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Shabbos Parshas Vayatze - 24 November, 2001
Series 3, Edition 12.
Candle lighting time: 8:00pm. Shabbos ends: 9:04pm.
Mincha & Kabalos Shabbos (Friday evening): Early Minyan 7:00pm, Late Minyan
8:18 pm.
Shacharis on Shabbos in the Main Shule is at 9:30am and in the Youth Minyan
at 9:45am.
*This week the Gemorah Brachos shiur at Mark Franck's house on Shabbos
afternoon commences at 7:00pm.
_______________________________
D'var Torah
THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons
When the Jews put an idol into the Holy Temple, and God sought to destroy
the Temple forever, the souls of each of the forefathers and foremothers
pleaded to God to spare the Jews from permanent exile. In exchange for God's
promise, they offered all their merits: their faith, their devotion and
their self-sacrifice. Abraham tried to prevail over God in the merit of
having brought monotheism to the world. But God said that would not suffice.
Then Isaac pleaded with God in the merit of his willingness to be sacrificed
on Mount Moriah. But that too was rejected as insufficient. Jacob, Moses and
others presented their merits. But none would suffice.
Rachel's soul then presented itself before God. "Master of the Universe,"
she began, "I waited seven years to marry my beloved Jacob. When the time of
the wedding finally arrived, my father schemed to switch me with Leah. I
realized that she would be put to shame if the scheme were uncovered, so I
had compassion and gave her the password. I overcame my own feelings and was
not jealous. I allowed a competitor into my home. So if I was able to do it,
God, then all the more so You too should not be exacting of the idol - the
competitor in Your home."
Immediately, God's compassion was aroused. He said, "Don't cry over the
exile, Rachel, because for your sake I will return the children of Israel in
the future to their homeland once again." (see Jeremiah, chapter 31)
In the secular world, it is typically only the "big" achievements that get
attention. World leaders, movie stars and business tycoons are splashed on
magazine covers and glorified as symbols of power and influence.
But that's not reality. Because if you ask 100 people, "Who was the greatest
influence in your life?" chances are none will mention an Olympic gold
medallist or the President of the United States. Rather, parents and
teachers have molded and shaped who we are. Not because of any dramatic,
life-changing discoveries. But because they demonstrated care and
compassion, day in and day out. And this is the lesson God is teaching us by
accepting Rachel's prayer above all the others.
Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, the leader of 20th century American Jewry, was picked
up by a taxi to take him to an appointment. The driver helped Rabbi
Feinstein into the car, and then closed the door. Upon arriving to his
destination, Rabbi Feinstein was greeted by a colleague who noticed that his
hand was crushed and bleeding. "What happened?" he asked. Rabbi Feinstein
explained: "The driver closed my hand in the door, but I didn't say anything
so not to embarrass him."
In life, we can inherit many things from our ancestors: Medical conditions,
hair color, money. In Judaism we say we inherit spiritual DNA as well. When
Rachel and others exhibit character beyond the bounds of human expectation,
that is ingrained for all eternity. Metaphysically, that genetic coding is
bequeathed to each of us, giving us the innate potential to rise to those
heights. We possess a great power - of loyalty, sincerity, and true concern
for others. Our task is to actualize that into reality.
-----------------------------------
PARSHA OVERVIEW – Vayatze (Breishis 28:10 - 32:3)
Jacob on the way to Lavan's house rests during his journey and has a dream
of a ladder reaching the heavens with angels ascending and descending. Upon
reaching Lavan, Jacob agrees to work for him as a shepherd for seven years
for his daughter Rachel. Lavan switches daughters at the marriage ceremony
to Leah and as a result Jacob works another seven years for Rachel. Jacob
also marries his two wives' maid-servants.
As Jacob tries to build his equity, Lavan changes their agreement time after
time yet still becomes very wealthy. The Almighty tells Jacob that after
tweny years the time has come to return to the land of Canaan. Jacob and his
household secretly leave only to be pursued by Lavan. However in the end
there is peace and blessings between Jacob and Lavan.
-----------------------------
Other Developments
*Last Shabbos after Davening, Isi Pacanowski made a Kiddish and spoke in
honour of the Yorzeit of his father.
*At Shalosh Seudas last week, Zac Abeles explained why those who doubted
Sarah gave birth to Yitzchok are referred to by Rashi on the Torah as
scoffers rather than liars. Zac explained that because they based what they
thought on an element of truth and not on an outright lie they cannot be
considered liars. Yasher Koach.
*On Sunday night between Mincha and Maariv, Isi Pacanowski made a siyum on
Mesachtas Bava Kama. Following the Daf Yomi schedule, this Mesachta is due
to be completed later this week, but Isi finished it early to coincide his
siyum with the Yorzeit of his father. Yasher Koach.
-----------------------------
Announcements
-Minyanim times for the coming week are:
Shacharis: First Minyan @ 6:15am, Second Minyan @ 7:00am
Mincha at 8:10pm followed by shiurim and then Ma'ariv at 8:50pm.
-Anyone interested in presenting a Shiur in the Youth Minyan please contact
Ezra May, or email us here.
-Please join us for our Katanga weekly squash game on Sunday 6:00pm at
Gardenvale Squash Centre. If you are interested in attending, please contact
Mendi Solodowitz.
----------------------------
Thoughts for the Week
*A fine is a tax for doing wrong, while tax is a fine for doing right.
*If you cannot convince them, confuse them.
*Conversation is high-level about ideas, average about events and low about
people.
----------------------------------------
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos to all!
"The Editors"
Shabbos Parshas Toldos - 17 November, 2001
Series 3, Edition 11.
Candle lighting time: 7:53pm. Shabbos ends: 8:56pm.
Mincha & Kabalos Shabbos (Friday evening): Early Minyan 7:00pm, Late Minyan
8:10 pm.
Shacharis on Shabbos in the Main Shule is at 9:30am and in the Youth Minyan
at 9:45am.
*This week Isi Pacanowski will be making a Kiddish in honour of the Yorzeit
of his father, Mr Gavriel Yitzchok Pacanowski Z"L.
*This week the Gemorah Brachos shiur at Mark Franck's house on Shabbos
afternoon commences at 6:50pm.
_______________________________
D'var Torah
INSTANTANEOUS-ISM
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons (aish.com)
The story concerning the sale of Esav's birthright is retold and analysed
constantly in the scriptures. However, there is a deeper understanding of
Esav attempts to quell his hunger.
When Esav states, "I'm going to die anyway" he is actually revealing his
philosophy of life: "The world begins when I'm born, and ends when I die. So
who needs to be concerned about intangibles like a 'spiritual birthright.'
I'll take the stew now and be happy!" Esav is a man driven by physical
desire. His concern is only with the here and now. He demands instant
gratification. He seeks physical pleasure and comfort, because for him, the
pleasures of the body are all there is in life.
Every human being is comprised of two components - the physical (body) and
the spiritual (soul). Each part needs to be nourished and sustained, yet
each achieves this through very different means. The body seeks comfort and
immediate gratification: food, sleep, money, etc. The soul seeks
longer-lasting, eternal pleasures: meaning, love, good deeds, connection to
God.
The Talmud says: "Who is the wise person? He who sees the future." This
ability to consider our long-term, spiritual consequences is what
distinguishes the mature from the immature. A child cannot predict that
eating 20 pieces of candy now will lead to a stomach ache later. A college
student may not see that promiscuity can lead to life-threatening disease.
Or a father may not see that working overtime can lead to irreparable
disconnection from his wife and children.
Today, each of us is fighting Esav's battle. Body versus Soul. The
multi-billion-dollar media machine is constantly enticing us to buy into the
lifestyle of "Instantaneous-ism." Between fast-food restaurants, disposable
cameras and on-line banking, we have become accustomed to a world where
immediacy is the norm. And the affect is that we've lost our sense of
perspective.
To win the battle, we must be pro-active in undertaking spiritual
activities. Something as simple as saying a blessing over our food turns a
"physical" act into a spiritual experience. We put our actions into context,
and reflect on the deeper aspect behind the food. The mere fact that we
pause is a counter-balance to the instantaneous urge. Indeed, one's ability
to moderate the body's needs, gives us the freedom to pursue the needs of
the soul.
Next time you're at a funeral, listen closely to the eulogy: he was a
devoted parent, he donated money to help build a hospital, he cared for
others, and he was loyal to his faith. You will never hear about what kind
of car he drove, how many different restaurants he tried, or how much money
he shrewdly invested. At that moment of everlasting truth, there is no
question what is truly important.
What is the lesson for us today? Keep your eye on the ball. Acquire wisdom.
Know exactly what you're living for. Keep your material desires in check.
Beware of the "instantaneous" thrill.
This takes concentration and effort. Our actions today, and the choices we
make, affect not only our own lives, but influence generations to come. The
bottom line: know when to walk away from an "attractive deal" that may haunt
you for a lifetime... and beyond.
-----------------------------------
PARSHA OVERVIEW – Toldos (Breishis 25:19 - 28:9)
Rivkah gives birth to Esav and Yakov. Esav sells his birthright to Yakov for
a bowl of lentil soup. Yitzhak sojourns to Gerar with Avimelech, king of the
Philistines. Esav marries two Hittite women bringing great pain to his
parents.
In order to receive the blessing for the first born from his blind father
Yitzhak, Yakov impersonates Esav on the counsel of his mother Rivkah. Esav,
angry because of Yakov’s deception plans to kill him, so Yakov on the advice
of his parents, flees to his uncle Lavan in Padan Aram. They also advise him
to marry Lavan's daughter.
Esav marries a third wife, Machlath, the daughter of Ishmael.
-----------------------------
Other Developments
*Last Shabbos after Davening, Ari Bergman addressed the Youth Minyan. Ari
explained why in the Parsha, Sarah is viewed negatively for seeking Hashem's
judgement. Ari explained that even when we have been wronged, we should seek
mercy from Hashem for our adversary rather than a strict judgement, as this
is the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Yasher Koach.
*At Shalosh Seudas last week, Eytan Epstein explained various
interpretations regarding where Avrohom came from when the Parsha states
"...and Avrohom came to bury and eulogise Sarah". Yasher Koach.
*This week we welcome back our President Tom May and also Yirmie Elkus who
both returned from overseas trips.
-----------------------------
Announcements
- Rosh Chodesh Kislev is this Friday 16 November 2001.
- Minyanim times for the coming week are:
Shacharis: First Minyan @ 6:15am, Second Minyan @ 7:00am
Mincha at 8:00pm followed by shiurim and then Ma'ariv at 8:40pm.
- Anyone interested in presenting a Shiur in the Youth Minyan please contact
Ezra May, or email us here.
- Please join us for our Katanga weekly squash game on Sunday 6:00pm at
Gardenvale Squash Centre. If you are interested in attending, please contact
Mendi Solodowitz.
----------------------------
Thoughts for the Week
*Criticise me and I may not forgive you, encourage me and I may not forget
you.
*Anger is only one letter away from danger.
*Simply going to a Shule doesn't make you a better Jew than going to a
restaurant makes you a better chef.
---------------------------------------
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos to all!
"The Editors"
Shabbos Parshas
Chayei Sara - 10 November, 2001
Series 3, Edition 10.
Candle lighting time: 7:45pm. Shabbos ends: 8:47pm.
Mincha & Kabalos Shabbos (Friday evening): Early Minyan 7:00pm, Late Minyan
8:05 pm.
Shacharis on Shabbos in the Main Shule is at 9:30am and in the Youth Minyan
at 9:45am.
*This week's speaker after davening in the Youth Minyan will be Ari Bergman.
*This week the Gemorah Brachos shiur at Mark Franck's house on Shabbos
afternoon will commence at 6:45pm.
------------------------------------
D'var Torah
WASTING TIME
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons (aish.com)
The title of this week's Torah portion is "Chayei Sarah" - which literally
means the "life of Sarah." But the strange thing is that our parsha does not
discuss the LIFE of Sarah, but rather describes her death and burial. Then
the parsha continues this theme and ends with the death of Abraham! If this
parsha is all about death, why is it entitled "life?!"
Life is like a boat. Typically a boat is christened upon its maiden voyage.
We have hopes and expectations that the boat will travel safely and
successfully. But what happens many years later when the boat, all beaten
and weathered, comes back to dock? Where are the cameras, the crowds and the
champagne?
In Judaism we say that is precisely the time for celebration. Because that
is when we can evaluate and appreciate the success of the vessel. Which
explains why the Torah uses the DEATH of Sarah and Abraham to trumpet the
great value of their LIFE.
Sometimes we might think, "I could be growing more, if only my life weren't
so difficult." This is a fallacy. Because our greatest growth comes not
during the easy times, but in the difficult times. The Talmud says that "all
of Sarah's years were equal in goodness." But Sarah suffered 90 years of
barrenness and was kidnapped twice! Abraham, too, fought wars and was thrown
into a fiery furnace!
What this means is that no matter what happened, Sarah saw every event as an
opportunity to learn and to grow. Human beings need to be constantly growing
and learning. Because there's no such thing as "standing still." Life is in
a constant state of entropy. So if we're not growing, we're withering.
Judaism says don't waste a minute. This doesn't mean having a book in front
of you 24 hours a day. (I mean, we have to sleep, right?) Rather, the Jewish
idea of "relaxing" means to tune into another aspect of living. It should be
purposeful and directed. Relax, but don't "space out." When you sleep, it
should be for the purpose of resting your body so that it will have the
strength to do something truly meaningful. In this way, the sleep itself
becomes meaningful. Even though you change gears, it's not quitting. It's
growth.
As descendents of Abraham and Sarah, we have inherited their spiritual
genes. Every moment of their lives was purposeful and meaningful. The clock
is ticking. May their example inspire us to do the same.
-----------------------------------
PARSHA OVERVIEW – Chaya Sara (Breishis 23:1 - 25:18)
Sarah dies at the age of 127. Avraham purchases a burial place for her in
Ma'arat HaMachpela, Hebron. Avraham sends his servant, Eliezer, back to the
"old country," his birthplace Charan, to find a wife for Yitzchak (Isaac).
Eliezer makes conditions for the matrimonial candidate to fulfil and Rivka
(Rebecca) unknowingly meets these conditions. Eliezer succeeds in gaining
family approval, though they were not too keen about Rivka leaving her
native land.
Avraham marries Keturah and fathers six more sons whom he sends East before
he dies at 175. Yitzhak and Ishmael bury Avraham in Ma'arat HaMachpela near
Sarah. The portion ends with the listing of Ishmael's 12 sons and Ishmael
dying at age 137.
-----------------------------
Other Developments
* Last Shabbos after Shacharis, Rabbi Leon Goldman addressed the Youth
Minyan. He explained why the source for Avraham Avinu being the initiator of
the Shacharis davening is based on the prayers he recited after the city of
Sodom was destroyed and not on his earlier prayers to save the city. Leon
explained that it is to teach us that even when it appears that our prayers
have not been answered by Hashem, we still have to Daven to Him. Yasher
Koach.
*Last Shabbos after Mussaf, Eliezer Leibowitz spoke. He began by farewelling
Rafi Goodman who went overseas this week to complete his Smicha and then
explained a calculation regarding the large quantity of bread served by
Avrohom Avinu when he served his meal in honour of his three guests. Yasher
Koach.
*Last Sunday after davening, the Shule hosted the Bris of Zacharia Yosef (Kobi)
Paluch. Mazal Tov to the parents Doron and Aviva and to the grandparents
Kathy and Avi Paluch and Florette and Michael Matzner and to all the
extended family. Kobi should merit to grow L'Torah, L'Chupa UL'Massim Tovim.
-----------------------------
Announcements
- This week is Shabbos Mevorachim Kislev with Rosh Chodesh falling on next
Friday 16 November 2001.
- Katanga’s Artscroll Gemorah Brochos is still missing from the Shule. Would
any person who knows its whereabouts please return it as soon as possible.
- Minyanim times for the coming week are:
Shacharis: First Minyan @ 6:15am, Second Minyan @ 7:00am
Mincha at 7:55pm followed by shiurim and then Ma'ariv at 8:35pm.
- Anyone interested in presenting a Shiur in the Youth Minyan please contact
Ezra May, or email us here.
- Please join us for our Katanga weekly squash game on Sunday 6:00pm at
Gardenvale Squash Centre. If you are interested in attending, please contact
Mendi Solodowitz.
-----------------------------
Thoughts for the Week
*Glass, china and reputations are easily cracked and never mended properly.
*Failure is a lot closer to success then doing nothing.
*I'm a vegetarian not because I like animals, but because I hate plants. (H.
Boglea)
-----------------------------
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos to all!
"The Editors"
Shabbos Parshas Vayera - 3 November, 2001
Series 3, Edition 9.
Candle lighting time: 7:37pm. Shabbos ends: 8:38pm.
Mincha & Kabalos Shabbos (Friday evening): Early Minyan 6:55pm, Late Minyan
7:55 pm.
Shacharis on Shabbos in the Main Shule is at 9:30am and in the Youth Minyan
at 9:45am.
*This week's speaker after davening in the Youth Minyan will be Eliezer
Leibowitz.
*This week the Gemorah Brachos shiur at Mark Franck's house on Shabbos
afternoon will commence at 6:30pm.
------------------------------------
M A Z A L T O V !
A very hearty Mazal Tov to Doron and Aviva Paluch on the occasion of the
birth of a son this week.
Katanga would like to wish the parents Doron and Aviva, grandparents Avi and
Kathy Paluch and Michael and Florette Matzner, uncles, aunties, cousins and
extended families much naches and simchas in the future.
A Sholem Zochur to celebrate the birth of the newborn boy will be held this
Friday night at the home of the grandparents Avi and Kathy Paluch at 1
Oulton Ave, Caulfield. All are invited to attend.
----------------------------------------
D'var Torah
BE A GIVER
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons (aish.com)
Abraham is on a mission to teach the world about God. But God is an infinite
force who encompasses everything and lacks nothing! He doesn't get tired,
thirsty, restless or cold. So how can He possibly be described?
The answer is found in what motivated God to create the world in the first
place He wasn't lonely. He wasn't bored. And it wasn't a science experiment.
But God did lack one thing, so to speak. He lacked someone outside of
Himself to nurture and bestow kindness upon. Thus the attribute of "giving"
is the most essential thing we can say about God!
Abraham emulated God by performing endless acts of kindness. His tent,
pitched in the middle of an intercity highway, was open on all four sides so
that any traveler was welcome to a royal feast.
As the story goes, Hashem was talking to Abraham as he was recouperating
from his recent circumcision (aged 99), but upon seeing some strangers
walking by he interupts the conversation to welcome and tend to them.
Imagine you're in the middle of speaking to the President of the United
States. Would you ever say, "Hold on a second, Bill, there's some strangers
walking by. I'll get back to you later!" So what made Abraham think leaving
God was the right thing to do?
The answer is that there is an experience even greater than talking to God.
And that is to be like God. Human beings are created in the image of God.
God is a giver. Thus, giving is basic to human nature. It is our greatest
form of spiritual expression.
Of course, the reason to treat others kindly is because we care about them.
But just as crucial is what is does for me. The act of "giving" makes me
more sensitive, caring and compassionate. More God-like.
Not coincidentally, the city of Sodom, which was destroyed because of its
lack of generosity and hospitality is geographically located next to the
Dead Sea. In Israel, there are two seas connected by the Jordan River: The
Sea of Galilee in the north, and the Dead Sea in the south. Since the Dead
Sea is the lowest point on planet Earth (396 meters below sea level), water
flows in, but no water ever flows out. This inability to "give" is why it's
called the Dead Sea.
Practically speaking, how do I become a "giver?" The answer is simple: Start
giving. Some people say, "I can only give to someone I love." This is
incorrect. The Hebrew word for "give" - hav, is the same root as ahava,
which means "love." Giving is what leads to love. When I give, I invest a
part of myself, making you more precious to me. This is why parents love
their children most of all; it is their greatest investment.
-----------------------------------
PARSHA OVERVIEW – Vayera
Avraham, on the third day after his brit mila, sits outside his tent looking
for guests. While talking with the Almighty, he sees three visitors
(actually angels) approaching and Avraham interrupts his conversation to
invite them to a meal. One angel informs him that in a year's time, Sarah,
his wife, will give birth to a son, Yitzhak (Isaac).
God tells Avraham that He is going to destroy Sodom because of its absolute
evil. Avraham argues with G-d to spare Sodom if in the city there can be
found ten righteous people. Avraham loses for the lack of a quorum. Lot (Avraham's
nephew) escapes the destruction with his two daughters.
Other incidents: Avimelech, King of the Philistines, wants to marry Sarah (Avraham's
wife), the birth of Yitzhak, the eviction of Hagar (Avraham's concubine) and
Ishmael. Avimelech and Avraham make a treaty at Beersheva. Avraham is
commanded to take up his son, Isaac, to sacrifice him (Akeidat Yitzhak).
Lastly, the announcement of the birth of Rivka (Rebecca), the future wife of
Yitzhak.
-----------------------------
Other Developments
* Last Shabbos the Shule was treated to a Kiddish by our Choson Bereshis Mr
and Mrs Grynberg. Mr Grynberg, Rabbi Makover of the Alexander Yeshivah and
Rabbi Gordon all spoke. Yasher Koach.
* At a special Shalosh Seudas last Shabbos, sponsored by Yankel Sziewicz in
honour of the occasion of his father's Yorzeit, Sheva Brochos was held and
recited for Allon and Danielle Ledder. Rabbi Makover of the Alexander
Yeshivah delivered the Dvar Torah. Mazal Tov and Yasher Koach.
* This week we farewell Rafi Goodman who is leaving us to further his
studies and gain his Smicha (Rabbinic ordination) overseas. We wish him a
Tzeischem Le'Sholem and look forward to his return as Rabbi Goodman.
-----------------------------
Announcements
- Katanga’s Artscroll Gemorah Brochos is still missing from the Shule. Would
any person who knows its whereabouts please return it as soon as possible.
- Minyanim times for this coming week are:
Shacharis: First Minyan @ 6:15am, Second Minyan @ 7:00am
Mincha at 7:55pm followed by shiurim and then Ma'ariv at 8:35pm.
- Anyone interested in presenting a Shiur in the Youth Minyan please contact
Ezra May, or email us here.
- Please join us for our Katanga weekly squash game on Sunday 6:00pm at
Gardenvale Squash Centre. If you are interested in attending, please contact
Mendi Solodowitz.
-----------------------------
Thoughts for the Week
*Age is a high price to pay for maturity.
*It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.
*If you can talk, you can sing. If you can walk, you can dance.
-----------------------------
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos to all!
"The Editors"
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