 with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz

HACHNASAT ORCHIM (Welcoming Guests) Tuesday, September 23 with Rabbi Mordechai Smolarcik

CHESED (KINDNESS)Tuesday, September 30 with Rabbi Josh Broide

START OFF YOUR ELUL RIGHTAs we prepare for the New Year, join us on Wednesday night, September 3 at 8:30 pm for a special event with Rav Zamir Cohen and Rav Mordechai Aram Tzovah. Hidabroot, the world’s most popular Jewish television station, is proud to join the BRS Sephardic Minyan to present two of their most highly sought after and inspirational speakers as we begin the month of Elul. Rabbi Mordechai Aram Tzovah will be speaking in English on the topic of “Starting a New Page”. Rabbi Zamir Cohen will be speaking in Hebrew on the topic of “Miracles from Operation Protective Edge and the Future of Islam through the Prism of Biblical Prophecy.”Please join us for what promises to be a most meaningful and uplifting experience to start off the High Holiday season!

TEEN MINYANAnd...... were back!! This year’s Teen Minyan will begin this Shabbat, August 30 at 9:45 am in the Berdugo Beit Midrash. All teens are welcomed to join and enjoy a delicious Kiddush following Davening

CONGRESSMAN ED ROYCECongressman Ed Royce will be giving a briefing on Israel to the congregation next Shabbat, September 6 at 11:15 am in the Rand Sanctuary.

Since coming to Congress, Ed Royce has been a stalwart supporter of Israel, with a long track record of supporting pro-Israel legislation. He has been outspoken on the need to check Iranian aggression and halt its nuclear weapons program. Royce has also been a leader in bringing attention to anti-Israel rhetoric and votes in the United Nations. He

and his staff have traveled extensively to Israel. Royce will return to Israel later this month to demonstrate support at this critical time. He became Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in January 2013.

FREEDMAN SIMCHAWith great gratitude to Hashem and deep appreciation for the incredible warmth and genuine camaraderie of our Boca Raton Synagogue community, we thank our guests for joining us this Shabbat, and we welcome the entire community to celebrate the Simcha of our daughter Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah with us NEXT WEEK as we co-sponsor the Gala Kiddush.


WEEK AT A GLANCE LIFE CYCLE

YAHRZEITS Ellen Spektor in memory of her father Aaron Altsman, 3 ElulEtta-Linda Pell in memory of her mother Elizabeth Hardegen, 3 ElulDr. Stuart Rubin in memory of his grandfather Moe Porwick, 3 ElulEd Vernikoff in memory of his father Morris Vernikoff, 3 ElulDr. Amy Wolnerman in memory of her mother Norma Hollander, 4 ElulJack Zwick in memory of his father Rabbi David Zwick, 4 ElulMarilyn Weigensberg in memory of her brother Robert Bierman, 5 ElulMichael Kahn in memory of his father Irvin Kahn, 5 ElulPreston Augenbaum in memory of his mother Gertrude Augenbaum, 6 Elul Mordechai Bar-Chaim in memory of his mother Hana Bar-Chaim, 6 ElulDr. Sara Brudnoy in memory of her mother Freda Serchuk, 6 ElulDr. David Brudnoy in memory of his mother Fanny Brudnoy, 7 ElulAviva Bierly in memory of her grandmother Charlotte Reich, 7 ElulDr. Jackie Tripp in memory of his father Aryeh Tripp, 7 ElulDr. Benjamin Tripp in memory of his father Aryeh Tripp, 7 ElulJonathan Charm in memory of his father Gerald Charm, 8 ElulGrace Halpert in memory of her husband Saul Halpert, 8 ElulFaye Eisenberg in memory of her mother Sarah Kessler, 8 ElulBenjamin Roth in memory of his brother Joseph Roth, 8 ElulCarol Kahn in memory of her mother Bluma Gordon Amdusky, 9 ElulMarcia Feldman in memory of her mother-in-law Anna Feldman, 9 ElulSteve Katz in memory of his father Morris Katz, 9 ElulDr. Cynthia March in memory of her mother Esther March, 10 ElulSeth Wiesel in memory of his mother Bernice Wiesel, 10 ElulAhuva Amram in memory of her father David Haiby, 10 ElulSharona Kay in memory of her father Arieh Karger, 10 Elul

DAILY • DAF YOMI (Sunday - Friday)

with Rabbi Ben Sugerman at 7:00 am in Rooms 211-212.• MISHNA BERURA YOMI (Sunday - Thursday)

15 minutes before Mincha• NIGHT BEIT MIDRASH (Sunday - Thursday) community learning in the Senders Library at 8:00 pm• NIGHTTIME DAF YOMI (Sunday - Thursday)

with BRS Rabbinate at 8:40 pm in the Board Room

TUESDAY• PARSHAH CLASS with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg at 9:30 am in the Social Hall• HAFTORAH CLASS with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz at 10:30 am in the Social Hall

WEDNESDAY• CUP OF JOE & KNOW

with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg after the 7:45 pm minyan• IN-DEPTH STUDY OF BOOK OF SAMUEL I with Malka Morris at 9:30 am in the Social Hall• KABBALAH & SPIRITUALITY: THE SOUL OF THE TORAH

with Anne Deakter at 7:30 pm at her home, 7666 Cypress Crescent in Montoya Estates East.

THURSDAY• SATELLITE LECTURES

with Rabbi Yissocher Frand at 9:00 pm in the Board Room• WEEKLY SHMOOZE

will take place at 9:45 pm in the Senders Library

WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITYDavid Cohan and family Steve and Rickey Goodman Howard and Susan Green Helen HochbergerJack and Sorah Levine Ted and Phyllis Struhl and family

BIRTHDAYSCara Freedman Rebecca Muller Rachel Rudensky

ANNIVERSARIESArnold & Hinda Bramnick

APPRECIATIONAndrea Tait extends heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Goldberg, the Chesed community, and to the entire BRS family for the outpouring of love and support that she and her family received during their recent bereavement.Jan Berg extends heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Goldberg, the Chesed committee and the community for the outpouring of support and caring through the Shiva meals, the daily Minyanim, and the many visitors that her family received during their recent bereavement.

CONDOLENCES TO• Mitchell Shadowitz on the passing of his beloved father Norman

Shadowitz.• Rabbi Simcha Freedman, Dr. Ben Freedman and Dr. Sam Freedman.

on the passing of his beloved mother and grandmother, Yetta Herman .

Rabbi Shmuel Jarashow Shmuel Tzvi ben ShaynaMerv Jacobs Meir ben SarahMoshe Applebaum Moshe Zvi ben Rachel LeahYosef Chaim ben FaigaBob Silver Reuvan Lieb ben MiriamStuart Silverman Yeshaya Moshe ben Nacha SarahRabbi Zvi Yehuda Zvi Aryeh ben DevorahIra Berger Yisroel ben Hinda GittelNachum Gedalia ben Sara BailaBob Strauss Chaim ben Tzipora

Helen Ijac Alta Haita bat DevorahJoan Noven Rochel Tova bat MalkaAriella Berman Ariella Sarah bat Elisheva MalkaBeverly Kassirer Briendle bat PesselChana Guta bat RochelRuth Malinowitz Rivka bat FreydaNoa Maya Carmel Noa Maya bat Devora RachelPerel bat Chaya SaraJacquie Padow Ya’akova Chava Rus bat Beyla

REFUAH SHLAYMAHFor members of BRS Community.

For all other Refuah Shlaymah needs, please call Linda at (561) 394-0394HOLIDAY INFORMATION

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERSEllen Wiener Mark & Jessica Matiash Leslie Friedman Marvin GoldsteinDr. Rebecca Solomon Eli & Shaindy Brown Charles & Debbie Zuchowski Rabbi Simmy & Devora ShabtaiRabbi Dr. David & Monica Shabtai

HIGH HOLIDAY BABYSITTINGAs the High Holidays are quickly approaching, we have a limited amount of children that we can accommodate for childcare and all requests will be on a first come, first served basis. We apologize in advance for all requests that we will not be able to accommodate. We are looking forward to wonderful and meaningful high holidays. Deadline is this Tuesday, September 2, before the price increases to $17 per session

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDTo operate the page turners in the Rand Sanctuary and Social Hall on the High Holidays. If you are willing to help, please contact Matthew at [email protected]

THE SOUND OF THE SHOFARIf you know of someone who is home bound and needs the Shofar sounded, please e-mail [email protected]

NEVER SPEND A YOM TOV MEAL ALONEBRS seeks to ensure that none of our single members spend a Yom Tov meal by themselves. To join our database and receive regular invitations, please email [email protected]. We are also putting together a Hachnasat Orchim committee of host homes. To volunteer to host, please email [email protected].

BRS AUXILIARIES, ETC.

BIKUR CHOLIM FACTS ABOUT VISITING THE SICK: *You can make a difference in the lives of others and yourself.*Sometimes it’s your presence, more than your words, that makes you good company.*Rather than offering answers, you can offer the comfort of company.*The visitor has a special role that staff cannot fill, as he or she connects the person to life and community.*Sometimes people prefer to be distracted. Personal things in the room can be conversation cues.*Respect personal boundaries; a touch can be very welcome at times but, if you are not sure, ask.

SISTERHOOD Sisterhood is busy planning new and exciting events for the upcoming year. We are looking forward to welcoming members, new and old. If you are interested in getting involved, please email [email protected].


Please have in mind children and grandchildren of members of our community currently serving in the IDF: Amiel Abir, Asher Kaplan, Adam Barel, Daniella Borenstein, Yosef Brander, Stav Gare, Menachem Kaplan, Shabtai Kaplan, Jeremy Siegman, Daniel Louis, Arie Hizkiya, Daniel Makover, Charlie Pollack, Yakov Simcha ben Moshe Yisroel, Yehuda Strauss, Elad Shachar, Liel Reinfeld, Ron Hirschhorn,

Yehoshua Strauss, Amichai Berman, Matt Firestone, Dov Lieber, Chanan Wolfson, Isaac Marco Romano, Eitan Yitzchak ben Etel Rochel, Yuchiel Shlomo Lowenstern, Amir Tsarfati, Reuben Gladstone, Joshua Weiss and Mordechai Wolfson. If you have children or grandchildren currently serving in the IDF, please let us know their names so we can include them. Please have in mind our missing in action Israeli Soldiers.

PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS OF IDF SOLDIERS The Emek Learning Center in Baka has a program that offers support to IDF Soldiers without families in Israel. If your child or grandchild is in the IDF and would like the center to reach out to them, please send Linda their name and contact information and it will be forwarded to the center. If you want to learn more about the center, the website is emeklearningcenter.com. Linda can be reached at [email protected] or by calling (561) 394-0394.

ISRAEL UPDATE

SOCIAL ACTIONIn a revealing feature in Tablet magazine, former Associated Press correspondent Matti Friedman confronts the media’s Israel obsession and lays blame for it not on “jihadi webmasters, basement conspiracy theorists, or radical activists but on the educated and respectable people who populate the international news industry”. According to Friedman, “the lasting importance of this summer’s war doesn’t lie in the war itself, but in the way the war has been described and responded to abroad, and the way this has laid bare the resurgence of an old, twisted pattern of thought, namely, a hostile obsession with Jews.” Recent examples of this are the publication by the New York Times of an uncorroborated allegation from the son of a Hamas official, and the claim by BBC journalist Orla Guerin that there is

“no evidence” that Hamas is using human shields. The “news that’s fit to print” is no longer always credible. Respond with letters to the editor.

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERSALAN GROSS

Alan Gross has been in prison for over 1400 days. Now you are able to write to him via his website www.bringalanhome.org/write Aba Chonah ben Hava Chana - Alan GrossAmerican Jew Alan Gross has been wrongly held in a Cuban prison since December 2009. Since that time, Alan’s physical and emotional state has deteriorated. He has lost over one hundred pounds and has suffered partial paralysis. Join us to call upon the Cuban government and the international community for the immediate release of Alan on humanitarian grounds. For more information and to get involved, visit www.jcouncil.org

JONATHAN POLLARDYour letters - the only ray of light in Jonathan’s dreary cell. Write to him today: Jonathan Pollard #09185-016, c/o FCI Butner, P.O. Box 1000, Butner, North Carolina, U.S.A 27509-1000.Yehonatan ben Malka - Jonathan Pollard.Jonathan Pollard has been imprisoned in the United States since 1987. While working as an American civilian intelligence analyst, Pollard has admitted to passing classified information to Israel. Although even his most ardent supporters agree that he was in the wrong and

guilty, the nature and length of his imprisonment is disproportionate and unparalleled. Join a multitude of prominent politicians, officials from the national intelligence world, and the legal world who have called for Pollard’s sentence to be commuted. For more information and to sign a petition, visit www.jonathanpollard.org.

WARREN WEINSTEINThe 72-year-old Weinstein, Yisrael Yitzchak ben Hannah Faygel, was a consultant for the US Agency for International Development in Pakistan when terrorists broke into his home in 2011 and dragged him away. Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri has since claimed to be holding him. Weinstein made news in a just-released video in which he pleads for President Obama to help. No Jew should ever feel abandoned or forgotten. Please add him to your prayers.

STEVEN JOEL SOTLOFF Sotloff was abducted on August 4, 2013 near Aleppo, after crossing the Syrian border from Turkey and is currently being held captive by Islamic militants. He grew up in Miami, Florida, graduated from Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, New Hampshire, and later attended the University of Central Florida from 2002 to 2004, where he majored in journalism. Sotloff, 31, was paraded in front of the camera and held by the collar of his shirt as a masked operative warned: ‘The life of this American citizen, Obama, depends on your next decision. Please add him to your prayers!

ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES (IDF)

Sukkot 2014 - If you know someone that has not experienced the magic of this special holiday, please invite them to your Sukkah or sign them up for our annual Friday Night Shabbat Dinner in the Boca Raton Synagogue Sukkah, which will be held on Friday night, October 10, 2014, following Friday Night Live, at approximately 7:00pm. The cost is $25 per person and space is limited.For more information or to register, please call Simone at (561) 929-4568. Please make checks payable to BRJE or pay online at www.MyJewishExperience.org

ROSH HASHANA & YOM KIPPUR 2014The Boca Raton Synagogue is proud to once again host a High Holiday Service unlike any you have attended before!!! These interactive services, in which the prayers and customs are fully explained, are designed to provide a meaningful experience to everyone who attends. Your High Holidays will never be the same.

This Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, approximately two million American Jews will attend High Holiday Services. Unfortunately, you may not be one of them. Why? Is it because:

• You do not understand the prayers; although highly educated and sophisticated you feel inadequate and illiterate in a synagogue setting. • The rituals make you feel awkward; frequently, you leave the synagogue feeling guiltier than before you came so, it’s no wonder why you rarely come in, let alone come back!!

With this in mind, the Boca Raton Jewish Experience (BRJE) and the National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP) have designed special “High Holiday Beginners Services” for you!To register for the free High Holiday Services with the BRJE at BRS, please visit www.MyJewishExperience.org & select one or all of the following programs.

Rosh Hashana (9/24/14) 7:00pm - 8:00pmRosh Hashana (9/25/14) 10:00am - 12:00pm

Yom Kippur (10/3/14) 7:00pm - 8:00pmYom Kippur (10/4/14) 10:00am - 12:00pm

MARCH OF THE LIVING 2015

March of the Living 2015April 12 - April 26

Choose from the following two options:

STUDENT TRIP - This trip is for 11th & 12th Graders.

The cost is $5,725 plus the cost of domestic airfare to NY.

No student is refused because of financial challenges.Generous financial assistance is available for students.

ADULT 5 STAR TRIP - The cost is $7,500 plus the cost of domestic airfare to NYSPACE IS LIMITED - APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED NOW!

Please call (561) 852-6013 or e-mail [email protected] applications, go to our wessite at www.molsout.org

Designed specifically for the novice worshiper, these free explanatory prayer services are conducted in both Hebrew and English, and provides a comfortable non-judgmental venue for those with little synagogue experience to participate in traditional synagogue services. Discussions, questions, and curiosities are encouraged in this “unorthodox, traditional” service, which has been praised for its widespread appeal and congenial approach to synagogue education.

BRS TEEN & YOUTH NEWS

WEEKLY AND UPCOMING

EVENTS

* Shabbat Morning Youth Chabura after Hashkama minyan in room 103 with Rabbi Eisenberger. * 9/11- Salute our local heroes on Sep. 11 at 4:00 pm. Bring cards and goodies. * Shabbat Morning Groups for children ages 2-10. Groups take place in the classrooms every Shabbat and start at 10:00 AM *Shabbat Morning Teen Minyan each Shabbat in room 104-105, starts at 9:45 AM. * Once a month Shabbat in the Park, in the park adjacent to the Shul on Shabbat afternoons. Check the Weekly if SITP is on this week. * Our weekly NCSY’s teen Latte & Learn of the year will begin on Tuesday, September 9 in BRS from 8-9 P.M. * Proud to present an all NEW guys only teen program, The Chabura – For Advanced Learning, Every Shabbat 45 minutes before the main BRS Mincha with Rabbi Zians * Teen Seduat Shlishit, each Shabbat in the BRS board room after Mincha. Listen to various speakers and enjoy great food. * Teen Mincha takeover. Once a month teenagers take over the main BRS Ashkenaz Mincha. * Save the date for a GRILL & CHILL, come relax, eat, and chill as we BBQ by the beach, September 14, By Teens for Teens!

The First Teen Minyan of the season is

This Shabbat, August 30!! Join us for what will be an incredible & inspiring teen service followed

by a delicious teen Kiddush!

ONEG THIS FRIDAY NIGHT, August 29 Starting at 9:30 P.M.!!

Located at the home of Rabbi Eli & Batsheva Zians, 7750 Lago Del Mar Dr, #708

If you would like to help sponsor or donate to our Teen Kiddush, Teen Shalosh Seudat, or any other

program or for more information about upcoming events and activities, please contact Rabbi Eli Zians

at [email protected] or at 516 451 2123.

Wishing everyone a Shabbat Shalom

PILLAR SOCIETY 2014-2015EMERALD

Paul S. & Lynn H. Pariser

PLATINUMMartin & Ileana Flics

Dr. Bernie & Melanie KaminetskyMichael & Jill Rose

Larry & Deborah Silver - NEW

GOLDDr. Albert & Evelyn BegasHoward & Bonnie BlockDr. Steve & Yael Charlap

Dr. Meyer & Laura Cohen - NEWDonny & Dr. Freyda Cohen

Nachman & Jamie FeigDr. Mark & Tilda Fisher

Dr. Ben & Cara FreedmanMichael & Barbara Frenkel

Hensha GansbourgRabbi Efrem & Yocheved Goldberg

Murray & Basheva GoldbergGlen & Rosa Golish

Drs. Charles & Simone GriffStanley & Ana Haar

Dr. Larry & Debra HalperinDr. Moshe & Shari Hirth

Yanki & Lauren HofstatterDr. Mervin & Elaine JacobsDr. David & Sharona Kay

Gary & Judi KrasnaDrs. Joseph & Seema Loskove

Stephen & Linda MelcerBob & Penny Pearlman

Dr. Michael & Dana Petrover Dr. Daniel & Rachel Rudensky

Mike SendersDr. Leor & Gabriela Skoczylas

Dr. Zorik & Ellen SpektorTeddy & Linda Struhl

Dr. Jonathan & Suri WinogradMichael & Risa Zimmerman

Anonymous Anonymous

SAPPHIRE-NEWDr. Mark & Helen Cohan - NEW

Rabbi Simcha & Anna Freedman - NEWDr. Neal & Bonnie Weinreb - NEW

Anonymous- NEW

SILVERDr. Avraham & Elana Belizon

Evan & Orly ShapiroAnonymous

THE 2014-2015 PILLAR SOCIETY CAMPAIGN

IS NOW UNDERWAY

LET’S EXPAND THE CIRCLE…!These homes are currently for sale near

Boca Raton Synagogue West

21081 Bella Vista Cir, Boca Raton, FL 33428For Sale: $499,900Bedrooms:4 bedsBathrooms:3 bathsSingle Family:3,097 sq ftLot:7,840 sqftYear Built:2002Last Sold:Sep 2005 for $693,000Heating Type: Forced air

9581 E Lake Dr, Boca Raton, FL 33434For Sale: $344,900Bedrooms:5 bedsBathrooms:3 bathsSingle Family:2,536 sq ftLot:8,712 sq ftYear Built:1988Last Sold: June 2006 for $575,000

9790 Palma Vista Way, Boca Raton, FL 33428For Sale: $599,000Bedrooms:6 bedsBathrooms:6 bathsSingle Family:5,117 sq ftLot:7,840 sq ftYear Built:2002Last Sold: Nov 2005 for $862,000

To learn more about these housing opportunities, call the Shul office to

get a list of BRS realtors we recommend. To learn more about BRS West, please contact Rabbi Smolarcik at [email protected]

Do you know about our incredible satellite BRS West? Dozens of families under the

leadership of Rabbi Mordechai and Hadassah Smolarcik enjoy a wonderful community in West Boca on Shabbat, while at the same time being

full and active members of Boca Raton Synagogue throughout the week. While

housing is limited and prices are skyrocketing on the circle, there are incredible values and

opportunities near our satellite Shul. Consider the following:

NEW PILLAR SOCIETY CATEGORYWe have added a new $4,000 Pillar Society level

this year called Sapphire. This is for BRS Members that at least one spouse is 70 years old or over. The Sapphire Level members will receive all of the same benefits of the Silver Level as well as a Half Page Ad

in the Annual Journal. Pillar Society information brochures with additional information are available in the lobby. To join the Pillar Society for 2014/2015

please contact Matthew Hocherman at [email protected] or (561) 394-0394.

For the third annual year, during the month of ElulDr. Moshe Hirth & Dr. Leonard Flescherwill provide a free colonoscopy to anyone who is a member of BRS that is uninsured, over 50 years old, and requires a screening colonoscopy.

For more information, ask for Shari at (561) 638-9533Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!(All personal information will be kept confidential.)

DONATE A CAR TO BRS Make a difference

Email Matthew at [email protected] to arrange your donation.

THANK YOU TO Daniel & Ellen Averbook, Joseph & Sarah Blumenthal,

Michael & Sharona Loeffer NEW and Joe & Shira Sharpfor donating their cars to BRS!


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TEXAS HOLD’EM NO LIMIT TOURNAMENT

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014 (9 ELUL) AT 7:15 PM BEGINNING WITH MINCHA.

7900 Montoya Circle • Boca Raton, Fl 33433 561-394-0394 • www.brsonline.org

More families are struggling to pay day school tuition than ever. Our Schools are doing their part giving out millions of scholarship

dollars. We must help them by assisting families who nevertheless can’t meet their reduced tuition obligation. We need YOU to help

keep Jewish children in Jewish schools.To reserve your spot, please contact Linda at

[email protected] or (561) 394-0394.

Coolest venue in Florida (Need to register to find out) If you get knocked out, plenty of amazing things to keep you there.

Great food, drinks and other indulgences.

Minimum of $1,000 tax deductible donation to Jewish Education Scholarship Fund gets you a seat at the table. Re-entries for a limited

time get you back in. If you don’t want to play but want to attend and enjoy the venue and food, minimum $250 donation to Scholarship Fund.

Any donation amount towards this valuable cause is appreciated. Make checks payable to: Jewish Education Scholarship Fund

boc a raton synagogue weeklynewsletter.brsonline.org/weekly_8_29_14.pdfour group made a shiva visit...

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