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Shabbos Parshas Re'eh/Shabbos
Mevorchim - 18 August, 2001
Series 2, Ed. 51
Candle lighting time: 5:27pm. Shabbos ends: 6:25pm.
Mincha & Kabalos Shabbos (Friday evening): 5:40pm.
Shacharis on shabbos in the Youth Minyan as usual at 9:45am.
* Mark Franck's usual Gemorah Brachot shiur will be held at Eliezer Leibowitz's house (47
Aroona Rd) this Shabbos afternoon at 4:20pm.
* Katanga will be making a kiddush in shule on shabbos in honour of Shabbos Mevorchim and
to celebrate the engagement of Ronnie Jacobs & Karli Ciechanowski. ALL are invited to
attend.
_______________________________________________
D'var Torah
Tolerance...
by Rabbi Israel Kestenbaum
"And you shall love your friend as yourself," states the verse in this week's
parshah. Rabbi Akiva said, "This is a great principle of the Torah."
In truth, however, we know that though loving may be the ideal, first we need to tolerate
others, especially those different from ourselves. Even before the commandment, "Love
your friend," there is the imperative-often easier spoken than achieved-"Do not
hate your brother in your heart."
We live with all kinds of intolerances, and frequently harbor secret animosities. The
smart struggle with the dimwitted; the competent resent the inept; the physically gifted
are embarrassed by the uncoordinated. At work, at home, in the street, we typically treat
people who are not as "beautiful" as we are as if they had chosen their looks.
Schoolchildren pick on their "nerdy" or "fat" classmates, and their
behavior does not always mature in time; it simply become more subtle.
The challenge remains: how do we develop tolerance for those different, and at times
opposite, from us, a tolerance that not only permits them to exist but invites them to
belong and to share in the community?
The Torah gives us a clue. In commanding the Jew to give charity, the verse ends,
"…for there will never cease to be poor in the land." Rashi notes that this
comment seems to contradict an earlier promise that as long as Israel observes the
Sabbatical year "there will be no poor among you, for Hashem will bless you in the
land that He gives to you."
The Chatam Sofer explains that giving tzedakah requires compassion and empathy. But one
must not relate so closely to the fate of the poor that he genuinely fears becoming poor
himself; if that happens, he will actually be less generous. Over-identification can make
one insecure in his own circumstances and therefore less forthcoming.
The Chatam Sofer therefore translates G-d's promise and blessing in a unique way:
"there will be no poor within you." Poverty may always exist, but the challenge
is to give without fearing poverty for oneself, and therefore to be generous.
The Chatam Sofer's insight corresponds to what we know about intolerance. Intolerance is
born out of fear. That which I am afraid of for myself I resent in others. The thin person
disdains the obese because he is afraid of becoming fat himself. This over-identification
with others causes me to want to distance myself, often through impatience and disdain.
The challenge for all of us is to embrace this notion that "there will be no poor
within you." We need to remain secure in our differences from others. If I am smart,
I will remain smart. If I am competent, such is my gift. Others not like me will not
jeopardize my talents and abilities.
Recognizing this allows me to be interested in people different from me rather than to
feel threatened by them. It provides me not only with the tools to fulfill the mitzvah,
"And you shall not hate your brother in your heart," it allows me to fulfill the
ideal voiced in Avot to "learn from everyone."
Most important, this recognition creates a community of inclusiveness, where we all fully
belong - with and because of our differences.
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PARSHA OVERVIEW - RE'EH
The Parsha begins with choice and respective outcomes. The portion continues with rules
and laws for the land of Israel primarily oriented towards staying away from idol worship
and the religions in the land. Moshe warns the nation against copying the ways of the
other nations. The source of the Chosen People concept (14:1-2): "You are a nation
consecrated to God your Lord. God has chosen you from all nations on the face of the earth
to be His own special nation." We are chosen for responsibility, not privilege - to
act morally and to be a "light unto the nations." The Parsha ends with a
description of the three pilgrimage festivals of Pesach, Shavuos and Succos.
______________________________________________
Other Developments
*At a wonderful kiddush on shabbos to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Shimon Susskind,
Katanga's President, Mr Tom May spoke of the dedication of the Susskind family to the
building, maintenance and running of the Shule. He wished Shimon to follow in the
illustrious footsteps of his family.
*At Shalosh Seudot on shabbos, Zac Abeles spoke about the outstanding qualities of the
recently niftar Rabbi Abranok and how they relate to the Parsha. Zac spoke about how Rabbi
Abranok concentrated on the 'little' Mitzvos and how he was always joyous and concerned
about a person's well-being. Yasher Koach.
______________________________________________
The Month of Elul - The Countdown...
Elul - the month preceding Rosh Hashana - begins a period of intensive introspection, of
clarifying life's goals, and of coming closer to God. It is a time for realising purpose
in life - rather than perfunctorily going through the motions of living by amassing money
and seeking gratification. It is a time when we step back and look at ourselves critically
and honestly, as Jews have from time immemorial, with the intention of improving.
The four Hebrew letters of the word Elul (aleph-lamed-vav-lamed) are the first letters of
the four words Ani l'dodi v'dodi lee - "I am to my Beloved and my Beloved is to
me" (Song of Songs 6:3). These words sum up the relationship between God and His
people.
Beginning the second day of Rosh Chodesh Elul, it is the Ashkenazi custom to blow the
shofar every morning after prayers, in order to awaken us for the coming Day of Judgement.
The shofar's wailing sound inspires us to use the opportunity of Elul to its fullest. Also
beginning in Elul, we say Psalm 27 in the morning and evening services (others recite the
Psalm after the Mincha service).
______________________________________________
Announcements
- This week is Shabbos Mevorchim as we bless the coming month of Elul. Rosh Chodesh Elul
is this Sunday and Monday (19-20 August). Just a reminder concerning the daily
requirements of shofar and Psalm 27, 'Ledovid Hashem Oiri'.
- This Sunday morning (19 August), come along and enjoy a gala Boys Minyan Rosh Chodesh
breakfast. The Seudas Mitzva will take place at Shule after Shachris at 8:45am. A Siyum
Mishnayes Mesechte Pe'ah will be held celebrating the completion of another Mesechte by
the daily Mishna Shiur. Volunteers wishing to assist, please contact our caterers, Eli May
and Ezra Susskind.
- Welcome back to Moshe (Mossy) Aurbach after his European tour - looking forward to him
resuming his laining. Sholom Aleichem and Baruch Atah Bevoiecha.
- On 2nd Day Rosh Codesh Elul (Monday, 20 August), there will be an international day of
solidarity for Israel. There will be a live video link to major cities through the
Asia-Pacific Region, England and Israel. Speakers will include; Rabbi Lau (Chief Rabbi of
Israel), Rabbi J. Sacks (Chief Rabbi of the Commonwealth) and members of the Israeli
Government. The event will be held at Caulfield Shule at 572 Inkerman St, Caulfield and
doors open at 6:45pm. We strongly encourage everyone to attend. For further details,
please email us at Katanga.
- Minyanim times for this coming week are:
Mornings: early minyan @ 6:15am, late minyan @ 7am
Mincha at 5:50pm followed by shiurim. Ma'ariv at 6:30pm.
- Anyone interested in joining the roster for presenting shiurim in the Youth Minyan
should speak to Ezra May, or email us here.
- Please join us for our Katanga weekly Squash game on Sundays @ 6pm and 7pm at Albert
Park (Sports and Aquatic Centre). If you are interested in attending, please let Yirmie
Elkus know.
_______________________________________________
Thoughts for the Week
"If you think that you are always right, then something is wrong."
"It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of
fools." (Ecclesiastes 7:5)
"Wisdom is to the soul, as food is to the body." (Rabbi Avraham Ibn Ezra)
"To handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart." (Eleanor
Roosevelt)
"If you can't read this, you're illiterate."
_______________________________________________
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos!
"The Editors"
Shabbos Parshas Eikev -
11 August, 2001
Series 2, Ed. 50
Candle lighting time: 5:21pm. Shabbos ends: 6:20pm.
Mincha & Kabalos Shabbos (Friday evening): 5:35pm.
There will not be a Youth Minyan this shabbos due to their being a simcha in the Main
Minyan.
* Mark Franck's usual Gemorah Brachot shiur will be relocating to Eliezer Leibowitz's
house at 47 Aroona Rd this Shabbos afternoon at 4:15pm.
* There will be a kiddush this shabbos in the main shule, to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of
Shimon Susskind. ALL are invited to attend.
_______________________________________________
A huge week in Katanga this week with THREE Mazal Tovs - a Bris, Bar Mitzvah and
Engagement - Kein Yirbu and may the trend continue!
_______________________________________________
M A Z A L T O V !
* A very hearty Mazal Tov to Ronnie Jacobs & Karli Ciechanowski on the occasion of
their engagement this week.
* Katanga would like to wish the happy couple, their parents, Tilly & Harry
Ciechanowski, Leah Jacobs, Arnold & Debra Jacobs, brothers, sisters and extended
families much naches and simchas in the future.
M A Z A L T O V !
* A very hearty Mazal Tov to Shimon Susskind on the occassion of his Bar Mitzvah this
Shabbos.
* Katanga would like to wish the parents, Avi & Sue, grandparents, Sam & Bettye
Susskind and Mendel & Pearl Buchanec, brothers, sisters and extended families much
naches and simchas in the future.
M A Z A L T O V !
* A very hearty Mazal Tov to Steven & Tess Goldman on the bris of their firstborn son
- Moshe last Shabbos. Sheyigdol leTorah, leChuppah, uleMa'asim Tovim.
* Katanga would like to wish the parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters and extended
families much naches and simchas in the future.
_______________________________________________
D'var Torah
Lose Weight without Dieting...
by Rabbi Stephen Baars
The next time you sit down to eat a nice salad, give a little thought to the poor cows.
Day in, day out, all they eat is plain old grass. How do cows deal with it?! Most of the
world's animals get along perfectly fine on a simple and consistent diet. But not man.
Human beings need variety. From a purely physiological standpoint, we can live on bread
and water alone. So then what is behind our pursuit of fine dining, ice cream, bakeries,
pastrami sandwiches and other culinary delights?
Other creatures seem to show no ill effects or displeasure from their dietary simplicity?
So why is only man unable to "live by bread alone?"
Human beings, unlike animals, need "meaning" in life. The Kabbalists explain
this as one of the parallels between the material and spiritual worlds: This drives us to
want more than just bread. Even though it is a poor substitute for real fulfillment and
meaning, food is often the focus of our quest for meaning.
But man's drive for meaning is not found in a salami. Unfortunately, we are sometimes so
badly focused that we will look to fulfill it in the most unlikely and sometimes
counter-productive places.
This week's parsha contains one of the Torah's most famous lines: "Man cannot live by
bread alone" (Deuteronomy 8:3). Although these words are quoted frequently, the
continuation of the verse is equally important: "...but by all that proceeds from the
mouth of God."
What the verse is telling us is that since man cannot live on bread alone, he will either
fill that extra space with real meaning - a relationship with His Creator, or he will look
for substitutes to that meaning, such as food.
In our day, restaurants are raised to the level of shrines; recipes are sacrosanct
secrets; chefs are the high priests.
Notice that the more meaningful a day you're having, the less your desire for food. We
have all experienced days full of excitement and fulfillment when our desire to eat just
seemed to disappear. Sometimes we may have even skipped entire meals!
When life is fulfilling, then we look less to food for satisfaction. We have something
other than bread to be nourished by.
On the other hand, we've all had depressing days where we desired to eat ad naseum.
Realize what this means: If you use food as a stimulant, it's because life itself isn't
very stimulating.
Unfortunately, your craving for meaning cannot be fulfilled as easily as it is to order a
hamburger. McDonald's has trained the Western mind to think that a "hunger need"
can be filled instantly. But spiritual needs require much more time to fulfill than the
three minutes it takes to order a burger and fries.
There is an easy way to gauge your spiritual level: If you need food to elevate your mood,
you maybe failing to fulfill your spiritual needs.
As much as you may try, you won't be satisfied by any amount of chocolate cake. Dieting
will not make you happier any more than pigging out will make you more fulfilled. The
problems nagging at your life will neither be solved by a "Jane Fonda Workout"
nor in a dress two sizes smaller.
Next time you find yourself looking to cookies to pick you up, hesitate a little. Try to
define what it is you really want to achieve. Using cookies to obtain real meaning and
fulfillment will only lead you further away from that place you truly desire. By leading
with your mind and not your stomach, by thinking about what is truly bothering you and
what you are truly looking for, you can avoid the quick and empty "fix" that
food offers, and instead find the meaning for which you so long.
Looking to food for life's satisfaction is an indication you are already on the wrong
track. But that desire is really a sign that you are in need for more meaning. Your desire
for a Hershey bar is a red traffic signal: Stop! You are on the wrong track!
Don't give chocolate cake to a hungry soul.
_______________________________________________
PARSHA OVERVIEW - EIKEV
If Bnei Yisrael are careful to observe even those "minor" mitzvos that are
usually "trampled" underfoot, Moshe promises them that they will be the most
blessed of the nations of earth. We are warned against idolatry, haughtiness,
self-righteousness and 'partial' observance of the indivisible Torah. Moshe tells Bnei
Yisrael that they will conquer Eretz Canaan and lists the great virtues of the Land of
Israel, including the sheva minim - 'seven items with which Israel is blessed' (land of
wheat, barley, grapes etc). He then details our rebellions against God in the desert, the
giving of the Second Tablets and Aharon's passing. Finally Moshe says the second paragraph
of the Shema, which conceptualizes reward for keeping the mitzvos and penalty for not
keeping them.
______________________________________________
Other Developments
* There was a kiddush in shule last week to celebrate the affruf of Nathan Katz &
Susie Teschner. At the kiddush, Hymie Katz expressed his sincere appreciation to members
of Katanga for the tight support network which they provide. The Katz family heads off to
America on Monday for the wedding. Wishing them a Nesiyah Tovah, Mazal Tov and much naches
and simchas in the future.
* Mazal Tov to Daniel Mainzer and brothers, sisters, parents & grandparents on the
milestone of putting on Tefillin for the first time on Tuesday morning at the 7:00am
minyan at Shule.
______________________________________________
Announcements
- It was with great sadness that on Tuesday 17 Menachem Av (7 August) we saw the passing
of esteemed Rabbi, Morenu HaRav Boruch ben Yaakov Abranok zt'l. A student of the Chafetz
Chaim, Harav Abranok was a prolific person who earned the respect of the wider Jewish
community. The burial will take place in Israel.
- The Jewish Learning Centre of Melbourne is running a series of shiurim on the topic
"Jews and the Art of Commerce". Rabbi Stephen Bloch will be giving halachic
insights into business issues in the global world, including; Globalisation, Labour
Relations, Consumer Protection, Taxation Systems and Obligations to Follow the Law of the
Land. The shiurim which begin at 8:30am (including breakfast), will run over four Sundays
commencing this week (12 August) at 280 Orrong Road, Caulfield. Men and women welcome.
- Next Sunday, Rosh Chodesh Elul (19 August), there will IY'H be a Youth Minyan Siyum
Mishnayes Ba'al Peh and gala breakfast Seudas Mitzva. Stay tuned for further details.
- On 2nd Day Rosh Codesh Elul (Monday, 20 August), there will be an international day of
solidarity for Israel. There will be a live video link to major cities through the
Asia-Pacific Region, England and Israel. Speakers will include; Rabbi Lau (Chief Rabbi of
Israel), Rabbi J. Sacks (Chief Rabbi of the Commonwealth) and members of the Israeli
Government. The event will be held at Caulfield Shule at 572 Inkerman St, Caulfield and
doors open at 6:45pm. We strongly encourage everyone to attend. For further details,
please email us at Katanga.
- Minyanim times for this coming week are:
Mornings: early minyan @ 6:20am, late minyan @ 7am
Mincha at 5:40pm followed by shiurim. Ma'ariv at 6:20pm.
- Anyone interested in joining the roster for presenting shiurim in the Youth Minyan
should speak to Ezra May, or email us here.
- Please join us for our Katanga weekly Squash game on Sundays @ 6pm and 7pm at Albert
Park (Sports and Aquatic Centre). If you are interested in attending, please let Yirmie
Elkus know.
_______________________________________________
Thoughts for the Week
"Reading without reflecting is like eating without digesting."
"The wise man doubteth often, and changeth his mind; the fool is obstinate, and
doubteth not; he knoweth all things but his own ignorance." (Akhenaton)
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
(Proverbs, 16:18)
"I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and
kindness from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful to these teachers." (Khalil
Gibran)
_______________________________________________
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos!
"The Editors"
Shabbos Parshas Vaetchanan
- Shabbos Nachamu/Tu B'Av - 4 August, 2001
Series 2, Ed. 49
Candle lighting time: 5:15pm. Shabbos ends: 6:15pm.
Mincha & Kabalos Shabbos (Friday evening): 5:30pm.
Shacharis on shabbos in the Youth Minyan as usual at 9:45am.
* There will be a shiur (Gemorah Brachos) at Mark Franck's house on Shabbos afternoon at
4:15pm.
* There will be a kiddush this shabbos in the main shule, to celebrate the affruf of
Nathan & Susie Katz. ALL are invited to attend.
_______________________________________________
M A Z A L T O V !
* A very hearty Mazal Tov to Steven & Tess Goldman on the occasion of the birth of a
son last Shabbos.
* Katanga would like to wish the parents, grandparents, brothers and extended families
much naches and simchas in the future.
* Steven & Tess invite everyone to celebrate the Shalom Zocher this Friday night (3
August), in their home at 30/55 Hotham Street, East St Kilda, at 8:30pm - 10pm.
M A Z A L T O V !
* A very hearty Mazal Tov to Nathan & Susie Katz on the occasion of their affruf and
upcoming wedding in America.
* Katanga would like to wish the parents, Hymie & Sue, grandparents, brothers, sisters
and extended families much naches and simchas in the future.
* Nathan will be in Australia to celebrate his offruf on home turf in Katanga, before
flying off to America for his wedding. Sholom Aliechem and Baruch Atah Bevoiecha.
_______________________________________________
D'var Torah
Live and Lead by Example...
by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin
In this week's Torah portion is part of the Shema prayer, "And you shall love the
Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your might"
(Deuteronomy 6:5). How does one actually love God?
The Talmud (Yoma 86a) states in reference to this verse that we must behave in a manner
that will cause the Name of Heaven to be beloved. One should study Torah (God's
instructions for living) and serve Torah scholars (serving Torah scholars is perhaps a
strange idea in this generation.
"Values are caught, not taught." By being in proximity to people who are wise
and lead exemplary lives, one can learn much on how to lead his own life.), be honest in
business dealings and speak pleasantly to others. Then people will say, "Fortunate is
his father who taught him Torah. Fortunate is his teacher who taught him Torah.... See how
pleasant are the ways and how proper are the actions of this person who has learned
Torah."
If, however, someone studies Torah and serves Torah scholars, but is not honest in
business dealings and does not speak pleasantly to others, what do people say about him?
"Woe to that person who learned Torah. Woe to his father who taught him Torah. Woe to
his teacher who taught him Torah. See how corrupt are the actions and how ugly are the
ways of this person who learned Torah."
The goal of learning Torah is to perfect ourselves and to perfect the world. The world
knows that God gave the Torah to the Jews on Mt. Sinai and in the Sinai desert. That is
why they are constantly looking at how we behave. They expect more of us. It is
interesting that some Jews have this same attitude towards Orthodox Jews, but exclude
themselves from those same expectations of honesty and pleasantness. We are all in the
same boat. We must all live our lives in a manner that causes respect for the Torah and
for God and causes God to be beloved.
_______________________________________________
PARSHA OVERVIEW - VAETCHANAN
Moshe pleads with God to enter the Holy Land, but is turned down. Moshe commands the
Children of Israel not to add or subtract from the words of the Torah and to keep all of
the Commandments. The cities of Bezer, Ramot and Golan are designated as Cities of Refuge
east of the Jordan river. The Ten Commandments are repeated to the whole Jewish people and
Moshe then expounds the Shema. Moshe then relays the Almighty's command not to intermarry
"for they will lead your children away from Me." (Deut. 7:3-4)
_______________________________________________
Tu B'Av - Happy Days are Here Again
by Rabbi Shlomo Aviner
Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel stated, "Israel had no holidays as joyous as Tu B'Av and
Yom Kippur, when the young women of Jerusalem would go out and dance in the
vineyards" (Mishna Ta'anit 4:8).
Our sages compared Tu B'Av to Yom Kippur, no less. What is so special about this day - the
fifteenth day of the month of Av - which makes it deserving of such a noble comparison?
The Talmud (in Baba Bathra 121a) gives several reasons for us to rejoice on Tu B'Av. All
have one thing in common: on this day, different segments of the Jewish Nation were
united:
1. The tribes were granted permission to intermarry.
2. The tribe of Benjamin was allowed to intermarry.
3. The Generation of the Desert ceased to die, and the sin of the spies was forgiven.
4. Hoshea Ben Ela, annulled Yerovam Ben Nevat's (the first king of the break-away Kingdom
of Israel) decree preventing anyone from the Kingdom of Israel from crossing over into the
Kingdom of Judah and going to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem (I Kings 12) on Tu B'Av, thus
allowing the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
5. The corpses of Beitar were brought to burial, honouring the memory of these
freedom-fighters who gave their lives to regain a sovereign state and the freedom to
worship God as they chose.
Tu B'Av is the opposite of Tisha B'Av. In contrast to the baseless hatred that brought
about the destruction of the Holy Temple and the Exile, the events commemorated on Tu B'Av
revolve around love and unity among different sectors of the nation, and our deep
connection to Israel and the Holy Temple. Tu B'Av is a day of renewal of ties among the
nation, and Yom Kippur is a day of renewal of our ties to the Holy One of Blessed Name. On
this day we turn over a new leaf.
There is a famous story about the Ba'al Shem Tov, who sent his disciples to learn how to
repent by following the example of a very simple man. The man recorded all the sins
committed during the year and all the suffering and troubles brought upon him. “I
will forgive You for all the troubles if You forgive me for all my sins!”
He then threw both notebooks into the fire. This should serve as a model for all our
relationships - with our friends, our spouses, and so on. We must learn to throw all the
notebooks into the fire, and begin anew.
This is also why it is fitting for Yom Kippur to be the "Wedding Day" of Israel
to God, and Tu B'Av to be a day for Jewish weddings. Therefore, "Israel had no
holidays as joyous as Tu B'Av and Yom Kippur."
_______________________________________________
Other Developments
* Guest Speaker in the Youth Minyan on shabbos was Rabbi Leon Goldman. Rabbi Goldman
contrasted the differing causes of the destruction of the two Batei Mikdash, with their
resultant exiles. Idolatory, Immorality and Murder were the causes of the destruction and
subsequent exile of the First Beit HaMikdash which lasted 70 years. However, the sin of
Sinas Chinam (baseless hatred) causing the destruction of the Second Beit HaMikdash, has
led to a Golus (exile) of over 2,000 years. Our Teshuvah (repentance) for peace amongst
our own is still not complete, as the Geula (redepmtion) we are all waiting for has not
yet arrived. Yasher Koach.
* Katanga became something of a 'Minyan Factory' on shabbos as numerous minyanim
orchestrated their davening times in preparation for Tisha B'Av on Motzei Shabbat.
Following shacharis on shabbos, Mr & Mrs Schon made a kiddush in honour of a Yorzheit,
during which Ari Bergman made a siyum on Masechtte Kidusshin, as part of the Daf Yomi
learning cycle. Thousands of Daf Yomi students around the world have now begun Mesechte
Bava Kama. Yasher Koach.
* After Eicha on Tisha B'Av evening, some 70 people joined with hundreds of cities around
the world in the screening of "A Time to Heal" (a production of the Chofetz
Chaim Heritage Foundation). The video's speakers discussed the importance of maintaining
shalom ('peace') between ourselves, as a precursor to achieving a lasting peace in our
Homeland. Rabbi Yisocher Frand urged viewers to 'go the extra mile' in preventing and
healing Machlokes - divisions amongst Klal Yisroel, while Rabbi Rietti highlighted the
importance of focussing on the big picture (shalom - from the root 'shleimut' - complete)
rather than getting caught up with petty differences ('machlokes' - from the root 'chelek'
- portion). The video was dedicated to the many victims of terror in Israel over the past
year. Special thanks to Ari & Esther Bergman for providing the technical
infrastructure and to Isi Pacanowski for organising the video.
* In keeping with an age-old Boys Minyan tradition, a special Boys program followed the
video. Highlights were a Tisha B'AV quiz, stories by candlelight. Special thanks to Shimon
Susskind for his sparkling addition to the evening. There were no refreshments!
* On the day of Tisha B'Av there were special shiurim - in the morning, after Kinos, the
famous Sugya of Churban Bayis Sheni in Mesechte Gittin was given. The Shiur was jointly
attended by both Youth Minyan and Main Shule members. After Mincha, the Halachos of the
10th of Av as brought in the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch were covered.
_______________________________________________
Announcements
- This Shabbat is called Shabbat Nachamu after the beginning of the Haftarah,
"Nachamu, Nachamu Ami" ('Be comforted, be comforted my people' – from
Yeshayahu). After the three Haftoras of 'punishment,' we now begin the seven Haftorahs of
'consolation'.
- Relaunch of the Katanga website. The Katanga website now contains copies of all past
newsletters in online (html) and offline (PDF) formats. You can now download and review
some of your old favourites in direct printable format. Again, we welcome all suggestions
for further enhancements to the website.
- This Shabbos (31 July) is Tu B'Av - a truly joyous occasion in the Jewish calendar.
- Minyanim times for this coming week are:
Mornings: early minyan @ 6:40am, late minyan @ 7am
Mincha at 4:50pm followed by shiurim. Ma'ariv at 5:30pm.
- Anyone interested in joining the roster for presenting shiurim in the Youth Minyan
should speak to Ezra May, or email us here.
- Please join us for our Katanga weekly Squash game on Sundays @ 6pm and 7pm at Albert
Park (Sports and Aquatic Centre). If you are interested in attending, please let Yirmie
Elkus know.
_______________________________________________
Thoughts for the Week
"It is a mystery to me how a person can feel honored by the humiliation of his fellow
human beings." (Gandhi)
"Lack of will power has caused more failure than lack of intelligence or
ability." (F. A. Newhouse)
"That all our knowledge begins with experience there can be no doubt." (Immanuel
Kant)
"The direct use of force is such a poor solution to any problem, it is generally
employed only by small children and large nations." (David Friedman)
_______________________________________________
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos!
"The Editors"
Shabbos Parshas Devarim
- Shabbos Chazon/Tisha B'Av - 28 July, 2001
Candle lighting time: 5:09pm. Shabbos ends: 6:09pm.
Mincha & Kabalos Shabbos (Friday evening): 5:25pm.
See Announcements for special davening times for Erev Tisha B'Av.
* Due to it being Erev Tisha B'Av, there will not be a speaker in the Youth Minyan.
* Due to it being Erev Tisha B'Av, there will not be a shiur at Mark Franck's house on
Shabbos.
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D'var Torah
Tell Him Off...
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons
Much of this week's Parsha consists of Moses rebuking the people for a variety of
mistakes, including the Golden Calf, Korach's rebellion, the complaints about meat and
water, and more. Why did Moses choose now - the final days before his death - to deliver
40 years worth of pent-up rebuke?
Rebuke is fine, but not if the effect will be negative. If the other person will get
defensive, angry, or not accept the criticism, then it is better left unsaid. If a person
feels you have your own self-interest at heart - and not his - he won't listen to what
you're saying. Rebuke must clearly be for the benefit of the other person. He has to know
that you care about him, are on his side, and want what's best for him.
That is why Moses specifically delivers the rebuke after defeating Sichon and Og in battle
(see Deut. 1:4). He had just reaffirmed his dedication to the people. So they knew that if
Moses had criticism, it was only coming from a place of love.
A look at the original Hebrew clarifies this concept. The Torah says: "You should
give toch'acha to your neighbor." Toch'acha is from the same word as hoch'acha,
meaning "proof."
The Torah is telling us that the way to get our neighbor to change is not through harsh
rebuke, argumentation, or clever persuasion. The only way to convince anyone of anything
is by way of a clear and obvious proof. As the Talmud (Brachot 7a) says: "It is
better for a person to realize the truth for himself, than to have it beaten into him with
100 lashes." Toch'acha is not harsh. Rather, toch'acha is the beauty of reality
staring us squarely in the face.
One of the paths to self-growth, is to "Love Tochacha." When we recognize that
the purpose of toch'acha is to wake us up and get us on the right path, then we're
thankful!
Of course, nobody likes to be on the receiving end. But do you think you're perfect? Of
course not! If you want to reach your potential, look for constructive criticism. Go ask
for help to get rid of your mistakes. When a person is committed to reaching a goal, he'll
accept incredible doses of nagging, harassments and insults. Think of what an Olympic
athlete willingly endures from coaches!
No doubt this is what King Solomon meant when he said, "Give toch'acha to a wise
person - and he'll love you!" (Proverbs 9:8)
One final point: Giving toch'acha is everyone's obligation. That is why the verse just
prior in the Torah says "Don't stand by your brother's blood" (Leviticus 19:16).
One may not stand idly by while another is in need.
If you really love someone, you can't stand to see him living a misguided life. Who gives
you the most criticism? Those who love you the most - your parents. It's because they love
you that they can't simply ignore you by saying, "He's wasting time but I don't
care." Similarly, the Jewish people are one. If one Jew hurts, all Jews feel it.
We must reach out and find a way to help. The Talmud (Shabbat 119) says that Jerusalem was
destroyed because people didn't correct each other. Today, the Jewish people are
haemorrhaging from assimilation. We have to make a pro-active effort to bring Jews closer
to Torah. How?
By being better role models.
Giving toch'acha does not mean criticising, throwing stones, or shouting louder than the
next guy. Real toch'acha is demonstrating through action and deed. If secular Israelis do
not appreciate the beauty and sanctity of Shabbat, it is because observant Jews are not
keeping Shabbos in the right way. If observant Jews were truly projecting and radiating a
warmth and glow, then the truth of Shabbat would be obvious to all. No arguments, no
conflicts. The Talmud says that Moses was able to instruct the people only because he
exemplified what he preached.
The Sages ask the question: When the Messiah arrives, how will we know it's really him?
The answer: It will be obvious. Of course, there are some technical qualifications, but
his basic identity as the Messiah will be self-evident. He will speak words of Torah so
sweet and clear, that no one will need to question his identity. It will be a pure
outpouring of positive energy that overwhelms everything in its path. That is the beauty
of true toch'acha.
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PARSHA OVERVIEW - DEVARIM
This week we begin the last of the Five Books of the Torah - Devarim. The Book is the
oration of Moshe before he died. It is the preparation of the Jewish people for entering
and living in the Land of Israel. Moshe reviews the history of the 40 years of wandering
the desert and gives rebuke so that the Jewish people will learn from their mistakes.
Moshe recalls what happened at Mt. Sinai, the appointment of judges and administrators,
the story of the spies, the prohibition to attack Edom and Moav, the defeat of the Kings
Sichon and Og, and how the land of Gilad was given to the tribes of Reuven, Gad and half
of the tribe of Menashe.
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Tisha B'Av
July 28th, Saturday evening starting at sunset, begins Tisha B'Av (9th day of Av). It is
the saddest day in the Jewish year. On this same day throughout history many tragedies
befell the Jewish people, including:
1. The incident of the spies slandering the land of Israel with the subsequent decree to
wander the desert for 40 years (1312 BCE).
2. The destruction of the first Temple in Jerusalem by Nevuchadnetzar, King of Babylon
(421 BCE).
3. The destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 CE.
4. The fall of Betar and the end of the Bar Kochba revolt against the Romans 62 years
later, 132 CE.
5. First Crusade declared by Pope Urban II. 10,000 Jews killed in first month of Crusade.
Crusades bring death and destruction to thousands of Jews, totally obliterate many
communities in Rhineland and France in 1095.
6. The expulsion of the Jews of England in 1290.
7. The expulsion of the Jews of Spain in 1492.
8. Britain and Russia declare war on Germany in 1914. First World War begins. First World
War issues unresolved, ultimately causing Second World War and Holocaust. 75% of all Jews
in war zones. Jews in armies of all sides - 120,000 Jewish casualties in armies. Over 400
pogroms immediately following war in Hungary, Ukraine, Poland and Russia.
9. Deportations from Warsaw Ghetto to the Treblinka concentration camp begin in 1942.
Tisha B'Av is a fast day (like Yom Kippur, from one evening until the next evening) which
culminates a three week mourning period by the Jewish people. One is forbidden to eat or
drink, bathe, use moisturizing creams or oils, wear leather shoes or have marital
relations. The idea is to minimize pleasure and to let the body feel the distress the soul
should feel over these tragedies. Like all fast days, the object is introspection, making
a spiritual accounting and correcting our ways - what in Hebrew is called, Teshuva,
returning, to the path of good and righteousness.
On the night of Tisha B'Av we read in the synagogue Eicha, the book of Lamentations,
written by the prophet Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah). We also say Kinot, special poems recounting
the tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people. On Tisha B'Av we are forbidden to
learn Torah except those parts dealing with the calamities which the Jewish people have
suffered. We must stop, reflect, change ourselves and only then will we be able to make a
better world.
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Other Developments
* Last shabbos after shule, Danny Karp spoke about the fact that Bilaam's involvment in
the subversion of Israel was only mentioned two weeks after the the incident with the
Midianites was first recounted. Danny suggested that the lesson the Torah teaches, is that
regardless of provocation, we are still responsible for our actions - hence when Bnei
Yisroel sinned, the provocateur for the sin was not mentioned. Yasher Koach.
* Ari Bergman spoke at Shalosh Seudos last week about Moshe's criticism of Gad and
Reuven's request to remain on the East side of the Jordan while the rest of the Jews
fought to conquer the land of Israel. The importance of not standing idly by when a fellow
Jew is in pain is particularly relevant during the three weeks. Ari quoted the Tiferes
Yonason who paraphrases Moshe saying "Do you really think its possible for you to
stay here in Galus (Diaspora) in peace while your fellow Jews are fighting in Eretz
Yisrael?" When there is no peace in Eretz Yisrael, there will not be peace in the
Diaspora. Yasher Koach.
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Announcements
- This Shabbat is called Shabbat Chazon after the beginning of the Haftarah, "Chazon
Yeshayahu." In this third shabbos of the three weeks we read the third Haftorah of
'punishment'. The Hafotrah ends off positively, with words of the future redemption of
Zion - the ultimate consolation and purpose to the woes administered.
- Minyanim times for Erev Tisha B'Av (this Shabbos). Shacharis on Shabbos in the Main
Minyan will be at 10:00am. Shacharis on Shabbos in the Youth Minyan as usual at 9:45am.
There will be two minyanim for Mincha at 12:50pm and 3:45pm. Ma'ariv will be after the
conclusion of shabbos at 6:30pm and will be followed by Megilat Eicha. Katanga will be
presenting a video from the Chafetz Chaim Heritage Foundation after Megilat Eicha.
- This Sunday (29th July) is Tisha B'Av. For an explanation and list of laws pertaining to
the day, see above. The fast begins at 5:28pm on Shabbat and ends at 5:57pm on Sunday
evening. Shacharis on Tisha B’Av (Sunday) @ 8am, Micha (followed by Ma’ariv) @
5pm.
- Welcome back to Mendi Slodowitz after his recent visit to America, and to Moshe &
Shani Shimon after Moshe's extended trip to Israel. Sholom Aleichem and Bruchim Atem
Bevoiachem.
- Last week the Youth Minyan enjoyed a Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av kiddush organised by Ari
& Esther Bergman. Yasher Koach.
- Minyanim times for this coming week are:
Mornings: early minyan @ 6:40am, late minyan @ 7am
Mincha at 4:50pm followed by shiurim. Ma'ariv at 5:30pm.
- Anyone interested in joining the roster for presenting shiurim in the Youth Minyan
should speak to Ezra May, or email us here.
- Please join us for our Katanga weekly Squash game on Sundays @ 6pm and 7pm at Albert
Park (Sports and Aquatic Centre). If you are interested in attending, please let Yirmie
Elkus know.
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Thoughts for the Week
"It is your attitude, not your aptitude, that determines your altitude."
"There are no foolish questions and no man is foolish until he stops asking
questions." (Charles Steimatz)
"A diamond is a chunk of coal that made good under pressure."
"Success is that peace of mind that comes from knowing you've done everything in your
power to become the very best you're capable of becoming." (John Wooden)
"He who laughs last thinks slowest!"
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Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos!
"The Editors"
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