boca raton synagogue weeklynewsletter.brsonline.org/weekly_10_24_14.pdf · has the jewish view of...

RABBI EFREM GOLDBERGMarah D’[email protected]

RABBI PHILIP MOSKOWITZassociate [email protected]

DAVID L. WOLGIN, PHDPresiDent

[email protected]

RABBI DAVID SHABTAI, MDrabbi, sePharDic Minyan

[email protected]

RABBI MORDECHAI SMOLARCIKrabbi, brs [email protected]

RABBI JOSH BROIDEoutreach [email protected]

RABBI SIMMY SHABTAIrosh beit MiDrash

[email protected]

RABBI KENNETH BRANDERrabbi eMeritus

[email protected]

MATTHEW HOCHERMANexecutive Director

[email protected]

RABBI GERSHON EISENBERGER youth [email protected]

RABBI ELI ZIANSteen Director

[email protected]

ESTHER LUPIN, LCSWbrs/JFs social Worker

[email protected]

KERRY PURCELLeDitor-in-chieF oF the Weekly

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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 NIGHTCandle Lighting 6:26 pmMincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 6:30 pm

SHABBAT DAY Rabbi’s Class 5:15 pm

Spare the Rod or Flip the Switch?Has the Jewish View of Spanking Changed Over Time?

Part 2Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

Shabbat Mincha 6:15 pm Ma’ariv/Havdalah 7:19 pm

PARSHAT NOACHSHABBAT ROSH CHODESH

October 24 • October 31 - 30 Tishrei • 7 Cheshvan 5775 The Weekly is Sponsored by BRS in appreciation of our amazing custodians, Theo Henry,

Junior Desouza, and John Marckly for their hard work and dedication to the shul especially during the High Holiday Season.

http://facebook.com/bocaratonsynagogue

Boca Raton SynagogueValuing Diversity • Celebrating Unity

FROM THE RABBI’S DESK Shocked, devastated, pained, violated, outraged, and anxious are just some of the understandable reactions to the despicable scandal that broke last week. As has been pointed out, the mikvah is the most sacred space in a community: a place of purity, vulnerability, and exposure. If the allegations are true, the conduct of the rabbi who is alleged to have placed cameras in his community’s mikvah is not the result of illness, and must not be excused as a rabbi having human fallibility and temptation. Such egregious behavior, premeditated by definition, is evil and wicked, plain and simple, and he must be held accountable for his actions.

The list of those violated as a result of his behavior is long. Obviously, the people videoed are the greatest victims for whom our sympathy and support must know no bounds. The righteous converts who underwent a life transformation under his supervision have suffered unnecessary worry and angst about their status. The members of his Shul, who placed their trust and faith in their Rabbi, have been unfairly drawn into the spotlight and forced to confront an unimaginable, terrible and distasteful scandal concerning their rabbi. More broadly, among those suffering are women everywhere who use the mikvah, many of whom will now hesitate, pause or immerse anxiously and hurriedly and while distracted. And of course, we can’t imagine the pain of his innocent family.

It is incumbent on the Jewish community to use this scandal to motivate us to evaluate our policies and procedures as they relate to mivkah, to review how our mikvaos function, and to identify ways that we can do more to preserve modesty and integrity, and provide comfort and reassurance to those who rely on us. Undoubtedly, there are improvements that can be made and safeguards that can be put in place within our Jewish organizations and institutions and some of them are already being implemented.

As a Vice President of the Rabbinical Council of America, I am proud of our swift action to unanimously suspend the perpetrator from our organization and to state publicly that “conversions performed by the perpetrator prior to his arrest remain halachically valid and prior converts remain Jewish in all respects.” Moreover, the RCA announced that “every Beit Din assembled under their Geirus Protocol and Standards (GPS) will appoint a woman (or group of women) to serve as ombudsman to receive any concerns of female candidates to conversion.” Additionally, “This week, the RCA will appoint a commission composed of rabbis, lay leaders and mental health professionals (including men and women) to review the current GPS conversion process and suggest safeguards against possible abuses.”

But, there is one more group that has been violated by the unconscionable behavior of the accused rabbi: namely, we his colleagues. His behavior has placed a stain on the rabbinate and given rise to an atmosphere and mood of suspicion and distrust towards rabbis in general.

I understand the pain and I recognize the devastating hurt. I share it. While women are the primary victims, one does not have to be a woman to feel outrage. The suspicion and distrust of leaders, particularly of rabbis that has rapidly swelled is understandable. After all, the perpetrator was trusted, admired and respected. Who would have believed he was capable of what he allegedly did? And therefore, who knows what my rabbi or community leader might be doing as well?

A survey of articles, blog posts, and social media comments reveals an almost wholesale, sweeping condemnation of rabbis, members of rabbinical conversion courts, mikvah caretakers, and, in some cases, all men. The cynicism, skepticism and distrust are understandable. But are they healthy for the Jewish community? Are they fair to its leaders? And will these attitudes ultimately be helpful and productive in fostering the safe environment and positive changes that we all seek?

The Gemora tells us and the Shulchan Aruch quotes: “rov metzuyin eitzel shechita kesheirim heim.” There is a chazaka, an established assumption, that the majority of those that engage in shechita, ritual slaughter, are trustworthy, honorable and faithful. For centuries, the shochet of the community had the confidence of the community. The butcher shop didn’t have supervision or a mashgiach. The butcher unlocked and locked the shop. He wasn’t suspected and his integrity was not challenged.

But that changed. Enough scandals and too many violations caused the global Jewish community to require supervision, checks, balances and oversight. Did the butcher lose his chezkas kashrus, his assumption of trustworthiness? Do we now assume that all butchers are liars and thieves such that we must vigilantly supervise them? No. Their intrinsic and assumed trustworthiness remains, but circumstances require us to take precautions and institute reasonable safeguards in order to eliminate and protect the community from the rare individuals who seek to perpetrate fraud.

The behavior of one revealed to be corrupt and immoral, even if it is the exception, can and should motivate us to improve our systems and governance. This improvement does not represent a concession that corruption and immorality are the new status quo and therefore leave anyone justified in slandering and vilifying others.

Our reaction to this horrific revelation must be swift, strong and unwavering. But it also must be thoughtful and nuanced. In our pursuit of justice we must be just towards those whose presumption of innocence and whose integrity remain.

To be clear – this scandalous behavior did not happen because the perpetrator was a rabbi or a man. It happened because

“Responding to Scandal

With Nuance”

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. • BRS does not allow members to claim a Makom Kavuah. If you wish to sit in a specific location, come early. One must never ask another

person, whether a member or especially a guest, to get up and move.• Children will be asked not to enter the Rand Sanctuary to collect candy during the Rabbi’s Shabbat morning Derasha. Please instruct your

children and teach them to cooperate.If you have a Mensch Message you would like us to promote, please email us at [email protected]


the perpetrator is an immoral, depraved pervert. This crime could have been committed by a female mikvah attendant, a corrupt rebbetzin, or a degenerate maintenance man. It could have happened in the women’s bathroom in shul, in the changing room at the “frum” women’s clothing store, or in the locker room at the women’s only gym.

Calls for safeguards, improved supervision, and greater input and leadership by women are important and welcomed. However, sweeping indictments of rabbis and promoting a culture of suspicion towards all leaders is an unfair and counterproductive injustice. Opportunistic calls promoting various agendas that in truth are totally disconnected from this scandal are distracting from the real changes and unifying efforts that we need to be working on together.

Rabbis are not perfect, not above the law, and in need of feedback, supervision, and accountability. But make no mistake, this scandal did not happen because rabbis form the batei din of conversion or because rabbis hold the “keys to the mikvah” or because rabbis don’t have annual reviews. It happened because a disturbed individual behaved in a deplorable and unforgivable manner. It is fair to explore what safeguards can prevent such behavior in the future. However, it is not fair to impugn the reputation of rabbis everywhere, many of whom work tirelessly, selflessly, and at great personal sacrifice with integrity, honesty and sensitivity.

In July, Johns Hopkins Hospital agreed to pay $190 million to 8,000 patients of a gynecologist who worked for them and was found to have been recording his patients with a spy pen. It was found that the doctor often did not have a nurse in the room during examinations, something that should be done consistently. Certainly, there are lessons to be learned for the medical community from this episode. But would it be reasonable or responsible to suggest that all male doctors are somehow suspect or that only women should be ob-gyns, with no men in that specialty at all?

Our tradition teaches us, hevei mesunim b’din, be cautious and careful when issuing judgments. Understand the ramifications and unintended consequences of how we react when a scandal breaks and the damage we may cause to those who don’t deserve it.

Above all, I pray that those victimized find healing, comfort, and the strength to maintain faith in leaders, and in the beauty of Judaism, Torah, community, and Mikvah.

I pray that my colleagues and I will all have the courage, commitment, integrity and conviction to evaluate how we can improve our institutions, organizations, Shuls, communities, and mikvaos, because we can always get better, without having to accept guilt for something we have not done.

And I pray that all of our responses and reactions, in print, on the internet and around our Shabbos tables, be nuanced, thoughtful, fair and just. Good Shabbos,

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Efrem Goldberg

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www.brsonline.org Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

FRIDAY NIGHTFriday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pmSephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 6:25 pmCandle Lighting 6:26 pmMincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) 6:30 pmMa’ariv/Havdalah (Shabbat) 7:19 pm

SHABBAT DAYNeitz Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 6:35 amHashkama Minyan (Social Hall) 7:30 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 10:14 amEarly Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 3:00 pmRabbi’s Class 5:15 pm

Spare the Rod or Flip the Switch?Has the Jewish View of Spanking Changed Over Time?

Part 2Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

Sephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 6:10 pmAshkenazi Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 6:15 pmDaf Yomi (Berdugo Beit Midrash) between Mincha/Ma’arivSh’kiah 6:43 pmMa’ariv/Havdalah 7:19 pm

SHABBAT LEARNINGTefillah Insights with Rabbi Josh Broide (Rand Sanctuary) 8:30 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 LECH-LECHAFriday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pmSephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 6:20 pmCandle Lighting 6:21 pmMincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Social Hall) 6:25 pmMa’ariv/Havdalah (Shabbat) 7:14 pm

SHABBAT SCHEDULE

DAILY MINYAN TIMES

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Sephardic Shacharit 5:30 amSephardic Beit Midrash

5:30 amSephardic Beit Midrash





Ashkenazi Shacharit 6:30 am Rand Sanctuary

6:30 am Rand Sanctuary





Sephardic Shacharit 7:00 amBerdugo Beit Midrash

7:00 amBerdugo Beit Midrash





Ashkenazi Shacharit 7:15 amSocial Hall

7:00 amSocial Hall

7:00 amRand Sanctuary

7:00 amSocial Hall

7:00 amSocial Hall

7:00 amRand Sanctuary

Ashkenazi Shacharit 8:00 am Social Hall

7:45 am Social Hall

7:45 am Senders Library

7:45 am Social Hall

7:45 amSocial Hall

7:45 amSocial Hall

Ashkenazi Shacharit 9:00 amSocial 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 Social Hall

3:05 pmSephardic Beit Midrash




Sephardic Mincha/Ma’ariv 6:20 pmSephardic Beit Midrash





Ashkenazi Mincha/Ma’ariv 6:25 pmSocial Hall

6:25 pmSocial Hall

6:25 pmSocial Hall

6:25 pmSocial Hall

6:25 pmSocial Hall

Late Ashkenazi Ma’ariv 9:30 pmSenders Library

9:30 pmSenders Library




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

FRIDAY NIGHTCandle lighting 6:26 pmMincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 6:30 pm

SHABBAT DAYShacharit 9:30 amYouth Groups 10:30 amKiddush follows Davening Mincha (Shabbat) 6:20 pmShabbat Ends/ Maariv 7:19 pm


MAIN MINYAN GALA KIDDUSH SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Gala Kiddush is now in its second year and we need your help to make sure it continues! In order for the Kiddushim to continue, we need everyone’s support. The Gala Kiddushim for this year are tentatively scheduled as follows:November 29, 2014(Exclusive Sponsor) March 14, 2015December 27, 2014 April 18, 2015January 24, 2015 May 16, 2015February 21, 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 who contributed $500 for the year. These sponsorships are what makes the Gala Kiddush possible.

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

EXECUTIVE CHEFDr. Albert & Evelyn Begas Donny & Dr. Freyda CohenMartin & Ileana FlicsAvi & Dr. Laura GreenbaumDrs. Jeffrey & Naomi GrossDr. Kermit & Natalie HalperinDr. Larry & Debra HalperinYanki & Lauren HofstatterDaniel & Caroline Katz NEWPhilip & Jennifer Landau Michael & Esther LupinAnonymous

SOUS CHEFJoseph BensmihenDr. Hillel & Chayi Cohen Leo & Heni EhrlichYaakov KronfeldDr. David & Reena MakoverDr. David Markowitz & Dr. Sara LevineMartin & Sara Schandelson Evan & Orly Shapiro Dr. Zorik & Ellen Spektor

Dear Rabbi Goldberg, On behalf of the entire congregation, I want to express our profound appreciation for all that you and Rabbi Moskowitz did this year to make the Yomim Noraim an uplifting and meaningful spiritual journey. Beginning with the first recitation of Selichos, and continuing through Rosh Hashana, Shabbos Shuva, Kol Nidre, Yom Kippur day, and finally, Ne’ila, you shepherded us through the Teshuva process, inspiring us, educating us, and challenging us to reflect on our past, evaluate our present, and chart a better path for our future. It is not an easy task to take responsibility for the spiritual welfare of an entire community and we want you both to know how much we appreciate your outstanding guidance and leadership. May Hashem bless you and your families with good health, prosperity, and fulfillment in all that you seek to accomplish in the coming year. With much appreciation,

David L. Wolgin, President


SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTSMAZAL TOV

Rabbi Dr. David & Monica Shabtai on the birth of their son. AND to his proud siblings, Gavriel, Elyada, Eliyahu, Rivkah, and Yosef Chaim. AND to Uncle Simmy, Aunt Devora and cousins, Avigayil and Elisheva Shabtai. His great Uncle Steven & Aunt Linda and the Katz cousins. AND to his proud saba, Gabi Shabtai.Bruce & Annie Kovack on their son, Isaac, becoming a Bar Mitzvah. AND to his proud brother, Arye. AND grandparents, Victor Assouline and Simone Loeub, and Bubbe Edith Kovack. Selma Bonchek on the birth of her great granddaughter in Israel. Proud parents are Jeremy & Rachel Siegman and grandparents are, Alan & Lynda Siegman of Skokie, IL and Dr. Buddy & Sara Stern of Silversprings, MD.

THE ROSH CHODESH WOMEN’SINSPIRATIONAL LECTURE SERIES

This Sunday, October 26, at 8:00 pm with Sandra Lilienthal. Topic will be “The Book of Genesis - a Book of Holy People or a Holy Book of People?” Hosted by Suri Winograd, 7376 Wexford in Thornhill Estates

BRIT YITZCHAK & BRIT INFORMATIONThe Shabtai’s cordially invite the entire community to a Brit Yitzchak on Monday night, October 27, after Mincha/Ma’ariv (around 7:15 pm) in the Sephardic Beit Midrash.ANDAnnounce the Brit of their son on Tuesday, October 28, at 8:00 am in the Rand Sanctuary of the Boca Raton Synagogue after the 7:00 am Sephardic Shacharit Service in the Sephardic Beit Midrash.

KIDDUSHHashkama Minyan Kiddush sponsored in loving memory of Wayne Pollack on his first Yahrzeit by Norma, Will, Emily, Charlie & Sam.Sephardic Minyan Kiddush sponsored by the Sephardic Minyan in honor of the Shabtai family on the birth of their son. AND in honor of the birthday of Rabbi Dr. David Shabtai.Sephardic Seudah Shlishiet sponsored by Shilo and Sara Hasson in commemoration of the Yahrzeit of his beloved father, Nissim Hasson.Seudah Shlishiet sponsored by Shaya & Gila Griner, Lynn W. Hahn, Gloria Harris, Arnold & Carol Hordish, Drs. Michael & Merna Matilsky, Stephen & Linda Melcer, and George & Stephanie SaksGuest Speaker: Rabbi Simmy Shabtai – BRS Rosh Beit Midrash

TWO INSPIRATIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEN

1. Cup of Joe & Know – Wednesday mornings, immediately following the 7:45 am Minyan in the Senders Library, join Rabbi Goldberg for coffee, pastries, and 15 minutes of inspirational study on Prayer. 2. Weekly Shmooze - Join us on Thursday night at 10:00 pm in the Senders Library for good food, and some words of inspiration.

SHALSHELET BAT MITZVAH PROGRAMBRS is proud to present its 10th annual Shalshelet Bat Mitzvah program! Please join us for a 10-week series of classes about women throughout Jewish history. This program is for Bat Mitzvah age girls and their mothers, and is taught by Mrs. Michal Schochet and Mrs. Rina Lanner. The first class will be held on Sunday, November 9. Please e-mail Reb. Yocheved Goldberg at [email protected] to register and for more information.

EARLY BIRD SPECIALPEOPLE OF THE BOOK III

NEW YEAR. NEW TOPICS.NEW OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN! There are two options for registration:• Option #1 – Sign up for all four sections (12 classes in all) for one

lump sum of $75 for BRS members and $100 for non-members. • Option #2 – Sign up for individual sections (3 classes each) and,

if you choose, register for other sections as you go along. $25 per section for BRS members, $35 per section for non-members.

The cost covers weekly classes, source materials, refreshments, and make-up recordings. To register for the BRS People of the Book course please visit www.brsonline.org/POB or contact Jamie at (561)394-0394 or [email protected]. Register by November 1 to receive a 10% discount. Nobody is turned away due to lack of funds.

HELP SUPPORT THE IDF!Register for the Ping Pong for Israel tournament scheduled for Sunday, November 23, 9:00 am to noon at BRS. Separate divisions for kids and adults. Contact Ari Cohen for more information (561) 886-8991 or [email protected]

TEHILLIM CIRCLEFriday night, October 24, Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, please rotate to the next 3 Psalms.

ROSH CHODESH CHESHVANWill be celebrated this Friday & Shabbat, October 24 & 25

SHLOSHIM SERVICE FOR RABBI ZVI YEHUDA Z”TL

Please join us on Monday, November 3 at 7:30 pm for a Shloshim memorial service for Rabbi Zvi Yehuda Z”TL. We will have the opportunity to make a siyum in Rabbi Yehuda’s memory and hear from the Yehudas three daughters and the BRS rabbis. If you are interested in participating in the learning for the Siyum, please contact David Feldan at [email protected].

RABBANIT AVIGAIL ROCK CLASSWill take place Thursday mornings 9:30 am - 10:30 am beginning November 6 through April. This year will be an exciting change for our students as we will be delving into the mysteries of the Kuzari. Entire semester cost $100. Men and women welcome. Space is limited so sign up is a must! To register please go to www.brsonline.org/Rock

SECURING THE SANCTITY OF OUR MIKVAHAN EVENING OF INSPIRATION

On Tuesday night, November 4 at 8:00 pm in the Social Hall, women are invited to an evening of inspiration and conversation regarding our community Mikvah. There will be a lecture by a special guest speaker and, Dori Zaghi, the Mikvah President and

Rabbi Goldberg will share short remarks and answer questions.

PARSHAT NOACH ANIMAL SHOW - NEW TIME Join us this Sunday, October 26 at the NEW TIME – 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm with the Animal Show starting at 5:00 pm. Pizza will be available for sale. See page 10 for details.

http://www.brsonline.org/Rock


WEEK AT A GLANCE LIFE CYCLE

YAHRZEITS Dr. Irving Weigensberg in memory of his father Abraham Weigensberg, 30 TishreiLois Schwartz in memory of her father Irving Domroe, 1 CheshvanIrving Falik in memory of his aunt Henrietta Mark, 1 CheshvanNorman Mordkofsky in memory of his mother-in-law Jennie Spiesel, 1 CheshvanLinda Melcer in memory of her mother Naomi Weisberg, 1 CheshvanMarcus Witztum in memory of his mother Mabel Witztum, 1 CheshvanGloria Harris in memory of her sister Susan Goller, 2 CheshvanDeborah Rischall in memory of her mother Jean Schwartz, 3 CheshvanCarol Kahn in memory of her father Abe Amousky, 4 CheshvanCarol Smokler in memory of her father Paul Shalita, 4 CheshvanDr. Anita Heering in memory of her father Leon Stern, 4 CheshvanNorma Pollack in memory of her husband Wayne Pollack, 4 CheshvanSteve Rantz in memory of his aunt Celia Goldman, 5 CheshvanShaya Griner in memory of his father Marvin Griner, 5 CheshvanJack Hanoka in memory of his wife Hermine Hanoka, 5 CheshvanArnold Hordish in memory of his father Lester Hordish, 5 CheshvanLinda Melcer in memory of her brother David Weisberg, 5 CheshvanGloria Harris in memory of her husband Stewart Harris, 5 CheshvanJeffrey Harris in memory of his father Stewart Harris, 5 CheshvanShilo Hasson in memory of his father Nissim Hasson, 6 CheshvanAlice Struhl in memory of her father Abraham Katz, 6 CheshvanAndrea Bernstein in memory of her grandmother Ruth Rosenblum, 6 CheshvanMyer Senders in memory of his father Rabbi Herman Senders, 6 CheshvanRabbi Netanel Chait in memory of his brother Zev Chait, 6 CheshvanKara Brown in memory of her father Richard Brown, 7 CheshvanDr. Saul Kahn in memory of his father Gedalia Kahn, 7 CheshvanVictoria Romano in memory of her husband Victor Romano, 7 CheshvanClara Romano in memory of her father Victor Romano, 7 CheshvanSalomon Romano in memory of his father Victor Romano, 7 CheshvanStephanie Saks in memory of her uncle Irwin Stein, 7 CheshvanGloria Wolff in memory of her mother Bella Wolf, 7 Cheshvan

DAILY • DAF YOMI (Sunday - Friday)

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

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

with BRS Rabbinate at 8:40 pm in the Room 104/105

TUESDAY• PARSHAH CLASS with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg at 9:30 am in the Rand Sanctuary• HAFTORAH TORAH CLASS with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz at 10:30 am in the Rand Sanctuary

WEDNESDAY• CUP OF JOE & KNOW

with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg after 7:45 am Minyan in the Social Hall

• IN-DEPTH STUDY OF BOOK OF SAMUEL I with Malka Morris will resume November 5• KABBALAH & SPIRITUALITY: THE INNER WISDOM OF

THE 5 BOOKS OF MOSES (BEGINNERS) with Anne Deakter at 7:00 pm at Room 101• KABBALAH & SPIRITUALITY: THE INNER WISDOM OF

THE 5 BOOKS OF MOSES (ADVANCED) with Anne Deakter at 8:30 pm at Room 101THURSDAY• 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 COMMUNITYVictor AssoulineSimone LoeubEdith KovackRabbi Captain Mitchell & Rachel Rocklin and Family Rabbi Alon & Natalie Razla and FamilyFamily & Friends here in honor of the Kovack Simcha

BIRTHDAYSAmi Harow Yoni Greenblatt Avi GreenbaumSammy Greenbaum

ANNIVERSARIESDavid & Donna Kinberg

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 SarahNachum Gedalia ben Sara BailaJacob Kazinec Yaakov Tzvi ben Leah Mordechai ben Malka

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) 394-0394

APPRECIATION• Anna Cohen extends heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Goldberg, Rabbi

Moskowitz, Rabbi Broide, the Chesed Committee and the entire community for the outpouring of love and support that she and her family received during their recent bereavement. She feels very blessed to be living in such a warm and caring community.

• The Yehuda Family expresses profound and heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz for their caring and concern during Rabbi Zvi Yehuda’s illness and passing. The family is deeply appreciative of the outpouring of sympathy from the BRS community. It has been a source of comfort and strength during their time of sorrow.

FAY GREENE’S CLASSFirst class of the new season will be held on this Tuesday, October 28, 12:30 pm at the home of Heni and Leo Ehrlich, 7846 Tennyson Court in Boca Hamlet. The topic will be “Souls in the Rain” and a light lunch will be served. Everyone is invited to attend. Please RSVP to Sue Lowenkron, [email protected]

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONSDELIVER MORE THAN MEALS... DELIVER SMILES

All it takes is once a week on Friday mornings, or at least once a month…….. The JFS Meals on Wheels Program provides nutritionally balanced prepared meals to enable seniors to age in place safely for as long as possible. Kosher meals are prepared by clients of JARC, and are frozen to be ready for Friday deliveries. Volunteers pick up meals before 9:00 am, and deliver to 5-8 households in the Boca Raton and Delray Beach areas. Maps and instructions are provided to each driver and the meals are picked up on the Jewish Federation campus in Boca Raton. JFS can reimburse your mileage at a designated rate from the meal pick up site to the homes on your delivery route. For more information, please contact the JFS Volunteer department today at (561) 852-3357


PILLAR SOCIETY 2014-2015EMERALD

Daniel & Caroline KatzPaul S. & Lynn H. Pariser

PLATINUMLeo & Heni Ehrlich

Martin & Ileana FlicsBernie & Melanie Kaminetsky

Lothar & Carlyn MayerDr. William & Debbie Rand

Michael & Jill RoseLarry & Deborah Silver

Harry & Marilyn Wanderer

GOLDDaniel & Dr. Liora Adler

Dr. Albert & Evelyn BegasHoward & Bonnie BlockDr. Steve & Yael CharlapDrs. Eli and Orlie Cohen

Dr. Meyer & Laura CohenDonny & 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. Chanoch & Rachel Harow

Ben & Hanna Henschel Dr. Moshe & Shari Hirth

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

Gary & Judi KrasnaYaakov Kronfeld

Drs. Joseph & Seema LoskoveStephen & 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 WinogradDrs. Allen & Amy WolnermanMichael & Risa Zimmerman

Anonymous Anonymous

SAPPHIREDr. Mark & Helen Cohan

Rabbi Simcha & Anna FreedmanElaine Trachtenberg

Dr. Neal & Bonnie Weinreb AnonymousSILVER

Dr. Avraham & Elana BelizonEvan & Orly Shapiro

Dr. Josh & Stephanie SternDr. Ashi & Chava Weisstuch

Anonymous

THE 2014-2015 PILLAR SOCIETY CAMPAIGN

IS NOW UNDERWAY

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.

List in formation

BRS AUXILIARIES, ETC.

BIKUR CHOLIM Hospital tip, when there are two patients in a room, it’s important to realize that the other person whom you are not visiting is also sick. Say hello, and wish them well - it only takes a few seconds and makes a world of difference to them. It will surely be a Kiddush Hashem! It is also a Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim. Remember, many patients never have any visitors.

EMPTY NESTERSWe are planning a show at Sugar Sand Park on Sunday afternoon February 1 followed by dinner at Asia. The cost of the show is $24. Your payment is your reservation. Payment must be received by December 25. Price of dinner to follow. Please contact Rita Rubin (561) 445-6330 or Sylvia Broide (561) 859-6953 with any questions.

1ST ANNUAL BRS JUNIOR HODU BOWLJUNIOR Hodu Bowl is for boys 1st through 8th Grades. Cost is $10 and will be run concurrently with the Men’s Hodu Bowl on Thursday, November 27 at 9:00 am at Veteran’s Park.

7TH ANNUAL BRS HODU BOWL Save the date for the 7th Annual BRS Hodu Bowl. It will take place on Thursday, November 27 at 9:00 am at Veteran’s Park (off of Palmetto Park Road between Lyons and 441). The cost is $240 per team or $35 per individual without a team. If you are interested in signing up, or for available sponsorship opportunities, please contact Eric Pinkis at [email protected]. Enjoy for BOTH events, Free T-Shirts, Light Breakfast, Pizza and Refreshments for participants and their families. Bounce Houses for all ages, Park Playground and Sporting Activities for Children. Men’s Trophies for First and Second Place Teams.Shirts are graciously sponsored by Dr. Barry Schechter and Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute.

HAND WASHINGThe Maimonides Society would like to remind everyone to frequently wash their hands. Also, please remember to use the readily available Purell hand washing lotions that can be found around the campus. Please remember that if you are sick or under the weather, it is unkind to attend shul and potentially infect others.


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, Albert Lupin, 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 ACTIONThe American Studies Association is holding its annual meeting in early November at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles. The ASA has stated that it will apply its anti-Israel academic boycott rules to exclude from the conference Israeli academic institutions and any individual Israeli academics who are there on behalf of their institutions or who are administrators (e.g. Dean). Only individual Israelis who are not there in a representative capacity will be allowed to attend.

These rules are unique to Israelis, and constitute national origin discrimination and potentially religious discrimination in violation of California’s expansive anti-discrimination and public accommodation laws. The Westin Bonaventure is at potential legal risk, because those discriminatory rules are being applied at a conference on its premises. The American Center for Law and Justice, headed by Jay Sekulow, has sent a letter to the Westin Bonaventure, its owner and operating management, alerting them to the Westin Bonaventure’s legal risk and obligations. Please sign The Israel Project’s petition telling the Westin not to play host to bigots at http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/50872/p/salsa/web/common/public/signup?signup_page_KEY=8062&killorg=True

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.

ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES (IDF)

http://emeklearningcenter.com

www.bringalanhome.org/write

http://www.jcouncil.org

BRS OUTREACHLast year Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein, the Chief Rabbi of South Africa, launched The Shabbos Project, a bold initiative aimed at getting every South African Jew to keep one Shabbat. What made this project so radical was that it aimed at getting people to take on the whole deal - not simply to light Friday night candles or attend a synagogue, but rather to immerse themselves in the entire Shabbat experience. No driving, no iPhone or Blackberry, no Saturday golf or televised sports. In the words of the manifesto Rabbi Goldstein created: “...from sundown to stars out... to endeavor to keep it in all of its detail and splendor as set out in the code of Jewish law...”That meaningfulness was palpable on the Thursday night before the big Shabbat, when a giant “Street Challah Bake” took place in the heart of the Jewish neighborhood. Around 2,500 women mobbed the event. The gamble paid off beyond Rabbi Goldstein’s wildest expectations. According to estimates, on October 11/12 some 10,000 to 20,000

South African Jews kept Shabbos for the first time in their lives, swept up in a wave of excitement and communal energy. This year Rabbi Goldstein has taken his program to the Global Jewish community and this coming Shabbat, Parshat Noach, has been designated for the event. Boca Raton Synagogue is participating by hosting families at the Shabbat tables of our members, just like we do on a weekly basis and have been doing for the past few years. Although we are not all in, for reason outlined below, we encourage you to participate in this as an expression of unity with an international Jewish effort. As someone who grew up in South Africa, I can tell you that the South African Jewish community is very different from our community here in America. In South Africa even the secular Jew feels a strong connection to Jewish tradition. The challenge for our community, and this discussed with both the OU and the South African Rabbinate, was not only the timing of the event that follows a busy holiday season but also here in South Florida season has not arrived in our community. But more significantly, our experience has been that it is not only difficult but extremely unlikely that a disconnected Jew, one that is not connected with Judaism, will consider staying at a friend’s home for the entire 25 hours of Shabbat, which is a prerequisite for their program. In addition, most of the people attending the local events, like the Challah bake and the Havdalah concert, are orthodox members of our community who want to participate in a Jewish unity event, which is remarkable, but few are encouraging or bringing unaffiliated friends to the programs. For these reasons we have not gone full force on this event but we encourage you to participate in this as an expression of unity with an international Jewish effort. We are already planning another year of incredible outreach and engagement programs where for the first time in our community we will be coordinating an effort with all of the local Jewish organizations this winter for a record setting Jewish UNITY Shabbat experience, employing what we know will be successful engagement strategies. There are more Jews living in our local community than in the entire country of South Africa. Just think of what we can accomplish this year in terms of Jewish Unity!!! Inspire yourself to inspire others...

This Past Week Over Rosh Hashana the Teen Minyan held an auction where we sold off all the aliyot. The Teen Minyan raised over 750 Hours of Torah learning, a record breaking number!

Huge success and a great shout out to our inspiring

local teens!

Teen Minyan Every Shabbat, 9:45 am

Followed by Kiddush

Latte & Learning Tuesday Nights 8-9 pm @ BRS

Boca Shabbaton October 24-25

#TheShabbosProject

NCSYers are here to help with your Sukkah!

October 5 & 6

Don’t miss this Ultra JSU Weekend

November 14-16 Open to all high school age

students not attending yeshiva day school

If you would like to help sponosr 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 ☺

BEST. SUMMER.EVER Sign up while there are still spots available!

Go to summer.ncsy.org

BRS YOUTH PROGRAMSPARSHAT NOACH ANIMAL SHOW

AND BOUNCE HOUSES

5TH GRADE SEUDAH SHLISHIET Counting down to an exciting program for all fifth grade girls!

Shabbat, November 1 will be our first monthly meeting. For additional information, contact Sara Schandelson Tel: (561) 866-4403 or Jackie Lome Tel: (561) 859-2299.


Upcoming Teen Events• ONEG!! Friday night, October 24 at 9:00 pm

taking place at the Skoczylas Home, 7657 London Lane (Thornhill Estates)• NCSY SUMMER PROGRAMS OPEN HOUSE

Monday night, 8:00 -9:00 pm, 7880 Cummings Lane in Boca Hamlet• ALL GUYS TEEN SEUDAH SHLISHIET, starting this Shabbat beginning with

Mincha at 6:15 pm, Taking place at the Feldan Home, 7893 Chula Vista Cres.

Come see and learn about some of the amazing animals Noah had to live with!

Sunday, October 26, 4:00 - 6:00 pmat Boca Raton Synagogue

Pizza will be available for sale.

Race through the incredible obstacle course! Climb to the top of the Migdal Bavel climbing wall!

Duck away from the Log Jammer!Play in the Toddler area!

Animal show will begin promptly at 5:00 pm

For more information contact Rabbi Gershon Eisenberger at [email protected]

Y. Aaron Kaweblum, M.D. F.A.A.PBoard Certified

Certified Mohel (Since 1980)

Robert Relkin, M.D. F.A.A.PBoard Certified

6909 S.W. 18th St.Suite 202Boca Raton, FL 33433

Office open 365

days a year!

Only Boca practicethat takescare of hospitalizedpatients.

(561) 347 - 8382Fax (561) 347 - 8487

U

J

D

Boca D

el Mar Pediatric and Adolescent Center

• Musculoskeletal Medicine• Epidural and Joint Injections• Balance and Fall Clinic• Stroke and Cancer Recovery• Sports Medicine• EMG-Disability• Acupuncture

Do You RemembeR When it DiD not huRt?

WWW.STUARTRUBINMD.COM

561.738.2000 Rehab Medicine / PainBoynton Beach

Deerfield Beach

Stuart A. Rubin, M.D.Board Certified:

-CAMP MESORAH-Parlor Meeting

WEDNESDAY, OCT 29TH • 8PMat the home of

Suri and Jonathan Winograd

7376 Wexford terrace, Boca raton

For more information call Josh or Simone Broide at (561) 7023864/ (561) 9294568

Thanksgiving Weekend, November 28-29

Host Committee (in formation)Donny & Dr. Freyda CohenChaim & Rebecca ElkobyDr. David & Sharona Kay

Drs. Joey & Seema LoskoveDr. David & Reena Makover

Warren & Robin Struhl - NEW

To become a Weekend Chair ($2,500) or to join the Host Committee ($1,000) and receive an invitation to an exclusive and intimate Friday night dinner and lecture

with Lord and Lady Sacks, please contact the shul office at (561) 394.0394 or email Jamie at [email protected]

Weekend Sponsors The Tripp Family in honor of Rabbi Sidney and Jewel Shoham

and Marcia Tripp. In memory of Leon Aryeh Leib Tripp Z’L

Weekend ChairDaniel and Caroline Katz - New

Anonymous

Also featuring Chazzan Shimon

Craimer!

A Weekend TO Remember

with Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

boca raton synagogue weeklynewsletter.brsonline.org/weekly_10_24_14.pdf · has the jewish view of...

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