boca raton weekly · page 2 boca raton synagogue • valuing diversity • celebrating unity •se...

Rabbi Efrem GoldbergMarah D’asra

[email protected]

Rabbi Philip MoskowitzAssociate Rabbi

[email protected]

Rabbi Rael BlumenthalRabbi, BRS West

[email protected]

Rabbi David Shabtai, MDRabbi, Sephardic Minyan

[email protected]

Hahn Judaic Campus • 7900 Montoya Circle N. Boca Raton, FL 33433 (561) 394-0394 • Fax (561) 750-2451 • www.brsonline.org • [email protected]

/BOCA.RATON.SYNAGOGUE@RABBIGOLDBERG @RABBIPHILIP @BROIDE /BRSTORAH

WEEKLYBOCA RATON SYNAGOGUE

Rebbetzin Yocheved GoldbergRebbetzin

[email protected]

Rebbetzin Arielle MoskowitzRebbetzin

[email protected]

Rebbetzin Aliza BlumenthalRebbetzin, BRS West

[email protected]

Rebbetzin Monica ShabtaiRebbetzin, Sephardic Minyan [email protected]

Rabbi Samuel J. LevinePresident

[email protected]

Rabbi Josh BroideOutreach Rabbi

[email protected]

Rabbi Simcha ShabtaiRosh Beis [email protected]

Rabbi Eli ZiansTeen Director

[email protected]

Rabbi Kenneth Brander, PhDRabbi Emeritus

[email protected]

Parshas Vayeitzei | Stone Chumash page 144 | November 27–28, 2020 | 11–12 Kislev, 5781

FRIDAY NIGHT SHABBOS DAYCandle Lighting: 5:09 pm

Mincha: 5:15 pmShkia: 5:28 pm

Ma’ariv/Havdalah: 6:05 pm

FEATURED THIS WEEK:Meet Saul and Carol KahnPAGE 18

Chaburah following the 8:30am Minyan (in the Social Hall) with

Rabbi Moshe Schochet

6:35 pm: Rabbi’s Class with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg:

Chanukah: Let’s Light Up the World

2 BRS WEEKLY • PARSHAS VAYEITZEI 5781

• Candles should be lit at 5:09 pm and Mincha completed by 5:27 pm.• Repeat Shema after 6:05 pm.

• Sof Zman Krias Shema is at 9:29 am. Sof Zman Tefilah is at 10:22 am.• Mincha on Shabbos day should be recited after 12:39 pm.• Shkia on Shabbos day is at 5:28 pm. Mincha should be completed before this time

and Shalosh Seudos should be started before then.• Shabbos concludes at 6:05 pm. Havdalah should not be recited before then.

• Friday night: 5:15 pm (Rand Sanctuary)• All Shacharis times are for starting at Nishmas (unless otherwise noted):

Shacharis: 7:15 am (Social Hall – begins with Berachos) 8:30 am (Rand Sanctuary) 8:15 am KN95 Mask Only Minyan (Shechet Beis Medrash)

• 10:00 am (Rand Sanctuary) 10:00 am Shtiebel Shacharis (Shtiebel Beis Medrash)

• 10:00 am Teen Minyan (Shechet Beis Medrash)• Mincha: 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm (Rand Sanctuary)• Ma’ariv: 6:05 pm

• All morning Shacharis Minyanim begin with Berachos.• Morning Minyan Times: 6:15/6:25 am / 7:00 am/ 8:00 am/ 9:00 am• Daily Outdoor Shacharis at 8:00 am in the BRS Tent• 2:00 pm Mincha (Sunday–Thursday in the BRS tent)• 5:10 pm Mincha followed by Ma'ariv (Both in the Rand Sanctuary and the BRS Tent)• 8:00 pm Ma’ariv in the Rand Sanctuary • 9:30 pm Ma’ariv (Nusach Ari) in the BRS Tent

Shabbos GuidePARSHAS VAYEITZEI

Guide for Davening at Home

FRIDAY NIGHTCandle Lighting

5:09 pm

SHABBOS DAYShkia

5:28 pmMa’ariv/Havdalah

6:05 pm

Shabbos Minyanim Times at

BRS

Weekday Minyanim

at BRS

Chaburah following the 8:30am Minyan (in the Social Hall) with Rabbi Moshe Schochet

6:35 pm: Rabbi’s Class with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg:

Chanukah: Let’s Light Up the World Together

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES THIS SHABBOS

3BRS WEEKLY • PARSHAS VAYEITZEI 5781

To Dana & Dr. Barry Schechter on the Aufruf of their son, Kevin, and his forthcoming marriage to Sara Gonzalez, daughter of Marcela & Johny Gonzalez of Weston, FL. His proud grandmother is Marcia Feldman. His proud siblings are Lauren, and Caitlin & David Green. Her proud siblings are Jana, Batia, Isaac and Benny.

To Drs. Juliana & Elan Rosenblat on their daughter, Abby, becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Her proud siblings are Noah, Benjamin, and Maya. Her proud grandparents are Helene & David Levitsky of Boca Raton, FL and Ayala Rosenblat of Roslyn, NY.

To Diane & Benjamin Saketkhou on their daughter, Ella, becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Her proud siblings are Maya & JJ, Shara, Mayrav, and Dafna.

Happy birthday to Dr. Mervin Jacobs, Perry Galler, Tamar Goldberg, Natee Hofstatter, Mordechai Marcus, Elaine Trachtenberg, and Melanie Kaminetsky.

Happy anniversary to Yechiel & Margo Rosman.

If you are celebrating a Simcha and would like a Mazal Tov in the Weekly, please let someone in the office know. Please note that the deadline for the Weekly is Wednesday morning before noon. If you have a Simcha on the calendar and are changing the date, please contact Linda at [email protected].

MAZAL TOV TO

Noa Maya Carmel: Noa Maya bat Devora RachelHeather Andron: Tzivia Chana bat Shaina LeahRachel bat Malka LeahHelen Ijac: Alta Haita bat DevorahJoan Noven: Rochel Tova bat MalkaAriella Berman: Ariella Sarah bat Elisheva MalkaJacquie Padow: Ya’akova Chava Rus bat BeylaWendy Wasserstrom: Zahava bat ChayaRuth Malinowitz: Rivka bat FriedaMarie Gosser - Muna bat Salima ShulamitOlga Newman: Liba Rivka bat Esther MalkaShula Amsalen: Shulamit bat Bella

Leah Zoldan: Leah bat Malka BraindelRivka Chasha bat Tzivia LeahSara Leah bat Bracha MiriamRochel bat MindleChana Zahava bat PeninaElka bat RochelRena bat ShaynaRuchama bat Chaya GittleTamar bat MazliDevorah bat Yita Roiza BlimaBreindel Chanah bat Chaya RaizelEsther bat DobaSara Leah bat Maya Elanit Eden Malka bat RavitOr Ester bat Dina RivkaGila bat GilaChana Guta bat Rochel

Moshe Applebaum: Moshe Zvi ben Rochel LeahMerv Jacobs: Meir ben Sarah Stuart Silverman: Yeshaya Moshe ben Nacha Sarah Marcus Witztum - Mordechai ben Malka Arnold Hordish: Yosef Avraham ben ChanaMichael Lupin: Michoel Yonah ben Leah Sam Rubin: Yehoshua ben FrumaBob Strauss: Chayim Ha’Levi ben TziporaSteve Lowenkron: Eliezer ben RailaBoruch Len: Boruch ben DevorahRichard Berg: Yerachmiel David ben MalkaNathan Gross: Nachum ben Bailla Hennya

Floyd Bernstein: Simcha Beryl ben Sora ElkaGad ben Yehoshua OzerChaim Nachum ben Elka LeahEtza’el Hedy ben OshratReuven ben AdinaYosef Chaim ben FaigaChayim ben RashiChaim ben RachelAryeh Leib ben Baila RochelYoel ben Etel TziviaDovid Yosef ben Eliezer Ha’LeviShoni Chaim ben Yoseffa ChavaMeir Aryeh ben SaraNacham Gershon ben KaylaSimcha Leib ben DevorahAvraham Chaim ben SarahYosef Shmuel ben Michaelah Esther

For members of BRS Community. For all other Refuah Shleimah needs, please contact Linda at (561) 394-0394 or [email protected].

REFUAH SHLEIMAH TO

Extraordinary Dedication OpportunityBRS is in need of a new Yahrzeit Memorial Board for the Rand Sanctuary, as our current ones are all

completely full. If you, or someone you know, would like to dedicate one in memory of a loved one, please contact the shul office at [email protected] or 561.394.0394

In honor of her Bat Mitzvah, Abby Rosenblat will be giving a shiur for family and friends in the Rand Sanctuary at 4:00pm on the topic of "Lessons in Leadership from Tanach." The entire community is welcome

WOMEN MEN


10 KislevDr. Benjamin Tripp in memory of his aunt Golda Tripp George Saks in memory of his uncle George Gluck

11 KislevEllen Averbook in memory of her mother Gussie Ditchek Marissa Levenson in memory of his grandmother Gussie Ditchek Marcia Feldman in memory of her husband Sol Feldman Alexander Mitchell in memory of his father Jan Mitchell Dana Schechter in memory of her father Sol Feldman Steve Rantz in memory of his mother Rose Z. Rantz

12 KislevGertrude Goldberg in memory of her father Philip T. Glickes Betty Maikhor in memory of her mother Rebeca Zabner Shacharit Rosenthal in memory of her father Philip EpsteinPhilip Zimmerman in memory of his father Marton Zimmerman

13 KislevDavid Neuman in memory of his wife Celia Neuman Barry Shapiro in memory of his mother Gertrude Shapiro Elliot Allswang in memory of his father Harold Allswang

14 KislevLinda Katz in memory of her mother Hilda Mittman Deanna Shulman in memory of her first husband Herbert Rosenkranz Sara Soued in memory of her father Herbert Rosenkranz Barry Wolfson in memory of his father Sam Wolfson Mark Applebaum in memory of his father Rabbi Martin J. Applebaum Dr. Ephraim Foonberg in memory of his grandfather Aryeh Foonberg Yakov Weiss in memory of his mother Felicia Weiss

15 KislevRichard Berg in memory of his uncle Harry BergMyrna Hirschhorn in memory of her mother-in-law Anna Hirschhorn Judith Henner in memory of her brother David Wohl Chaim Parchi in memory of his mother Neomi Diane Geffen in memory of her mother Rose Davidson

16 KislevStephen Schiffman in memory of his father Theodore Schiffman Theo Klewansky in memory of his mother Lily Klewansky Rabbi Dr. Edward Kurtzer in memory of his father Aaron Kurtzer

YAHRZEITS

TORAT ERETZ YISRAELA five-part series from leading Israeli Tanach educators

NOVEMBER 10 Rabbi Menachem

LeibtagThe Biblical

Importance of Hebron: From Geography to

Theology to Democracy

Sponsored by Dr. Harold & Lori Landa and Family

NOVEMBER 17 Dr. Yael Ziegler

Samson and David: Mirror Images of

PassionSponsored by David and

Marissa Levenson in loving memory of their parents Lana Ditchek

Goldberg, Harold Levenson and Mildred

Pallas Levenson

NOVEMBER 24 Rabbi Alex Israel

Discord or Diversity? Jewish Conflict and Unity from the Bible

to TodaySponsored by Dr. Sam

and Naomi Abramovitz and family

DECEMBER 1 Mrs. Yael LeibowitzChanuka’s Miracle:

The Bipartisan Solution

Sponsored by Arnold and Hinda Bramnick in loving memory of Arnold’s father Rabbi Stanley Bramnick z"l

BOCA RATON SYNAGOGUE PRESENTS

DECEMBER 8 Mrs. Shani Taragin

Chanukah: To Dream The (Im)Possible

DreamSponsored by Dr. Harold

and Lori Landa and Family

All classes will take place at 12pm EST and are open to the public.To join virtually, visit www.brsonline.org/Tanach

All classses begin at 7:30pm and are available at WWW.BRSONLINE.ORG/BOOK

To sponsor one class or the entire series, contact [email protected]

OHR HA’CHAIMRabbi Efrem Goldberg

November 3

RADAK Rabbi Philip Moskowitz

November 10

RABBEINU BACHYARabbi Rael Blumenthal

November 17

RAV SIMCHA BUNIM OF PSHISCHA

Rabbi Philip MoskowitzNovember 24

NODAH B’YEHUDAHRabbi Efrem Goldberg

December 1

THE SHELAH HAKADOSH

Rabbi Rael BlumenthalDecember 8

PEOPLEPeople of the Book allows participants to be introduced to some of the

influential Jewish books written over the last two thousand years. Each week, join us as we discover a fundamental and monumental work or Jewish

personality, and its importance to Jewish tradition.

of the BOOK

Rabbi Goldberg’s next Kaddish Class will take place on Sunday, December 13 at 10:00 am on Zoom. This class is designed for people who are within a year of mourning the loss of a loved one. To sign up for the class, to

receive regular emails, or to sponsor, please email [email protected] or call (561) 394-0394. This class is sponsored by Arianne & Abe Wijnperle in memory of their dearest son, Jonathan.


Harvard Researchers Found that Children Who Do This Have Lower

Risks of Mental IllnessRabbi Efrem Goldberg

Marah D’asra • [email protected]

Before coronavirus ever arrived, levels of anxiety, particularly among young people, were disturbingly high. Indeed, nearly one in three adolescents (31.9%) will meet criteria for an anxiety disorder by the age of 18. Many others struggle with depression and other forms of mental illness. Much has been researched and written to understand this deeply disturbing trend which is only growing. Many theories have been offered, including the impact of technology and social media. Last year, Erica Komisar, a psychoanalyst and author, shared a theory in the Wall Street Journal that is very worthy of consideration, particularly given the stress of an ongoing pandemic challenging us all.

In our parsha, Yaakov falls asleep and has one of the most famous dreams in history, one that produced the iconic image of a stairway to heaven. He awoke and remarked – “this is none other than the house of Hashem and

a gate to heaven.” Yaakov identifies his location as both a house and gateway. Are these descriptions independent or complimentary? Was Yaakov describing one place or two?

The Gemara (Pesachim 88a) tells us that Yaakov’s description of this place surpassed that of his father and grandfather. They had each encountered this special space, the Temple Mount, but described it in a more limited fashion: “Avraham called it a ‘mountain, har Hashem yeira’eh,’ and Yitzchak called it a ‘field,’ but Yaakov called it ‘Beis Elokim, a house.’” Why is the designation of a house superior to the other ones?

Avraham saw the Beis HaMikdash as a mountain, a place one climbs towards, ascends to. But we know that it is difficult, if not impossible, to stay on the top of a mountain. We all have highs and lows, we wax and we wane in our religious inspiration and in our level of connection

to Hashem. Yitzchak described the place as a field, a place of planting, growing, blossoming, reaping and harvesting. We visit the Beis HaMikdash to grow and to blossom. But a field after being harvested is fallow, barren, and empty and needs to be plowed and planted once again. Yaakov describes the Beis HaMikdash not as a mountain or a field, but as a house or a home. A home is not a place to visit or tour; it is your permanent residence, where you live, function and exist.

Avraham describes religious inspiration and spirituality as something to strive for, a mountain to climb, a peak to ascend towards. Feeling Hashem’s presence in our lives comes in fleeting moments, and while we do feel those highs, we spend a good part of our time at the base of the mountain, trying to climb back up. Yitzchak describes religious inspiration as a field. It comes in cycles. We must plant the seeds that will blossom into a deep relationship and feeling of the Almighty’s


presence, but seasons change, and fields die, and they must be planted once again.

In Yaakov’s vision, by contrast, our relationship with Hashem is not far off, distant, or in a transcendent state. It is not a high altitude that is hard to spend a long time at. Rather, we build a home for Hashem when we welcome Him into our mundane lives in a sustained and continuous way. For Yaakov, the best metaphor to describe our relationship with Hashem is the home and all that happens therein.

Put differently, for Avraham, the holiest place in our lives is the Shul. We climb the mountain and we see seek to attain inspiration in our prayers. For Yitzchak, the holiest place in the community is the Beis Medrash. Like the field, we go there to learn, study, grow and blossom. But for Yaakov, the holiest place, the space for the greatest religious growth, spiritual inspiration, and a relationship with Hashem is the bayis, the home.

Rav Hirsch explains, when we turn our a ,בית אלוקים our physical homes, into a ,ביתplace of virtue, nobility, honesty, integrity, chesed, gratitude, learning, generosity and kindness, then we create a שער השמים, a gateway straight up to Heaven.

Too many of us make the mistake of thinking that learning and growing, inspiration and spirituality only happen at school, the shul or the Beis Medrash, while the house is for eating, sleeping, recreation, entertainment, and storing our things. We think that Hashem is found in religious settings, but in reality, if you want a stairway to Heaven, if you want access to the highest places, it is by inviting God into your home. Our homes are fertile classrooms, places of higher learning in which our children are watching and absorbing all that we do.

In bentching we say הרחמן הוא יברך את Hashem bless my , אבי מורי ואמי מורתיfather, my teacher and my mother, my teacher. But most people’s fathers are not employed as teachers and their mothers are not in education so why do we give them the title Morah and Moreh? Rav

Shmuel Kaminetzky says because in truth, no matter what their training, profession or type of business, every single parent is a teacher and indeed is very involved in educating not only their children but all those whom they influence.

As Yaakov understood, our homes, the environment we create, the activities we promote, the images and ideas we allow to enter, are the greatest contributor to our religious identity and ultimately have the biggest impact on our children as well. The emphasis on home is not just the physical structure, but home is a symbol of our attitudes, our efforts and our willingness to work and sacrifice for spirituality.

Erica Komisar wrote in the Wall Street Journal:

As a therapist, I’m often asked to explain why depression and anxiety are so common among children and adolescents. One of the most important explanations—and perhaps the most neglected—is declining interest in religion. This cultural shift already has proved disastrous for millions of vulnerable young people.

Harvard researchers studied 5,000 people and among many factors, tracked religious involvement. They found that children or teens who reported attending a religious service at least once per week scored higher on psychological well-being measurements and had lower risks of mental illness. Weekly attendance was associated with higher rates of volunteering, a sense of mission, forgiveness, and lower probabilities of drug use and early sexual initiation.

Komisar suggests that there may be a correlation between the decreased practice of religion and the increase in anxiety and depression. She writes:

I am often asked by parents, “How do I talk to my child about death if I don’t believe in God or heaven?” My answer is always the same: “Lie.” The idea that you simply die and turn to dust may work for some adults, but it doesn’t help children. Belief in heaven helps them grapple with this tremendous and incomprehensible loss. In an age of

broken families, distracted parents, school violence and nightmarish global-warming predictions, imagination plays a big part in children’s ability to cope.

I also am frequently asked about how parents can instill gratitude and empathy in their children. These virtues are inherent in most religions… Such values can be found among countless other religious groups. It’s rare to find a faith that doesn’t encourage gratitude as an antidote to entitlement or empathy for anyone who needs nurturing. These are the building blocks of strong character. They are also protective against depression and anxiety.

This pandemic has caused all of us to spend more time at home. Some have not been able to go back to Shul, many have not seen their offices in months, others have been forced to convert their homes into classrooms with children engaged in distanced learning or home schooling. Certainly, we all long to return to vibrant activity and attendance in those venues so valued and critical to our sense of belonging, growth and community.

But this should not be disheartening. The paradigm shift to our role as teachers and educators, and transforming our homes into religious places, could be just what we and our children need to be resilient, strong, happy and healthy. While tempted to turn inward to avoid feeling anxious, it turns out the opposite is true. Turn out, towards caring for others, and towards connecting with God.

Even if your children are grown up, even if they are no longer in your home or under your influence, they are still deeply impacted by who you are, how you live, what you value, how you speak, and how you prioritize your life. It is never too late to turn your literal or figurative home and life into a house for Hashem and thereby create a gateway to Heaven.

Rabbi Efrem GoldbergSubscribe to the Rabbi's newsletter at www.rabbiefremgoldberg.org


Thanksgiving Values We Can All Celebrate Rabbi Philip Moskowitz

Associate Rabbi • [email protected]

When Wanda Dench, a woman in Mesa, Arizona, sent a text message four years ago to her grandson to tell him that Thanksgiving dinner would be at her house at 3 p.m., it seemed like a pretty innocuous thing to do. After all, she had sent similar messages to all of her other grandchildren and had been doing so for the past number of years. There was only one small problem: she accidentally sent it to the wrong number.

Jamal Hinton, age 17, was in class at Desert Vista High School when his phone went off with the invitation. He texted back asking “Who is this” and she answered, “It’s your grandma.” Jamal assumed that his

grandma must have gotten a new number, so to be sure it was her, he asked her to send him a picture. The woman sent back a selfie that Jamal didn’t recognize at all.

Hinton responded back with his own photo, showing the older lady that he was

not her grandson. However, with a hint of humor, he asked this random woman if he could still stop by and grab a plate of Thanksgiving dinner. To his surprise, she replied, “Of course you can. That’s what

grandmas do... feed everyone!”

Jamal was overwhelmed by the kindness of a complete stranger, so he posted the exchange on his Facebook page. Again, there was only one small problem. He forgot to remove her number from the screenshots. Within an hour, this poor woman received over six-hundred text messages asking for a Thanksgiving meal.

The grandmother had to change her number, but nonetheless

still hosted Jamal for Thanksgiving dinner

Give Give ThanksThanks


at her house. In an interview with a local newspaper, Jamal said, “People can actually connect and be so nice to each other… even with people they don’t really know.”

Over the past four years, this tradition continued without exception, as each year Jamal comes to Wanda’s house for a Thanksgiving dinner. And while this year, despite Covid restrictions, Jamal and Wanda were again together for Thanksgiving, it was different. After 43 years of marriage, Wanda’s husband, Lonnie, passed away in April from complications related to Covid-19.

For so many of us, Thanksgiving this year feels very different from every prior one. The family and friends who generally fill our tables will largely be absent, and the overall sense of joy and gratitude that generally pervades this time of the year feels muted.

Some people have even called for abandoning the whole gratitude thing altogether. Author Allison Hope wrote this week:

You can serve up a portion of gratitude for your Thanksgiving this year, but don’t expect me to join you… I have landed in a new place this year, one where it’s perfectly acceptable to want people to take their gratitude and shove it up this year’s pathetically small turkey cavity.

In the spirit of Festivus for the rest of us, and celebrating the anti-holiday to air grievances rather than pleasantries, I hereby rename Thanksgiving 2020 “Grumpstaking,” whereby we allow ourselves to feel whatever range of negative emotions we well feel like feeling without the pressure to proclaim all that we’re grateful for.

While I certainly empathize with many of her frustrations, I fundamentally reject her overall premise. No matter how disappointed we might be this year and no matter how devasted we have been from Covid-19, the story of Wanda and Jamal is a reminder of what Thanksgiving represents and why, instead of forsaking its message this year, we should double down on it.

Expressions of kindness, especially to strangers, and feelings of gratitude for the many blessings that we do have are needed now for our emotional and psychological well-being more than ever.

For Wanda, she remembers Lonnie as someone who embodied the notion of kindness. He was known for offering random donations, paying for someone’s meals without their even knowing, and helping anyone in need. These are values that apply under any and all circumstances and can be practiced regardless of the challenges surrounding this Thanksgiving.

In a recent interview, Wanda was asked what message she has for others during this pandemic. She responded, “Just have patience. I know it isn’t easy, and everyone is frustrated and just wants to get back to normal. But we need to have hope and always care about other people.”

While none of us are hosting six-hundred random people this week, hope, patience, and caring for other people are values we can all celebrate.


Plan OutYour Week

RECURRING CLASSES

Daf Yomi (Sun–Thurs)7:00 am • Rabbi Sugerman 8:00 pm • Stuart Silverman

Men's Afternoon Kollel Mon-Thurs at 3:00 pm

Kinyan HaMasechta Monday-Thursday at 9:00 pm

with Rabbi Simcha Shabtai

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2910:00 amShalshelet Bat Mitzvah Program7:30 pmSemichas Chaver Program

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 307:00 pmThe Dannie Grajower z"l Midrasha of BRS 9:00 pmAn Exploration of the Sefer Hakuzari with Rabbi Dr. David Shabtai 9:00 pmPractical Halacha from the Comfort of Your Couch with Rabbi Rael Blumenthal

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19:30 amParsha Class with Rabbi Efrem GoldbergSponsored by Becky & Avi Katz and Family in loving memory of David Grossman z"l, Becky's father; may the learning be לעילוי נשמת .(Dovid ben Menachem Manis z"l) דוד בן מנחם מוניש

12:00 pmTorat Eretz Yisrael Shiur with Mrs. Yael LeibowitzSponsored by Arnold and Hinda Bramnick in loving memory of Arnold’s father Rabbi Stanley Bramnick z”l

7:30 pmPeople of the Book with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg7:30 pmBRS/TTB Chavrusa Program for Boys grades 2-8

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28:15 am10 Minutes of Meaning with Rabbi Efrem GoldbergSponsored by Chanie & Len Grunstein in memory of Aron Tambor z”l.

8:45 amLiving with Emunah with Rabbi Efrem GoldbergSponsored by Drs. Avi & Bella Morgan in memory of Rabbi Dr. Brian Galbut z"l and in memory of her mother, Dr. Ellen Schanzer.

9:00 pmBehind the Bima with BRS RabbisSponsored by Oren Cohen Photography

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 37:30 pmIce Cream and Inspiration for Middle School Girls8:15 pmAmud Shavui with Dr. Avi Oppenheimer & Dr. Mordy Goldenberg8:30 pmWhy Doesn’t Anyone Blush Anymore with Rabbi Manis Friedman

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 49:30 am3 Ideas in 30 Minutes with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz4:05 pmTurn Friday into Erev Shabbos with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg4:30 pmVirtual Friday Night Live

MOTZEI SHABBOS, DECEMBER 57:00 pmAvos U’Banim7:00 pmVeshinantam Levanecha


Attaining Kedushah Through UnityRabbi Dr. David Shabtai

Rabbi, Sephardic Minyan • [email protected]

On his journey from Israel to Haran, Yaakov arrives at a “place” where he goes to sleep. The Torah doesn’t even mention that Yaakov arrived at any particular location, but rather ”he happened upon “the place—ויפגע במקוםwhere he went to sleep. In selecting only some details to reveal, the Torah describes that Yaakov gathered a few rocks to place beneath his head, seemingly, so that he could sleep. Rashi already notes that sleeping on rocks isn’t terribly comfortable and explains that Yaakov fashioned the rocks into some type of mound around himself to protect from wandering and foraging animals.

After experiencing a Divine revelation in his dream, Yaakov awakes and pledges to sanctify the land upon which he rested. The Torah then describes how he took the rock upon which he slept and erected it as a monument; one rock, not many.

The discrepancy between the number of rocks—seemingly a trivial detail—is the impetus for the famous Midrash that when Yaakov wanted to lay down, the various rocks in the area fought amongst themselves as to which would be worthy to serve as Yaakov’s pillow. As an act of compassion and inspiration, Hashem fashions all the rocks into one larger stone. In this way, the Midrash manages to preserve the simple meaning of the text in both instances: When he lay down to sleep, Yaakov saw many rocks, but when he woke up, there was only one larger rock from which to fashion a monument.

Maharal is bothered by this entire story. The simple reading of the story is that Yaakov took one rock from among the various available rocks and this is what he used the next day as

a monument. But aside from being somewhat of a stretch in the text, what is the lesson behind this idea?

Indeed, it certainly teaches how even inanimate objects recognize the importance of being able to serve a righteous person and how Hashem rewarded them for this recognition by merging them all into one larger stone. But Maharal thinks that there must be more.

He explains that from among the Avot, Yaakov stands apart and above his father Yitzhak and grandfather Avraham. It is he alone who is referred to as קדוש (as in ,In Kabbalistic lore .(והקדישו את קדוש יעקבwhereas Avraham represents חסד and Yitzhak represents גבורה, Yaakov represents תפארת—a meeting and merging of those two qualities, encompassing them and transcending each one’s individual meaning.

As Maharal explains in a number of contexts, something that is considered קדוש and distinct, must also be singular. Only things that are physical or represent the physical world are able to be split into different components. But things that are holy, distinct and elevated from the physical world, must maintain a sense of singularity and unity. Throughout, Yaakov takes on this notion of unity. It is he alone among the Avot who is described as מטתו שלמה—all of his children followed his legacy, as his legacy is one of unity. It’s to Yaakov that the first utterance of Shema Yisrael was ever recited. When, before his death, his children reassure him that they are united in their belief of ה‘ אחד.

It’s for this reason that it was appropriate for the rocks to meld into one so as to support

Yaakov. During a night where Yaakov has a vision of the future and of Hashem’s promise to support and be with Him, it was appropriate that the physical world below acknowledge Yaakov’s spiritual status and if possible, help elevate him to the level necessary to be deserving of Divine revelation.

One lesson to draw from this episode for us, Bnei Yisrael, the physical and spiritual heirs of Yaakov is that attaining spirituality is about harmonizing the various parts of our personality and our lives. It’s specifically by recognizing that through unity—of our nation, of our community, and of the various components of our personalities—that we can achieve קדושה.

ZEMANIMFriday Night

Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat: 5:05 pmCandle Lighting: 5:10 pmEarliest Shema: 5:42 pm

ShabbatShaharit: 6:00, 8:30 amMinhah: 3:00, 5:00 pmArvit / Havdalah: 6:05 pmRabbenu Tam: 6:41 pm

WeekdayShaharit: 6:30 amMinhah/Arvit: 5:05 pm


AVOS U'BANIM

Every Motzei Shabbos at 7:00 pmBRS Rand Sanctuary (masks and distanced)

For those unable to attend in person, fathers and sons can join via zoom at

www.brsonline.org/torah

Sponsorships are available for $100. To sponsor an upcoming Avos

U’banim, contact [email protected]

is back!

In-Person RAFFLE!

Incredible PRIZES!

Take-Home SNACKS!

And Great LEARNING!

BRS/TTB Chavrusa Program is Back! Tuesday nights 7:30 - 8:00 pm

For Boys grades 2-8 • With Raffles, prizes and take home snacksContact [email protected] to register your son • Masks and Social Distancing Required


Upgrading the ConversationRabbi Rael Blumenthal

Rabbi, BRS West • [email protected]

Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, the brilliant and renowned founder of the mussar movement, once found himself in a wagon traveling to a speaking engagement with a group of Jews, who did not recognize him.

As the journey began, he took out a sefer and began to learn. But he became distracted by the conversation around him.

“Did you hear about so-and-so?!” One man asked. “No! What happened?” “Well he and his wife...”

Rav Yisrael Salanter, who did not enjoy talking about other people, noticed that one of the horses drawing the wagon was particularly fine. He pointed it out to his companions, who agreed with his estimation, and the conversation quickly moved from one to another - each man telling his best and worst horse stories.

As the wagon arrived in the city, throngs of people gathered to meet Rav Yisrael Salanter. When the travelers realized who their companion was, they turned to him in shock. “Holy Rabbi, for the last two hours we have been talking, laughing and telling stories about horses - surely their was a better use for your time?!”

“Indeed,” said Rav Yisrael, “but just after I took out a sefer, you began to talk about other people.

And Chazal teach out that one speaking Lashon Hara is likened to killing a person. I decided that it’d be rather be guilty of killing horses, than people.”

Many might argue that the sensitivity and dedication of Rabbi Yisrael Salanter belongs to a bygone era of tzadikim. We can tell the story, maybe even aspire to such lofty heights, but we understand that there are levels beyond us, reserved for only the most transcendent and cautious.

But I disagree wholeheartedly.

I think we all currently exhibit this kind of sensitivity. Each and every one us is not only capable of such Shmiras HaLashon; we are all actively practicing it. But with one fatal flaw. We only do so selectively.

Consider for a moment the last time someone decided to talk badly about your favorite politician. Consider how unwilling you were to engage in even light hearted character assassination. Consider how readily we shut out the haters, ignore the critics, and profess our loyalty to our candidates, sports teams, players, celebrities and talking heads. How quickly do we rise in their defense?

It seems to me that our lack of sensitive speech is less about our capacity and kedusha, and much more about how we identify. It is our emotional connection to a person that makes us so unwilling to speak badly about them. And the inverse is certainly true as well: Our emotional distance from a person is what permits us to speak evil of them. Of course, US politics has trained us to view the “other side” as so blatantly evil that it’s not only permissible to speak evil about them, it’s a mitzvah!

But where does it end? When does the identity/distance rubric taper off? Does everyone who identifies with Person-X now not identify with me? What about friends of friends? How far are we willing to permit Lashon Hara in defense of our ideology?

Allow me to suggest that we have drawn lines in the sand a little too deep, a little more often than perhaps we should. Because each and every one of us knows that after ten minutes of conversation, there is far more middle ground than battle ground. But, especially this year, we don’t have those conversations in person. If politics has given us the license to speak badly, technology has given us the perfect vehicle.


If only the starting point was that “we identify with each other”. (This, of course, is what ואהבת לרעך כמוך means.) Perhaps then elevated and nuanced conversations would take the place of flame wars. Perhaps we would feel more guilt than righteousness when we “take someone down” online.

And there is immense personal cost when we talk about others so freely...

Leah’s Plight

The Torah tells us of the two daughters of Lavan, Leah and Rachel; both of whom would eventually marry Yaakov Avinu and become mothers of the Jewish nation. But in introducing these two women, the Torah describes them as being very different:

וללבן שתי בנות שם הגדלה לאה ושם הקטנה רחל. ועיני לאה רכות ורחל היתה יפת תאר ויפת מראה.

Now Lavan had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. And Leah’s eyes were sensitive; but Rachel was beautiful and fair to look upon.

There’s a well known explanation of Rashi in our parsha, addressing Leah’s eyes:

רכות – לפי שהיתה בוכה, שהיתה סבורה לעלות בגורלו של עשו שהיו הכל אומרים שני בנים לרבקה

ושתי בנות ללבן גדולה לגדול וקטנה לקטן.

She thought she would have to fall to the lot of Esav and she therefore wept continually, because everyone said, “Rivka has two sons, Lavan has two daughters — the elder daughter for the elder son, the younger daughter for the younger son” (Genesis Rabbah 70:16).

It always struck me as odd. Why should that be the deal? Who decided that it should be so? But a careful reading of Rashi reveals to us that their might never have been such a deal. Why did Leah assume that she would marry Esav? הכל אומרים - Everyone said so.

That’s the power of speech, of words. Everyone said so, so it became her reality, and she cried over it. So much so that it became her defining characteristic.

Yaakov’s Hesitancy

But it’s not just the words that we say. The way we speak, more often than not, says even more.

The Torah tells us of the challenges Yaakov faces in Lavan’s home. He is tricked into marrying Leah instead of Rachel and pushed into working an additional seven years. When it comes time to leave, Yaakov is pressured

to stay, and work for Lavan. They come to a deal where the spotted sheep would go to Yaakov, and the plain sheep to Lavan. But when Yaakov’s flocks begin to increase, Lavan switches the deal. Again Yaakov is successful. The children of Lavan begin to berate Yaakov for stealing their inheritance. All the while, Yaakov remains calm, cool and collected.

This continues for years, until Hashem appears to Him in a dream and tells him it is time to leave and return to Eretz Yisrael. So Yaakov and his family leave in the dead of night to return home. But Lavan is not done. He pursues them, catching up to them and accuses Yaakov of theft and dishonesty.

At this point, Yaakov cracks:

ויחר ליעקב וירב בלבן ויען יעקב ויאמר ללבן מה פשעי מה חטאתי כי דלקת אחרי.

And Yaakov got angry, and fought with Lavan. And Yaakov answered and said to Lavan: ‘What is my trespass? what is my sin, that you have hotly pursued after me? ..

And indeed, Yaakov deserved to get angry. After two decades of abuse, bullying and persecution, he was well within his rights to get upset. But even in this moment, the Torah reveals to us the majesty of Yaakov: ויחר ליעקב וירב בלבן ויען יעקב ויאמר Yaakov - ללבןgot angry, ויאמר, and he spoke to Lavan.

Chazal tell us that there are two ways to communicate: .וידבר and ויאמרThe word וידבר connotes a harshness of tone, ויאמר is gentle.

Reb Mendel of Rimanov explains that this is the secret of being a descendent of Yaakov Avinu: Even in the moment when you are most passionate, most angry, most right; in that moment, we speak to other people: ויאמר. We don’t yell, we don’t degrade ourselves by putting others down.

Chazal teach us that דברי חכמים בנחת נשמעין - the words of the wise are only accepted when spoken with care. No one has ever won an argument by belittling anyone else, by berating anyone else or by shouting them down.

In general, it’s not my derech to give mussar. And דברי חכמים בנחת נשמעין, also means “No one want to listen unless you’re giving them nachas.” But Rav Yisrael Salanter would often say it is worth saying Mussar, even if there is only person who listens, even if that person is me.


Next BRS Sisterhood General Membership Meeting: Our first meeting of the year was great! Come join us for our next meeting on Sunday, December

20th at 7:30 p.m. One hour meeting to fine tune our plans for Purim! See you then!Zoom Meeting ID: 545 720 3891 and Passcode: BRSsister


Semichas

The program meets every Sunday night at 7:30 over Zoom. (Sunday mornings when we are back in person.) To register, go to brsonline.org/scp. For more information email [email protected]

1. Hi! It’s me again, Muktzah Boy!! This week we continued to learn about permissible (and not so permissible) ways to move muktzah items on Shabbat. Bet you never thought there was so much to learn about muktzah.

2. To quote the esteemed 1990’s rapper MC Hammer, a common misconception about muktzah is that “you can’t touch this”. In fact, according to the Rama, all muktzah is forbidden only to be moved, but mere touching that does not move a multzah item is permitted. It is therefore permitted, for example, to touch a synagogue candelabra on which candles are burning, or an oven in which a fire is burning.

3. The Rama also holds that it is permitted to lift a non-muktzah item that is sitting on a muktzah item. The Pri Megadim even posits that touching which leads to indirect movement is permissible. If the muktzah item is suspended and removing the permitted item causes the muktzah item to move, this is nonetheless permitted, as this is considered an indirect movement of the muktzah item for the sake of the non-muktzah item. Accordingly, if your BRS Weekly is sitting on top of your TV remote, you can still pick up your Weekly and continue to enjoy

your favorite column each week—Rabbi’s article, of course….

4. But what if it’s Shabbos morning, last night’s burned out Shabbos candles are sitting on your table, and you want to clear them to tidy up for lunch. Can you move them? It depends. The Mishnah Berurah holds that in order to move a candelabra on Shabbos, the candelabra must be sitting on a tray that’s large enough to hold a permissible item. Rav Moshe Feinstein further holds that the tray must be one that you would use for something other than just lighting candles.

5. Sephardim hold that you can move the muktzah item (candelabra or any kli shemelachto le’issur (“KSL”)) once the candles go out if you made a t’nai (condition) before lighting the candles. The t’nai, however, must be “renewed” each year. For Ashkenazim, moving the candles is a bit more difficult; the Rama holds that you must not only make a t’nai before lighting the candles but you must ask a non-Jew to move the KSL.

6. Hope you understood all of this. If not, you should come join us for next week’s SCP shiur where we will continue to refine our understanding of muktzah.

SCP Highlights for Week of November 22- Courtesy of SCP member, Phil Landau

ProgramChaver


BRS MEN'S

Sponsored by Frohlich Financial Group, LLCWeekly sponsorships are available.

Contact Rabbi Simcha Shabtai at [email protected] for more information.

FALL 5781 PROGRAMwww.brsonline.org/afternoonkollel

MONDAYS TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS

3:00 pmRabbi Efrem Goldberg

Contemporary Halacha

3:00 pmRabbi Philip Moskowitz

39 Melachos of Shabbos

3:00 pmRabbi Yoni Levin

Navigating the Halachos of Birchas Kohanim

3:00 pmRav Aharon Kahn

Hashkafa Themes in the Teshuvos of Rav Moshe

Feinstein z”l

4:00 pmRabbi Moshe Schochet

Inspiration from the Parsha

3:45 pmRabbi Chaim Eisenstein

Hilchos Yichud

3:30 pmRabbi Rael Blumenthal

The Thought of Rav Kook

4:00 pmRabbi Simcha Shabtai

The Thought of Ramchal

4:20 pmRabbi Netanel Wiederblank Machshava

from the Parsha

4:30 pmRabbi Raphael StohlSugyas of Simcha in

Avodas Hashem

4:15 pmRabbi Moshe Wolvovsky

Sugyas from the Parsha

4:20 pmRabbi Ben Sugerman

Gemara Beitza

Afternoon Kollel


Spotlight on Saul and Carol KahnBy Yaffi Wexler, Contributing Writer, BRS Weekly

Where in Boca Raton can you find the perfect Purim costume, fresh jambalaya, and an original sculpture of the Lubavitcher Rebbe? Look no further than the warm and welcoming home of Saul and Carol Kahn, beloved members of Boca Raton Synagogue. Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, the dynamic duo moved to Boca nearly 20 years ago, bringing along their charming Southern twang and genuine joie de vivre.Before retiring, Saul worked as a dentist and owned a dental clinic in New Orleans. Each summer, he and Carol traveled to Israel, where they volunteered their time and expertise to run a dental clinic on Kibbutz Ma’ale Gilboa. Carol owned a local tour business and took pride in arranging exciting excursions for visitors to give them a taste of the city’s unique European flavor. “Back then, New Orleans was the fourth most-visited city in the U.S.,” she says. “Companies would come and we would put on Mardi Gras parties and tours for them.” Carol also ran a self-help group at a local community center, where she coached participants and helped them work through their problems.“We loved living in New Orleans, but it wasn’t very Jewish,” says Carol. “There was an Orthodox shul, but not too many Orthodox people. As we became more observant over the years, we wanted to be part of a larger Jewish community.”

After a few visits to Boca and a trial rental period, they

decided to settle on Montoya Circle and later bought a house in Boca Hamlet. “When we came to Boca, the community was much smaller, so everybody knew each other,” Carol recalls. “We enjoyed attending a beginner’s class that Rabbi Goldberg taught on Shabbos for people who wanted to learn more about Judaism, and we’ve been going to BRS ever since.”Before the pandemic, the Kahns were both exceptionally active, and their youthfulness belies their age. From practicing tennis, exercising at the gym, playing volleyball in the pool, gardening, walking their dog, and taking art and jewelry-making classes at the Boca Raton Museum, they made it a priority to stay in shape and stay sharp. Saul is also a prolific artist, and their house is full of his paintings and intricate clay sculptures he has crafted over the years, including one of the Rebbe. The Kahns were regular shulgoers who attended davening every week, and they enjoyed participating in classes and events, volunteering, and advocating for Israel. In 2003, they were honored at the annual BRS journal dinner. For many years, Carol arranged the flowers that adorned the bima and various rooms in the shul on Shabbos and Yom Tov. She also loved to lend her talents to enhance her friends’ simchas, often volunteering to set up flowers for Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. “Saul and Carol are truly marvelous people – upbeat, positive, cheerful, and kind, with a deep devotion to the

THE

PEOPLEBRSOF

CONNECTING TO OUR MEMBERS' LIFE STORIES


Jewish people and Israel,” says Rabbi Efrem Goldberg. “They have added so much to our community since they moved from New Orleans, with their participation in our social action efforts, our sunrise minyan at the beach, various learning opportunities, and so much more.”Perhaps what the Kahns enjoyed most of all, especially in their younger days, was entertaining friends and welcoming guests to their home. Throughout their 59 years of marriage, they have hosted hundreds of people from all backgrounds and walks of life, bringing the mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim to a new level.“We loved the idea of opening our home to people,” says Carol. “We had an ad in the Jewish Travel Guide, a book published in London that was seen by travelers all over the world, for Jews in New Orleans who needed a place to stay with kosher food. Over the years, we’ve probably hosted between 600 to 700 guests, both religious and non-observant. We had a wonderful time doing that and met so many interesting people.”Some of their most memorable guests included renowned dignitaries from the Knesset, an Arab mayor, and a noted Yiddish scholar. They had a guest book that everyone signed, and Saul wrote a book called Be Mine Guest, in which he reflected on the experience of hosting and shared anecdotes about their visitors and the friendships they formed with so many of them.It’s those special relationships that they value most. Over the years, they’ve enjoyed watching the community grow and making new friends of all ages as more people moved in. “Moving to Boca was the greatest decision in our life, and we love the people here,” says Saul. Although Saul and Carol left New Orleans two decades ago, the city will always have a special place in their hearts, and they make sure to infuse some of its unique spirit into their Floridian lifestyle. Saul is a loyal Saints fan who is known for cooking delicious gumbo and authentic jambalaya, which he makes about once a month and serves at his annual Super Bowl party. “In New Orleans, jambalaya is famous because it’s made with seafood, but ours is made with kosher meat, of course,” he says. Some of the ingredients include kielbasa sausage, okra, rice, chicken, and vegetables. He even shared his recipe and techniques during a cooking demonstration for the BRS sisterhood. With fond memories of the festive Mardi Gras

celebrations in New Orleans, Saul and Carol take advantage of any occasion to dress up in costume and mingle with friends. “We each have our individual tastes and styles,” says Carol. “I love wearing hats and lots of feathers, and we’ve had so many unusual costumes over the years.” They still dress up on Purim each year and love delivering mishloach manot to neighbors, before attending Sue and Steve Lowenkron’s Purim party, an annual highlight.“We enjoy life and we enjoy people tremendously,” says Carol. She loves doing things for others and says that she genuinely gets more pleasure from her acts of kindness than the recipients. Before the pandemic, Carol used to buy flowers on Friday to deliver to friends. “It’s a pleasant surprise, and people are always so happy to know someone is thinking of them and to see the bright flowers on their table for Shabbos,” she says.

While coronavirus has limited their usual activities and outings, the Kahns have preserved their optimism and positivity. They know it’s important to count their blessings and they feel fortunate to be part of such a supportive community during this trying time. “During the pandemic, it’s been extremely difficult since we haven’t gone anywhere, even the grocery store,” says Carol. “We love to listen to Rabbi Goldberg’s Emunah classes, and I read all kinds of positive books. I’m so

thankful we haven’t been sick, and I truly appreciate the wonderful people and things I’m surrounded by. This is an extraordinary community of givers, and there is always somebody here to help.”Saul and Carol are especially grateful to have their son, Rabbi Zvi Kahn and his family, living in Boca, after recently relocating from Miami. He comes by often and they all eat lunch together each Shabbos. The Kahns’ four other children, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren, live all over the country, in Portland, Memphis, West Hartford, and Long Island, in addition to several who made Aliyah to Israel. In pre-COVID times, they enjoyed traveling to visit them whenever they could. But no matter what city they’re in, the Kahns will always have a special connection to Boca Raton and their BRS family. “There’s no other place we’d like to live, except maybe Israel, someday,” Carol says. “We’ve traveled quite a bit and never seen a community like Boca anywhere, where people are so kind, and where the rabbis set a beautiful example for all of us. We are so happy here and we are thrilled to be part of the community.”


Siddur Snippets

6 Minute

with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

קרבנות - קרבן תמידThe next section that we read is the פרשת התמיד, which describes the קרבן תמיד. The community would offer the sacrifice twice daily: once in the morning, and once in the evening. The word “תמיד” means constant and consistent.

In the Rama’s commentary on Shulchan Aruch, he says in his very last comment on Orach Chaim that Purim Katan is not the real Purim, yet we should nonetheless be festive and celebrate the day, because “טוב לב משתה תמיד” - a glad heart is always good. So the very last word of the Rama on Orach Chaim is תמיד; what is the first word of the Rama in Shulchan Aruch? The Rama begins his commentary with the laws of waking up in the morning, and says “שויתי ה‘ לנגדי having Hashem before our eyes - ”תמיד הוא כלל גדול בתורהalways is a driving principle in Torah. The Rama begins and ends his commentary on Orach Chaim with the word תמיד, stressing the importance of both consistency and constancy. It does not matter if it is convenient or comfortable; regardless of the compatibility with our lives, our obligation to Hashem still applies. When a person is married, even when they go on a business trip, they are still married; these identities, roles and obligations have a consistency, and to be an Eved Hashem is a קרבן תמיד. The service and effort to be קרוב (close) to Hashem has to be תמיד (constant).

Where did the Rama get these two תמידים to bookend his commentary? He got it from the קרבן תמיד, as they are the bookends of our day. The Ein Yaakov quotes a Medrash that there was a rabbinical convention that voted on the

best mantra to capture the essence of being a Jew. They considered the phrases of שמע and ואהבת, as well as “את ”,הכבש האחד תעשה בבוקר, ואת הכבש השני תעשה בין הערבייםwhich was the pasuk of the Korban Tamid. The Medrash says that they actually voted on the last option to be the motto, because it shows that there is never an excuse or a vacation from being a Jew; it is part of our essence, and a crucial part of both our identity and who we are. עבודת :for a reason עבודה may be difficult, but it is called an ה׳ means work, and while sometimes a person is not עבודהin the mood and has no interest in serving Hashem, just as a person cannot take a day off from being a spouse or a parent, they cannot take a day off from being an Eved Hashem. Vince Lombardi once said, “The only places where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” When we read the paragraph of the קרבן תמיד in Korbanos, we should not neglect them and instead think about how they inform our day and build upon it. We must remind ourselves that whether it is convenient and comfortable or not, regardless of our mood, consistency is key. Ultimately, the way that we grow and develop our greatness to emerge and reach our full potential to live our best lives is through a sense of תמיד.

The Shaarei Teshuva quotes a practice that will help us in our davening: we must always remember that Hashem is ever-present. This is not to be thought of in a scary or punitive way, but rather in a loving way, lifting us up and helping us be the best version of ourselves.

Thanks to Yonatan Kurz for writing up and editing the Snippet

To sign up to receive 6 minute snippets regularly go to rabbiefremgoldberg.org/whatsapp


WONDERFUL MITZVAH OPPORTUNITIES TO DO AS A FAMILY

The Sandwich Project The people who are recipients of this food are the most vulnerable in our community. Children who are unable to get to their designated meal site, low income seniors who are scared to go grocery shopping, people who have lost their jobs, and the homeless.This is part of the TLC project which is run through B’nai Torah Congregation.We are looking for people to sign up for the weekdays in December. To sign up please call / text 561-929-4568Volunteers can make any type of sandwich. Cheese, chumus, peanut butter and jelly, Nutella, or deli. They can be wrapped any way you want, baggies, saran wrap, or foil. they can include inspirational notes...such as stay safe, Thinking of you, Made with love. The volunteers should have fun, make it meaningful, and make lasting memories. Take pictures ! Drop off is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Volunteers should please put all sandwiches in trunk and arrive between 9:45am–9:55am and a gloved volunteer will remove them for you. Volunteers are welcome to include snacks, fruit, drink....but this is NOT an expectation.

CHESSED OPPORTUNITIES FOR BRS COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Simone & Josh Broide 22233 Alyssum Way Boca Raton, Fl 33433

Month of November

TLC Little Free Food Pantries were started to allow people who have, to give safely and for those who need, to take with NO judgement. The pantries cycle many times each day, so please visit any of the pantries any time of day if you want to give. You can leave breads, pasta, cereal, condiments, snacks, fruits, canned items etc. The addresses are: 1. 300 Sw 2nd Ave 2. 300 East Yamato Rd 3. 200 Ruby St


ABBY ROSENBLATT1. I am celebrating my bat mitzvah by giving a shuir Shabbat afternoon at shul, having a dessert “walk by” on Friday night, having a movie night motzei Shabbat for my friends.2. During COVID, I have been spending lots of time with my family and friends. 3. One important thing I learned from COVID is that things can happen that we can’t even imagine, just like Corona. If someone mentioned Covid a year ago I would have thought they were crazy! We must be thankful for what we have, because Hashem can take away everything with the blink of an eye.4. I was supposed to have a bat mitzvah party, but got canceled because of corona. In the end, I am happy, because what I have now is so much better than a party. So, my advice would be, don’t worry things will work out in the end.

Celebrating the Bnei & Bnos Mitzvah in our Community

1. How did you celebrate OR how will you celebrate your bat mitzvah? 2. How have you been spending your time during Corona/lockdown?

3. What was #1 thing you have learned during this time? 4. What would you like to share with anyone else who is about to have their bar or bat mitzvah

swallowed up by Corona? Any words of wisdom/chizuk to share?

Pictures from the High School Girls Ice Skating Trip on November 21


PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS OF IDF SOLDIERSPlease have in mind children and grandchildren of members of our community currently serving in the IDF: Sammy Baum, Shani Ben Zikry, Yakir Berman, Brian Borenstein, Avigayil Broide, Noffiya Brooks, Dov Ber Cohen, Jonathan Cohen, Dov Colman, Aviad Halfon, Moshe Gad, Shoshanna Golish, Ben Herman, Raziya Illana bat Moshe Israel, Jeremy (Yirmiyahu) Jacob, Zachary (Zechariah) Jacob, Shuli Klein, Mikki Kowal, Meir Lazar, Chaim Eliezer Len, Shmuel Yaakov Len, Effy Levy, Noam Lowenstern, Avigayil Maryles, Daniel Miller, Eliezer Plotsker, Moshe Rosenstein, Avi Skoczylas, Eitan Yitzchak ben Etel Rochel, Oliver Solomon, Chananya Strauss, Michal Strauss, Jacob Tokayer, Amir Tsarfati, Ilana Makover, Joshua Weiss & Yonatan Weiss.If you have children or grandchildren currently serving in the IDF, please let usknow their names so we can include them. If your child or grandchild is no longer in the IDF, please let Gloria know ([email protected]) so their name can be removed.

Israel UpdateBOCA RATON SYNAGOGUE

Israel Update with the BRS Social Action Committee

Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo has announced an end to the policy of forcing the removal of “Made in Israel” from Israeli products produced in settlements under direct Israeli control in Judea and Samaria. ”All producers within areas where Israel exercises the relevant authorities – most notably Area C under the Oslo Accords - will be required to mark goods as “Israel”, “Product of Israel”, or “Made in Israel” when exporting to the United States,” the statement said. ”This approach recognizes that Area C producers operate within the economic and administrative framework of Israel and their goods should be treated accordingly.”“We remain committed to an enduring and sustainable peace as outlined in President Trump’s Vision for Peace. We will continue to oppose those countries and international institutions which delegitimize or penalize

Israel and Israeli producers in the West Bank through malicious measures that fail to recognize the reality on the ground,” Pompeo said.Pompeo became the first U.S. Secretary of State to make an official visit to Judea and Samaria last week when he visited the Psagot Winery in the Shaar Binyamin Commercial Center and the Qasr al-Yahud baptism site in the Jordan River Valley.In November 2019, Pompeo announced a historic shift in the US administration’s approach to the legal status of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria and stated that “based on facts, history and special circumstances,” the US “will no longer ascribe to the categorization of Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria as contrary to international law.”

Boca Raton Synagogue presents

Why Doesn't Anyone Blush Anymore?!?IN HONOR OF YUD TES KISLEV

with R’ Manis Friedman

Thursday night, December 3rd at 8:30 pm In the Rand Sanctuary & on Zoomwww.brsonline.org/19kislev

For Men and WomenSocial Distancing and Masks will be enforced for those attending in person

boca raton weekly · page 2 boca raton synagogue • valuing diversity • celebrating unity •se...

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