Shul Bulletin

• This Shabbos there will be a tzeitzchem lesholom sholosh-seudos in honor of Rabbi & Mrs. Danny Rotenberg and family. May their move bring them much hatzlacha begashmiyus ubruchniyus. Note that mincha will be a little earlier, at 7:00 pm.
• This Sunday, 19 Elul (August 29) Ahavas Yisroel Synagogue is hosting a full day seminar on "How to Prepare for the High Holidays." Click here for more info.
• Thank you to Rabbi Yossi Shusterman for giving the shiur on taharas hamishpacha. It was a great success.
• As in the past, Rabbi Raichik will be taking panim to the Ohel. He is leaving this Sunday night - 19 Elul (August 29). Please drop off your pan at his home NO LATER then Sunday 7:00 pm.
• Please remember to pay your membership, seats and locker fees. Click here for the schedule of fees and more information.
• Thanks to everyone that has sent in their pushkas! Please bring yours to shul or email us to arrange for pickup.
• Please remember to update your information in the shul database if you have not already done so. Click here.
• In preparation for Tishrei, Dovi Gorelik - Black Hatters is once again open for business. See the ad at www.chabadofla.com for more details.

• Rabbi & Mrs. Shaya Berkowitz invite everyone to a washing Kiddush/Chai Elul Farbrengen in honor of their son Moshe Yaakov's Bar-Mitzvah. May he grow up to be a chossid, yirei shomayim and a lamdon.
• Mr. & Mrs. Zalman Roth for the birth of their grandaughter Chana Yael Andrusier. May they have much nachas. Also for the yahrtzeit of R' Zalman's mother Chaya Braina bas R’ Shlomo Mordechai. May the neshomo have an aliya.
• Rabbi & Mrs. Nochum Pinson for the yahrtzeit of R' Nochum's father R’ Yechezkel ben R’ Nochum Yitzchok. May the neshomo have an aliya.
• Together with:
  Mr. & Mrs. Shmuel Stroll in honor of R' Shmuel's birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  The Raichik Family for the yahrtzeit of their brother R' Yosef Yitzchok ben R' Menachem Shmuel Dovid Halevi Raichik. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  Hatomim Tzvi Burston in honor of his birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
   

The Kiddush for the early Minyan is sponsored by:

• The Raichik Family for the yahrtzeit of their brother R' Yosef Yitzchok ben R' Menachem Shmuel Dovid Halevi Raichik. May the neshomo have an aliya.

At the home of Mrs. Kelly Benarroch
110 N Detroit St
at 5:45
Speaker: Rabbi Mendy Greenbaum
This will also be a tzeitzchem lesholom gathering for
Mrs. Chanie Rotenberg

• Rabbi & Mrs. Shaya Eichenblatt on the birth of their grandson.
• Rabbi & Mrs. Mayer Schmukler on the marriage of their daughter Chaya'le to Boruch Krinsky. Mazal tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Zalmam Schmukler.
• Rabbi & Mrs. Dovid Thaler on the marriage of their son Chezky to Dobie Rosenblum.
• Mr. & Mrs. David Sharabi on the birth of their daughter.
• Rabbi & Mrs. Shaya Berkowitz on the Bar-Mitzvah of their son Moshe Yaakov.
• The Goldman and Weiss families on the Bar-Mitzvah of Menachem Mendel Goldman.

Upcoming Birthdays:

• Yisroel Pinson - 18 Elul
• Mr. Shmuel Stroll - 19 Elul
• Moshe Yaakov Berkowitz - 20 Elul
• Tzvi Yisroel Burston - 21 Elul
• Shmuel Rotenberg - 22 Elul

Upcoming Anniversaries:

• Dr. & Mrs. Binyomin Kaplan - 19 Elul
• Rabbi & Mrs. Leib Lerner - 21 Elul
• Mr. & Mrs. Ben Tzion Novack - 21 Elul
• Mr. & Mrs. Mottel Polityko - 24 Elul

• Chaya Braina bas R’ Shlomo Mordechai Roth - 20 Elul
• R’ Yechezkel ben R’ Nochum Yitzchok Pinson - 20 Elul
• R' Yosef Yitzchok ben R' Menachem Shmuel Dovid Halevi Raichik - 21 Elul
• Dovid Yonah ben yblcht”a R’ Menachem Mendel Hokohen Dubinsky - 22 Elul

Beginning the first day of Elul, our custom is to say chapter 27 of Tehillim “LDovid Hashem Ohri vYishi” twice a day. We continue saying this chapter throughout Elul and Tishrei until Hoshana Rabba.

The first pasuk in the chapter mentions Hashems name twice. The first mention is “LDovid Hashem Ohri vYishi Me-mi Irah”, and the second is “Hashem Maoz Chayai Me-mi Efchod”. While one could say that this repetition is poetic, there is nevertheless a deeper meaning that needs to be explored.

The Gemorah asks a similar question about the repetition of Hashem’s name at the beginning of the 13 Attributes of Mercy. The Gemorah answers that one name of Hashem relates the state before sin while the second name relates to after sin. According to this answer, what is it about an individual’s situation before sin that necessitates Hashem’s mercy (the first mention of Hashem’s name), that requires inclusion as one of the 13?

The Rebbe explains that we seek Hashem’s mercy before sin for help in dealing with our yeitzer hara. The first method that the yeitzer hara employs is confusion. We begin by losing clarity regarding the value and differences of right over wrong; issues become murky, grey areas arise. The yeitzer hara even arises in our thinking disguised as acting in our best interest (As the Rebbe Rashab describes; “Appearing as a Chossid wearing a silk kapote” (HaYom Yom)). Eventually he evolves into the outright chutzpa of presenting that which is blatantly wrong as right! Dovid HaMelech answers this confusion in proclaiming, “Hashem Ohri!” Hashem in His infinite mercy illuminates our lives and helps clarify what is right and what is wrong.

Still, even when we are aware that we are Yidden and we are connected with Hashem, we can be seduced by sin in our illusion that we are too weak or incapable to fulfill Torah and Mitzvos properly. To address this Dovid HaMelech adds, “V’Yishi” Hashem will help and give us the strength to overcome sin; “Me-mi Irah” there is nothing to fear.

When we do fall and then desire teshuva, the yeitzer hara creates a sense of distance and impossibility. We can come to assess teshuva as too steep and distant of a path to embark upon. To combat this sense, we arouse Hashem’s mercy. This is alluded to in the second appearance of Hashem’s name “Hashem maoz chayai”.

When Hashem taught Moshe Rabbenu the 13 Attributes of Mercy he hid him behind a rock. Why did Hashem need to hide him behind a rock? Also, how is it possible to truly reconnect with Hashem once an aveira has already been committed? Answers to both of these questions can be understood by way of the analogy of fiery coals and a flint stone. Water can easily extinguish a fiery coal. On the other hand you can submerge a flint stone in water as long as you like and nevertheless extract a spark at any time. So too it is with teshuva after having fallen into an aveira. Externally the aveira is a reality, but deep within, the neshama has not been shaken even one iota. The neshama always remains connected with Hashem. This is what the process of teshuva reveals. Once the inner connection is revealed forgiveness is forthcoming; “Hashem maoz tzuri”, Hashem is the rock (flint stone) of my life.

The Medrash says that the question was asked to wisdom, prophecy, the Torah and Hashem what can be done if a person sins. Wisdom’s answer was punishment. Prophesy’s answer was suffering. The Torah’s answer was to bring a karbon. Hashem’s answer was to do teshuva. Hashem sees the part within us that never disconnects.

Another question in this chapter in Tehillim is the seeming contradiction in first asking for only one thing “achas shoalti”, and then immediately following with multiple requests “lachazos b’noam Hashem” and “levaker b’heichalo”. The Rebbe explains that this is because, even after one has done teshuva, the yeitzer hara does not relent! Indeed, he cedes to the neshama that it has really done teshuva, but he argues that this momentum of change is simply unsustainable in practical daily living. Living a post teshuva integrated lifestyle is just too far from reach. To this Dovid HaMelech says “achas shoalti”, “osa evakeish!” This is my essential focus and singular request; to break through and truly be one with Hashem. This sincere search and request enables the neshama to break its inner boundaries and reveal its inner desire and longing for Hashem and sever ties with worldly desires. Once arriving at this state of teshuva, the very next step is to follow with detailed additional requests to sustain the neshama in the details of daily life.

(Likutei Sichos volume 9)

With profound sadness and deep pain we inform you of the very untimely and tragic passing of
HaBochur Aryeh Bezalel ben Efraim Levin O"BM
Son of Aangie Levin from Long Beach, CA and most recently of Crown Heights
Aryeh was boating on White Lake, upstate New York and tragically drowned.

The Levaya will take place TODAY
1:30 pm at Mt Olive Cemetery
7231 E. Slauson Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90040

The Niftar is survived by Yibadlu Lechaim Tovim his mother Angie Levin – Long Beach, CA, Mrs. Shoshana Yarmak – Crown Heights, Mrs. Michal Korf – Miami and Mrs. Hadassa Turner - Chicago.

AD MOSAI!? AD MOSAI!? AD MOSAI!?

Hamokom Yenachem eschem Besoch Shaar Avaylay Tzion VeYerushalayim.
Vehukeetzu Veranenu Shochnay Ufur vehu besochom!

• Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:16 pm
• Early Minyan Shacharis: 8:20 am
• Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
• Shacharis: 10:00 am
• Mesibos Shabbos for Girls: 4:00 pm in Shul
• Shiur in Pirkei Avos with Rabbi Raichik: 6:30 pm
• Mincha: 7:15 pm - Pirkei Avos - Perek 2
• Shabbos Ends: 8:19 pm

• Please remember to pay your membership, seats and locker fees. Click here for the schedule of fees and more information.
• Thanks to everyone that has sent in their pushkas! Please bring yours to shul or email us to arrange for pickup.
• Please remember to update your information in the shul database if you have not already done so. Click here.
• Second Men's Taharas HaMishpocha Review
  with Rabbi Yosef Shusterman. Sunday morning, Yud Beis Elul (August 22) in Kol Yaakov Yehuda at 10:00 am. Please remember to bring a Kitzur Dinei Taharah.
• Please continue to say tehillim for Dovid Leib ben Ariella Nava and Mordechai ben Simcha Chaya who are in need of a refua shleima.

• Mr. & Mrs. Mottel Polityko in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son Sholom Dov Ber. May he grow up to be a chossid, yirei shomayim and a lamdon.
• Together With:
  Rabbi & Mrs. Reuven Nathanson in honor of their anniversary. May they live many more happy years together.

The Kiddush for the early Minyan
is sponsored by:

• Mr. & Mrs. Yossi Goldman in honor of Mrs. Goldman's birthday. May she have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
• Rabbi & Mrs. Levi Raichik in honor of their son Mendel's birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.

Chaya Schmukler invites everyone to her Shabbos Kallah
at the Schmukler residence 601 N Citrus Ave.
6:00pm.
Speaker: Ms. Chaya Schmukler

• Mr. & Mrs. Yirmiyahu Andrusier on the birth of their daughter Chana Yael. Mazal tov to the grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Zalman Roth.
• Mr. & Mrs. Mottel Polityko on the bar mitzvah of their son Sholom Dov Ber.
• Mr. Rachamim (Damoon) Nikaiyn on his marriage to Miriam Chaim-Levi.
• Rabbi & Mrs. Gershon Schusterman on the marriage of their daughter Shula to Shmuly Goldstein.
• Mr. & Mrs. Yankee Bloch on the marriage of their son Eli to Ruthie Levine.
• Mr. Joel Yachzel on the engagement of his daughter.
• Mr. & Mrs. Dovid & Chaya Drizin on their move to our community. We wish them much Hatzlocho and Happiness here in Los Angeles.

Upcoming Birthdays:

• Shloima Glabman - 16 Elul
• Rabbi Shmuel Gurary - 16 Elul
• Mendel (ben R' Levi) Raichik - 17 Elul
• Ben Tzion Yaakov Dovid Yachzel - 17 Elul

Upcoming Anniversaries:

• Rabbi & Mrs. Simcha Boruch Frankel - 11 Elul
• Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson - 14 Elul
• Rabbi & Mrs. Naftoli Estulin - 15 Elul
• Mr. & Mrs. Avrohom Plotkin - 17 Elul

• Chaya Baila bas R' Yaacov Burston - 14 Elul

• Please remember to pay your membership, seats and locker fees. Click here for the schedule of fees and more information.
• Thanks to everyone that has sent in their pushkas! Please bring yours to shul or email us to arrange for pickup.
• Please remember to update your information in the shul database if you have not already done so. Click here.
• Please keep in mind that shkiah is getting 6-7 minutes earlier each week.
• Taharas HaMishpocha Review
  For Men: With Rabbi Yosef Shusterman. Two Sunday morning sessions on Hey & Yud Beis Elul (August 15 & 22) in Kol Yaakov Yehuda at 10:00 am. Please remember to bring a Kitzur Dinei Taharah.
  For Women: With Mrs. Yehudis Schneerson. Two sessions - Monday & Tuesday night Vov & Zayin Elul (Aug. 16 & 17) in the home of Mrs. Lezak 423 N Fuller Ave 8-10:30 pm.
• Please continue to say tehillim for Dovid Leib ben Ariella Nava and Mordechai ben Simcha Chaya who are in need of a refua shleima.

• Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:24 pm
• Early Minyan Shacharis: 8:20 am
• Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
• Shacharis: 10:00 am
• Mesibos Shabbos for Girls: 4:00 pm in Shul
• Shiur in Pirkei Avos with Rabbi Raichik: 6:40 pm
• Mincha: 7:25 pm - Pirkei Avos - Perek 1
• Shabbos Ends: 8:27 pm

• The kiddushim this week are sponsored by the shul in honor of welcoming our gabai back to our community.
  Thank you to the Bastomski, Chazanow, Duchman, Fogelman, Goldman, Grossman, Kaufman, Lerner, Rav-Noy, Schneerson, Schusterman, Weiss and Zipp families for contributing.

The Kiddush for the early Minyan is also sponsored by:

• Rabbi & Mrs. Zali Munitz for the yahrtzeit of Zali's grandfather Yisroel Meir ben Alexsender Sender. May the neshomo have an aliya.

At the home of Mrs. Mashi BenZaquen
252 S. Mansfield Ave.
at 6:00 pm.
Speaker: Mrs. Ruth Devorah Wallen

Upcoming Birthdays:

• Yisroel Berkowitz - 5 Elul
• Sholom Dov Ber Polityko - 8 Elul
• Moshe Dov Ber Stark - 8 Elul

 Upcoming Anniversaries:

• Mr. & Mrs. Richard Rosenbloom - 4 Elul
• Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Davidoff - 5 Elul
• Rabbi & Mrs. Dovid Thaler - 5 Elul
• Rabbi & Mrs. Velvel Tsikman - 8 Elul
• Mr. & Mrs. David Kaufman - 10 Elul
• Rabbi & Mrs. Reuven Nathanson - 10 Elul

• R' Yisroel Meir ben R' Alexsender Sender Munitz - 4 Elul

• In preparation for Elul, the shul is making a pushka collection drive. You can bring your pushka (or its contents) to shul by shacharis/mincha/maariv and give it to Leib Lerner or David Kaufman, or arrange for pickup in the La Brea area by emailing the shul at [email protected].
• Remember to pay your membership, seats and locker fees. Click here for the schedule of fees and more information.
• Teizchem Lesholom to Rabbi & Mrs. Naftali Rotenberg. May it be meshane mokom meshane mazal letova velivracha. 
• Men's Taharas HaMishpocha Review with Rabbi Yosef Shusterman. Two Sunday morning sessions on 5 Elul & 12 Elul (August 15 & 22) in Kol Yaakov Yehuda at 10:00 am. More information to follow.
• Please continue to say tehillim for Dovid Leib ben Ariella Nava and Mordechai ben Simcha Chaya who are in need of a refua shleima.

• Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:31 pm
• Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim: 8:15 am
• Followed by a Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik
• Shacharis: 10:15 am
• Mesibos Shabbos for Girls: 4:00 pm in Shul
• Shiur in Pirkei Avos with Rabbi Raichik: 6:45 pm
• Mincha: 7:30 pm - Pirkei Avos - Perek 6
• Shabbos Ends: 8:34 pm
• Molad of Elul - Tuesday 30 Av/August 10
  6:52 am
• Rosh Chodesh Elul - Tuesday and Wednesday August 10 and 11

• Sponsored by the Shul in honor of Shabbos Mevorchim Elul.
  Together with:
• Rabbi & Mrs. Levi Raichik for the yahrtzeit of Levi's mother Leah bas Avrohom Abele Hakohen. May the Neshomo have an aliya. 
• Mr. and Mrs. Chaim Lerner in honor of the yahrzheit of Mr. Lerner's father, Yaakov ben Chaim. May the neshomo have an aliyah.
• Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rosenbloom, in honor of their grandson Yaakov Leib. May they have much nachas from their entire family

At the home of Mrs. Varda Rav-Noy
428 N Martel Ave.
at 6:30 pm.
Speaker: Mrs. Chana Rochel Schusterman

• Mr. & Mrs. Elozor Plotke for the pidyon haben of their grandson.
• Rabbi & Mrs. Zalmen Schmukler for the pidyon haben of their grandson.

Upcoming Birthdays

• Rabbi Mendel Dubinsky - 27 Av
• Yisrael Shusterman - 1 Elul
• Zakkai Hanania Shusterman - 1 Elul
• Yona Israeli - 3 Elul