boca raton synagogue weeklynewsletter.brsonline.org/weekly_11_6_15.pdfin our shalom bayis series,...

Boca Raton Synagogue • Valuing Diversity • Celebrating Unity

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 RAEL BLUMENTHALrabbi, brs [email protected]

RABBI JOSH BROIDEoutreach [email protected]

RABBI SIMMY SHABTAIrosh beis MeDrash

[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]

ALIZA BLUMENTHAL, LCSWbrs/JFs social Worker

[email protected]

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

PARSHAT CHAYEI SARAHStone Chumash 06

November 6 • November 13, 2015 • 24 Cheshvan • 1 Kislev 5776

FRIDAY NIGHTCandle Lighting 5:17 pmMincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 5:20 pm

SHABBAT DAYRabbi’s Class 4:05 pm

Molten Letters: The Widow Romm and The Printing Press of Vilna

Ms. Raizi Chechik Shabbat Mincha 5:05 pm Ma’ariv/Havdalah 6:10 pm

This week’s Weekly is generously sponsored by Hillel Day School in honor of the birthday of Rabbi Adam Englander.

http://facebook.com/bocaratonsynagogue


By far, one of the most uncomfortable aspects of being a Shul Rav is fielding shidduch inquiries regarding members of our community of all ages by prospective mates or their parents. Above are just a few of the actual questions I have received in the last few months alone. Comprehensive investigations

are not only taking place in the more “right wing” orthodox communities, but are becoming increasingly customary in modern orthodox circles as well.

As a parent who wants to protect and guard my children as much as anyone, I can only imagine the desire that will swell up in me when my children are dating, please God, to do forensic detective work and uncover absolutely everything about whomever might win the heart of my child and contribute to the spiritual and physical genetics of my future grandchildren.

And yet it seems to me that the increasing level of investigation, and some of the latest practices surrounding shidduch dating, are not only failing to yield greater effectiveness or the desired results, but they are compounding some of the existing challenges in the system and are contributing to an inappropriate tone to dating.

There is little disagreement that the modern shidduch system is flawed and in some ways broken. There is an inherent imbalance in the numbers and in the current system, that imbalance favors men and gives them the upper hand and the opportunity to be highly selective. While the process of shidduch dating is often filled with disappointment, loneliness, and frustration for both genders, the demographics make it especially difficult and sometimes acutely painful for young women in particular.

There is no clear way around the demographics and therefore no quick fix

for the system. But at the same time, we need not compound the problems in the system by asking our eligible men and women to degrade themselves in order to be noticed. While admittedly I am neither single nor do I have children currently in the shidduch scene, I do have the perspective of a community rabbi who fields weekly phone calls inquiries and who hears from parents of young people, usually young women, who are struggling with a system that is frequently demeaning and inequitable and often challenges their self-worth.

I freely admit that I don’t have radical suggestions or transformative solutions. I do, however, feel compelled to share a few observations with the hope that we can collectively tweak the terminology we use and the standards we practice as we aspire to raise the bar, not lower it, and as we try to make the most of a difficult situation.

First things first: It is completely reasonable and understandable to feel entitled to know basic facts about the individual one is being set up with before agreeing to go out. The question, then, is what is reasonable? I was recently having a Yom Tov meal at someone’s home when they shared with me the album they curated out of memorabilia from their dating and courtship. It began with the scrap of paper upon which the now-husband jotted down a few facts he heard from the shadchan about the girl he was being set up with, his now-wife. Suffice it to say that while it included her education, hobbies and interests, it did not make reference to her medical records or her siblings-in-law.

In contrast, young people from a similar background as this couple are now told that if they want to enter the shidduch scene, they need to prepare a proper “shidduch resume.” Tips are offered as to how to make the resume look professional and impressive and what must be included, including not only a name, date of birth, height, education, camps, and extra-curricular activities of the prospective mate, but also their parents’ names, birthplace, occupations, and shul affiliation, as well as the siblings’ ages, educational institutions, and spouses’ names, if applicable.

To be clear, I have nothing against utilizing technology to produce a summary page

that can be shared easily and efficiently. My issue is not with streamlining the information collection process; it is with the level of detail we are demanding and expecting on “resumes.” Why is the sibling’s occupation relevant to whether or not someone is a viable candidate to meet? Should those who have unemployed siblings, or older single siblings, or siblings who are “off the derech” automatically be rejected? If individuals list such information they are at a disadvantage, and if they omit the information, in the current resume climate it raises suspicions about why it wasn’t included.

One can’t help but wonder regarding this week’s parsha: Had Eliezer seen Rivka’s “shidduch resume” and investigated her father and brother, would he have gotten far enough or been open to see her extraordinary chessed, or would he have nixed the shidduch from the outset?

Scrutinizing shidduch suggestions excessively and performing inquisitions on every recommendation not only precludes and prevents meeting what might have been one’s soulmate, but it does little to ultimately protect oneself or one’s children from someone who on the surface “has everything” going but in reality makes a poor spouse and parent. In my experience interacting with hundreds of families, I have come across many individuals who would have had “undesirable” resumes, including families that have dysfunction, illness, or disability, who emerge to become the most amazing, kind, sensitive, thoughtful, loyal and special spouse and parent. In counseling many couples, I have also discovered many individuals with “perfect” resumes—from the perfect family and with the perfect pedigree, appearance, education, and interests—who turn out to be cruel, selfish, and simply horrible spouses and parents.

It seems to me that our children don’t need detectives working on their behalf. They need us to model the balance between reasonable research and being nonjudgmental, open-minded, and encouraging. The demographic problem poses a great enough challenge without making each young woman feel inadequate if her “resume” cannot pass a forensic investigation.

Additionally, while I recognize that this is not the biggest issue in shidduch dating, nor will it provide a sweeping solution, I believe that language matters, and calling the intake form a “resume” is not only a semantic mistake but it frames dating negatively from the outset. A resume is what one produces when he or she is the applicant seeking entrance to a school or job. When one submits a resume, the understanding is that they

FROM THE RABBI’S DESK

Inquiries or Inquisitions:

A Rabbi’s Perspective

on the Shidduch

System

“Do you know if anyone in his family is taking medications and what those medications are for?”

“Can you give me the name of a friend of her father and a different friend of her mother I can speak to about her?”“What are the circumstances that led to his parents’ divorce?”

“Is anyone in her family currently receiving counseling or therapy and for what?”

“Does the father come to Shul during the week or only on Shabbos?”


are the candidate making a case for their worthiness to be accepted by the institution or employer.

Do we really want our children approaching dating and courtship as if they are applying and being interviewed for a job? Don’t we want the tone of their relationships to be defined by two equals engaged in the process of learning about one another through conversation, shared experience, and by observing how they each behave and react in diverse situations? Would they not be better served if we all called them “Shidduch Biographies” rather than “resumes?”

Dr. John Gottman, a world-renowned authority on healthy marriages and whose insights we have been sharing in our Shalom Bayis series, describes the importance of couples forming what he calls “love maps.” In his extensive research, he found that emotionally intelligent couples are intimately familiar with each other’s worlds, including their life goals, dreams, worries, hopes, fears, and aspirations. Love maps never appear on a resume. They are written and formed when a couple have enough in common to be willing to see if there is chemistry between them that transcends what it says about them on paper.

Sometimes, when being interrogated about a member of our shul, if I feel it is appropriate, I will stop the conversation and say, “I think he is an incredible young man, and if one of my daughters were old enough, I would be thrilled if she would go out with him.” It never fails to shock me, and frankly offend me, when the inquirer continues to proceed with their list of questions, revealing that “the rabbi’s” glowing endorsement that he would happily welcome someone into his family is not as important as getting through their often inappropriate questions.

The latest phenomenon is that many—mostly boys—won’t entertain a resume unless it includes a picture. Of course, physical attraction is a critical component of a successful marriage. In fact, the Talmud (Kiddushin 41a) forbids a man from marrying a woman without seeing her first, lest he insult her and hurt her by a lack of attraction.

Yet Chazal would never have endorsed the immodest practice of gazing at a

still picture to determine attraction as a prerequisite to meeting someone in person. When asked about this practice, Rav Chaim Kanievsky responded, “that is nonsense! He will not see anything from the picture. One must meet her in person.” Rav Dovid Feinstein responded similarly, “Why are we making things more difficult? There is a certain chein that young ladies have that often does not come across in a photograph, and can only be seen in person. We are making the shidduch crisis worse with these new requirements.”

Don’t we owe our daughters, many of whom have a hard enough time with dating already, to not have to suffer the indignity of sweating over producing a comprehensive resume and attaching a striking picture? Why is it considered acceptable in some circles for the boy or his mother to ask about the girl’s dress size (yes, this happens), but one would be judged negatively for asking about the boy’s pants size or the receding pattern of his hairline, or even about how many masechtos he has completed or exactly how much income he earn?

Is it a surprise that in the current system, with the current expectations, one prominent author went so far as to suggest, “Mothers this is my plea to you: There is no reason in today’s day and age with the panoply of cosmetic and surgical procedures available, why any girl can’t be transformed into a swan. Borrow the money if you have to; it’s an investment in your daughter’s future, her life.”

Have these boys that are demanding pictures and dress sizes looked in the physical and metaphorical mirror lately? The Talmud (Sota 2a) tells us, “ein mezavgin l’adom elah l’fi ma’asav,” we are matched commensurate and in parallel with who we are and what we have to offer.

I recognize that like many others, I have highlighted some of the challenges without offering transformational solutions. I don’t offer them, as others have not, because they are not obvious or easily attainable. We may not be able to move the needle in large ways, but our sympathy and empathy for those stuck in a challenging system should minimally move us to refuse to participate in some of the latest trends. The least we can do within the system we are stuck with is preserve the dignity and self-esteem of our children and friends

with small gestures such as not labeling their lives resumes, not forcing them to feel they need cosmetic surgery just to provide a picture to make their “resume” more compelling, and by not demanding more information than the FBI and CIA together could uncover.

Nobody is going to be the one person bucking the system, as repulsive as full participation may sometimes be, because they fear the consequences of being ostracized or ignored. If all of those in the “parsha” of dating, including those single and their parents, collectively refuse to play by the artificial rules, the system can improve. Shadchanim should prioritize the people they are representing by not asking for or providing pictures, and by collecting shidduch biographies, not resumes. If rabbis, shadchanim, and friends not only refuse to answer inappropriate questions, but call out and shut down those asking them, we can scale back the inquisitions and return to reasonable research. Perhaps more importantly, if every member of the Jewish community makes it his or her personal mission to advocate for their single friends, people can be set up by those who know them and therefore be more trusting and less scrutinizing.

The period of dating perhaps provides parents with their final opportunity to model and teach critical life lessons and values to their children while still living under one roof. If we use the opportunity to encourage them to be open-minded in dating and to bravely be part of a community not willing to stoop or cave to unreasonable pressures, we can not only help our children find appropriate spouses, but we can also help them become better people.

In 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.

BOCA RATON SYNAGOGUE DERECH ERETZ STATEMENT

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg


DAILY MINYAN TIMES

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAYROSH CHODESH

THURSDAYROSH CHODESH

FRIDAYSephardic Shacharit 6:10 am

Sephardic Beit Midrash6:10 amSephardic Beit Midrash

6:10 amSephardic Beit Midrash




Ashkenazi Shacharit 6:25 am Social Hall

6:15 am Rand Sanctuary

6:25 am Social Hall

6:25 am Social Hall

6:05 am Social Hall

6:05 am Social Hall

Ashkenazi Shacharit 7:15 amSocial Hall

7:00 amRand Sanctuary

7:00 amSocial Hall

7:00 amSocial Hall

7:00 amSocial Hall

7:00 amSocial Hall

Sephardic Shacharit 7:55 amBerdugo Beit Midrash

7:55 amBerdugo Beit Midrash





Ashkenazi Shacharit 8:00 am Social Hall


7:45 am Social Hall

7:45 am Social Hall

7:45 am Social 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

1:00 pm Senders Library

3:05 pmSephardic Beit Midrash




Sephardic Mincha/Ma’ariv 5:10 pmSephardic Beit Midrash





Ashkenazi Mincha/Ma’ariv 5:15 pmSocial Hall

5:15 pmRand Sanctuary

5:15 pmSocial Hall

5:15 pmRand Sanctuary

5:15 pmSocial Hall

Late Ashkenazi Ma’ariv 9:30 pmSenders Library

9:30 pmSenders Library




SHABBAT SCHEDULEFRIDAY NIGHT

Sephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 5:15 pm Candle Lighting 5:17 pmMincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) 5:20 pmFriday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pm

SHABBAT DAYNeitz Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 6:20 amHashkama Minyan (Social Hall) 7:30 amSephardic Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 9:00 amAshkenazi Minyan (Rand Sanctuary) 9:00 am Lecture after Davening: Yossi Klein Halevi Sof Zman Kriat Shema 9:19 amShtiebel Minyan (Shtiebel Beit Midrash) 9:30 amTeen Minyan (Berdugo Beit Midrash) 9:45 amYouth Tefillah Groups (Jacobs and Rubin Youth & Senior Center) 10:00 amEarly Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 3:00 pmRabbi’s Class 4:05 pm

Molten Letters: The Widow Romm and The Printing Press of Vilna

Ms. Raizi Chechik

Sephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 5:00 pmAshkenazi Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 5:05 pmSh’kiah 5:35 pmDaf Yomi (Berdugo Beit Midrash) between Mincha/Ma’arivMa’ariv/Havdalah (Rand Sanctuary) 6:10 pm

SHABBAT LEARNINGTefillah Insights with Rabbi Josh Broide 8:30 amAdvanced Gemara Chabura 15 minutes after Hashkama MinyanYouth Groups (Drop-off begins at 10:00 am) 10:30 amSephardic Roundtable (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 11:00 amAvos U’Banim (Sephardic Beit Midrash) (New Time) 6:40 pm

PARSHAT TOLDOTNOVEMBER 13 & 14

Sephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 5:10 pm Candle Lighting 5:14 pmMincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) 5:15 pmFriday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pmMa’ariv/Havdalah (Shabbat) (Rand Sanctuary) 6:07 pm

Support Today, Secure Tomorrow

Boca Raton Synagogue LEGACY SOCIETY

We thank the following people for including Boca Raton Synagogue in their estate planning:

Dr. Avraham & Elana BelizonDr. Mark & Helen Cohan

Drs. Eli & Orlie CohenArye & Taliya Corbett

Rabbi Adam & Shira EnglanderIrving Fitterman

Dr. Ben & Cara FreedmanRabbi Efrem & Yocheved Goldberg

Lynn W. HahnPaul Z”L & Helena Ijac

Shimmie & Beth KaminetskyDaniel & Caroline Katz

Dr. David & Sharona KayRabbi Gene & Elka Klein Z”L

Robert & Linda LevyStephen & Linda Melcer

Lawrence Melcer

Please remember Boca Raton Synagogue in your will or as a designated beneficiary.

To have your name added to our growing list of Legacy Society members, or if your name was inadvertently left off of this list, please contact our Executive Director, Matthew Hocherman at

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

Michael & Jill RoseDrs. David & Rand Schwartzwald

Gil & Lysee SteinMitchell & Lorys Stiel

Ted & Linda StruhlHommy & Syd TannenbaumJules & Hanna Wagner Z”L

Dr. Jonathan & Suri WinogradDr. David & Maxine WolginMichael & Risa Zimmerman

mailto:[email protected]


SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

KIDDUSHFriday Night Live is cosponsored by Paula Robbins in honor of her husband Warren’s birthday and by Carl Simon in memory of his wife, Rita.Main Minyan Kiddush sponsored by Tony & Judy Gelbart in honor of the Aufruf of their son, Brandon, and on his forthcoming marriage to Ricki Katz.Hashkama Minyan Kiddush is sponsored by the Hashkama Minyan Kiddush FundTeen Kiddush is sponsored by Dr. David & Sharona Kay in commemoration of the yahrzeit of her beloved father, Arieh Michael ben Chanan and also in appreciation of Ty learning and Leining her father’s Bar Mitzvah Parsha.Sephardic Minyan Seudah Shlishiet sponsored by Dr. Efraim Foonberg in honor of Moshe Foonberg’s 16th birthdaySeudah Shlishiet co-sponsored by Jay & Chari Bernten, Marcia Feldman, Yocheved Hande, Helana Ijac and Family, and Moshe Leib & Ruth StuartGuest Speaker: Rabbi Noah Zisquit

MAZAL TOVSruly & Penina Landa on the birth of their daughter, Shira AND to her proud big sisters, Chana, Ahuva, Esther, and Devorah. Steven & Rebecca Berkeley on their son, Orrin, becoming a Bar Mitzvah. AND to his proud sisters, Isabella and Nava.AND grandpar-ents, Barry and Ester Berkeley, Jerry & Bonnie Casselli, Jeffrie Stern, and Herb Kaufman. Sharon Jason and Lance Jason on the marriage of their daughter, Ariella, to Aaron Strassman, son of Dr. Jerry & Carol Strassman of Se-attle, WA. AND to her proud siblings, Ruchama, Shira, and Azarya.Tony & Judy Gelbart on the AufRuf of their son, Brandon. And on his forthcoming marriage to Ricki Katz, daughter of Peter & Felice Katz of Monsey, NY. AND to his proud brother, Jeremy and sister-in-law, Chanie.Stuart & Pamela Silverman on the engagement of their daughter, Davida (Deborah), to Binyomin Nakdimen, son of Rabbi Yechiel & Aidle Nakdimen of Lakewood, NJ. AND to her proud siblings, Ian, and Marissa. Ms. Nomi Feinberg and Dr. Bruce Feinberg on the engagement of their daughter, Sarit, to Michael Karp, son of David & Caren Karp of Linwood, NJ. AND to her proud siblings, Tzvi, Yehuda, Eliezer, Miryl, and Peri.

PARENTS OF STUDENTS IN ISRAELRabbi Goldberg will be going to Israel in a few weeks and is eager to meet with our BRS students studying there. Please send your child’s name, e-mail, and what’s app cell number to [email protected] as soon as possible.

WEEKLY CLASS FOR WOMEN WITHRABBI EFREM GOLDBERG

Join Rabbi Goldberg for a NEW shiur for women on the topic of Living With Emunah: Feeling Hashem in Our Daily Lives. Have a cup of coffee and enjoy caffeine for your body and soul each week. This class will take place on Wednesday mornings at 8:45 am and continues this Wednesday, November 11 at the home of Rabbi Efrem & Yocheved Goldberg, 22234 Hollyhock Trail in Thornhill Green.

Men’s Afternoon Kollel............................................. Page 9AIPAC Partnership Weekend..................................... Page 17Acharai Fellowship Program..................................... Page 17Battleground For Truth ................................................Page 17Bring Shalom Bayis into Your Home .....................Page 17Hodu Bowl ...................................................................Page 18People of the Book .......................................................Page 19Night of the Museum ..................................................Page 20

e FEATURED EVENTS g

BOOK OF DANIEL WITH RABBI PHILIP MOSKOWITZ

This week Rabbi Philip Moskowitz’s Tuesday morning class at 10:30 am will begin an in-depth study of the book of Daniel.

WOMEN’S ONEG - THIS FRIDAY NIGHTWomen and girls are invited to a spirited oneg this Friday night, November 6 at 8:30 pm with Guest Speaker, Ms. Raizi Chechik at the home of Jessica and Farley Weiss, 22153 Larkspur Trail in Thornhill Green. Ms. Chechik has served as Scholar in Residence in the Hampton’s Synagogue and Palm Beach Synagogue among other places. She previously served as

Assistant Principal at Manhattan High School for girls and currently is Principal at Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls. She is a 2001 recipient of the National Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. Ms. Raizi Chechik will also be giving the Rabbi’s Class on Shabbat Afternoon at 4:05 pm on the subject of Molten Letters: The Widow Romm and The Printing Press of Vilna.

LIFE AND LEGACY OF RABBI NOSSON TZVI FINKEL ZT”L.

Join us next Monday, November 16, for a video presentation at 10:00 am and 8:00 pm in the Social Hall titled: Triumph of the Spirit, Reflections on the Life and Legacy of Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel zt”l.

SOF ZMAN KRIAT SHEMADue to the clock change, the 9:00 am Minyan on Shabbat morning will not reach Kriat Shema before the optimal time to recite it. Please make sure to say Kriat Shema before Davening. The latest time will be listed in the weekly every week.

RABBI MENACHEM LEIBTAGJoin us on this Wednesday night, November 11 at 8:00 pm in the Social Hall to hear from Rabbi Menachem Leibtag. Rabbi Menachem Leibtag is one of the pioneers of Torah education via the Internet. His weekly essays on Parshat HaShavua, read by literally thousands of subscribers worldwide, introduce a vibrant analytical approach to thematic study of the Bible. He is the founder of the Yeshivat Har Etzion’s Virtual Bet Midrash

and, more recently, founded the Tanach Study Center. Sponsored by Dr. Harold and Lori Landa

YOSSI KLEIN HALEVI THIS SHABBATYossi Klein Halevi will be giving a lecture after Davening in the 9:00 am Minyan in the Rand Sacntaury titled: “What Gives me Hope for Israel”. Yossi Klein Halevi is an American-born journalist who has lived in Jerusalem since 1982. He is a senior fellow of the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and the author of “At the Entrance to the Garden of Eden: A Jew’s Search for God with Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land” and “Like Dreamers: The Story of the Israeli Paratroopers Who Reunited Jerusalem and Divided a Nation” Sponsored by Jewish National Fund

SHUL SOFTBALL LEAGUE FORMINGPlay winter ball! Men’s softball league forming for area shuls to play on Sunday mornings hopefully from mid-December thru Mid-April. Adult league ages 18-plus, fast pitch, tagging-up from any base. We’re looking to start with at least four teams and hopefully more. Each team should have at least a 12-man roster. Professional ASA umpires. Please email Howard at [email protected] if you’re interested in being on a team or forming a team.

UNVEILING There will be an unveiling this Sunday morning for Eddie Horton’s beloved mother. A minyan is needed. It will be held at 10 AM at Beth David Memorial Gardens - 32001 NW 72nd in Hollywood. If you can make it and assist him it would be greatly appreciated.

SAVE THE DATE: WOMENS HEALTH DAYPlease mark your calendars and save the date for our third annual Womens Health & Halacha Day taking place on Sunday, December 20 at BRS.

AVOS U’BANIM - NEW TIMEWe are proud to announce the new time for Avos U’Banim learning program beginning this Saturday night, November 7, 45 minutes after Havdalah. This program is designed for Chavruta learning between fathers and their sons who are in 4th grade and above, and takes place in the Sephardic Beit Midrash. Following the learning, there will be pizza, and a raffle.




LIFE CYCLE

CONDOLENCES TOMarica Levy on the passing of her beloved father, William W. Wexler

REFUAH SHLAYMAHFor members of BRS Community.

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

Moshe Applebaum Moshe Zvi ben Rachel LeahYosef Chaim ben FaigaMerv Jacobs Meir ben SarahStuart Silverman Yeshaya Moshe ben Nacha SarahMarcus Witztum Mordechai ben MalkaChayim ben RashiChaim ben Rachel___________________________________Helen Ijac Alta Haita bat DevorahJoan Noven Rochel Tova bat MalkaAriella Berman Ariella Sarah bat Elisheva MalkaChana Guta bat Rochel

WEEK AT A GLANCENEW MEMBERS

Aaron & Jessica Levine Dr. Richard & Elizabeth Erlich

BIRTHDAYSAriella Herman Shoshanah Marcus Rabbi Simmy Shabtai Daniel Krasna Julie Ehrlich Ethan Stern

DAILY • DAF YOMI (SUNDAY – FRIDAY) with Rabbi Ben Sugerman at 7:00 am in Rooms 211/212

Sponsored by the Albert & Yetta Lupin Memorial Foundationin loving memory of Lois Lupin Salzman

• 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 Rooms 104/105MONDAY• HEBREW POETRY with Hassia Yehuda at 9:30 am in the Senders Library

• MEN’S AFTERNOON KOLLEL will take place at 3:00 pm in the Social HallTUESDAY• PARSHA CLASS with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg at 9:30 am in the Social Hall• IN-DEPTH STUDY OF THE BOOK OF DANIEL with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz at 10:30 am in the Social Hall

WEDNESDAY • CUP OF JOE & KNOW

with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg at 8:30 am in the Social Hall• LIVING WITH EMUNAH

with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg at 8:45 am at home of Rabbi Efrem & Yocheved Goldberg, 22234 Hollyhock Trail

• IN-DEPTH STUDY OF BOOK OF SAMUEL I with Malka Morris at 9:15 am in the Senders Library• MEN’S AFTERNOON KOLLEL will take place at 3:00 pm in the Social Hall• BEGINNERS JEWISH SPIRITUALITY COURSE,

CLASS # 5 OF 7 with Anne Shoshana Deakter at 7:30 pm in Room 101THURSDAY• UNLOCK THE HIDDEN MEANING AND DEEP BEAUTY

OF THE MANY LAYERS OF THE BOOK KOHELLETwith Dr. Avigail Rock at 9:15 am in the Board Room

• MUSSAR SCHMOOZE WITH COMMUNITY RABBIS with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz at 9:40 pm in the Senders Library accompanied with wings from Chef Gersh.

YAHRZEITSPinchas Davidman in memory of his father Sam Davidman, 23 CheshvanRabbi Simcha Freedman in memory of his father Samuel Freedman, 23 CheshvanHensha Gansbourg in memory of her husband Rabbi Hirsh Gansbourg, 23 CheshvanHelena Ijac in memory of her husband Paul Ijac, 23 CheshvanYvette Kaweblum in memory of her grandfather Jose Kogan, 23 CheshvanIrving Malinowitz in memory of his father Jacob Malinowitz, 23 CheshvanJackie Markovitch in memory of his mother Blanka Markovitch, 23 CheshvanDr. Michael Muschel in memory of his mother Sara Muschel, 23 CheshvanBenjamin Muschel in memory of his grandmother Sara Muschel, 23 CheshvanSteve Rantz in memory of his father Philip Rantz, 23 CheshvanJonathan Abrams in memory of his father Melvin Abrams, 24 CheshvanBaruch Levi in memory of his father Avraham Levi, 24 CheshvanLinda (Chana) Levy in memory of her father Seymour Levy, 24 CheshvanDr. Jerry Herbst in memory of his grandfather Moshe Scherr, 24 CheshvanRabbi Chaim Shulman in memory of his father Pinchas Shulman, 24 CheshvanNeil Shachter in memory of his mother Felicia Greenbaum, 24 CheshvanIra Berger in memory of his mother Gertrude Berger, 25 CheshvanRuth Bleiman in memory of her mother Rebecca Kaplan, 25 CheshvanDvora Haimson in memory of her mother Helen Schneps, 25 CheshvanRabbi Nathan Zemel in memory of his father Charles Zemel, 25CheshvanIsrael Margolies in memory of his brother Rabbi Morris Margolies, 25 CheshvanBetty Maikhor in memory of her grandfather Alter Faidengold, 26 CheshvanHarold Furst in memory of his father Moritz Fuerst, 26 CheshvanDvora Haimson in memory of her father Samuel Schneps, 26 CheshvanRita Rubin in memory of her mother Zelda Kupietzky, 27 CheshvanBruce Lilker in memory of his father Martin Lilker, 27 CheshvanMoshe Leib Stuart in memory of his grandfather Jeremiah Wacholder, 27 CheshvanYocheved Hande in memory of her grandmother Eva Horowitz, 27 CheshvanDr. David Levenson in memory of his father Harold Levenson, 28 CheshvanArthur Solomon in memory of his father Samuel Solomon, 28 CheshvanRuth Stuart in memory of her father Joseph Turze, 28 CheshvanMarcia Feldman in memory of her mother Lena Konick, 29 CheshvanE. Lawrence Perkins in memory of his brother-in-law Nathan Littman, 29 CheshvanSimon Reise in memory of his mother Hilda Reise, 29 CheshvanTheo Klewansky in memory of his father Rabbi Yechiel Klewansky, 1 KislevRabbi Melvyn Mintz in memory of his father Herman Mintz, 1 KislevAnn Vernikoff in memory of her father Samuel Reidman, 1 KislevDorothy Perkins in memory of her father Philip Schneider, 1 KislevMalka Schyndel in memory of her father Moshe Schyndel, 1 KislevMarvin Hirschhorn in memory of his sister Arlene Sinoway, 1 KislevGary Krasna in memory of his grandfather Samuel Cohen, 1 KislevBonnie Weinreb in memory of her grandmother Dora Riesel, 1 Kislev

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITYSeth & Suzanne Berkeley Miller FamilySmallberg Family Raizi Chechik Yossi Klein Halevi Barry & Ester BerkeleyJerry & Bonnie Casselli Jeffrie Stern Herb Kaufman Mark & Irene Stern Doug & Joanna Kabat The Brotman Family The Levine Family Peter & Felice Katz Yisroel & Sharon GoldsteinFamily & Friends here in honor of the Gelbart SimchaFamily & Friends here in honor of the Berkeley Simcha

BRS AUXILIARIES, ETC.

FAY GREENE’S CLASSWill be held on Tuesday, November 17, 12:30 pm at BRS. Co-hostesses for the class will be Eliana Graber and Shoshana Masory. Coffee and refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Sue Lowenkron at [email protected]

Shayndee Hiller Sheindel bat Blimah TemaNoa Maya Carmel Noa Maya bat Devora RachelPerel bat Chaya SaraJacquie Padow Ya’akova Chava Rus bat Beyla Or Ester bat Dina RivkaWendy Wasserstrom Zehava bat ChayaLily Lerman Libi Chana bat Golda ChavaBeth Plotkin Bayla Risel Elisheva bat Esther RevalahDorothy Perkins Sarah Devorah bat RaizlHensha Hadassah bat Sarah RochelEden Malka bat Ravit

JAMIE GELLER AT WINN DIXIETo help customers celebrate Chanukah, we are excited to invite you to a free, special live cooking demonstration and meet and greet with kosher food celebrity Jamie Geller at the Boca Raton Winn-Dixie store, located at 7024 Beracasa Way, on Monday, November 30 at 7:00 pm. Jamie will be arriving from Israel to showcase fried, non-traditional Chanukah recipes from around the world, with an emphasis on oil.

ROSH CHODESH KISLEVWill be observed this Thursday & Friday, November 12 & 13.

TEHILLIM CIRCLEThursday night, November 12, Rosh Chodesh Kislev, please rotate to the next 3 Psalms.

BIKUR CHOLIM Halakhic Perspectives: “...man’s goal in this world is to serve God by making his life a model of divinely revealed values: “As he is merciful, even so be you merciful. As he is gracious, even so be you gracious.” The Gemara, Sotah 14a, explicitly extends this concept to encompass visiting the sick: “as he clothes the naked...so you clothe the naked. The Holy One, blessed be He, visits the sick.”...Join Bikur Cholim (561) 362-7345. Source: Judaism and Healing by Dr. J. David Bleich



SOCIAL ACTIONThe highest court in France has upheld the criminal conviction of 12 political activists for the crime of advocating sanctions and a boycott against Israel. The group was arrested for distributing anti-Israel material in a supermarket under the French law on Freedom of the Press. The court ruled that BDS is inherently discriminatory and thus outlawed its promotion. “BDS is illegal in France,” announced Pascal Markowicz, head attorney for CRIF, the umbrella organization for Jewish communities in France. Any actions to promote the movement, he added, “are completely illegal.

At the same time, The EU is set to release its guidelines on labeling settlement products. They had been due to be released a month ago, but because of the wave of terrorist attacks in Jerusalem and elsewhere in Israel, their publication was delayed. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini had not wanted to release the information while Israelis were being murdered in the streets by Palestinians, senior Israeli officials noted. But, Mogherini is under heavy pressure from several European countries, such as France and Sweden, to issue the guidelines on settlement product labeling and not delay their publication further.

PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS OF IDF SOLDIERS Please have in mind children and grandchildren of members of our community currently serving in the IDF: Amiel Abir, Asher Kaplan, Adam Barel, Shayna Bender, Daniella Borenstein, Rotem Bronfman, Stav Gare, Gavriella Wolff, Aviad Halfon, Menachem Kaplan, Shabtai Kaplan, Mikki Kowal, Ami Lieder, Daniel Louis, Albert Lupin, Charlie Pollack, Yakov Simcha ben Moshe Yisroel, Akiva Strauss, Elad Shachar, Liel Reinfeld, Ron Hirschhorn, Yehoshua Strauss, Amichai Berman, Leo Loeffler, Chanan Wolfson, Eitan

Yitzchak ben Etel Rochel, Noam Bar Yakov, Yuchiel Shlomo Lowenstern, Amir Tsarfati, Reuben Gladstone, Zoe Gladstone, Dean Tansman, Joshua Weiss, Hannah Katz, and Zachary Solomon. 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.

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.While Jonathan is scheduled to be released in November, please God, he continues to need our prayers for his failing health and wellbeing.

ROBERT ALAN “BOB” LEVINSONIs an American private investigator and retired DEA and CIA agent. He was taken hostage on March 9, 2007 when visiting Iran’s Kish Island and is currently the longest held hostage in American history.

ISRAEL UPDATE

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES (IDF)


In Eliezer’s search for a wife for Yitzhak, he sets high standards for her middot (positive character traits). The Torah tells us that he plans a test, where he will ask a young lady for a drink and see if she offers him a drink as well as his camels, as it was obvious to onlookers that he had been travelling for some while. Someone one who not only accedes to his request, but goes above and beyond and offers to draw water for the camels as well, clearly is a person dedicated to hesed (kindness).

The Beit ha-Levi points out that Rivkah’s hesed was actually far greater than may superficially appear. When Eliezer asks for water, he asks Rivkah for “some water from your jug.” There were no cups or canteens available and if Rivkah was to give Eliezer some water, he would have to drink directly from her jug. The first ‘test’ was to see if, despite being unseemly, Rivkah was willing to allow a stranger who clearly needed water, to drink directly from her jug.

The next step was more challenging. What was Rivkah to do with the water that remained in the jug after Eliezer drank from it? She couldn't bring the rest home, since a stranger already drank from it. She could have simply poured it out, but that would have appeared rude. Instead, she chose to use that water to feed Eliezer’s camels—not wasting the water, but also not insulting Eliezer.

The Beit ha-Levi points out that Rivkah’s sensitivity went even a step further. She didn’t want Eliezer to think that she only offered water to his camels as a means of avoiding an uncomfortable situation. Therefore, after giving the camels the rest of the water left in the jug, she drew additional water for the camels—showing her true middah of hesed. To be one of the founders of our nation, Rivkah not only performed hesed but was a true ba’alat hesed (master of kindness).

Parshah Thought

The Sephardic Minyan of Boca Raton Synagogue המנין הספרדי של ק"ק בוקה רטון

SUNDAY FRIDAY SHABBAT MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

פרשת חיי שרהParshat Hayyei Sarah

NOVEMBER 6 EREV SHABBAT NOVEMBER 7

HAYYEI SARAH

6:05AM SHAHARIT 7:55AM SHAHARIT 5:15PM MINHAH 5:17PM CANDLE LIGHTING 5:49PM EARLIEST SHEMA

5:51AM SHAHARIT 8:10AM SHIUR 8:30AM SHAHARIT 5:05PM RABBI'S CLASS 5:00PM MINHAH 6:11PM MOTZAEI SHABBAT 6:46PM RABBENU TAM

NOVEMBER 8 NOVEMBER 9 NOVEMBER 10 NOVEMBER 11

NOVEMBER 12

NOVEMBER 13 EREV SHABBAT

NOVEMBER 14 TOLEDOT

6:10AM SHAHARIT 7:55AM SHAHARIT 5:10PM MINHAH 9:00PM MISHNAH BERURA 9:30PM LADIES' SHIUR

6:10AM SHAHARIT 7:55AM SHAHARIT 3:00PM KOLLEL 5:10PM MINHAH 9:00PM MISHNAH BERURA

6:10AM SHAHARIT 7:55AM SHAHARIT 5:10PM MINHAH 9:00PM MISHNAH BERURA

6:10AM SHAHARIT 7:55AM SHAHARIT 3:00PM KOLLEL 5:10PM MINHAH 8:00PM HALAKHAH SHIUR 9:00PM MISHNAH BERURA

6:10AM SHAHARIT 7:55AM SHAHARIT 5:10PM MINHAH 9:00PM MISHNAH BERURA

6:10AM SHAHARIT 7:55AM SHAHARIT 5:10PM MINHAH 5:13PM CANDLE LIGHTING 5:46PM EARLIEST SHEMA

5:55AM SHAHARIT 8:10AM SHIUR 8:30AM SHAHARIT 5:00PM RABBI'S CLASS 4:55PM MINHAH 6:08PM MOTZAEI SHABBAT 6:43PM RABBENU TAM

Separating desired objects from refuse is prohibited on Shabbat as the מלאכה (labor) of בורר (separating). Unlike most other prohibited activities, the Gemara specifies particular situations in which בורר is in fact permissible. The three criteria are: the separating must be done by hand (ביד) and not by a specialized utensil (such as a sifter); it must be done for immediate consumption (מיד); the desired product must be separated from the undesired product ( אוכל מתוך The Shulhan Arukh rules that when all three criteria .(הפסולתare met, separating is permissible.

For example, in a plate full of sunflower seeds, there are often shells without seeds that are inedible. Halakhah dictates that the edible seeds should be selected from the plate, by hand, to be eaten in that sitting.

In other situations, it may not be possible to separate items by hand, either for practical, sanitary, or etiquette reasons. In such situations, it is proper to separate with a fork—since we do not consider a fork to be a specialized separating utensil, but rather a mere extension of the person’s hand (Ashkenazim are generally strict about this last point).

Shulhan Arukh, OH 319:1; Shu”t Yabia Omer OH 7:40:8

Weekly Halakhah

The Sephardic Minyan will join the Main Minyan in the Rand Sanctuary at 11:15 to hear from Yossi Klein Halevi, our Scholar

in Residence for this Shabbat.


NEW CHABURAS Chasidus and the Parsha (Thursday nights at 8:45pm) with Rabbi Berel Gurary - [Will not take place this week] Daily Mishna Berura with Sephardic Halacha (S-TH at 9:00pm) with Rabbi Simmy Shabtai

THIS MOTSAI SHABBOS: AVOS UBANIM

Starting this week Avos UBanim will take place 45 minutes after Havdalla.

Join us for great learning, pizza, doughnuts and raffle prizes.

Sponsor a week of Avos UBanim for $150.

NIGHT LEARNING WEEKLY SCHEDULE Sponsored by Dr. Yehuda and Michal Marcus in honor of their parents

Marvin and Shoshana Heller and Marlow and Lila Marcus

SUNDAY NIGHT Halachot of Daily Life Chabura with Rabbi Simmy Shabtai (8:00 pm) TUESDAY NIGHT Community Learning with Yeshiva Tiferes Torah of Boca Raton 6th-8th Grade Gemara Chabura with Rabbi Simmy Shabtai (8:00 pm) WEDNESDAY NIGHT Community Learning with Yeshiva Tiferes Torah of Boca Raton Chavrusa opportunities for 4th grade and above Halacha Chabura with Rabbi David Shabtai (8:00 pm) Mussar Chabura with Rabbi Matan Wexler (8:45 pm) Gemara Chabura with Rabbi Shaul Opoczynski (8:45 pm) Will not take place this week. THURSDAY NIGHT Tanach and Parsha Chabura with Rabbi Simmy Shabtai (8:00 pm) Chasidus and the Parsha with Rabbi Berel Gurary (8:45 pm) Mussar Schmooze (with BBQ Wings from Chef Gersh) (9:40pm) Rabbi Philip Moskowitz will give the Mussar Schmooze this week. SHABBOS AFTERNOON Avos UBanim (1 hour before Mincha) Avi Hamburger will give the d’var Torah this week.

PICTURES FROM THIS WEEK

6th-8th Grade Boys + TTB Rabbi Philip Moskowitz

Tuesday Night Learning Program Wednesday Men’s Afternoon Kollel

DIRSHU MONTHLY REVIEW EXAMS Exams cover material from the last month’s limud of either Daf Yomi or Daf Yomi

B’Halacha. The next exam will take place Sunday, November 22.

Contact [email protected] to register.

Score over an 80 and receive a stipen. Maximum stipend is $65 for an exam.

Daf Yomi: Nazir 56A - Sotah 22b

Daf Yomi B’Halacha (Mishna Berura): 51:4 - 56:2


Share One Shabbos is your opportunity to share the beauty and inspirational message of Shabbos with those on our community who don’t traditionally celebrate this special weekly event. Join the BRS annual campaign to share the splendor of Shabbat with your friends, neighbors and coworkers by inviting one person or a family for a simple, yet extraordinary, Shabbat dinner, a Shabbat lunch or an entire Shabbat and let them see the magic of this weekly experience that you enjoy at your home. For more information on any of the BRS CommUNITY Outreach and Engagement programs, please contact Rabbi Josh Broide at (561) 702-3864 or email Rabbi Broide [email protected]. You can also call the Boca Raton Synagogue office (561) 394-0394.

Rabbi Josh Broide(561) 702-3864

[email protected]

Share One

Shabbos

is back!!!

Add your name

to this list!!

12/11/15

Sign up at

BRSonline.org/SOS

For more info

Call Rabbi Broide

561.702.3864


PARSHAT CHAYEI SARAH פרשת חיי שרה @HILLEL DAY SCHOOL | 21001 95TH AVE | BRSWEST.NET | (561) 909-0234

FRIDAY SHABBAT SUNDAY

6 NOV 7 NOV 8 NOV

5:17PM CANDLE LIGHTING 5:20PM MINCHA / KABBALAT SHABBAT

8:30AM RASHI SHIUR 9:00AM SHACHARIT /KIDDUSH 3:45PM CHILL IN THE PARK

4:35PM PARENT CHILD LEARNING 5:05PM MINCHA/SEUDA 6:10PM MAARIV/HAVDALAH

8:00AM SHACHARIT 8:35AM NEW PRACTICAL HALACHA SHIUR

KIDDUSH THIS WEEK IS SPONSORED BY THE BRS WEST COMMUNITY IN CELEBRATION OF RONNIE RAND’S BIRTHDAY. HAPPY BIRTHDAY RONNIE!

במערבא NEWS FROM THE WEST

AYELET GROSS

AVITAL SHAPIRO

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING

GROUP

LEADERS FOR THIS SHABBAT!

DEPARTMENTYOUTH

RashiIntroduci

ng

There are many

Midrashim… But I have

only come to explain the

simple meaning of the

text. - Rashi, Genesis 3:8

Shabbat Mornings @ 8:30am with Rabbi Rael Blumenthal

FINDING BALANCE

A WEEKLY SCHMOOZE WITH ALIZA BLUMENTHAL

��

SHABBAT NOTES • We are launching our NEW YOUTH DEPARTMENT this Shabbat. The program

will begin at 10:15am on Shabbat Morning and will continue until the end of Davening.

• We are looking for sponsorships for Parent Child Learning as well as our New Youth Department. Please contact Rabbi Blumenthal if you’re interested in getting involved.

• Sunday Morning Minyan at 8am, followed by a NEW 15 MINUTE PRACTICAL HALACHA SHIUR!


If you would like to help sponsor or donate to our Teen Kiddush, Teen Seudah Shlishiet, 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!

BRS YOUTH PROGRAMS

BRS TEEN DEPARTMENT

RABBI EISENBERGER’S MISHNA CLASSJoin us Shabbat morning as we continue our journey through Mishna. We will be continuing Masechet Avot this week. 9:30-10:00 am in room 102 every Shabbat morning. Kids snack following class.Hope to see you there!

JUNIOR CONGREGATIONRabbi Wexler is back with prizes and goodies! Come join this incredible experience!

GROUPS THIS WEEK! COME CHECK OUT THE NEW TOYS AND GAMES!Parsha Games! Food Art! Prizes! Fun! And your favorite group leaders! Can’t wait to see you there!

BNEI AKIVA CONTINUES THIS WEEKThis week our incredible Bnot Sherut, Mor and Yifat, and the Madrichim are going to be continuing

Bnei Akiva in Boca Raton Synagogue. Boys and girls in grades 3-9 invited to participate. Time: 15 minutes before Mincha on Shabbat afternoon. This week at 4:50 pm

Where: Boca Raton Synagogue- Meet us on the basketball court.When: This Shabbat Parshat Chayei Sarah, November 7.

LAINING WITH DR. ROSMANDr. Rosman will be running the laining group this Shabbat morning for 4th and 5th grade boys

10-10:30 am in the Board Room. Hope to see you there! Join this growing class and start preparing early for your Bar Mitzvah!

NEXT WEEK: PARTY IN THE PARKWhen: Next Shabbat, Parshat Toldot, November 14 at 3:00 pm

Where: On the grass by the lake.What: Spend Shabbat afternoon with your friends from Shul.

Why: ‘cause it’s Shabbat! : - )

A SPECIAL WELCOME TO NCSY'S JOLT SUMMER PROGRAM REUNION, WITH TEENS COMING FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR STAY WITH OUR BRS COMMUNITY!

JSU SHABBATON! November 21 weekend, All Public School teens are invited to join us for an inspirational Shabbat in Miami! Attend the Miami Heat game Saturday night and enjoy Universal & Islands of Adventure all day Sunday!! Cost is ONLY $125!! register now at southern.ncsy.org/jsu2015

THE BRS TEEN ACHARAI FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM - This new initiative aims to train a select cohort of BRS teens by providing them with leadership skills through intense educational sessions as well as through experiential education. They will have access to top speakers, private meetings with community leaders, politicians, as well travel. For 10th & 11th graders. For more information or to apply for the BRS Acharai Fellowship, please go to our website brsonline.org/acharai


http://southern.ncsy.org/jsu2015

http://brsonline.org/acharai


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JHF The Jewish Heritage Foundation Inc.

and Sibyl Silver say:

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With sincere gratitude to the following people who assisted with arrangements and graciously hosted us

and our guests for our son Aaron’s aufruf:

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Mr. Alan Berger, Mr. Matthew Hocherman, Mrs. Linda Gordon,

Dr. & Mrs. Al Begas, Mrs. Lori Landes, Mr. & Mrs. Yoni Abrams, Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Ettedgui,

Mr. & Mrs. Todd Cohn, Dr. & Mrs. Saul Kahn, Dr. Ephraim Foonberg, Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Silkin, Mr. Yaakov Kronfeld, Mr. & Mrs. Mitch Stiel.

Sincerely, Jerry and Carol Strassman

Find the perfect gift at our PTO

Pre-Chanukah Boutique November 17, 2015 6pm—10pm at Boca Raton Synagogue 7900 Montoya Circle Boca Raton

For more information please contact: Mrs. Lauren Hofstatter—[email protected] or Mrs. Michal Marcus—[email protected]

Our very own curated boutique of

unique vendors.

From kids clothing to

jewelry and everything in between, this is your one stop shop

for all your Chanukah gifts. But don’t

forget to gift yourself too!

Cash or checks only, please.


Hadar High School for Girls seeks to foster an environment focused on building self-esteem and

exemplary character with a dedication to academic excellence in Judaic and secular studies rooted in Torah

values, derech eretz, and chesed. Our school will promote a strong connection to the greater Jewish people and a

deep appreciation for and dedication to the State of Israel. Our goal is to empower our graduates as mature, modest,

educated Jewish women positioned to thrive in their future personal, professional and communal endeavors.

For additional information, please e-mail: [email protected]

Founding Families (List in formation)Dr. Avraham and Elana Belizon • Daniel and Liat Bensimon • Dr. Steven and Devorah Burack • Donny and Dr. Freyda Cohen

Elie and Chana Frieden • Ayal and Deena Frist • Steven and Keri Greenfield • Ryan and Bari Girnun • Josh and Denise HerschbergRabbi Dr. Avi & Dr. Ahava Oppenheimer • Dr. Zev and Dina Raden • Dr. Daniel and Shoshana Robbin • Dr. Yechiel and Margo Rosman

Ilya and Hanna Shekhter • Ephraim & Yael Sobol • Farley and Jessica Weiss • Dr. Ashi and Chava Weisstuch • Dr. Jonathan and Suri Winograd

Rabbi Barak BarChaim Palm BeachRabbi Avi Billet Boynton Beach Rabbi Edward Davis Hollywood Rabbi Josh Flug Boca Raton Rabb Yaakov Gibber Boca Raton Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Boca Raton Rabbi Philip Moskowitz Boca Raton Rabbi Moshe Scheiner Palm Beach Rabbi Yosef Weinstock Hollywood

Rabbinic Supporters

Informational Dessert Reception for Prospective Parents and Community Members for

HADARHIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLSMonday, November 30th at 8:00pm

The Venue, 7600 W. Camino Real, Boca Raton

PAID ADVERTISEMENTS

PAID ADVERTISEMENTS


Meet Our Members Rosalyn & Philip LevbargTell us about you and your family.

Phil and Roz Levbarg are a newlywed couple who actually met on Frumster in 2012! They live in Boynton Beach and are very happy to join the BRS congregation.

What is your profession? Phil is a retired math and middle school teacher from central Jersey whose hobbies include ham radio and photography. Dr. Roz is a retired occupational therapist and college professor who now works full-time in her own business as a certified life coach (rozlevbargcoaching.com). She loves working with women who are feeling stuck and unfulfilled to help them find their passion and purpose.

Do you have a favorite family tradition? As a new family, Phil and Roz have established some of their own family traditions. Two of them are singing the "Birkat Hamazon" on Shabbat to the tune of Hatikva and drizzling honey on their challah all year round as a continuation of their "Shana Rishona".

Pillar Society Seven years ago, Boca Raton Synagogue launched the Pillar Society for those members that wish to help our synagogue continue to offer the highest possible level of educational, religious, and social programming to our community. The Pillar Society provides a backbone to our community, and your commitment enables the Shul to provide for the needs of all our members, regardless of their ability to pay.

Boca Raton Synagogue would like to thank the families that have already committed to the 2015/2016 Pillar Society.

We appeal to you and others to become members of The Pillar Society – to be the leaders of Torah, Avodah, and Gemilut Chasadim in our community.

For more information about joining the Pillar Society, general membership, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Matthew Hocherman, Executive Director, at [email protected] or (561) 394-0394.

q PILLAR SOCIETY • 2015-2016 qThank you to our Pillars who have already committed for this year.

We continue to appreciate your unwavering support.

EMERALDDaniel & Caroline KatzPaul S. & Lynn H. Pariser

DIAMONDLarry & Deborah Silver

PLATINUMLeo & Heni EhrlichMr. Bernie & Melanie KaminetskyYaakov KronfeldLothar & Carlyn MayerDr. William & Debbie RandMichael & Jill RoseHarry & Marilyn WandererAnonymous

GOLDDr. Albert & Evelyn BegasLisa Kaufman BensmihenDonny & Dr. Freyda CohenDrs. Eli & Orlie CohenDr. Hillel & Chayi CohenDr. Meyer & Laura CohenNachman & Jamie FeigDr. Mark & Tilda FisherDr. Ben & Cara FreedmanMichael & Barbara FrenkelHensha GansbourgRabbi Efrem & Yocheved GoldbergMurray & Basheva GoldbergGlen & Rosa GolishAvi & Dr. Laura Greenbaum

Drs. Charles & Simone GriffDr. & Mrs. Larry HalperinDr. Chanoch & Rachel HarowDr. Moshe & Shari HirthYanki & Lauren HofstatterDr. Mervin & Elaine JacobsDr. David & Sharona KayGary & Judi KrasnaPhilip & Jennifer LandauDrs. Joseph & Seema LoskoveStephen & Linda MelcerDavid & Joyce MullerBob & Penny PearlmanDr. Michael & Dana PetroverDr. Daniel & Rachel RudenskyMike Senders

Dr. Leor & Gabriela SkoczylasDr. Zorik & Ellen SpektorDr. Josh & Stephanie SternTeddy & Linda StruhlElaine TrachtenbergSkipper & Sari VineDr. Jonathan & Suri WinogradRabbi Nathan & Marion ZemelMichael & Risa ZimmermanAnonymousAnonymousAnonymous

SAPPHIREDr. Mark & Helen CohanRabbi Simcha & Anna FreedmanDr. Neal & Bonnie Weinreb

SILVERAron & Penina Schoenfeld Dr. Ashi & Chava WeisstuchAnonymousAnonymousAnonymous


For 10th & 11th Grade StudentsThis new initiative aims to train a select cohort of

BRS teens by providing them with leadership skills through intense educational sessions as well as through experiential education.

Highlights will be: access to top speakers, private meetings with community leaders, politicians, & travel in a private jet!

Applications are now open at www.brsonline.org/acharai and will be accepted through November 13.

ACHARAI FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

The Boca Raton Synagogue


For more information or to apply to be a member of the Acharai Teen Fellowship Program, please contact Rabbi Eli Zions at [email protected]

SEVENTY YEARS AFTER LIBERATION, we are witnessing a frightening rise in European antisemitism. Despite the existence of laws prohibiting Holocaust denial in Europe, the presence of distortion and minimization, hate speech, and violent attacks are forcing individuals to question what it will take for society to grasp the harsh and enduring lessons of the Holocaust.Join us for a timely and informative discussion with award-winning journalist and national correspondent at the Atlantic, JEFFREY GOLDBERG.These events are free and open to the public, but registration is required. For questions, contact the Museum’s Southeast Regional Offi ce at 561.995.6773 or [email protected].

Wednesday, December 2 at 7:00 pm Boca Raton Synagogue

Featuring JEFFREY GOLDBERGNational correspondent at the Atlantic

Register: www.brsonline.org/battleground

BATTLEGROUND FOR TRUTH Confronting Antisemitism

and Holocaust Denial


S a v e Th e D a t e !November 27-28 • AIPAC-BRS ShabbatonEx p e r i e n c e Po l i c y Con f e r e n c e w i t h o u t e v e r l e a v i n g Bo c a Ra t o n .

Friday Night Dinner | Immediately following services

Speaker to be announced. Dinner is open to all BRS congregants who attended AIPAC’s 2015 Policy Conference, are registered for the 2016 conference, or who make an annual gift of $50 to AIPAC. Reservations are required by November 23.

Shabbat afternoon | Rabbi’s Class

“AIPAC: Asking and Answering the Tough Questions”Rabbi Goldberg, Senior RabbiJoshua Karsh, AIPAC’s Florida Deputy Regional DirectorBernie Kaminetsky, AIPAC National Board MemberJoseph Loskove, AIPAC BRS Chair

Shabbat morning | Rabbi’s Sermon Slot

Foreign policy panel moderated by Rabbi GoldbergMichael Doran, Senior Fellow, Hudson InstituteBrian Katulis, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress

Shabbat afternoon | Seuda Shlishiet

“The Struggle to Secure Israel on College Campuses”Adam Teitelbaum, AIPAC’s Deputy Director for Leadership Development, and national campus pro-Israel activists.

For more information, please contact Jacki Alexander at AIPAC:[email protected] or (954) 653-9053.

Shalom Bayisinto Your HomeDr. John Gott man is widely viewed today as the greatest expert on identifying the ingredients of a healthy marriage. His scientifi c research has affi rmed many of the Torah’s timeless principles for Shalom Bayis.

Th is series with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg is a multi-media presentation integrating the Gott man Method with Torah teachings.

Bring

Hahn Judaic Campus 7900 Montoya Circle N • Boca Raton, Florida 33433-4912

Join us this Tuesday night, November 10

at 8:15 pm in the Social Hallfor the fi nal part

of this series.

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS


HODU BOWL 2015 IS ALMOST HERE!

Now is your time to sign up and spread the word. After 7 years and over 350 attending last year’s event, we have outgrown Veteran’s Park and have moved to Logger’s Run, just 3 minutes further west on Palmetto Park Road, right before Shoppes at Logger’s Run (Monkey Joes). We are adding a new division, JUNIOR ADULT for all High School students! Please see flyers in our lobbies for our three divisions: * Juniors-K-8th grades * Junior Adult-9-12 grades * Adult 21 & over

Event Information: • Free T-Shirts, Light Breakfast, Pizza and Refreshments • Bounce Houses for all ages, Park Playground and Sporting Activities for Children • Trophies for First and Second Place Teams (Junior Adult and Adult only) Date: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2015 Time: 9:00 am (8:15 am Registration) NEW LOCATION: Logger’s Run Park (off of Palmetto Park Road between 441 and Ponderosa Drive-Before Shoppes at Logger’s Run) Entry Fee: Junior-$10 per player Junior Adult-$200 per Team or $25 per Individual Player w/o team Adult-$250.00 Per Team, $35 per Individual Player w/o team Money Raised Goes to Tomchei Shabbat (Community Families in Need)!

Finally, many sponsorships are available.

Contact Eric Pinkis at [email protected] so we can arrange!


Section 1 Sephardim of the BookNovember 24, 2015 - Radbaz with Rabbi Philip MoskowitzDecember 1, 2015 - Chida with Rabbi Efrem GoldbergDecember 15, 2015 - Rabbi Ezra Attiah with Rabbi Yosef Kassorla

Section 2 20th Century American Leaders December 29, 2015 - Rabbi Aharon Kotler with Rabbi Yosef KassorlaJanuary 5, 2016 - Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner with Rabbi Rael BlumenthalJanuary 12, 2016 - Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz

Section 3 Poets of the Book January 19, 2016 - Rabbi Eliezer HaKalir with Rabbi Rael BlumenthalFebruary 2, 2016 - Rabbi Yehuda Halevi with Rabbi Yosef KassorlaFebruary 9, 2016 - Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

Section 4 Dynasties of the Book February 16, 2016 - Brisk with Rabbi Rael BlumenthalFebruary 23, 2016 - Satmar with Rabbi Philip MoskowitzMarch 1, 2016 - Ger with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

PEOPLE OF THE BOOK IVBack by popular demand, BRS will once again be off ering the wildly successful “People of the Book” course. Th is course will once again allow participants to be introduced to some of the most infl uential Jewish personalities and books of the last two thousand years. Each week, join us as we discover a monumental work or an infl uential person, understand its historical context, and its importance to Jewish tradition. Whether you have participated in the past and loved it or you are looking for a new challenge in learning, this is a class you won’t want to miss!

To register for the BRS People of the Book course visit www.brsonline.org/POB or for more information, contact Jamie at 561.394.0394.

Course Fee and RegistrationTh ere 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. Th e cost covers weekly classes, source materials, refreshments, and make-up recordings. To register for the BRS People of the Book course or for more information, contact Jamie at 561.394.0394 or [email protected]. Nobody is turned away due to lack of funds.

Time and LocationPeople of the Book classes take place at Boca Raton Synagogue on Tuesday evenings, November 24 – March 1. Classes begin at 7:30 pm.

Course Highlights• Each weekly session covers one or more essential Jewish books. • Every session is accompanied by a handout that includes a class outline and other relevant materials.• Classes are all recorded and can be sent to participants upon request.• Each class will feature an actual textual study from that week’s book, an introduction to its structure and use, authorship • information, and its historical signifi cance.



Join Boca Raton Synagogue for an exclusive, private docent tour of the History Becomes Memory exhibit now showing at the Boca Raton Museum of Art. Th is exhibition, which is on view to the public September 11, 2015 through January 10, 2016, coincides with the 70th Anniversary of the end of both World War II and the Holocaust and provides a moving tribute to the human spirit and a reminder of our fundamental need for freedom. It addresses the intolerance that leads to murder, genocide, and war.

Paintings of 19th century village life by Samuel Rothbort (born 1882 in Wolkovisk, Russia; died 1971 in New York) serve as an introduction to the exhibition. Inspired by the artist’s childhood memories, these works were the inspiration for Jerome Robbins’ production of Fiddler on the Roof. Four specially-commissioned contemporary art installations, by artists Terry Berkowitz, Shimon Att ie, Renata Stih and Frieder Schnock, and Izhar Patkin, are inspired by events beginning with the 15th century expulsion of Jews from Spain and concluding with the founding of modern Israel in 1948. Th ese installations powerfully examine ideas of bigotry, fear, resilience, and homeland.

Thursday night, November 12

6:00 – 8:00 pm 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

In Mizner Park

Cost: Adults - $12Seniors (65+) $10

Space is limited!


To register visit www.brsonline.org/Museum or call the Offi ce at (561) 394.0394

boca raton synagogue weeklynewsletter.brsonline.org/weekly_11_6_15.pdfin our shalom bayis series,...

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