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Shul Bulletin

Announcements - Mikeitz

  • Click Here for KYY Update. 
  • Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”. 
  • Click here for this week's Lmaan Yishmeu publication. 
  • Click here for a list of our ongoing shiurim. 
  • Click here to pay up all your kibud or yiskor pledges and outstanding membership. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!
  • TEHILIM: Please say tehilim for Aharon ben Dina Nassy.
  • MONDAY night - night of 5 Teves/Jan 2. 30 YEARS TO HEY TEVES!!! Special Exhibit of ancient books and manuscripts, followed by a farbrengen and firsthand account of the events leading up to HEY TEVES. Guest speakers Rabbi Reuven Goldstein & Rabbi Leibel Korf. Click here for more info.

Shabbos Schedule - Mikeitz

  • Mincha Erev Shabbos: 3 & 3:30 pm 
  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 4:35
  • Late Minyan for Kabolos Shabbos: 6:20 pm
  • Chassidus for Early Minyan: 8:45 am
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:27 am
  • Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
  • Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • NO KYY this Shabbbos :((((
  • Mincha: 4:35 pm
  • Shabbos Ends: 5:38 pm
  • Sunday Morning 1st minyan Shacharis: 7:00 am

Sholom Zochor

Rabbi Mendel & Chaya Rochel Cohen
Invite the community to a Sholom Zochor
at 858 N Mansfield Ave.

Kiddush Sponsors - Mikeitz

  • Mr. Arnold Sandlow in honor of his ufruf. May he be Zoche to build a binyan aday ad, and may he and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Shimon Benarroch for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Kelly Benarroch’s siblings Mordechai ben Reb Moshe & Simcha bas Reb Moshe ob”m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Mrs. Judith Davidson for the yahrtzeit her mother Bluma bas Reb Eliezer Hakohen ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Zechariah Davidson in honor of Mrs. Yehudis Davidson’s birthday. May she have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Lerner for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Chaim Lerner’s mother Bassya bas Reb Mordechai ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.

Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Mikeitz

  • Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Anatian for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Rochel Anatian’s father Reb Moshe Pulat ben Reb Bechor ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya. Also in honor of their son Menachem Mendel Yishai’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Levi Benjaminson in honor of Rabbi Levi Benjaminson’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Dovid Drizin in honor of Rabbi Dovid Drizin’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus. 
  • Rabbi Ari & Mrs. Mirale Goldman in honor of their birthdays. May they have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Levin in honor of Mr. Daniel Levin’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Sender Munitz for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Gittie Munitz’s father Reb Yitzchok Yosef ben Reb Avrohom Dov ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Menachem Rubinstein for the yahrtzeit Rabbi Menachem Rubinstein’s father Reb Moshe ben Reb Nosson ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Allan Stark for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Allan Stark’s father Reb Aharon Dovid ben Reb Yitzchok Aizik ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Michael Zaghi in honor of Mr. & Michael Zaghi’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.

Women's Shabbos Shiur & Farbrengen - Mikeitz

4:15 pm at the home of Mrs. Etty Bastomski
418 N Fuller Ave. 
Speaker: Mrs. Chana Rochel Schusterman

Mazal Tov To - Mikeitz

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Sholom Ber Levine on the engagement of their granddaughter Chaya Bryski to Yeruchem Lipszyc.

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Rabbi Naftoli Estulin - 2 Teves
  • Elchonon Dovber Grossman - 3 Teves
  • Menachem Mendel Gelb - 3 Teves
  • Rabbi Dovid Drizin - 4 Teves
  • Avraham Aron Moishe Gertz - 5 Teves
  • Mr. Yossi Rimler - 5 Teves
  • Aaron Schneerson - 6 Teves
  • Idan Schmeidler - 7 Teves
  • Mr. Daniel Levin - 8 Teves
  • Rabbi Levi Benjaminson - 8 Teves
  • Rabbi Yossi Schneerson - 8 Teves

Upcoming Anniversaries

  • Rabbi & Mrs.  Sheye Eichenblatt - 2 Teves

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Reb Moshe Pulat ben Reb Bechor (Mrs. Rochel Anatian’s father) - 2 Teves
  • Chaya Liba bas Reb Yosef (Mr. Mendel-Hilel Ganzburg’s mother) - 2 Teves
  • Reb Yitzchok Yosef ben Reb Avrohom Dov (Mrs. Gittie Munitz’s father) - 3 Teves
  • Simcha bas Reb Moshe (Mrs. Kelly Benarroch’s sister) - 3 Teves
  • Risha bas Reb Tzvi Hirsh (Mr. Milton Goodman’s mother) - 3 Teves
  • Reb Chaim ben Reb Aryeh Leib (Rabbi Dovid Morris’s father) - 4 Teves
  • Reb Chaim ben Reb Avraham Halevi (Mrs. Debbie Tibor’s father) - 4 Teves
  • Bluma bas Reb Eliezer Hakohen (Mr. Zechariah Davidson’s grandmother) - 5 Teves
  • Tsharna Gittel bas Reb Yaakov (Rabbi Shmuel Stroll’s mother) - 5 Teves
  • Reb Aharon Dovid ben Reb Yitzchok Aizik (Mr. Allan Stark’s father) - 6 Teves
  • Chaya Barbera bas Reb Binyomin (Mr. Jon Engelson’s mother) - 8 Teves

Devar Torah - Mikeitz

The Truth:
Eretz Yisroel was given by Hashem Echod
to the Jewish People who are Am Echod!
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

A Freilichin Chanukah!  This year on Erev Chanukah the world proclaimed at the UN that the Western wall has no inherent sanctity nor does it belong to the Jewish people, rather it is occupied Palestinian territory. As in the times of Antiochus this wasn’t only a physical struggle, it was mainly a spiritual battle over kedusha, a struggle about our identity and purpose, the struggle of the soul of the Jewish people and the Torah. 

In those days the Greeks didn’t care about learning the Torah per se, what they would not allow was if it was learned because it was the Torah of Hashem. To say that a mitzvah is divine and that it is the will of Hashem was the problem the Greeks had with the Jews.

Today this struggle has repeated itself. They are trying to forbid us from proclaiming that Eretz Yisroel and Jerusalem are holy places and that Har HaBayis is the place of the Beis HaMikdash. They are doing their best to tell us how we must live.

When we had Jerusalem and the Beis HaMikdash the Greeks tried their best to mandate how we should live and how to practice Judaism. The greatest possible form of galus is not when we have been banished from our land.  It is when we were on our land with our Torah in the place of the Mikdash, and there we were being forced and pressured to give up; this is the darkest form of galus. Chanukah teaches us to have bitachon in Hashem and to live with it.  We take our strength from Hashem; from Him we take our cues and never from world opinion.  By speaking clearly with the resolve backed with our bitachon in Hashem and His Torah we will succeed.

The message from Chanukah and from current events is relevant in our personal lives as well. Sometimes we think it’s better to give in a little here and there, after all this isn’t the shtetl. This week taught us that when we run after acceptance, more often than not it comes to stab us in the back, or in the front. Also when we stand strong we prevent these things from happening in the first place.

Rabbi Alter Ben-Tzion Metzger told a story about a trip he took to Russia in the years before perestroika. One morning while in a Shul as they were taking out the Sefer Torah, he took notice of particular Jew. (In the prayer of ‘Baruch Shmei’ which is recited by the opening of the Holy Ark it states: “I do not put my trust in man, nor do I place my reliance on an angel, but only in the G-d of heaven who is the true (in Hebrew ‘k’shoit’) G-d, who’s Torah is truth (k’shoit), whose prophets are true (k’shoit), and who performs numerous deeds of goodness and truth (k’shoit). I put my trust in Him, and I utter praises to His holy and glorious Name.”) As this man recited the ‘Baruch Shmei’ passage every time he reached the word ‘k’shoit’ he said that word very loud; with a lot of passion. Rabbi Metzger wasn’t able to say anything to the man due to the dangers of spies planted everywhere.  If he said anything to anyone he could cause him harm. Nevertheless he felt the man had a message he was trying to express, so as the man was leaving the Shul he said him: “k’shoit!” The man turned and said “At least one person here understands”. Rabbi Metzger understood him to be saying that we live in a world full of falseness and lies. What is real (true)? The G-d of heaven is true (k’shoit), His Torah is truth (k’shoit), and His prophets are true (k’shoit).We keep this in mind and by remembering these things; that The G-d of heaven is true (k’shoit), His Torah is truth (k’shoit); His prophets are true (k’shoit) that the Rebbe is true and that Chassidus is true, we are able to live truthfully. Living truthfully means to live without compromising the truth, right down to the small details. When we live with the truth we are able to overcome all difficulties because the candle of the mitzvos, and the light of the Torah guide us.

When we look back over all the words of truth the Rebbe spoke with regard to Eretz Yisroel (“His prophets are true”) we now can clearly see that had we followed then, we would be in a different, and much better position today. The Rebbe said over and over that peace couldn’t be achieved through giving away land or dismantling settlements (this would include to never to speak about a two state solution). He also said that even the discussion of giving away land is a sign of weakness and causes harm. After Secretary of State Kerry’s terrible remarks this last week, pundits defend his words by saying that Jews in Israel also agree with giving away the land and also state that it’s occupied Palestinian territory. Had we stood strong in the beginning and spoken in unison notwithstanding all the world’s pressure, the truth as the Rebbe told us, that Eretz Yisroel belongs to the Jews because Hashem gave it to us and not because of the Balfour Declaration or any statement of the UN, the world would have come to it’s senses by now. In the meanwhile they use our agreement with them against us. The Maccabees, who were true, also saw into the future. They saw that if we dismantle any part of Judaism, they would try to dismantle all of it all in the end (which is what the Greeks tried to do).

The shemen, the oil of the Torah is what gives us the strength hold on and to remain strong. It gives us the ability to see beyond the horizon, to see past the golus and to see the beginning of Moshiach, a time where the whole world will serve Hashem as one community.

A Good Shabbos, A Good Chodesh and a Freilichin Chanukah!

Chabad Chodesh - Teves

The new issue of the "Chabad Chodesh"
is now available online by clicking here

Mincha Erev Shabbos Mekeitz

Mincha - Erev Shabbos
will iy"H take palce
12:37, 3 & 3:30 pm 

Good Shabbos 

Shul Chanukah Party

IMG-20161214-WA0031.jpg

Announcements - Vayeishev

  • Click Here for KYY Update. 
  • Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”. 
  • Click here for this week's Lmaan Yishmeu publication. 
  • Click here for a list of our ongoing shiurim. 
  • Click here to pay up all your kibud or yiskor pledges and outstanding membership. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!
  • TEHILIM: Please say tehilim for Aharon ben Dina Nassy.
  • CHANUKAH FARBRENGEN'S: A Farbrengen will take place IY”H every night of Chanukah in our Shul beginning @ 9:30 PM with a guest speaker & a sponsor to be announced. Starting Sunday night.
  • MONDAY: 26 Kislev/December 26. Shul Chanukah Party - Featuring the incredible mind reader LOU SERRANO. Click here for more info.
  • TUESDAY: Shloshim for Mrs. Frankel's mother, 7:45 pm for women in the her home 109 S Vista St. 
  • SAVE THE DATE:  Monday night - night of 5 Teves/Jan 2. 30 YEARS TO HEY TEVES!!! Special Exhibit of ancient books and manuscripts, followed by a farbrengen and firsthand account of the events leading up to HEY TEVES. Guest speakers Rabbi Reuven Goldstein & Rabbi Leibel Korf. Click here for more info.

Shabbos Schedule - Vayeishev

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 4:31 pm
  • Late Minyan for Kabolos Shabbos: 6:20 pm
  • Shabbos Mevorchim Tehillim: 8:15 am
  • Followed by a Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik
  • Thillim Club: 9:00 am
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:24 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • Shacharis: 10:15 am
  • KYY: 10:15 am
  • Mincha: 4:30 pm
  • Shabbos Ends: 5:34 pm
  • We light the first Chanukah candle Motzoei Shabbos. 
    Plag Haminchah on Sunday 26 Kislev, 3:48 pm. Sunset 4:50 pm.
  • Sunday Minyanim Shacharis: 6:30, 7, & 7:20 etc. 
  • Molad for Chodesh Teves: Thursday, Kislev 29/December 29, 4:52 am and 7 chalokim.
  • Rosh Chodesh Teves: Friday, December 30.

Sholom Zochor & Bris - Vayeishev

Yecheskel & Nachama Raeburn
Invite the community to a Sholom Zochor
at 451 N Poinsettia Pl.

The Bris will iy”h take place
Shabbos afternoon 12:30pm
at 451 N Poinsettia Pl.

Kiddush Sponsors - Vayeishev

  • Rabbi & Mrs, Shmuly Sufrin invite the community to a kiddush upstairs for the Bar-Mitzvah of their son. May he give them much nachas and may he grow up to be a true chossid yirei shomaim and lamdan.

Women's Shabbos Shiur & Farbrengen - Vayeishev

4:15 pm at the home of Mrs. Sima Zeifman
421 N Poinsettia Pl. 
Speaker: Rabbi Yisroel Hecht

Mazal Tov To - Vayeishev

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Dovid Mishulovin on the engagement of their granddaughter Chani Mishulovin to Saadia Weingarten.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Ben-Zion Oster on the birth of their granddaughter (to Shlomie & Mushka Kagan.)
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yecheskel Raeburn on the birth of their son.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Meir Schmukler on the marriage of their daughter Bassie to Chaim Asher Landa. Mazal tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Zalmen Schmukler.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Zalmen Schmukler on the engagement of their granddaughter Chaya Mushka Schmukler to Shneur Zalman Munitz.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuly Sufrin on the bar-mitzvah of their son. Mazal tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Goldman.

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Yaakov Wolowik - 24 Kislev
  • Mr. Avi Hecht - 24 Kislev
  • Mr. Shmuel David Faynerman - 24 Kislev
  • Mr. Arthur Diller - 25 Kislev
  • Mr. Zechariah Davidson - 27 Kislev
  • Sholom Yehuda Gorelik - 27 Kislev
  • Hatomin Menachem Mendel Yishai Anatian - 28 Kislev
  • Rabbi Yakov Greenbaum - 28 Kislev
  • Rabbi Ari Goldman - 28 Kislev
  • Rabbi Chayim Mishulovin - 28 Kislev
  • Mr. Michael Zaghi - 29 Kislev

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Reb Gershon ben Reb Dovid (Mrs. Roberta Solomon’s father) - 28 Kislev
  • Devorah bas Reb Yechiel Shraga Faivish Halevi (Rabbi Yitzchok Arnold’s mother) - 28 Kislev
  • Bassya bas Reb Mordechai (Mr. Chaim Lerner’s mother) - 1 Teves
  • Reb Moshe ben Reb Nosson (Rabbi Menachem Rubinstein’s father) - 1 Teves

Devar Torah - Vayeishev

What did Yud Tes Kislev do for me?
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

This week was Yud Tes Kislev, the Rosh Hashana of Chassidus. Everyone knows the story of the arrest and liberation of the Alter Rebbe. When we attend farbrengens on Yud Tes Kislev we need to take practical lessons that we can apply to our daily lives. The following is what I was thinking about what would be best to take from Yud Tes Kislev this year.

The Alter Rebbe is known as the author of the Tanya and the Shulchan Aruch. It is known that the Tanya was printed two years before the imprisonment of the Alter Rebbe. Due to its printing, and the dissemination of Chassidus in the way of Chabad there was a kitrug, a decree on high. Therefore, when the liberation of the Alter Rebbe occurred all opposition towards spreading the teachings of Chassidus was defeated. From that point onward, it became our responsibility to do all we can to apply and spread the teachings of Chassidus in even a greater measure.

Since the Tanya has 53 chapters, we need guidance on which chapters to focus in specific. In 1976, the Rebbe inaugurated the year of Chinuch. On Thursday night, Rosh Chodesh Iyar, the Rebbe made a special farbrengen. In this farbrengen he explained the first six of the twelve Pesukim and Maamorei Chazal. On Lag B’omer of that year, he added the other six. There are four phrases from the Tanya found in the Yud Beis Pesukim.

The first is from the title page of the Tanya. It quotes the posuk, “Ki karuv eilecha hadavor me’od b’ficha u’bilvavcha lasoso” – The Torah and Mitzvos are very close to you in speech, thought, and action. The entire sefer HaTanya is based on this pasuk about how the Torah and Mitzvos are close to us. Even though a young child is preoccupied with his own play, food and toys, we need to guide him or her to think about Torah and Mitzvos as something that is very precious, something to hold dear. He or she also needs to think that the Torah and Mitzvos are everlasting and have been given to all of us today (even here in California and in Los Angeles).

In Chapter 41 of Tanya it says that Hashem placed aside the higher and lower realms and unified His Kingship upon us. This was so that we should do a Mitzvah. The Tanya reads: “v’hinei Hashem nitzav alav umalo kol ha’aretz kevodo umabit alav ubochein klayos balev, im avdo k’raui - Hashem stands upon us, He fills the entire world with His honor, and He is staring upon us intently to see if we serve Him properly. It needs to be our focus that Hashem cares to know what we will do next. We need to ask ourselves what is our focus in our lives, and what can we do next to serve Hashem properly.

In Chapter 33 it says:“Ze kol ha’adam v’tachlis briaso elyonim v’sachtonim liyos lo dirah zuh btachtonim” – This is the entire purpose of man’s creation and the creation of all the higher and lower realms, to make a dwelling for Him here in the lower world. From this we need to realize our purpose in life. What is important is that I have a shlichus to make a dwelling place for Hashem. This realization brings to: “Yismach Yisroel B’osav; Pirush, shekel mi shehu mizerah yisroel yesh lo lismoach b’simchas Hashem asher sas v’sameach b’diraso b’tachtonim.” – Yidden should rejoice in their maker. Meaning, that anyone that is Jewish should rejoice in Hashem’s simcha, that he is joyous and happy in his dwelling place down here.

When we think into these four points from these four quotes in the Tanya, we come to the conclusion that we are on a shlichus to make a dwelling for Hashem. The making of this dwelling place brings Hashem great simcha in which we rejoice as well. We remain constantly aware that Hashem is watching us and that it all within our reach. It’s not too difficult to act like a Chossid in the fashion the Rebbe has shown us.

The Rebbe spoke often in Yechidus and in letters about the importance of thinking about chapter 41 of Tanya. He spoke of the great importance of thinking about the fact that Hashem is with us. Once, a person asked the Rebbe that he learns the beginning of 41st chapter (until “haMelech”) but it doesn’t affect him. The Rebbe answered that the more he will think into it and focus upon it, the greater the memory and impact of it will be. This teaches us is that we need to take time and if we do it will change us for the better. Through this we will be Chassidim of the Rebbe and do what the Rebbe wants.

Tamir Shiva

Mr. Rami Tamir is sitting shiva until Wednesday
on the passing of his father Eliyahu Tzvi ben Moshe ob"m.

Address: 3380 Bear Creek Dr. 91320.
Phone: (805) 499-6662.
Minyonim: Maariv: 8:30 pm.

Hamakom Yenachem Eschem B'soch Sheor Avalei Tzion V'yerushalayim.  Vehukeetzu Veranenu Shochnay Ufur vehu besochom! 

TONIGHT!!! 19 Kislev Community-Wide Farbrengen

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Announcements - Vayishlach

  • Click Here for KYY Update. 
  • Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”. 
  • Click here for this week's Lmaan Yishmeu publication. 
  • Click here for a list of our ongoing shiurim. 
  • Click here to pay up all your kibud or yiskor pledges and outstanding membership. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!
  • NICHUM AVEILIM: Mr. Rami Tamir is sitting shiva until Wednesday on the passing of his father Eliyahu Tzvi ben Moshe ob"m. Address: 3380 Bear Creek Dr. 91320. Phone: (805) 499-6662. Minyonim: Maariv: 8:30 pm. Hamakom Yenachem Eschem B'soch Sheor Avalei Tzion V'yerushalayim.  Vehukeetzu Veranenu Shochnay Ufur vehu besochom! 
  • TEHILIM: Please say tehilim for Aharon ben Dina Nassy.
  • SUNDAY:  Community-Wide 19 Kislev Farbrengen. 7:45 pm at Moshe Ganz Hall - 360 N La Brea. Guest Speaker: Rabbi Chaim Schochet. Click here for more info.
  • SAVE THE DATE:  Monday, 26 Kislev/December 26. Shul Chanukah Party - Featuring the incredible mind reader LOU SERRANO. Click here for more info.

Shabbos Schedule - Vayishlach

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 4:27
  • Late Minyan for Kabolos Shabbos: 6:20 pm
  • Chassidus for Early Minyan: 8:45 am
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:20 am
  • Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
  • Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • KYY: 10:00 am
  • Mincha: 4:25 pm
  • Shabbos Ends: 5:30 pm
  • FATHER & SON LEARNING: 6:45-7:45 pm

Kiddush Sponsors - Vayishlach

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Shloime Arnold in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together. Also in honor of their daughter Menucha Rochel’s birthday. May she have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Davidoff for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Esther Davidoff’s father Reb Aaron ben Reb Boruch ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Fischel Grossman in honor of Rabbi Fischel Grossman’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Mordechai Leaderman in honor of Rabbi Mordechai Leaderman’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.

Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Vayishlach

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Levi Benjaminson in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Zalmy Fogelman in honor of Rabbi Zalmy Fogelman’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus. Also in honor of their daughter Chaya’s birthday. May she have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Zalmy Klyne in honor of Rabbi Zalmy Klyne’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Steve Zipp in honor of Mr. Steve Zipp’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.

Women's Shabbos Shiur & Farbrengen - Vayishlach

4:15 pm at the home of Mrs. Tova Levine
361 N Vista 
Speaker: Mrs. Doonie Mishulovin

Mazal Tov To - Vayishlach

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Binyomin Kaplan on the birth of their granddaughter (to Mendy & Mushka Drihem.)

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Mr. Joseph Michael Dunn - 17 Kislev
  • Rabbi Zalmy Fogelman - 17 Kislev
  • Shneur Zalman Freeman - 17 Kislev
  • Rabbi Fischel Grossman - 18 Kislev
  • Mr. Steve Zipp - 18 Kislev
  • Zalman Labkowsky - 18 Kislev
  • Rabbi Zalman Schmukler - 19 Kislev
  • Rabbi Mordechai Leaderman - 19 Kislev
  • Shlomo Mordechai Brooker - 20 Kislev
  • Moshe Zalman Wachtel - 21 Kislev
  • Rabbi Zalmy Klyne - 21 Kislev
  • Mr. Yosef Shagalov - 22 Kislev
  • Moshe Davidson - 23 Kislev

Upcoming Anniversaries

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Shaya Berkowitz - 19 Kislev
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Levi Benjaminson - 19 Kislev
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yecheskel Raeburn - 19 Kislev
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Shloime Arnold - 20 Kislev
  • Mr. & Mrs. Aviv Topps - 22 Kislev

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Reb Aaron ben Reb Boruch (Mrs. Esther Davidoff’s father) - 19 Kislev
  • Chaya bas Reb Avrohom (Rabbi Benyomin Hoffman’s mother) - 20 Kislev
  • Reb Yeshayohu ben Reb Aharon (Mrs. Fradel Bukiet’s father) - 20 Kislev
  • Reb Shlomi ben Reb Ezra (Mrs. Ariela Hecht’s father) - 21 Kislev

Devar Torah - Vayishlach

We ascend to a Higher Level
when we participate in Yud Tes Kislev

By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

The Alter Rebbe once said that he guarantees anyone who will take part in his simcha of Yud Tes Kislev that they will be taken out: from constraints and limitations to growth and expansion; from materiality to spirituality; and from gehenom. The Rebbe Rashab explained that all three of these are correct. He explained further that gehenom refers to this world. With all of the commotion and confusion of this world it’s difficult to see one’s life purpose. Usually all that we can see is the day directly in front of us with all of its challenges and demands. The Alter Rebbe guarantees that when we participate in Yud Tes Kislev we ascend from this commotion to a higher level (and from there we can ascend the highest levels). 

 

What do we need to do, how do we properly participate in the Alter Rebbe’s simcha? The previous Rebbe quoted (In the year 5693-1938 during his last Yud Tes Kislev in Poland. The Rebbe repeated and explained this further on Yud Tes Kislev 5719-1958) the Tzemach Tzedek who said that we need to hold on to the Alter Rebbe’s doorknob. The previous Rebbe explained that it means to set aside times to study Chassidus on a regular basis (On Shavous that year he added: “With ahavas Yisroel”).

Our preparation for Yud Tes Kislev is to arouse our connection to the Alter Rebbe who will help us. We do this by holding onto his doorknob; by learning Chassidus we become connected to the Alter Rebbe and all of the Rabbeim. This connection isn’t reserved to once or twice a year on a special Yom Tov, it’s a constant connection. Through that connection our hearts and minds remain united with the Rebbe, which strengthens all aspects of our service of Hashem. The Rebbe has explained that we accomplish our purpose in this world by having an active connection to Yaakov Avinu.

My father would recite Tefillas Haderech daily. He once told Reb Meir Harlig that when on a trip our custom is to recite Tefillas Haderech daily without Shem and Malchus (without Hashem’s name and the word ‘Melech’ in the bracha). He then told him that when he leaves 770 he says Tefillas Haderech daily without Shem and Malchus. When he is in 770 he doesn’t say it because he is at home and we don’t recite Tefillas Haderech when we are at home.

My father was not a Chosid of the Alter Rebbe; he was a Chosid from Los Angeles for close to 50 years. Nevertheless his heart and mind was by the Rebbe no matter where he was, and this is how he succeeded (see volume 10 of Likutei Sichos parshas Vayishlach on this topic at length). 

Some feel that although my father, as well as many other Chassidim lived this way, nowadays this kind of level is impossible to achieve.  The answer to this is to be found in a story from the previous Rebbe. Once, the previous Rebbe sent two Chassidim, Rav Shmuel Livitan and Rav Eliyahu Simpson to Chicago to meet with a Mr. Lisner. Mr. Lisner’s great-grandfather was a Chosid of the Alter Rebbe who lived during the times of the liberation of the Alter Rebbe on Yud Tes Kislev (There is a known Sicha about his great grandfather).  After meeting with them, Mr. Lisner went for his checkbook while asking them why came (what cause). They told him that they didn’t come for money.  He became confused. In front of him were two elderly Chassidim who traveled 16 hours by train from New York to Chicago to sit and drink 7-Up and tell stories about is great grandfather? He didn’t get it, what was the catch? He didn’t realize they were there to fulfill the will and desire of the previous Rebbe that he would become aroused to return to his roots. A Rabbi from Chicago at the time Rabbi Perlstein explained to Mr. Lisner with an example. Just as a sofer, a scribe fixes a Sefer Torah when the letters become cracked and faded, so too there are spiritual sofrim. Every Jew is like a letter in the Torah. Over time that letter of can become cracked and faded when he or she neglects or forgets to learn the Torah and do mitzvos (Shabbos, Tefillin etc.). These two Rabbis, Rav Shmuel Livitan and Rav Eliyahu Simpson are spiritual sofrim, they came here to fill in the ink, to strengthen you and help you live up to your greatest potential. Mr. Lisner loved the explanation, he now understood why they came and truly appreciated their visit. When Rav Shmuel Livitan and Rav Eliyahu Simpson returned to New York they went into the previous Rebbe for yechidus. When they told over what occurred they repeated the explanation of Rabbi Perlstein and how much Mr. Lisner appreciated it. The previous Rebbe wasn’t very pleased by the explanation. Seeing this, Rav Shmuel quoted the Gemara that says clearly that a Jew is like a Sefer Torah! To do this the Rebbe responded; surely a Jew is like a Sefer Torah but not like ink on parchment, he is never cracked nor faded. A Jew is like letters carved in stone. You just need someone to wash and polish the stone.

Internally, we are all complete.  We have all that we need to stay connected; we were never lost. Our neshamos might just need bit of washing and polishing, which is accomplished by learning Chassidus to reveal who we really are. We don’t have to wait around for someone to show up with a brush and polish, we are able to take matters into our own hands. By taking part in Yud Tes Kislev we are bonded with all the Rabbeim and this gives us the strength to get out of our own galus and help all of us get out of galus altogether, ascending together to greet Moshiach now.

Good Shabbos, Good Yom Tov. L’Shana Tovah b’Limud haChassidus v’Darchei HaChassidus 

Early Mincha today

Early Mincha today and the Grunfeld Shiva
1 pm @ 335 N McCadden Pl. 
If you are able, please help make the minyan.

Good Shabbos - Besuros Tovos 

SAVE THE DATE: Shul Chanukah Party

IMG-20161214-WA0031.jpg

Grunfeld Shiva

Aaron and Jeffrey Grunfeld are sitting shiva until Sunday
on the passing of their mother Sarah Bas Avraham Yaccov ob"m.

They will be in LA starting Thursday.
Address: 335 N McCadden Pl. 

Minyonim & Times:
Thursday Shacharis - 9am. Visiting hours until 12 noon, and 4-7pm.
Friday- Shacharis- 7am. Visiting hours until 12 noon, Mincha 2pm.
Moitze Shabbos visiting hours 7-10pm.
Getting up Sunday after Shacharis @ 7am.

Hamakom Yenachem Eschem B'soch Sheor Avalei Tzion V'yerushalayim.  Vehukeetzu Veranenu Shochnay Ufur vehe besochom!  

Shiva info for Reb Mendel Itkin's son

Yossi Itkin's is sitting shiva until Friday on the passing of his father.
Address: 5861 Goodland Ave. Valley Village 91607.
Minyanim: Shacharis: 6:30 am, Mincha Maariv: 4:30 pm 
Please no visitors from 12-2 pm 

 Hamakom Yenachem Eschem B'soch Sheor Avalei Tzion V'yerushalayim.  Vehukeetzu Veranenu Shochnay Ufur vehu besochom! 

BCM & Cheder Charidy Campaign

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If we don't reach our goal within the next 24 hours, your donation will be returned.

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Announcements - Vayeitzei

  • Click Here for KYY Update. 
  • Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”. 
  • Click here for this week's Lmaan Yishmeu publication. 
  • Click here for a list of our ongoing shiurim. 
  • Click here to pay up all your kibud or yiskor pledges and outstanding membership. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!
  • TEHILIM: Please say tehilim for Aharon ben Dina Nassy.

Shabbos Schedule - Vayeitzei

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 4:25
  • Late Minyan for Kabolos Shabbos: 6:20 pm
  • Chassidus for Early Minyan: 8:45 am
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:16 am
  • Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
  • Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • KYY: 10:00 am
  • Mincha: 4:25 pm
  • Shabbos Ends: 5:28 pm
  • FATHER & SON LEARNING: 6:45-7:45 pm

Kiddush Sponsors - Vayeitzei

  • Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Fishman in honor of Yud Kislev. May they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Simcha Frankel in honor of Rabbi Simcha Frankel’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Binyomin Kaplan in honor of Yud Kislev. May they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
  • The Raichik Family for the yahrtzeit of their mother’s mother Sima bas Reb Avrohom ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya. Also for the yahrtzeit of their father’s father Reb Shimon ben Reb Avrohom Gershon Halevi hy”d. May the neshomo have an aliya. Also for the yahrtzeit of their father’s siblings Yehuda Areye, Chaim Shamay, Yisroel Meir Fishel, Chaya Fareida, Soro Pesil, Rivka, Hanya Faiga bnei Reb Shimon Halevi hy”d. May the neshomos have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Dovid Thaler in honor of their son Shmuly’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus. Also in honor of the recent birth of their granddaughter Priva Thaler in Milwaukee. May they have much nachas from her and may she grow up to Torah, to Chupa and to Maasim Tovim. Also in honor of the birth of their grandson born on Thursday in Pittsburgh. May they be zoche to bring him leberiso shel avrohom avinu metoch Simcha vetuv leivav, and may they have much nachas from him and may he grow up to Torah, to Chupa and to Maasim Tovim.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Meilach Weiss in honor of the birthday and upsherin of their grandson Kehos Weiss. May they have much nachas from him and may he grow up to Torah, to Chupa and to Maasim Tovim.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Wolowik in honor of Yud Kislev. May they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Avrohom Zajac in honor of Yud Kislev. May they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.

Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Vayeitzei

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuel Raigorodsky for a refua shleima of Menachem Mendel ben Sima Chasya. May he have a complete and speedy recovery and may we all be zoche to the geula shleima NOW!
  • Mr. & Mrs. Steve Zipp for a refua shleima of Miriam bas Sonya. May she have a complete and speedy recovery and may we all be zoche to the geula shleima NOW!

Women's Shabbos Shiur & Farbrengen - Vayeitzei

4:15 pm at the home of Mrs. Sima Zeifman
421 N Poinsettia Pl. 
Speaker: Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz

Mazal Tov To - Vayeitzei

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Dovid Thaler on the birth of their grandson (to Zalmy & Shoshi Thaler.)
  • Mr. & Mrs. Meilach Weiss on the upsherin of their grandson Kehos Weiss. 
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yerachmiel Wolowik on the birth of their granddaughter (to Yanky & Chaya Mushka Wolowik.) Mazal tov to the great- grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Dovid Mishulovin.

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Shneur Zalman Arnold - 10 Kislev
  • Rabbi Shmuel Thaler - 10 Kislev
  • Nesanel Chananya Soussana - 10 Kislev
  • Mr. Mendel-Hilel Ganzburg - 10 Kislev
  • Rabbi Simcha Frankel - 10 Kislev
  • Rabbi Moshe Levin - 11 Kislev
  • Mendel Berger - 13 Kislev
  • Rabbi Mendel Simons - 14 Kislev
  • Menachem Mendel Fogelman - 14 Kislev
  • Mr. Israel Goldshmid - 15 Kislev
  • Rabbi Gershon Schusterman - 15 Kislev
  • Mr. Avrohom Aron Grunfeld - 16 Kislev

Upcoming Anniversaries

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Sruly Yusevitch - 10 Kislev
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yossi Solomon - 14 Kislev
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Moishe Carlebach - 14 Kislev
  • Mr. & Mrs. Avrohom Aron Grunfeld - 15 Kislev

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Harav Menachem Mendel ben Reb Nochum Labkowsky - 10 Kislev
  • Shulamis bas Reb Tzvi Hirsh (Rabbi Jonathan Glabman’s mother) - 12 Kislev
  • Reb Leib ben Julius (Mrs. Vickie Elson’s father) - 13 Kislev
  • Henya Malka bas Reb Shmuel (Mrs. Yudka Etka Winograd’s mother) - 15 Kislev

Devar Torah - Vayeitzei

Everyone Needs an Anchor
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

In this weeks parsha we learn about Yaakov’s journey to Charan, his life there and how he worked for Lavan for 20 years.  During those 20 years of hard work he married his wives, had children, the shevatim and amassed a great wealth. When he finally left Charan to return to his father’s home Lavan chased him.  In the end they came to an agreement and built a wall of separation and peace. This story happened so long ago, what does it teach us and how is it relevant to our lives today?

The Ohr HaChayim HaHadosh explains that this story is a metaphor for every Jew: just as Yaakov descended to Charan, so too a soul descends into this world. Lavan represents the deception of this world. When a Jew is aware and works with this mindset he cannot get lost. We don’t get lost when we remember our ID, that we have a neshama and that we have a purpose. When Yaakov took the sheep of Lavan he brought them from the domain of idolatry into the possessions of a Tzaddik which elevated them to Kedusha. This is relevant to each one of us as well. By using our physical environment in the service of Hashem we convert it to Kedusha. 

The Medresh says that Yaakov didn’t sleep for all the years that he worked for Lavan. What did he do to stay anchored to his purpose? What did he say during all those cold nights that he tended the sheep? The Medresh explains that he said the 15 Shir HaMaalos, songs of elevation that are found in Tehillim. In those 15 chapters it says: “From where will my help come from?” “My help will come from Hashem, the Maker of heaven and earth” The meaning of this is that he was saying that Hashem helped him spiritually and gave him strength to endure during the many years of challenge and hardship by Lavan.  What is the significance of them being 15 prayers specifically? 15 represent the z’chus the merit of his forefathers, Avraham and Yitzchok.  The reason they represent them is because 15 is the number of years that the Patriarchs Avraham Yitzchok and Yaakov were together here in this world. During all his travail he did not lose his connection to his father or his grandfather. This was his anchor.  Today we all need an anchor.

Sometime after my father passed, my mother called and asked me to come over. When I arrived she showed me something she came across in father’s weekday kapote. It was an envelope with two letters folded up inside of it. The first one was a letter from the previous Rebbe dated Teves 5710-1950, the last letter he had received. It was in three pieces that was taped together.  The second letter was from the Rebbe dated 5712-1952. It was in four pieces with the sides and top missing from so much use. He carried it with him for 45 years; he opened and closed it. He kept it near and dear to him. It was his anchor.  Both letters spoke about shlichus. The Rebbe’s letter spoke about being in Los Angeles on shlichus. The Rebbe said not to feel that he is far away in exile while in Los Angeles, longing for the opportunity to return. So for over 45 years he kept them with him, opening and closing them, thinking about his connection to the Rebbe and his purpose. So to for us, we are not alone, and we too need to focus on our purpose here.

Just as Yaakov completed his shlichus by saying the 15 Shir HaMaalos with simcha, so to us, by staying anchored, connected to the Rebbe and praying for a z’chus a merit with simcha, we too will accomplish our shlichus in this world and return to our father Yitzchok with the coming of Moshiach Now

A Good Shabbos

Reminder!!! Farbrengen for men tonight

Farbrengen for men tonight (Thur) 
8 pm in shul
in honor of Tes Kislev

REMINDERS

Start saying V'Sein Tal Umatar L'vracha TONIGHT!!

The Chassidus Initiative TONIGHT!!
8 PM in shul.
Topic: The nullity of the worlds & Creation Ex Nihilo.
Presented by Eli Chitrik.

Announcements - Toldos

  • Click Here for KYY Update. 
  • Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”. 
  • Click here for this week's Lmaan Yishmeu publication. 
  • Click here for a list of our ongoing shiurim. 
  • Click here to pay up all your kibud or yiskor pledges and outstanding membership. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!
  • SUNDAY: The Chassidus Initiative - 8 PM in shul. Topic: The nullity of the worlds & Creation Ex Nihilo. Presented by Eli Chitrik.
  • THURSDAY: 8 pm for men in shul in honor of Tes-Yud Kislev.
  • TEHILIM: Please say tehilim for Aharon ben Dina Nassy.
  • TZEISCHEM LESHALOM: to Mr. Shmuel & Malka Stroll on their move to Eretz Yisroel. May it be meshane makom meshane mazal letova ulivracha and may we all join them with the coming of Moshiach NOW!!! 

Shabbos Schedule - Toldos

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 4:25
  • Late Minyan for Kabolos Shabbos: 6:20 pm
  • Chassidus for Early Minyan: 8:45 am
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:12 am
  • Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
  • Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • KYY: 10:00 am
  • Mincha: 4:25 pm
  • Shabbos Ends: 5:28 pm
  • FATHER & SON LEARNING: 6:45-7:45 pm

Kiddush Sponsors - Toldos

  • Tzeischem Leshalom to Mr. Shmuel & Malka Stroll on their move to Eretz Yisroel. May it be meshane makom meshane mazal letova ulivracha and may we all join them with the coming of Moshiach NOW!!!
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yisroel Bastomski for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Yisroel Bastomski’s grandfather Reb Yisroel ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Goldman in honor of the Stroll family moving to Eretz Yisroel. May it be meshane makom meshane mazal letova ulivracha and may we all join them with the coming of Moshiach NOW!!! 
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Fischel Grossman for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Fischel Grossman’s father Reb Nota Moshe ben Reb Tzvi ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Dr. Martin Leaderman in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Berl Sroka for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Berl Sroka’s mother Miriam bas Reb Pesach Halevi ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yonah Mordechai Weiss in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.
    Also for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Hadassah Weiss’s father Reb Ben-Zion Yisroel Meir ben Reb Menachem Monish ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.

Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Toldos

  • Mr. & Mrs. Yirmiyahu Andrusier in honor of Mr. Yirmiyahu Andrusier’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus. 
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Zalmen Friedman in honor of Rabbi Zalmen Friedman’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Ari Kaufman in honor of Mrs. Chanah Ainyah Kaufman’s birthday. May she have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yisroel Munitz in honor of Rabbi Yisroel Munitz’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.

Women's Shabbos Shiur & Farbrengen - Toldos

4:15 pm at the home of Mrs. Sima Zeifman
421 N Poinsettia Pl. 
Speaker: Rabbi Yisroel Hecht

Mazal Tov To - Toldos

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Avremy Schochet on the birth of their daughter. Mazal tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Ezra Schochet.

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Rabbi Eli Feiner - 3 Kislev
  • Yecheskel Pinson - 3 Kislev
  • Menachem Mendel Levenberg - 4 Kislev
  • Michoel Gavriel Wachtel - 4 Kislev
  • Dr. Sholem Gimpel - 4 Kislev
  • Mr. Mordy Gluckowsky - 5 Kislev
  • Shneur Zalman Plotke - 5 Kislev
  • Rabbi Yerachmiel Helfant - 5 Kislev
  • Mr. Yirmiyahu Andrusier - 6 Kislev
  • Mr. Tzvika Grossman - 6 Kislev
  • Avremi Raichik - 6 Kislev
  • Mr. Noteh Berger - 7 Kislev
  • Shmuel Berger - 7 Kislev
  • Rabbi Yisroel Munitz - 8 Kislev
  • Rabbi Yosef Y. Shusterman - 8 Kislev

Upcoming Anniversaries

  • Mr. & Mrs. David Rafael Gutierrez - 3 Kislev
  • Mr. & Mrs. Ariel Haratz - 4 Kislev
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yonah Mordechai Weiss - 7 Kislev
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Mishulovin - 7 Kislev
  • Rabbi & Dr. Martin Leaderman - 7 Kislev
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yrachmiel Wolowik - 8 Kislev

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Miriam bas Reb Pesach Halevi (Mr. Berl Sroka’s mother) - 3 Kislev
  • Beila Guta bas Reb Yechiel (Mrs. Leah Hoffman’s mother) - 4 Kislev
  • Chaya bas Reb Sendor (Mrs. Marsha Alperin’s mother) - 6 Kislev
  • Reb Yisroel   (Rabbi Yisroel Bastomski’s grandfather) - 6 Kislev
  • Reb Levi ben Reb Zalman Yudah (Mrs. Rochel Eisenberg’s brother) - 6 Kislev
  • Reb Nota Moshe ben Reb Tzvi (Rabbi Fischel Grossman’s father) - 7 Kislev
  • Reb Ben-Zion Yisroel Meir ben Reb Menachem Monish (Mrs. Hadassah Weiss’s father) - 9 Kislev
  • Roza bas Reb Chaim (Mrs. Chana Ganzburg’s mother) - 9 Kislev

Devar Torah - Toldos

All for the Boss
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

This Shabbos follows Rosh Chodesh Kislev the day the Rebbe came out of his room after suffering a heart attack in 5738-1977. This Friday was Beis Kislev, the day 10 years later 5748-1987 when the Sefarim were returned to the Previous Rebbe's library.

This week's parsha speaks about how Yitzchok planted grain  in the land of Gerar and reaped an estimated 100 times greater than a regular crop.  Rashi asks why we need to know this, and explains that the reason the Torah gives this estimation is to teach about the need to give maaser.

Pirkei D'Rav Eliezer asks; is it possible that Yitzchok Avinu planted grain? Chav v'Shalom! What he planted was tzedaka. Why is the Pirkei D'Rav Eliezer bothered by the possibility that Yitzchok Avinu planted grain so much so that he had to negate the possibility by saying Chas v'Shalom? Why did he instead say that he planted tzedaka, which is not seemingly according  to the simple meaning of the verse?

The answer is because the Avos are a merkavah, a chariot of Hashem in this world. Nothing they do is for personal gain. By the Avos everything in this world is Hashem  and is for Hashem, everything is for Torah and mitzvos. In general when a person has wealth, he recognizes that he needs to share it with others. By Yitzchok this was different, it was the exact opposite. He didn't plant and then give, rather his first priority was only the mitzvah of maaser. Because he had a mitzvah to do he needed to plant grain in order to have something to give.

We see a similar approach by Avraham Avinu as well when Hashem praised him that his greatest accomplishment of all was l'maan yetzave, that he taught his children and passed on his way in the service of Hashem with all he had to them. His first priority was to serve Hashem and go in His ways, therefore he wanted a family to give to so that they too would follow in the ways of Hashem to give tzedaka etc.  (His son Yitzchok brought this service to an even higher level.)

This is the meaning of the Pirkei D'Rav Eliezer when it asks; is it possible that Yitzchok Avinu planted grain? Chav v'Shalom! The intention is  that he didn't plant to first have and then give, rather his only intention was to give maaser. This applies to all mitzvos. We have this in mind when we think while doing the mitzvah of learning Torah. It's in our speech when we do mitzvos such as saying the Shema. It's also our intention while we put on tzitzis for example, which is referred to as Hashem's garment (perusa d'Malka), when we intend to accept Hashem's kingship upon ourselves with this mitzvah which represents all of the 613 mitzvos. We have this same intention as we drink a cup of water. We would like to make a bracha to thank Hashem for everything but we need something that we can make a bracha upon, so we take some water and make the bracha, shehakol n'yehe b'dvaro.

This is also the reason that we bring our very best, not just our leftovers to Hashem. Whether it's by making the Shul the best building in the city or by bringing our best animal as a korbon or by sharing our best food with guests etc. This is what Avraham taught us. Yitzchok brought out the service of having singular focus on the Shul, the korbon and the guests therefore i have what is necessary to do those mitzvos.

When we reflect on this we might feel that this is beyond our level, something too unrealistic to actually achieve. It is for this very reason, that it is very difficult, that Hashem has provided us with our Rabbeim. This is what hiskashrus is all about, and this is what we celebrate on Rosh Chodesh Kislev and Shabbos Beis Kislev. When the Rebbe got well and emerged from his office, returning on Rosh Chodesh Kislev a great expansion began. Just as by the Avos, so too by the Rebbe; the new life provided was all for Hashem all for Torah, mitzvos and the spreading of Chassidus  and to continue preparing the world for Moshiach in an even greater and more expansive way.

In turn the Rebbe has explained that this is also true for each and every one of us. Once when the Rebbe met a newscaster he explained that his purpose is to reveal Hashem through his newscasting. We are all created to serve Hashem in a unique way according to each individual ("Ani nivrasi l'shamesh es Koni- My purpose is to serve my Creator).

As Chassidim, the Rebbe's focus is our focus: therefore our entire focus is on Hashem.

Once Rabbi Yitzchok Hendel from Montreal bought a house from another Jew. He asked the Rebbe a question about using a heter iska (a business permit) in making the purchase. The Rebbe instead asked him about the Jew and whether he kept Shabbos, put on Tefillin or kept kosher. When Rav Hendel seemed surprised because the Rebbe's answer seemed unrelated to the question about the heter iska the Rebbe, seeing his surprise said: "How is it possible not to take an interest in another Jew's ruchinus (his spirtual condition)?".
This is our focus,  we look at everything first and primarily as ways to serve Hashem (l'shamesh es Koni). May we immediately merit the revelation of the world being filled with the knowledge of Hashem together with Moshiach Now!

A Good Shabbos A Good Chodesh

Chabad Chodesh - Kislev

The new issue of the "Chabad Chodesh"
is now available online by clicking here

Reminder!!! Farbrengen for men tonight

Farbrengen for men tonight (Thur)
8 pm in shul
in honor of Rosh Chodesh Kislev
Guest Speaker: Rabbi Avrohom Shmuel Bukiet

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