Printed fromChabadofLA.com
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Shul Bulletin

Kollel Erev

kollel erev logo2.jpg

Dear Friend,

We are proud to announce that a Kollel Erev Chabad was founded before Pesach and takes place Monday-Thursday evening from 8:15pm-9:15pm at Congregation Levi Yitzchok.

Torah learning can only strengthen us, our families and our community as is illustrated in the Hayom Yom of Daled Cheshvan:

“Torah-study every day is crucial to life itself. This applies not only to the soul of the one studying but also to the souls of his family. For then (through Torah-study), the atmosphere of the home becomes an atmosphere of Torah and piety.”

It is our goal for Kollel Erev to create a vibrant atmosphere of Torah learning and a welcoming environment for all who wish to come and learn. Kollel Erev currently has dedicated individuals which attend on a nightly basis. We welcome all members of the community to join them individually or with a chavrusah.

We envision Kollel Erev to become an edifice of Torah learning for Chabad and our community. We hope this will bring nachas to the Rebbe and be a source of inspiration and blessing for us all.

If you would like further information regarding the Kollel Erev, to set up a chavrusa, or for sponsorship opportunities please contact Zalmy Fogelman at 323-494-8047.

Kollel Erev

Nichum Availim

Rabbi Shalom Elharrar and Mrs. Gila Cohen  
are sitting shiva on the passing of their mother.

R’ Shalom is sitting in Eretz Yisroel until Sunday morning 
He can be reached at 011-972-546446153.

Mrs. Gila Cohen is sitting in Los Angeles until Friday afternoon 
at 157 N Fuller Ave. Please arrange your visits between 5 & 9 pm.

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

Urgent Message From Rubashkin Children

Bs"d

This has been a tremendous nisayon for our entire family, every single day. We are so grateful to all of you for all you have done and what we have accomplished in this fight for our father's life. 

There is one last legal mechanism that can free our beloved father and reunite our family. It is called ahabeas corpus petition in which one argues any constitutional rights that were denied; it's also known as a "2255". 

We have been researching and interviewing many lawyers and thank G-d we have a great legal team in place that's ready to take this to the finish line, with G-d's help. They have won an impressive amount of habeas petitions and we feel very confident that they are our emissaries from G-d to bring about the ultimate great news we are all so desperately waiting for. 

The deadline to file this petition is in 5 months and we have barely started yet (there is a massive amount of work) because we don’t have funds to move forward. We desperately need to raise the funds to pay for this legal team as we’re running out of time. 

We know everyone has already helped out so much but this is basically our last chance in the legal arena. If every person reading this email can help out with $18 (or any number you can) together we can make this a reality. 

To make a donation you can: 
1) Go to www.justiceforsholom.org/donate 
2) Email your pledge to [email protected] with a phone number to call you back 
3) Call or text 615-378-7461 and someone from will call you back BEH to receive the credit card info 
4) Mail check to Klal Yisroel Fund, 53 Olympia Lane, Monsey, NY 10952 
Please pass this on to your contacts! 

On this holy day of Lag Baomer may this unprecedented unity and Ahavas Yisroel bring about the ultimate and final redemption for us all! 

With deep gratitude, 
Roza Hindy, Getzel, Shmuly, Meir Simcha, Mushka, Yossi, Moshe, Mendel, Menucha Rochel and Uziel Rubashkin

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

PS. More info on this effort:

CRITICAL DEADLINE IN THE RUBASHKIN CASE APPROACHING 
Legal Team Assembled for Next Stage in Sholom Rubashkin’s Fight for Justice 

Sentenced to a draconian 27 years behind bars, Sholom Rubashkin’s case, which began in 2008, has had international support from hundreds of former Department of Justice officials, federal judges, law professors, congressmen, and senators, as well as tens of thousands of citizens across the country. He now faces one last chance to fight for justice and freedom from the US Courts by filing a post-conviction motion, known as a Section 2255. 

The clock is ticking for Sholom Rubashkin whose mandatory filing deadline for the Section 2255 is October 1, 2013. Jim Wyrsch and J.R. Hobbs of the prestigious Wyrsch Hobbs Mirakian law firm in Kansas City will be spearheading this effort. Together, Wyrsch and Hobbs have successfully litigated numerous post-conviction cases in the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, including Section 2255 motions. They will be joined by sentencing guru Professor Douglas Berman who is a nationally recognized authority on criminal law and sentencing. 

Regarding Rubashkin’s case, Professor Doug Berman said, "2255 actions are not only the only way, but often the very best way, to unearth and document flaws in the prosecution and sentencing of a defendant in a high-profile case. The best lawyers have a terrific track record of getting death sentences reversed through habeas appeals and Mr. Rubashkin is serving a functional death sentence." 

Leah Rubashkin, Sholom’s wife, says, “I am hopeful that the funds can be pulled together to retain this incredible power team as soon as possible, especially considering the quickly approaching deadline. Today is Sholom Rubashkin’s 1336th day in prison. Our entire family is davening heart and soul, along with so many of Klal Yisroel, to be reunited with Sholom Mordechai right away!” 

For more information on Sholom Rubashkin's case, please visit www.justiceforsholom.org.

Announcements - Emor

  • Click here for KYY newsletter.
  • Girls! Sign up today for Camp Gan Yisroel!! Space is limited and filling fast. Only a paid registration will save your spot. Click here for the flyer, and here to sign up
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Mendy Spalter invite you to a farbrengen this Friday night for the refuah shlaima of Chaya Mushka bas Hadassa Shaina, at the home of Rabbi & Mrs. Lezak 423 N Fuller.
    To host a Friday night farbrengen in your home please sign up using this link.
  • Rabbi Elie & Sheina Laskar invite the community to a kiddish-luncheon celebrating the bar-mitzvah of their son Yosef Yitzchak this shabbos at Bais Menachem. 
  • This Sunday, Lag Ba'omer, our shul is participating in the Great Parade on Pico Blvd. We all know how truly precious the parade is to our Rebbe -- to unite as many Jewish children and their families as possible on this special day. Please do your utmost to join the parade and spread the word. Click here for more info.
  • Dr. Ze'ev and Varda Rav-Noy are being honored by Friendship Circle of Los Angeles on Wednesday, Iyar 21/May 1. Click here for more info.
  • Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”.
  • Shaarei Tefila is making a day camp for 3-6 year olds. For more info click here.

Shabbos Schedule - Emor

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:15 pm
  • Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:29 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
  • Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • Kol Yakov Yehuda: 10:15
  • Rabbi Raichik’s Pirkei Avos Shiur: 6:15 pm
  • Rabbi Bukiet's Sota Shiur: 6:15 pm 
  • Mincha: 7:15 pm - Pirkei Avos - Perek 4
  • Shabbos Ends: 8:18 pm

Kiddush Sponsors - Emor

  • Mr. & Mrs. Yirmiyahu Andrusier in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Boruch Leib Braude for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Boruch Leib Braude’s father Moshe ben Shmuel ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Reuven Nathanson for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Reuven Nathanson’s father Yitzchok ben Yaakov Shmuel ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Mr. Ephraim Piperno in honor of his birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus. Also in honor of the miracles Hashem has showed him. May we all continue to see miracles with the coming of Moshiach Now!
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yanky Raichik in honor of their son Mendel’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
    Also in honor of all their children. May they give much nachas and may they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Gershon Schusterman for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Gershon Schusterman’s father Reb Mordechai ben Reb Eliyahu ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.. 

Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Emor

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yitzchok Arnold for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Chana Arnold’s father Moshe Bunim ben Shlomo ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Dovi Gorelik in honor of Rabbi Dovi Gorelik’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.

Women's Shabbos Shiur - Emor

At the home of Mrs. Yehudis Schneerson
364 N Fuller 
6:00 pm 
Speaker: Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz

Mazal Tov To - Emor

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Elie Laskar on the bar-mitzvah of their son Yosef Yitzchak.  
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Moshe Belinow on the birth of a their daughter Batya. Mazel Tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Naftali Estulin.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuli Sufrin for the upshernish of their son Shua. Mazel Tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Goldman.
  • Mrs. Debbie Tibor on the birth of her granddaughter (to Yehoshua & Chana Tibor).

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Ephraim Piperno - 19 Iyar
  • Rabbi Dovi Gorelik - 19 Iyar
  • Mendel Raichik - 19 Iyar
  • Mr. Ephraim Piperno - 19 Iyar
  • Yaakov Moshe Sroka - 19 Iyar
  • Mendel Schochet - 21 Iyar
  • Zusha Lerman - 21 Iyar
  • Elimelech Moshe Allison - 21 Iyar
  • Rabbi Yoel Edelson - 22 Iyar

Upcoming Anniversaries

  • Mr. & Mrs. & Mrs. Aleksandr Ganzburg - 18 Iyar
  • Mr. & Mrs. Yirmiyahu Andrusier - 18 Iyar
  • Mr. and Mrs. Ari Kaufman - 18 Iyar 

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Moshe ben Shmuel (Rabbi Boruch Leib Braude’s father) - 17 Iyar
  • Moshe Bunim ben Shlomo (Mrs. Chana Arnold’s father) - 17 Iyar
  • Etel bas Gershon (Mrs. Roberta Solomon’s mother) - 19 Iyar
  • Reb Mordechai ben Reb Eliyahu (Rabbi Gershon Schusterman’s father) - 22 Iyar 
  • Yitzchok ben Yaakov Shmuel (Rabbi Reuven Nathanson’s father) - 22 Iyar

Devar Torah - Emor

Going Above and Beyond
Judging Others Favorably

By Rabbi Simon Raichik

The theme of this week’s parsha offers practical advise on how best to fulfill the mitzvah of ahavas Yisroel. This is reflected in the name of the parsha, Emor. There are two terms for speech; dibur and amira. Dibur means harsh talk while amira means speaking softly.

The proper fulfillment of the mitzvah of ahavas Yisroel is also connected to Sefiras HaOmer which we are now in the midst and also to Lag BOmer. We know that Lag BOmer is tied to the students of Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and the theme of ahavas Yisroel.

Speech has a very powerful and influential effect in dealings, both for the good and chas vShalom the opposite. When we see a negative trait in another person we have a choice. We can speak about it to him or others negatively with dibur, rebuke, or, we can focus on strengthening a positive trait with amira, thereby overwhelming the negative with a positive.

So why does this really work? It works because speech reveals that which is hidden. The Gemara states that lashon hara hurts (kills) three; the speaker, the listener and the subject of the comment. Its understandable that the one who speaks evil talk brings hurt upon him or herself. Also, if it were not for the listener, the speaker would not speak. But why should the subject be effected, he didn’t do anything wrong or didn’t even cause anyone else to do wrong? The reason is because the speech revealed a negative. Now this person has to deal with something that he of she may not have even been aware of. Although this kind of speech is very powerful, positive speech is even greater, by focusing on the positive it reveals and strengthens the inner good of the person which automatically weakens negative.

This is the theme of the parsha, Emor, “Emor vamarta l’hazhir hagedolim al hakatanim”. This means that the power to influence the katan, the person who is smaller, either in years, education, abilities or any challenge in life, is by emor vamarta through using positive communication. This is the tool that the person trying to help, the gadol uses to illuminate-lhazhir the katon, his friend, student or child.

This is similar to the approach of the Rebbe Maharash of “Lichatchila Ariber” to go above and beyond in all areas of the service of Hashem. The Rebbe always mentions this in the month of Iyar in connection to Beis Iyar the birthday of the Rebbe Maharash.

This was also the Rebbe’s approach with mivtzoyim. Each mivtza was focused on the positive. For example the mivtza of eating kosher. The Rebbe once said that when you tell someone where he can buy kosher food automatically no treif will be eaten. There was no focus on how bad eating treif is for a person. So too with the mivtza of Taharas HaMishpacha and the mivtza of neshek-lighting Shabbos candles which emphasizes the beauty of Shabbos. The emphasis always remained on the positive. Emor vamarta; It works!   

With this we can better understand how to judge others favorably, “l’kaf zchus”. How do you judge favorably? One might say that it means that if we see someone do something wrong or expressing some negative character trait we can say; it’s not their fault, they weren’t educated, they forgot, they don’t realize the situation they are in etc.. If that true than the statement would be not to judge another harshly, but here it says l’zchus, not to judge it as a negative but to judge him positively?

The Alter Rebbe explains that the positive approach comes from seeing his makom, better knowing what it is like to be that person. It says in chapter 30 of the Tanya that we look favorably upon the other person because maybe he is more emotional or has the influence of having to work in the marketplace etc. The Rebbe explains; “Lfi gamla shichna-the load goes according to camel”, if this person faces these particular challenges (nisyonos) its because Hashem already gave special kochos- meaning innate talents and abilities to overcome them. Our judging lkaf zchus, and giving positive words of encouragement is what brings them out openly from their potential which can then be used to overcome their challenge. This is true ahavas Yisroel.

Rav Yankle Hecht once wrote in to the Rebbe before Lag BOmer when his mood was down. After the Lag BOmer parade he turned to the Rebbe and said “The Rebbe pulled me out (of my situation)!”. The Rebbe replied while lifting his hands; “I pulled you out? I lifted you up!”

The Rebbe knows the problem but doesn’t focus on the problem. He gives kochos, chassidus gives kochos, not only that we can through the problem, but that we can go lchatchila ariber, to be uplifted above and beyond the problem.

This is the way the Rebbe looks upon each one of us. By being chassidim of the Rebbe and following in his ways, by emphasizing the positive in our homes and with our friends and with everyone, may we be zoche to nullify the cause of the galus and reveal the geula so clearly that every eye will see. A good Shabbos 

Announcements - Achrei-Kedoshim

  • Click here for KYY newsletter.
  • Girls! Sign up today for Camp Gan Yisroel!! Space is limited and filling fast. Only a paid registration will save your spot. Click here for the flyer, and here to sign up
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Mendy Spalter invite you to a farbrengen this Friday night for the refuah shlaima of Chaya Mushka bas Hadassa Shaina, at the home of Rabbi & Mrs. Wolowik 412 N Alta Vista Blvd.
    To host a Friday night farbrengen in your home please sign up using this link.
  • Call to Anash : We need you to do Mivtzoim !!! This Sunday, Iyar11/April 21, 10 am - 7 pm, in Rancho Park. Proceed to Chabad Israeli booth at the park. Men, bring your Tefilin. Ladies, Neshek will be available at the booth. 
  • Dr. Ze'ev and Varda Rav-Noy are being honored by Friendship Circle of Los Angeles on Wednesday, Iyar 21/May 1. Log on towww.fcla.org/rsvp to submit an ad for the tribute journal and/or rsvp by April 18th. Click here for more info.
  • JEM has launched a weekly publication called “Here’s My Story” - an inspiring story of the Rebbe for your Shabbos table. Click here for this week’s publication. 
  • Shaarei Tefila is once again making a Day Camp for 3-6 year olds in La Brea Neighborhood, for more info click here.

Shabbos Schedule - Achrei-Kedoshim

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:09 pm
  • Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:33 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
  • Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • Kol Yakov Yehuda: 10:15
  • Rabbi Raichik’s Pirkei Avos Shiur: 6:10 pm
  • Rabbi Bukiet's Sota Shiur: 6:20 pm 
  • Mincha: 7:10 pm - Pirkei Avos - Perek 3
  • Shabbos Ends: 8:12 pm

Kiddush Sponsors - Achrei-Kedoshim

  • Mr. & Mrs. Milton Goodman in honor of Mrs. Frances Goodman’s birthday. May she have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Shalom Elharrar for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shalom Elharrar’s father Yihya Amram Ben Nissim ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.  
  • Mr. & Mrs. Reuven Horwitz for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Sarah Horwitz’s father Sender Elya Ha Kohain ben Avram Yosef ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya. 
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Dovid Kgaen in honor of Rabbi Dovid Kgaen’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Mr. & Dr. Martin Leaderman for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Martin Leaderman’s mother Tzipora bas Moshe ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
    Also in honor of Mrs. Margaret Leaderman’s birthday. May she have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus. 
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Sholem Perl for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Sholem Perl’s father Moshe ben Alter Asher Anchel ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya. 

Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Achrei-Kedoshim

Women's Shiur - Achrei-Kedoshim

At the home of 
Mrs. Etty Bastomsky- 418 N Fuller 
6:00 pm 
Speaker: Rabbi Levi Kramer

Mazal Tov To - Achrei-Kedoshim

  • Rabbi & Rebbitzen Shimon Raichik on the engagement of their son Moishy to Riki Simpson.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Gershon Schusterman on the birth of their granddaughter (to Levi & Tzippy Shloush).

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Shmuel Dovid Yehoshua Perl - 11 Iyar
  • Chaim Dovid Sroka - 12 Iyar
  • Menachem Mendel Plotke - 14 Iyar
  • Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz - 16 Iyar
  • Mr. & Mrs. Aleksandr Ganzburg - 16 Iyar
  • Mr. Yrachmiel Kahn - 16 Iyar

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Ber ben Isroel (Mr. Mottel Polityko’s grandfather) - 11 Iyar
  • Emanuel ben Kalman (Mr. Maayan Kerbel’s granfather) - 13 Iyar
  • Sender Elya Ha Kohain ben Avram Yosef (Mrs. Sarah Horwitz’s father) - 13 Iyar
  • Tzvi Hersh ben Shmuel (Mr. Isser Goldstein’s father) - 14 Iyar
  • Moshe ben Alter Asher Anchel (Rabbi Sholem Perl’s father) - 14 Iyar
  • Tzipora bas Moshe (Mr. Martin Leaderman’s mother) - 14 Iyar
  • Yihya Amram Ben Nissim (Rabbi Shalom Elharrar’s father) - 15 Iyar 
  • Daniel ben Nochum (Mr. Efraim Lezak’s father) - 15 Iyar
  • Ozzie ben Zev (Mrs. Julie Glabman’s father) - 16 Iyar

Devar Torah - Achrei-Kedoshim

Announcements - Tazria-Metzorah

  • Click here for KYY newsletter.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Mendy Spalter invite you to a farbrengen this Friday night for the refuah shlaima of Chaya Mushka bas Hadassa Shaina, at the home of Rabbi & Mrs. Sholom and Ruchama Langsam 434 N Alta Vista Blvd.
    To host a Friday night farbrengen in your home please sign up using this link.
  • Dr. Ze'ev and Varda Rav-Noy are being honored by Friendship Circle of Los Angeles on Wednesday, Iyar 21/May 1. Log on to www.fcla.org/rsvp to submit an ad for the tribute journal or/and rsvp by April 18th. Click here for more info.
  • JEM has launched a weekly publication called “Here’s My Story” - an inspiring story of the Rebbe for your Shabbos table. Click here for this week’s publication. 

Shabbos Schedule - Tazria-Metzorah

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:04 pm
  • Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:38 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
  • Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • Kol Yakov Yehuda: 10:15
  • Rabbi Raichik’s Pirkei Avos Shiur: 6:05 pm
  • Rabbi Bukiet's Sota Shiur: 6:15 pm 
  • Mincha: 7:05 pm - Pirkei Avos - Perek 2
  • Shabbos Ends: 8:07 pm

Kiddush Sponsors - Tazria-Metzorah

  • Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Davidoff in honor of Mr. Moshe Davidoff’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
    Also in honor of their son Ephraim’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Duchman for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Mendel Duchman’s father Yisroel ben Shneur Zalman Halevy ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya. 
  • Mr. & Mrs. Reuven Horwitz for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Reuven Horwitz’s father David ben Yitzchok ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Rebbitzen Shimon Raichik for the yahrtzeit of Rebbitzen Chana Leeba Raichik’s father Yaakov ben Menachm Mendel Hilel ob"m and mother Rivka bas Yisroel Noach ob"m. May the neshomos have an aliya.
  • Dr. & Mrs. Ze'ev Rav-Noy for the yahrtzeit of Dr. Ze'ev Rav-Noy’s brother Baruch ben Yehudah Mordechai ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Zalman Roth in honor of Mr. Zalman Roth’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Gershon Schusterman for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Gershon Schusterman’s mother Henya Chasha bas Zusman ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Berl Sroka for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Mindy Sroka’s mother Shaindel bas Moshe Yitzchok ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.

Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Tazria-Metzorah

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Duchman for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Mendel Duchman’s father Yisroel ben Shneur Zalman Halevy ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya. 
  • Yossi Goldberger in honor of his son simi’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Goldman in honor of Rabbi Mendel Goldman’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.

Women's Shabbos Shiur - Tazria-Metzorah

At the home of
Mrs. Margaret Leaderman - 178 S Formosa 
6:00 pm
Speaker: Mrs. Chana Rochel Schusterman

Mazal Tov To - Tazria-Metzorah

  • Mr. & Mrs. Reuven Solomon on the birth of a great grandson.

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Ephraim Davidoff - 3 Iyar
  • Mr. Moshe Davidoff - 4 Iyar
  • Mr. David Rafael Gutierrez - 4 Iyar
  • Rabbi Ami Pykovski - 5 Iyar
  • Rabbi Asher Habibian - 5 Iyar
  • Mr. Zalman Roth - 5 Iyar
  • Rabbi Sholom D. Langsam - 5 Iyar
  • Aryeh Hoffman - 5 Iyar
  • Yisroel Aryeh Leib Habibian - 6 Iyar
  • Mr. Avrohom Plotkin - 8 Iyar
  • Mr. Dovid Kagan - 5 Iyar
  • Sholom Dovber Berkowitz - 9 Iyar

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Yaakov ben Menachm Mendel Hilel (Mrs. Chana Leeba Raichik’s father) - 6 Iyar
  • David ben Yitzchok (Mr. Reuven Eliyahu Horwitz’s father) - 6 Iyar
  • Yisroel ben Shneur Zalman Halevy (Rabbi Mendel Duchman’s father) - 6 Iyar
  • Henya Chasha bas Zusman (Rabbi Gershon Schusterman’s mother) - 7 Iyar
  • Shaindel bas Moshe Yitzchok (Mrs. Mindy Sroka’s mother) - 8 Iyar
  • Baruch ben Yehudah Mordechai (Dr. Ze'ev Rav-Noy’s brother) - 8 Iyar
  • Rivka bas Yisroel Noach (Mrs. Chana Leeba Raichik’s mother) - 9 Iyar

Devar Torah - Tazria-Metzorah

Preparing for Moshiach by Eating Kosher

By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

As of late there hasn't been any shortage of opportunities to discuss the great importance of maintaining a high standard of kashrus. What follows is the unique perspective of Chassidei Chabad based on the Sichos and Letters of the Rebbe. In Likutei Sichos v. 1 page 7 the Rebbe says that a Chosid makes all of his decisions based on the way he understands the world in which he lives. First and foremost a Chosid lives with the fact that Hashem constantly renews the entire creation top to bottom not just daily but moment to moment: המחדש בטובו בכל יום (ובכל רגע) תמיד מעשה בראשית He also knows that the entire creation is here for one purpose only; to serve Hashem. Not just with Torah and Mitzvos but with everything including what we eat and how we do business. 

When a Chosid is presented with a question or has a doubt whether or not something is kosher he will never be confused about what to do. There are some whose perspective goes something like this.  Since everything has been created by Hashem to be used, if you don’t know for sure and it hasn’t been proven to be non-kosher, then by default it should be considered kosher! So let's get real; the right thing to do is to just use it!

A Chosid thinks quite the opposite. Since the world is constantly being created and recreated by Hashem, therefore BEFORE I touch this it must be CLEAR why I am permitted to eat this food. If there is any question, any at all, then it is surely not to be used. After all, what is the reason I am eating this?  I am only eating it in order to have energy to serve Hashem. If there is any question that Hashem does not allow this what is there to talk about? This is the essential difference that a Chosid takes into each decision about what he will eat. This perspective is incorporated in a chassidishe chinuch about food. It goes together with the understanding that the purpose of this world is to make here a דירה בתחתונים, a dwelling place for Hashem.

People say not to blame then when they ate something with a hechsher on it that ended up not being kosher. They are right! They checked the label, the hechsher or the mashgiach's signature was there. When it comes to reward and punishment they are free and clear. The question is however, what really motivates us? Is it the fear of punishment or the desire to be united with Hashem? It's not about the reward rather a desire to be connected and never to contaminate or break that connection with Hashem. When it's about the penimius, our connection, we feel differently about the possibility of making a mistake. What bothers us is the possible separation that could result from eating the wrong food.

In Igros Kodesh (volume 16 page 243 and volume 18 page 109) the Rebbe repeated a story the Previous Rebbe told about a Chosid who spoke to the Alter Rebbe about his son-in-law’s problems. The Alter Rebbe said that his problems came from doubts in emunah that came from drinking cholov akum. Once all food and drink enters the body it is eventually converted into the blood and flesh of the body which is bound to the neshama. Therefore the kashrus and the level of the foods refinement impact the character and good midos of the individual who consumes them. Therefore one should view every hidur, refinement and purity of the food he eats and its connection to and impact upon the refinement of the individual’s character traits. This is exponentially true with regard to children who are in the midst of the development of their character, and of the utmost importance. From all of this it is plainly obvious that if the issue is regarding taste and preference it should never be at the expense of kashrus and hidur.   

Therefore, as a community we need to take a good hard look at what has occurred here and what can be done going forward. We need to demand that the hashgachos require enhanced standards, checking and review that will prevent doubts. When we pick up the phone, ask questions and make our voices heard we will be effective.

The Kedushas Levi quotes the opening pasuk in the parsha of kashrus: “And Hashem spoke to Moshe and Aharon ‘saying to them’ this is the (kosher) animal etc” and asks that the words ‘saying to them’ seem extra. He answers by connecting this with the reason why Miriam asked Bas Pharoh if she should summons specifically a Jewish wet nurse for Moshe Rabbenu and not any wet nurse. The reason as brought in Rashi is because they had already tried many Mitzri wet nurses and he would not nurse from them. This because he was destined to speak with the Shechina and be a prophet therefore he did not want to nurse from an impure source. The reason why the Torah disallows impure foods is because they give rise to a cruel nature in the body and Hashem is destined to speak with every Jewish person as it says (Yoel 3:1) “Your sons and daughters shall prophesize”. Is it proper that the Shechina should speak with someone who ate impure foods? This is the hint of the extra words of ‘saying to them’ that I will be speaking to them and therefore they should not eat impure things.

By upholding the Chabad standard of kashrus may we be zoche to have the Shechina speak with each and every one of us with the coming of Moshiach Now! 

Announcements - Parshas Shmini

  • Kol Yakov Yehuda is back in full force this Shabbos...and welcomes back all its Mispallelim.
    The shul wishes to thank Rabbi Yitzchok and Chaya Tenenbaum and Rabbi Mendel and Rochel Duchman for all the hard work they put into educating our children. We wish them a hearty Mazel Tov on the birth of their son/grandson. May he give them much nachas and may he grow up to be a true chossid yirei shomaim and lamdan.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Mendy Spalter invite you to a farbrengen this Friday night for the refuah shlaima of Chaya Mushka bas Hadassa Shaina, at the home of Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Duchman - 356 N Fuller Ave.
    To host a Friday night farbrengen in your home please sign up using this link.
  • JEM has launched a weekly publication called “Here’s My Story” - an inspiring story of the Rebbe for your Shabbos table. Click here for this week’s publication. 

Shabbos Schedule - Parshas Shmini

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 6:59 pm
  • Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim: 8:15 am
  • Followed by Rabbi Raichik’s Shiur Chassidus 
  • Tehillim Club: 9:00 am 
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:44 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • Shacharis: 10:15 am
  • Kol Yakov Yehuda: 10:30
  • Mincha: 7:00 pm - Pirkei Avos - Perek 1
  • Shabbos Ends: 8:02 pm
  • Molad of Chodesh Iyar: Wednesday, Nisan 30/April 10, 7:05 pm and 15 chalokim
  • Rosh Chodesh Iyar: Wednesday-Thursday, April 10-11

Sholom Zochor

Rabbi & Mrs. Yitzchok Tennenbaum
Invite the community to a Sholom Zochor
at the home of Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Duchman
356 N Fuller Ave.

Kiddush Sponsors - Parshas Shmini

  • Mr. & Mrs. Reuven Horwitz for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Reuven Horwitz’s mother Leah bas Yosef ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya. 
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Reuven Nathanson in honor of the birth of their granddaughter Devorah Leah. May they have much nachas from her and may she grow up to Torah, to Chupa and to Maasim Tovim.
    Also in honor of Rabbi Reuven Nathanson’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Levi Raichik in honor of Mrs. Miriam Gluck’s birthday. May she have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • The Rubin & Bastomski Families for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Elly Rubin’s husband Kalman ben Menachem Mendel ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya. Also in honor of Mr. Asher Bastomski’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Wolowik in honor of Rabbi Yosef Wolowik’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.

Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Parshas Shmini

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yitzchok Arnold in honor of Rabbi Yitzchok Arnold’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Steve Zipp for the yahrtzeits of Mr. Steve Zipp’s father Dovid ben Sol ob"m, mother Tzivya Esther bas Moshe ob"m, brother Shaul ben Dovid ob"m and brother Mike ben Dovid ob"m. May the neshomos have an aliya.  

Women's Shabbos Shiur - Parshas Shmini

At the home of Mrs. Sima Zeifman
421 N Poinsettia Pl.
6:00 pm
Speaker: Rabbi Yisroel Hecht

Mazal Tov To - Parshas Shmini

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Shalom Ber Levine on the birth of their great grandson (grandson to Rabbi & Mrs. Moshe Bryski) 
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Reuven Nathanson on the birth of their granddaughter Devorah Leah (to Rabbi Shloimeh and Rivki Nathanson)
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yitzchok Tennenbaum on the birth of their son. Mazal tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Duchman.

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Mr. Chaim Elya Kreitenberg - 26 Nisan
  • Shmuel Wolowik - 26 Nisan
  • Rabbi Reuven Nathanson - 28 Nisan
  • Yosef Itzchack Gutierrez - 28 Nisan
  • Mr. Efraim Lezak - 29 Nisan
  • Chaim Vogel - 30 Nisan
  • Rabbi Mendel Goldman - 1 Iyar

A Letter from Rabbi Raichik

Dear Members of Congregation Levi Yitzchok,

I hope you had a meaningful Pesach, Zeman Cheiruanu, and I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy summer.

I would like to give emphasis to a few points that I mentioned at last night’s farbrengen:

Everything is B'hashgacha Protis. This week's Parsha, speaks about Kashrus of meat and fish. The Rebbe answered people many times in regards to health problems, that they should be Zahir in Kashrus of Achila Ushesiya (be meticulous in the kashrus of food and drink).

For that reason, when such a thing happens in our city, it is a wakeup call that we need to be more careful with what we eat and what foods we bring into our homes. We need to not only pay for kosher; we need to actually eat kosher!

Historically, the standard of Kashrus by Chasidei Chabad was very high. The saying of the Rabbiem was: "That which is prohibited is surely prohibited; and even that which is permitted, we don't have to have". Chasidei Chabad refrained from eating anything which they were not 100% sure that it was Kosher to their standards.

Therefore, until this incident is fully resolved and everything is straightened out to our satisfaction, you should not buy any meat nor patronize any restaurant, unless it is from someone whom you personally know and trust that his meat has no Shailos.

In general, one should not eat from any butcher or restaurant (even with a Hashgacha) unless the owner is Shomer Torah uMitzvos and either he or the Mashgiach is present most of the time. If the restaurant owner is either not a Yid, or isn't a Shomer Torah uMitzvos, even the best Hashgachah is not sufficient! The same standard applies for Milchig restaurants and bakeries as well.

The Kosher standards in every restaurant will only be based on the Rav Hamachshir's standards. For example, if the Rav Hamachshir does not require Bishul Yisroel for Tuna, the restaurant will then serve any Kosher tuna, although you may want to eat only tuna that is Bishul Yisroel.

The same with Cholov Yisroel. If the Rav Hamachshir feels that today Cholov Yisroel is only a hiddur, the Rav Hamachshir will permit leniencies in many areas of Cholov Yisroel, although according to Chabad standards Cholov Yisroel is not a Chumara; it is an absolute Din.

There was a Yid, Reb Yisroel Meir Schwartz A"H, who together with R. Moshe Weiss and my father started the first cheder in Los Angeles. (R. Leibel Posner came to teach in that Cheder in the 1950's.) I met R. Yisroel Meir around 15 years ago in a kosher market asking for chicken with a specific Hechsher which the store did not have. The storekeeper offered another chicken with a very good Hechsher, Reb Yisroel Meir nevertheless refused, and told me “that is the chicken I buy... that is my standard. I don't buy any other Hechsher.”

As Chasidaei Chabad, we must maintain our standards diligently!

Wishing you a happy and healthy summer. 
Rabbi Shimon Raichik

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