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ב"ה

Shul Bulletin

Chazan Bris

The Chazan Bris
Will iy"h take place Sunday, 2 Shevat/January 29
1:00 pm in Kollel Yechiel Yehuda - 444 N La Brea Ave.
May we share only simchos! 

Announcements - Va’era

  • 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 Boruch Aharon ben Dina Nassy, and Nochum ben Perel Marks.

Shabbos Schedule - Va’era

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 5:00
  • Chassidus for Early Minyan: 8:45 am
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:29 am
  • Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
  • Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • NO KYY THIS SHABBOS :(((
  • Mincha: 5:00 pm
  • Shabbos Ends: 6:03 pm

Kiddush Sponsors - Va’era

  • Mrs. Nechama Amilov for the yahrtzeit of her father Reb Sadya ben Reb Yigal ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Meir Ashkenazi in honor of Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Simcha Bart in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together. Also for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Sima Bart’s mother Sara bas Reb Chananya ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Binyomin Kaplan for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Binyomin Kaplan’s mother Rochel bas Reb Dovber ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Wolowik for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Henny Wolowik’s mother Shayndel bas Reb Yitzchok ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yonah Mordechai Weiss for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Yonah Mordechai Weiss’s mother Miriam bas Reb Alter Mordechai ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.

Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Va’era

  • Mr. & Mrs. Mitch Reichman in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together.

Women's Shabbos Shiur & Farbrengen - Va’era

4:45 pm at the home of Mrs. Chani Pinson
453 N Martel Ave. 
Speaker: Rabbi Levi Kramer

Mazal Tov To - Va’era

  • Mr. & Mrs. Shimon Zeifman on the bar-mitzvah of their grandson Zalmen Barber

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Menachem Mendel Morris - 2 Shevat
  • Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi - 2 Shevat
  • Rabbi Reuven Wolf - 4 Shevat
  • Yosef Meir Feiner - 4 Shevat
  • Aryeh Yehuda Avila - 4 Shevat
  • Rabbi Yisroel Hecht - 5 Shevat
  • Rabbi Moshe Plotkin - 6 Shevat
  • Mr. Yosef Yitzchok Mishulovin - 6 Shevat
  • Rabbi Moshe Leider - 7 Shevat
  • Moshe Nochum Plotkin - 7 Shevat
  • Rabbi Sholem Perl - 7 Shevat

Upcoming Anniversaries

  • Mr. & Mrs. Boruch Greenbaum - 1 Shevat
  • Mr. & Mrs. Mitch Reichman - 3 Shevat
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Simcha Bart - 7 Shevat
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Nootie Gross - 7 Shevat

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Miriam bas Reb Alter Mordechai (Rabbi Yonah Mordechai Weiss’s mother) - 1 Shevat
  • Chana bas Reb Moshe (Mr. Jon Hambourger’s mother) - 1 Shevat
  • Rochel bas Reb Dovber (Dr. Binyomin Kaplan’s mother) - 3 Shevat
  • Shayndel bas Reb Yitzchok (Mrs. Henny Wolowik’s mother) - 3 Shevat
  • Sara bas Reb Chananya (Mrs. Sima Bart’s mother) - 5 Shevat
  • Mindel bas Reb Elyahu (Mrs. Miriam Feiner’s mother) - 5 Shevat
  • Fayge Gittel bas Reb Gershon (Mr. Yisroel Koch’s mother) - 7 Shevat
  • Reb Sadya ben Reb Yigal (Mrs. Nechama Amilov’s father) - 7 Shevat

Devar Torah - Va’era

Opposition is part of fulfilling our purpose in Creation
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

The Baal Shem Tov teaches that everything we see and hear imparts a lesson in the service of Hashem. As we see the beginnings of a new American administration we learn lessons that are relevant in the life of each and everyone.

One thing we see from the new administration is that there is no time being wasted.  There is an unabated implementation of campaign promises being fulfilled at a rigorous pace. This energetic go-getting is taking place in the face of unprecedented public opposition. Demonstrations are taking place across the country and the world not to mention a comprehensive media clobbering. Nevertheless they unceasingly continue forward.

The same is true for cabinet appointments. The Senate is hammering the appointees yet they remaining cool calm and consistent in their positions no matter what is thrown at them. In the State Department people are resigning and nevertheless the administration moves forward.

From these recent developments we gain greater insight into the first paragraph of the Shulchan Aruch which says: “Al yivosh mipnei hamaligim, not to have fear in the face of those who mock us” This refers to those who mock us from the outside world as well as from within (our animal soul).  When a desire arises from within us to accomplish and do positive things in the service of Hashem, voices are heard both externally and from within. They belittle us and tell us not to think too highly about we are. They discourage us to stick out and take a stand. We will often tell ourselves that we’re just not on the level to rise up and do great things. Our list of excuses is seemingly endless and our memory of past disqualifying indiscretions immutable. When we get barraged with these voices and messages we freeze. There is only one option. To go lichatchila ariber; to disconnect from the naysayers and the negativity and to move forward, unrelentingly, one foot in front of the other.

We were chosen to be in Hashem’s cabinet! As the Medresh says; before Hashem created the world he made the decision to create the world together with neshamos Yisroel. When we wake up in the morning and say Modei Ani, we confirm  that we belong to Hashem and that we are in His army (His cabinet). Our purpose in life is to serve the Commander-in-Chief. Our animal soul tries to disrupt our prayer with thoughts that mock our efforts in order to drive us off course. When we remember and remain focused that with all our faults we can persevere because we are not the ones that created our animal soul rather Hashem gave it to us. We did not create this environment in which we live rather we were placed here by Hashem and Hashem is giving us the strength to overcome all obstacles. Therefore we have nothing to be afraid of; there is no reason to hesitate in the service of Hashem, it’s all part of the plan and we were chosen to act.

Current events remind us to keep our focus on the mission of bringing Moshiach. We continue unabated to complete the purpose of creation that the world be filled with the knowledge of Hashem and that the world will be His dwelling place. We are part of it. The only thing left for us is to fulfill our mandate without hesitation and merit to live with Moshiach Now!

A Good Shabbos A Good Chodesh 

Tehillim Request

Please say Tehillim for
Reb Isser Goldstein - Isser Leib ben Chava Rivkah
who is going through serious surgery now!

May we share only good news!!! 

Chabad Chodesh - Shevat

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

Announcements - Shemos

  • 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, and Nochum ben Perel Marks.

Shabbos Schedule - Shemos

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 4:53 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: 9:30 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • Shacharis: 10:15 am
  • KYY: 10:15 am
  • Mincha: 4:50 pm
  • Shabbos Ends: 5:56 pm
  • FATHER & SON LEARNING: 7-8pm 
  • Molad for Chodesh Shevat: Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Shevat/January 27, 5:36 pm anf 8 chalokim. 
  • Rosh Chodesh Shevat: Shabbos, January 27.

Sholom Zochor - Shemos

Levi & Aidy Chazan
Invite the community to a Sholom Zochor
at 151 S Detroit St.

Kiddush Sponsors - Shemos

  • Dr. Ze'ev Rav-Noy for the yahrtzeit of Dr. Ze'ev Rav-Noy’s father Reb Yehudah Mordechai ben Reb Baruch ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Simcha Bart in honor of Rabbi Simcha Bart’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus. Also for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Simcha Bart’s father Reb Mordechai ben Reb Yechezkel ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Fishman for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Miriam Fishman’s mother Basya Rochel bas Shmuel Hirsh ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Mrs. Rochel Lewin for the yahrtzeits of Mrs. Rochel Lewin’s parents Reb Yitzchok Elchonon ben Reb Yehuda Leib hy"d and Mariashe bas Reb Ben-Tzion ob"m. May the neshomos have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Reuven Nathanson for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Reuven Nathanson’s mother Malka Chana bas Reb Yosef ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Elozor Plotke in honor of Mr. Elozor Plotke’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Gershon Schusterman for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Chana Rachel Schusterman’s mother Chava bas Reb Yakov Yisroel ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Y. Shagalov, for the yahrtzeits of Rabbi Yosef Y. Shagalov’s grandparents Reb Yitzchok Elchonon ben Reb Yehuda Leib hy"d and Mariashe bas Reb Ben-Tzion ob"m. May the neshomos have an aliya. 
  • The Sibony Family for the yahrtzeit of Reb Yaakov Chayim ben Reb Mordechay ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.

Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Shemos

  • Mr. & Mrs. Yossi Goldman for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Dina Tova Goldman’s mother Bracha Chaya bas Reb Refoel ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Zali Munitz in honor of Rabbi Zali Munitz’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus. Also in honor of the birthday of their triplets Dina, Rivkah and Yitzchak Yosef and for all the miracles and kindness Hashem has shown their family. May they have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus and may Hashem continue to shower them and the entire community with kol tuv sela.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Mitch Reichman in honor of Mr. Mitch Reichman’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Allan Stark for the yahrtzeits of Mrs. Nana Rushka Stark’s father Reb Shmuel ben Reb Avrohom ob"m and mother Masha bas Reb Shlomo ob"m. May the neshomos have an aliya.

Women's Shabbos Shiur & Farbrengen - Shemos

4:30 pm at the home of Mrs. Sima Zeifman
421 N Poinsettia Pl. 
Speaker: Rabbi Yisroel Hecht

Mazal Tov To - Shemos

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Levi Chazan on the birth of their son. Mazal tov to the grandmother Mrs. Mira Labkowsky.

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Mr. Elozor Plotke - 24 Teves
  • Rabbi Zalmy Shemtov - 24 Teves
  • Rabbi Yehudah Lerman - 25 Teves
  • Rabbi Dov Fine - 26 Teves
  • Mr. Dovid Leib Bastomski - 26 Teves
  • Rabbi Simcha Bart - 26 Teves
  • Ryan Leaderman - 27 Teves
  • Yitzchak Yosef Munitz - 27 Teves
  • Rabbi Yoni Sarue - 27 Teves
  • Elisha Lerman - 28 Teves
  • Mr. David Peretz - 28 Teves
  • Yonatan Avila - 28 Teves
  • Mr. Harvey Benton - 28 Teves
  • Mr. Mitch Reichman - 28 Teves

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Tova bas Reb Avner (Mr. David Sharabi’s mother) - 24 Teves
  • Reb Avraham Dov ben Reb Yehoshua (Rabbi Yisroel Hecht’s father) - 24 Teves
  • Reb Mordechai ben Reb Yaakov (Mrs. Elisa Haratz’s father) - 25 Teves
  • Reb Mordechai ben Reb Yechezkel (Rabbi Simcha Bart’s father) - 25 Teves
  • Masha bas Reb Shlomo (Mrs. Nana Rushka Stark’s mother) - 25 Teves
  • Reb Yitzchok Elchonon ben Reb Yehuda Leib HaLeivi (Rabbi Yosef Y. Shagalov’s grandfather) - 25 Teves
  • Chava bas Reb Yakov Yisroel (Mrs. Chana Rachel Schusterman’s mother) - 26 Teves
  • Bracha Chaya bas Reb Refoel (Mrs. Dina Tova Goldman’s mother) - 26 Teves
  • Reb Yaakov Chayim ben Reb Mordechay (Mrs. Milka Elharrar’s father) - 26 Teves
  • Sima bas Reb Fivel (Mr. Steven Leaderman’s mother) - 26 Teves
  • Harav Chaim Meir ben Reb Avrohom Shmuel (Rabbi Yosef Bukiet’s father) - 27 Teves
  • Reb Shmuel ben Reb Moshe (Mrs. Marsha Alperin’s father) - 28 Teves
  • Pari bas Reb Shlomo (Rabbi Asher Habibian’s mother) - 28 Teves
  • Reb Avrohom ben Reb Nachum (Dr. Sholom Fine’s father) - 28 Teves
  • Malka Chana bas Reb Yosef (Rabbi Reuven Nathanson’s mother) - 29 Teves
  • Reb Shmuel ben Reb Avrohom (Mrs. Nana Rushka Stark’s father) - 29 Teves
  • Reb Yehudah Mordechai ben Reb Baruch (Dr. Ze'ev Rav-Noy’s father) - 29 Teves

Devar Torah - Shemos

The time has arrived to break the Status Quo!
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

The world witnessed the inauguration of a new President of the United States this Erev Shabbos. The degree of polarization during this election cycle has been unusual, unlike any other in the recent past. One among many of the reasons for the abundance of rancor has been a plan the President has to change the status quo in many areas of government. People with vested interests are sounding the alarm. They are in a state of chaos afraid of losing control of a world within which they have become comfortable and find predictable.  Take for example the proposed changes being put forth in education. The new administration is interested in making big alterations and choices for all students, things that could lead to decentralizing the authority of the teachers unions, which are up in arms. They are afraid of losing control. The new administration is bringing in people that are interested in shaking up all areas of government with new ideas and fresh approaches, questioning the way things have been done until now. What can all of this teach us in our daily service of Hashem?

In the Hayom Yom for Inauguration Day, Erev Shabbos the 22ndof Teves it states:

Just as wearing tefillin every day is a Mitzva commanded by the Torah to every individual regardless of his standing in Torah, whether deeply learned or simple, so too is it an absolute duty for every person to spend a half hour every day thinking about the Torah-education of children, and to do everything in his power - and beyond his power - to inspire children to follow the path along which they are being guided.

From this Hayom Yom we clearly see the Rebbe’s guidance for each one of us is to constantly challenge the status quo and to use all of the resources at our disposal to seek innovation and inspiration for our children with regard to their education. The Rebbe says that we can never leave good enough alone!

In the larger picture, the principal underpinning of the galus is the fear of change and the breaking of the status quo. As long as we have predictable   boundaries for our daily lives we can go back to sleep. The moment things start to change, the moment things get shaken up we become entirely uncomfortable. In order to return to our slumber, the slumber of the galus, we need to reinstate the comfortable boundaries and demarcations of the humdrum galus with which we are so familiar.  The very first step toward Moshiach is to breakaway from the status quo. Once that has been broken we have opened up an entirely new set of possibilities and opportunities.

While it is true that before we undertake a daunting task we have to know the proper path to forge because we don’t just need to break the status quo we also need to improve and grow. The Rebbe has advised us to study about geula and Moshiach from all of the Torah sources. By learning these sources we gain the clarity of vision necessary to go beyond the patterns of the galus, which is our current situation, and prepare ourselves our families and ultimately the world at large for a new and everlasting world order of geula and Moshiach.

A Good Shabbos A Good Chodesh

Hachnassat Kallah Talent Show!!!

HK talent_flyer-01.jpg 

Special Opportunity

Rabbi Gershon Schusterman
will iy"h be by the ציון of the Alter Rebbe on 24 Teves
He will also be by the ציון of the Baal Shem Tov.

Anyone who would like to send a pan (or two) along 
please drop it off at his home 126 N Fuller Ave.
He is leaving Tomorrow (Tues) morning

Announcements - Vayechi

  • 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, and Nochum ben Perel Marks.
  • TUESDAY: 19 Teves/January 17, 7 pm. Hachnassat Kallah Talent Show. Click here for more info
  • SAVE THE DATE: Motzei Shabbos Shmos, 23 Teves/January 21, Melava Malka in shul in honor of 24 Teves. Details to follow. 

Shabbos Schedule - Vayechi

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 4:47
    SINCE SHABBOS IS STARTING LATER, THIS WILL BE THE LAST WEEK IN WHICH WE WILL TRY TO ENABLE YOU TO GET HOME & MAKE KIDDUSH BEFORE 6. 
  • Late Minyan for Kabolos Shabbos: 6:20 pm
  • Chassidus for Early Minyan: 8:45 am
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:30 am
  • Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
  • Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • KYY: 10:00 am
  • Mincha: 4:45 pm
  • Shabbos Ends: 5:50 pm
  • FATHER & SON LEARNING: 6:45-7:45 pm

Kiddush Sponsors - Vayechi

  • The Gaboim of the Shul in honor of Shabbos Chazak. May they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
  • The Bastomski Family for the yahrtzeit of their brother Reb Chaim Zeev ben Reb Avrohom Yitzchok ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Chaim Burston for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Chana Baila Burston’s father Dov ben Pesach ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Avrohom Aron Grunfeld for the shloshim of Mr. Avrohom Aron Grunfeld’s mother Soro bas Reb Moshe Yakov ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Mrs. Yutty Nelken for all the kindness Hashem has shown her. May Hashem continue to shower her and the entire community with kol tuv sela.

Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Vayechi

  • The Gaboim of the Shul in honor of Shabbos Chazak. May they and the entire community be blessed with kol tuv se’ela.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Velvel Geisinsky in honor of Rabbi Velvel Geisinsky’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yossi Nathanson in honor of Mrs. Yael Nathanson’s birthday. May she have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.

Women's Shabbos Shiur & Farbrengen - Vayechi

4:30 pm at the home of Mrs. Sima Zeifman
421 N Poinsettia Pl. 
Speaker: Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz

Mazal Tov To - Vayechi

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yisroel Hecht on the birth of their granddaughter (to Baruch & Mooka Hecht.) 
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Baruch Kreiman on the birth & Bris of their son. Mazal tov to the grandparents Me. & Mrs. Nachum Marks.

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Chaim Binyomin Estulin - 16 Teves
  • Mattisyahu Tzvi Stark - 16 Teves
  • Moshe Lazer Wagshul - 16 Teves
  • Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson - 18 Teves
  • Yitzchok Tzvi Gorelik - 18 Teves
  • Dr. Moshe Benarroch - 19 Teves
  • Rabbi Zali Munitz - 21 Teves
  • Sholom Dovber Friedman - 22 Teves

Upcoming Anniversaries

  • Mr. & Mrs. Yisroel Schochet - 16 Teves

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Dov ben Pesach (Mrs. Chana Baila Burston’s father) - 19 Teves
  • Chaim Zeev ben Avrohom Yitzchok (Rabbi Yisroel Bastomski’s brother) - 19 Teves
  • Lieba bas Reb Boruch (Rabbi Yisroel Hecht’s mother) - 21 Teves
  • Basya Rochel bas Shmuel Hirsh (Mrs. Miriam Fishman’s mother) - 22 Teves

Devar Torah - Vayechi

Our Strength comes from our Home
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

As a continuation from last week’s article about Hei Teves, we will continue with the main focus of the day: Yaakov lo meis Yaakov did not pass away. The Gemara in Taanis questions this statement and asks Yaakov lo meis? How can it be said that Yaakov did not pass away, after all the Torah clearly states that he was embalmed and placed in a coffin etc. The Gemara then provides the answer: Mah zaro b’chayim, af hu b’chaim, Yaakov lives on through his children. This is what is special and unique about Yaakov compared to the other forefathers. Avraham had Yitzchok but also Yishmael. Yitzchak had Yaakov but also Eisav. All of Yaakov’s children went in his pathways becoming the 12 Shevatim comprising the Jewish people. This is why Yaakov is alive. Because his children live in his ways, therefore he too is alive.

The Rebbe explains that every single Jew is zaro b’chaim, he or she desires to fulfill the will of Hashem whether or not he or she is aware. If something is wrong it’s coming from the yetzer hara only, not the person. Our vocation is to reveal this desire and connection and bring it out into the open and not be satisfied with it remaining hidden.

We clearly see from the story of Hei Teves that some thought otherwise. They had already gone through the Yud Shevat of 5710 and on the physical level in their minds the Rebbe was gone.  Based on this perspective they allowed themselves take possession of his sefarim. The Rebbe’s response was resounding; Hu b’chaim, He is alive! Through his children, through his Chassidim, he is not just alive; he is more alive and more active and more effective in the physical world than ever before! Therefore his sefarim, which are part of his life, because his life is in his sefarim, belong to him and must be returned. 

Today after the Gimmel Tammuz of 5754 we see the importance and application to us and to our daily lives. In the Sichos leading up to Hei Teves the Rebbe emphasized this theme of Yaakov lo meis and Mah zaro b’chayim, af hu b’chaim applying it to the Previous Rebbe repeatedly. Every Chosid is a part of the Rebbe and his activities in the world; he is connected, the Rebbe is within him. Today’s expansion of Mosdos and Shluchim all over the world is a testament to this, more today than ever before.

While Yosef HaTzaddik was in Mitzrayim he raised and educated his two sons Menashe and Efraim.  He raised them in his palace right in the heart of Mitzrayim as he managed the world’s greatest superpower of the time.  Notwithstanding the challenges he saw to it that his children were educated in Yaakov’s home, a home permeated with the atmosphere, values and Torah of Yaakov Avinu. The lesson to us from Yosef’s example is clear. Every one of us, all Yaakov’s children have an opportunity to educate ourselves and our children and all whom we come in contact with Mah zaro b’chayim, af hu b’chaim. When we feel act and live in a way that our home is the Rebbe’s home, we would not be ashamed with what the Rebbe would find there because what he would find in our homes would make him comfortable and proud. When Yaakov came to Yosef’s home in Mitzrayim he felt at home and gave his bracha to Yosef’s two children Menashe and Efraim that they will be just like his own children.

This is true for us as well today. The Rebbe is with us now more than ever and we are his children: Mah zaro b’chayim, af hu b’chaim!

A Good Shabbos

Kreiman Bris

The Kreiman Bris
will iy"H take place on Friday, Teves 15/January 13
8:30 am at 12811 Waddell St. Valley Village, 91607

Reminder!! Tamir Shloshim

The Shloshim for Eliahu Tzvi ben Moshe Tamir ob"m
Father of Rami Tamir
Will take place in shul TONIGHT after maariv (5:45 pm)

Reminder! Shloshim for Reb Mendel Itkin

Itkin Shloshim.jpg

Announcements - Vayigash

  • 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, and Nochum ben Perel Marks.
  • MONDAY: Shloshim for Reb Mendel Itkin. 8:00 pm in shul. Click here  for more info.
  • THURSDAY: Shloshim for Mr. Rami Tamir's father in Chabad of Newbury Park. Details to follow.

Shabbos Schedule - Vayigash

  • Shabbos Candle Lighting: 4:41
  • Late Minyan for Kabolos Shabbos: 6:20 pm
  • Chassidus for Early Minyan: 8:45 am
  • Last Time To Read Shema: 9:29 am
  • Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
  • Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
  • Shacharis: 10:00 am
  • KYY: 10:00 am
  • Mincha: 4:40 pm
  • Shabbos Ends: 5:44 pm
  • FATHER & SON LEARNING: 6:45-7:45 pm

Sunday, Teves 10/January 8
Fast of Asarah B’Teves

  • Fast Starts: 5:40 am
  • First minyan Shacharis: 7, 7:15 & 8am 
  • Minchah: 4:30 pm
  • Fast Ends: 5:35 pm

Kiddush Sponsors - Vayigash

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Shaya Berkowitz for the yahrtzeits of Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz’s father Reb Moshe Yaakov ben Reb Yeshaye ob"m and brother Reb Tanchum ben Reb Moshe Yaakov ob"m. May the neshomos have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Shalom Elharrar in honor of Rabbi Shalom Elharrar’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus. Also for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shalom Elharrar’s grandmother Sulika bas Reb Shlomo ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Mordechai Katz for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Rivka Katz’s father Reb Mordechai Meir ben Reb Chaim Elozar Hakohen ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya. 
  • Mr. David Milner in honor of his mother Shaina’s birthday. May she have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus. 
  • Rabbi & Rebbitzen Shimon Raichik in honor of Rabbi Shimon Raichik’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Rabbi & Mrs. Yossi Schneerson in honor of Rabbi Yossi Schneerson’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus. Also in honor of their son Aron’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Meilach Weiss in honor of Mr. Meilach Weiss’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.

Early Minyan Kiddush Sponsors - Vayigash

  • Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Anatian for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Rochel Anatian’s mother Chaya Soro bas Reb Dovber ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Yisroel Feiner’for the yahrtzeit of Mrs. Miriam Feiner’s father Reb Yisroel Yitzchok ben Reb Mordechai Hakohen ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.

Women's Shabbos Shiur & Farbrengen - Vayigash

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

Mazal Tov To - Vayigash

Upcoming Birthdays

  • Mr. Bruce Pollard - 9 Teves
  • Shmuel Dovid Andrusier - 10 Teves
  • Mr. Bob Meyer - 10 Teves
  • Rabbi Shalom Elharrar - 12 Teves
  • Mr. Betzalel Fleischman - 12 Teves
  • Rabbi Shimon Raichik - 13 Teves 
  • Mr. Nachum Marks - 13 Teves
  • Mr. Meilach Weiss - 14 Teves
  • Mr. Zev Geisinsky - 15 Teves

Upcoming Anniversaries

  • Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuel Stroll - 11 Teves
  • Mr. & Mrs. Asher Katz - 12 Teves

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

  • Reb Mordechai ben Reb Moshe (Mrs. Kelly Benarroch’s brother) - 9 Teves
  • Reb Yisroel Yitzchok ben Reb Mordechai Hakohen (Mrs. Miriam Feiner’s father) - 10 Teves
  • Reb Yona ben Reb Yitzchok (Mr. Doron Israeli’s father) - 10 Teves
  • Yenta bas Reb Nochum (Mr. Avrohom Plotkin’s mother) - 11 Teves
  • Chaya Soro bas Reb Dovber (Mrs. Rochel Anatian’s mother) - 11 Teves
  • Perel bas Reb Naftoli (Mr. Betzalel Fleischman’s mother) - 12 Teves
  • Reb Noach ben Reb Zalman Leib (Rabbi Naftoli Estulin’s brother) - 14 Teves
  • Reb Moshe Yaakov ben Reb Yeshaye (Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz’s father) - 14 Teves
  • Reb Mordechai Meir ben Reb Chaim Elozar Hakohen (Mrs. Rivka Katz’s father) - 14 Teves
  • Reb Tanchum ben Reb Moshe Yaakov (Rabbi Shaya Berkowitz’s brother) - 14 Teves
  • Sulika bas Reb Shlomo (Rabbi Shalom Elharrar’s grandmother) - 15 Teves

Devar Torah - Vayigash

Entering into the Heart of the Battle
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

We just celebrated the 30th anniversary of Hei Teves. When we think over the occurrences that led to the trial and victory of Hei Teves a question arises. How does the Yom Tov of Hei Teves compare to other Chassidishe Yomim Tovim, for example Yud Tes Kislev, and what is the central theme of Hei Teves.

In all there were two days that became special and noteworthy Yomim Tovim during the Nesius of the Rebbe; Rosh Chodesh Kislev and Hei Teves. In the times of the Alter Rebbe there were also two days that became Yomim Tovim; Yud Tes Kislev the day of liberation from the first imprisonment in 5559, and the third or fifth day of Chanukah, which celebrates the Alter Rebbe’s liberation from his second imprisonment in 5561.

What’s the difference between these two days of liberation of the Alter Rebbe?  The first imprisonment of the Alter Rebbe was directed toward him personally (they said that he wanted to be a Jewish king and that he was gathering people and funds in order to carry out rebellion against the Czar) and placed him in physical danger. The Second imprisonment was primarily targeting Toras HaChassidus, not the Rebbe per se. 

We also see this clear dichotomy between the two special Yomim Tovim of the Rebbe in our times. The Yom Tov of Rosh Chodesh Kislev was first celebrated in 5738-1977 after the Rebbe recovered from a massive heart attack and returned home on this day. Therefore this day celebrates being victorious over a physical decree. Conversely the Yom Tov of Hei Teves was primarily a spiritual struggle over the definition what Rebbe is; it touched the very soul of Chassidus and the soul of the Jewish people. This battle required entering into federal court to clarify the fact that all Chabad Rabbeim are not individuals that act and live for their personal reasons like most everyone else. Rather they serve has a unique anomaly; giving over their lives with total self sacrifice to the Jewish people. The first foundation of all Chabad Rabbeim is their truthful nullification of their own existence. Being a Rebbe is their integral and primary mission to guide and strengthen the Jewish people in the Torah and mitzvos in general and serve as a living example of this, even when it requires complete self-sacrifice. Only after this comes their personal private lives only when it does not interfere at all with their general and primary purpose.

As it was by the Alter Rebbe that the second imprisonment was about Chassidus, a spiritual not physical struggle, so too the day of Hei Teves clarifies the soul of Chassidus and the Jewish people: the meaning of a Rebbe.

This is the reason why the court case had to be caused by a blood relative trying to say that a Rebbe is first a private individual and then only later, as if it were like a profession or a job, his secondary purpose to fill the role of a leader. This was the struggle. This is why we saw throughout the trial that many days the Rebbe would fast and pray by the Ohel, it even affected his health. It’s because it was a spiritual, not a physical battle.  Yes it was about the books, but more essentially it was about the meaning of what a Rebbe is for now and for all time. Just as in the times of Chanukah the battle was over the kedusha of the Jewish people, the Torah and the Beis HaMikdash but the miracle was expressed in the lighting of the menorah so too on Hei Teves there was a redemption of  the seforim and we express our simcha by buying and learning in seforim.

Connecting to the Rebbe gives our neshamos the strength to break through all challenges even our personal challenges to do our part on behalf of the Jewish people to bring Moshiach now.

A Good Shabbos

Hey Teves sale -TONIGHT in Chabad Atara's

Upon the Rebbe's instructions, Chassidim have a tradition of celebrating the 5th Teves not only with Chassidic gatherings but also with purchasing seforim, since the real victory for the seforim is when we fill our homes with volumes of Jewish books, and our days with their teachings.

To facilitate following the Rebbe's instruction, Chabad Atara's will be open tonight until 10:00 pm.
Seforim will be discounted!

We therefore encourage all of Anash to join together at Chabad/Atara's to fulfill this special tradition.

Chabad/Atara's is located at:
369 North Fairfax Avenue #1. 
(323) 655-9282 

HEY TEVES - 30 YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Members of Congregation Levi Yitzchok,

Tonight at the Hay Teves Farbrengen you can write a pidyon and give to Rabbi Raichik to take to NY. The  Rebbe has said that this day is an Eis Rotzon to ask for whatever we need. The Panim will be placed at the ohel and will not be read.

Rabbi Raichik is leaving tonight at 10:00 p.m. from the farbrengen. 

Program for tonight !!!!

Men's Exhibit - of ancient books and manuscripts - 7:30pm
Followed by farbrengen for men 

Women's Exhibit - of ancient books and manuscripts - 8:45pm 

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