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Shabbos Parshas
Achrei-Kedoishim - 20 April, 2002
EditionSeries 3, Edition 32
Candle lighting time: 5:31pm. Shabbos ends: 6:26pm.
Friday Mincha followed by Kabalas Shabbos: 5:45pm.
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 4:25pm.
__________________________
MAZAL TOV
Mazal Tov to Amiel Gottleib on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah this week.
Katanga would like to wish Mazal Tov to the parents Jack & Rita Gottleib,
the grandparents Mala Gottleib and Hershel & Sala Balter and the brothers,
sister and extended family.
__________________________
D'var Torah
"THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING..."
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons
This week's parsha contains the mitzvah: "You shall rebuke your neighbour"
(Leviticus 19:17). This sounds like the obligation to obnoxiously point out
others' wrongdoings.
Incorrect. A look at the original Hebrew clarifies what the Torah is saying:
"You should give toch'acha to your neighbour." Toch'acha is from the same
word as Hoch'acha, meaning "proof."
The Torah is saying that the way to get our neighbour 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.
Toch'acha is not harsh. Rather, toch'acha is the beauty of reality staring
us squarely in the face. The Talmud (Brachot 7a) says: "It is better for a
person to realise the truth for himself, than to have it beaten into him
with 100 lashes." As the Chafetz Chaim (20th century Poland) explains,
nobody likes to be told what to do. Therefore it is the act of self-realisation
which eliminates the defensive reaction ... and produces effective toch'acha.
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!
One of my favourite all-time stories is told about the Sfas Emes, a famous
Torah commentator (19th century Poland). One time when he was about 12 years
old, he had stayed awake all night learning Torah with a friend. When dawn
broke, they prayed the morning service at the earliest possible time, and
went to bed. A few hours later, the boys awoke and returned to the yeshiva,
where they encountered the grandfather of the Sfas Emes, the revered Rabbi
Yitzhak Meir (known as the "Chiddushe HaRim"). Rabbi Yitzhak Meir did not
know that his grandson had stayed awake all night studying, and proceeded to
rebuke him for not having attended the regular morning service. The rebuke
lasted a few minutes, throughout which the Sfas Emes stood and listened
attentively, not uttering a word.
When the grandfather had left, the boy's friend expressed disbelief: "Why
didn't you defend yourself against this unwarranted rebuke?!" "Because,"
replied the Sfas Emes, "it's not every day that I get such personalised
feedback from my revered grandfather. And I wasn't about to miss such an
opportunity!"
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.
_________________________
PARSHA OVERVIEW - Achrei-Kedoshim (Vayikra 16:1 - 20:27)
Acharei Mot begins with the Yom Kippur service where the Cohen Gadol (High
Priest) cast lots to designate two goats --one to be sacrificed, the other
to be driven to a place called Azazel after the Cohen Gadol confesses the
sins of the people upon its head. The goat sent to Azazel symbolically
carried away the sins of the Jewish people. This, I surmise, is the source
of the concept of using a scapegoat.
The Torah then proceeds to set forth the sexual laws -- who you are not
allowed to marry or have relations with.
The Torah portion of Kedoshim invokes the Jewish people to be holy and
proceeds with the spiritual directions on how to achieve holiness. Within it
lie the secrets and the prescription for Jewish continuity. If any group of
people is to survive as an entity, it must have common values and goals - a
direction and a meaning. By analyzing this portion we can learn much about
our personal and national destiny.
_________________
Other Developments
*Last Shabbos after davening, in his farewell Shabbos in Australia before
returning to America, Eli Goodman spoke about Lag B'Omer. Eli explained the
philosophy of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, which was to involve Torah in all
facets of our lives. Yasher Koach.
*Last week a special Shalosh Seudos was held in commemoration of the tenth
yorzeit of Reb Moshe Kantor Z"L. After an introduction by Tom May noting his
vast contribution to the Shule, Mr Kantor's son Shaye & grandson Aryeh then
delivered Divrei Torah and recollections about their father and grandfather.
Ari Bergman then delivered the weekly Dvar Torah where he spoke about
Parshas Metzora and why it is essential to consistently speak kindly and be
considerate of others. Yasher Koach.
*Due to the current situation in Eretz Yisroel, leaders of World Jewry
headed by HaRav HaGoan Elyashiv have appealed to Jews world-wide to recite
Tehillim on behalf of the people of Israel. Chapters 20, 83, 121, 130 & 142
are recommended to be recited daily.
*Mazal Tov ! The Katanga Newsletter is this Shabbos TWO Years Old. From
humble beginnings, the newsletter has now developed into an indispensable
part of many people's week. Boasting an online subscriber base in excess of
130 people (including a 15% interstate/international component), it combines
with the 'offline edition' to form a vital Torah and communication link for
current and past members of the shule.
Yasher Koach to all those involved, particularly Yirmie Elkus who was the
driving force behind the newsletter from its conception.
-----------------------------
Announcements
- Don't forget to keep counting the Omer. Day 22 commences Thursday night,
18 April 2002.
-Lag B'Omer is rapidly approaching and once again Katanga is hosting its
Annual Lag B'Omer Extravaganza on Monday night, 29 April 2002. This year's
family event will be highlighted by the appearance of a fire-juggler,
gym-bus, jumping castle, live music, BBQ hot-dogs, Bonfire, fairy-floss
machine & more !!!
Anyone who is interested in assisting this function please contact Shoshi
Berkovits on 9530 0297. All contributions and offers of assistance are
greatly appreciated.
-Minyanim times for the coming week are:
Shacharis: First Minyan @ 6:15am, Second Minyan @ 7:00am
Mincha at 5:40pm followed by shiurim and then Ma'ariv at 6:20pm.
-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
Albert Park Squash Centre. If you are interested in attending, please
contact Mendi Solodowitz.
_________________________
Thoughts for the Week
* If you want to feel significant, do something significant
* The early bird may catch the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
* Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal.
_________________________
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos to all!
"The Editors"
Shabbos Parshas
Tazria-Metzora - 13 April, 2002
Series 3, Edition 31
Candle lighting time: 5:40pm. Shabbos ends: 6:36pm.
Friday Mincha followed by Kabalas Shabbos: 5:55pm.
Shacharis on Shabbos in the Main Shule is at 9:30am and in the Youth Minyan
at 9:45am.
*This week's speaker in the Youth Minyan after davening is Eli Goodman.
*This week the Gemorah Brachos shiur at Mark Franck's house on Shabbos
afternoon commences at 4:25pm.
*This week Mincha on Shabbos afternoon is at 5:25pm as due to this week
commemorating the 10th Yorzeit of Reb Moshe Kantor Z"L, a special memorial
Shalosh Seudas is being held.
__________________________
D'var Torah
"The Power of Speech"
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons (aish.com)
Tzarat, a skin disease commonly mis-translated as "leprosy," is a physical
manifestation of a spiritual deficiency. The Talmud (Arachin 16) says that
Tzarat comes specifically as a consequence of "Loshon Hara" - negative
speech about another person.
What is the connection between speaking badly - gossiping about another -
and contracting this skin disease?
Speech is the tool of creation. Through it we can build individuals and the
world. We can praise, encourage, and give others confidence. By making
others feel important, we build them up, as if to say, "Your existence is
necessary." This is life-giving and life-affirming.
On the other hand, speech can also be used to destroy. Words like "you're
worthless" wipes out a person's self-esteem. As King Solomon says, "Life and
death are in the hands of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21).
Beyond the individual destruction, we have all seen the power of gossip - a
vicious rumor - to tear apart relationships, families, and even entire
communities.
From here we can understand a section of this week's parsha, Leviticus
13:45-46. The Torah says that when someone has been diagnosed as having
Tzarat, they must go outside the boundaries of the city and shout
"Contaminated!" to anyone who approaches. The punishment is
measure-for-measure: If you promote divisiveness amongst others, then you
will also suffer the divisiveness of separation from community.
Many people make the mistake of thinking that the Torah prohibition of
negative speech is limited only to saying falsity and untruth. But this is
not so. Lying falls under a separate prohibition, expressed in Exodus 20:13,
23:7. Loshon Hara, meanwhile, is the prohibition against saying anything
negative or derogatory about another person - even when it's true!
Often, Loshon Hara will couch itself in a cloak of rationalizations. It
doesn't even matter whether the words are spoken implicitly or implied. If
the message can be construed negatively, then it is a violation of Loshon
Hara.
So what would motivate one person to speak badly about another?
Low self-esteem. When a person feels down about themselves, there are two
ways to feel better - either 1) make the effort to work and build oneself up
(this is a lot of hard work!), or 2) put others down. The reasoning being,
if I can lower others, then I don't look so bad by comparison! But that's
the easy way, the "quick high." And is that the kind of person you want to
be?
The media has built an empire around knocking down big targets - like movie
stars, politicians and business leaders. For the average person who may see
themselves languishing in mediocrity, it is a source of aggravation to see
others' success in life! So, knock them down - and problem solved!
This may explain as well some basis for anti-Semitism. The nation that holds
itself to a higher standard is a constant reminder of the human potential
for sanctity and morality. Why is the world so eager to point out every
misstep taken by Israel? Because by eliminating respect for that higher
standard, the obligation to strive for that standard likewise falls away.
The first step in avoiding Loshon Hara is to recognise our own faults and
commit to improving on them. When I accept that I alone am responsible for
my inadequacies, then I will similarly be less critical and more tolerant of
others.
If you find yourself getting "down" about yourself or others, try focusing
away from the faults and instead on the virtues. It will lift you out of
your negativity. The Torah says: Feeling down? Don't take the easy way out.
Work hard and improve yourself.
The Talmud asks: Why was the Holy Temple destroyed? Because people spoke
Loshon Hara about each other. Thus, says the Chafetz Chaim (the 20th century
codifier of the laws of Loshon Hara), refraining from gossip is the single
most effective way to reverse the damage and bring about the redemption!
There is no better time to undertake this challenge than today. At this time
we count the Omer, on the way toward receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. Now
is the time to break the dissension and divisiveness which plague our
people.
Imagine how the world would change ... if all humanity jumped on this
bandwagon?!
_________________________
PARSHA OVERVIEW - Tazria-Metzora (Vayikra 12:1 - 15:33)
The Torah continues with the laws of physical and spiritual purity. These
portions focus upon Tzora'as, a physical affliction for transgressing
certain commandments, particularly the laws of speech - and the purification
process. Tzora'as progressively afflicts home, clothes and skin unless one
cleans up his speech.
_________________
Other Developments
*Last Shabbos after davening, the traditional Shabbos Mevorachim Kiddish was
held. This month's guest speaker was Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein of Yeshiva
Ateres Yisroel in Israel. He explained how the major topic of the week's
Parsha, the Mishkan can be viewed as an atonement for the sin of the Golden
Calf. Yasher Koach.
*Last week at Shalosh Seudas, Prof. Hasofer explained how the number eight,
from Parshas Shmini, represents the super-natural as it is seven, the number
of nature (as in days of the week) plus one. Yasher Koach.
*Due to the current situation in Eretz Yisroel, leaders of World Jewry
headed by HaRav HaGoan Elyashiv have appealed to Jews world-wide to recite
Tehillim on behalf of the people of Israel. The Rabbis recommend that
Chapters 20, 83, 121, 130 & 142 be recited daily.
-----------------------------
Announcements
- Rosh Chodesh Iyar is this Friday 12 April 2002 and Shabbos 13 April 2002.
- Don't forget to keep counting the Omer. Thursday night, 11 April 2002
begins day 15.
-Lag B'Omer is rapidly approaching and once again Katanga is hosting its
Annual Lag B'Omer Extravaganza on Monday night, 29 April 2002. Anybody who
is interested in being involved in the preparation and planning phase is
requested to contact either Isi Pacanowski or Chana Franck. All
contributions and assistance is greatly appreciated.
-Minyanim times for the coming week are:
Shacharis: First Minyan @ 6:15am, Second Minyan @ 7:00am
Mincha at 5:50pm followed by shiurim and then Ma'ariv at 6:30pm.
-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
Albert Park Squash Centre. If you are interested in attending, please
contact Mendi Solodowitz.
_________________________
Thoughts for the Week
* No person has ever gone blind from looking at the bright side of life.
* Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without
action.
* What can you say about a society that says God is dead and Elvis is alive?
_________________________
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos to all!
"The Editors"
Shabbos Parshas Shemini - 6 April, 2002
Series 3, Edition 30
Candle lighting time: 5:50pm. Shabbos ends: 6:45pm.
Mincha followed by Kabalas Shabbos: 6:00pm.
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 4:45pm.
__________________________
D'var Torah
"...Doing it for Themselves"
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons (aish.com)
This week's Parsha enumerates all the non-Kosher birds one of which is the
chasida bird (11:19). The Talmud says it's called "chasida" because it does
chesed, which in Hebrew means performing acts of kindness.
But if, the bird is called chasida because it does acts of kindness - chesed
- then it doesn't make sense because the Torah here is listing NON-kosher
birds! It's understandable (as Maimonides writes) that the raven and vulture
should be classified as non-kosher: They're viscous birds of prey and it is
spiritually unhealthy to internalise these traits. But since the chasida
bird seems to embody the desirable trait of chesed, why isn't it kosher?!
Let's look closer: The Talmud explains that this bird does chesed "by giving
food to its friends." The Chidushei HaRim (19th century founder of the Ger
Chassidim) explains: the chasida's generosity is limited to its own circle
of friends, to the exclusion of others. Such partisan kindness is not what
the Torah wishes us to practice. Hence, the chasida bird is non-kosher.
Chesed cannot be predicated on an expectation of return. Did you ever have a
relationship where the other person was always keeping score? ("You drive
this time because I drove last time!") That's not friendship at all! A real
friend sometimes gives and sometimes takes, but never keeps score.
Judaism says when someone requests a favour, I need to consider: Is my
response based solely on whether or not I perceive this as worth my own
while? If so, then I'm serving no one but myself.
The Torah describes one particular act as "chesed shel emet," the true
ultimate chesed: Taking care of funeral arrangements for someone who's died.
This is true chesed because in this act we have absolutely no expectation of
return.
Years ago before I was getting married, I went to one of the biggest sages
in Jerusalem and asked, "What's the key to a successful, happy marriage?"
He told me that the secret is to be a giver. Because if you come into
marriage asking, "What will she do for me?" then you're pulling in the
opposite direction, away from your spouse. But if you come in asking, "What
can I do to provide and contribute?" then that builds a connection. And if
both partners approach marriage with this same attitude, then the
relationship flows beautifully in both directions.
Today we live in a society where everyone seems concerned about his rights:
"What's in it for me, what do I get out of it?" The Torah perspective, on
the other hand, is always from the standpoint of responsibility. For
example, when the Talmud discusses property damage, it always states the law
in terms of "Shimon is responsible to pay Reuven," as opposed to "Reuven has
the right to collect from Shimon."
But, you say, sometimes I just don't "feel" like helping anyone! As any baby
will attest, we're born selfish. Yet the process of maturing involves
developing our sense of caring for others. This is crucial for our spiritual
health. The Talmud likens someone who doesn't give to others as the "walking
dead." A non-giving soul is malnourished and withered.
And it is a mistake to wait until we're emotionally "inspired" to help
others. Rather, it is through the act of giving that I transform myself into
a "giver." Eventually, my emotions will catch up with my actions. And in the
meantime, a lot of good will have been done.
Is there a limit to the giving? Everyone, of course, reaches a point where
he needs something in return - or else he will resent being taken advantage
of. But we must know our limits - and reach for them.
Chesed means reaching out altruistically, with love and generosity to all.
The Talmud says it was baseless hatred amongst Jews which brought about the
destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Thus it is only through
unconditional love that our idyllic future will be built.
For in the words of King David (Psalms 89:3): Olam chesed yi-baneh - "the
world is built on kindness." _________________________
PARSHA OVERVIEW - Shemini
Concluding the 7 days of inauguration for the Mishkan, Aron, the High
Priest, brings sacrifices for himself and the entire nation. Nadav and Avihu,
sons of Aron, bring an incense offering on their own initiative and are
consumed by a heavenly fire.
The Cohanim are commanded not to serve while intoxicated. The inaugural
service is completed. G-d then specifies the species which are kosher to
eat: mammals (those that have cloven hoofs and chew their cud), fish (those
with fins and scales), birds (certain non-predators), and insects (certain
species of locusts). The portion concludes with the laws of spiritual
defilement from contact with the carcasses of certain animals
_________________
Other Developments
*On Shabbos HaGodel after davening, Rabbi Micha Turtletaub of Aish HaTorah
Melbourne delivered a special Shabbos HaGodel drasha to the Youth Minyan.
Micha explained, based on pesukim from the Torah, why the style of the
Haggadah is in Question and Answer format. Yasher Koach.
*At Shalosh Seudas that week, Ezra May explained various reason why the
Shabbos is referred to as Shabbos HaGodel and also explained some insights
regarding the Korbones (sacrifices) mentioned in that week's Parsha, Tzav.
Yasher Koach.
* On Shabbos Chol Hamoed, Katanga as well as welcoming Elie Lederman and
family who are once again visiting us for Pesach, also had Elie address the
Minyan after davening. Elie explained how the requirement to remember the
Exodus from Egypt every day and night is connected to the current situation
in Israel which requires us to remember that the future redemption can occur
any day or night. Yasher Koach.
-----------------------------
Announcements
- Don't forget to keep counting the Omer. Thursday night, 4 April 2002
begins day 8.
-Minyanim times for the coming week are:
Shacharis: First Minyan @ 6:15am, Second Minyan @ 7:00am
Mincha at 6:00pm followed by shiurim and then Ma'ariv at 6:40pm.
-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
Albert Park Squash Centre. If you are interested in attending, please
contact Mendi Solodowitz.
_________________________
Thoughts for the Week
* Dignity does not consist in possessing honours, but deserving them
* If it doesn't go the way you want, then want the way it goes
* Democracy is a device that insures we are governed no better than we
deserve
_________________________
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos to all!
"The Editors"
Shabbos Parshas Tzav / HaGodel - 23 March, 2002
Series 3, Edition 29
Candle lighting time: 7:12pm. Shabbos ends: 8:07pm.
Mincha & Kabalas Shabbos: Early Minyan 6:30pm, Late Minyan 7:30pm. Shacharis
on Shabbos in the Main Shule is at 9:30am and in the Youth Minyan at 9:45am.
*This week in the Youth Minyan a special Shabbos HaGodel speech will be
given by Rabbi Micha Turtletaub of Aish HaTorah Melbourne.
*This week the Gemorah Brachos shiur at Mark Franck's house on Shabbos
afternoon commences at 6:10pm.
__________________________
D'var Torah
"Saving Others Embarrasment"
by Rabbi Yehudah Appel
For many years my wife worked in Jerusalem as a volunteer collecting and
distributing clothing to the poor. Experience had taught her that it was too
embarrassing for the poor to simply receive a "hand-out." Instead, often the
clothes would be "sold" for quite nominal sums, freeing the beneficiaries of
shame.
My wife also discovered that the condition of the clothing was critical. The
poor people were far more sensitive to the way their clothing looked than an
average, middle class family. Often, nice clothes would be rejected by the
people because it did not appear brand new. I believe this was also due to
their underlying feeling of embarrassment.
The Torah, in discussing the "sin offerings" to be brought to the Temple,
shows great sensitivity to the feelings of the poor. The Torah permits each
person to bring an offering according to his or her means. For example, a
wealthy person could bring a bull, while a poor person could bring a flour
offering.
But wouldn't it have been simpler for the Torah to simply suggest that
everyone bring flour offerings?
In actuality, there was a great benefit in bringing an animal offering, for
those who could afford to do so. First of all, it gave the wealthy an
opportunity to give what they felt was a significant gift to the Almighty.
More importantly, there was a tremendous psychological device associated
with the sacrifices. When a person brought certain animal offerings, he
would confess his sin while placing his hands on the animal. Then he would
watch the animal being slaughtered. It was this stark emotional experience
that would hopefully deter the person from sinning again.
Given this, the problem remained how to alleviate the embarrassment of the
less fortunate when bringing their flour offerings. What the Torah does, in
fact, is go out of its way to change its phraseology concerning the
offerings of the poor. In all other instances, the Torah speaks the one
bringing an offering as a "person." But the Torah refers to the one who
brings a flour offering as a "soul."
The Talmud says that this change in terminology shows that in God's eyes, it
is not the value of the offering that counts, but rather the intention
behind it. Because the poor person may live from day-to-day not knowing
where his next meal is coming from, it may well be that the flour offering
of the poor was greater than the rich person's bull.
There's a basic question we should be asking? If the Torah is so sensitive
to potential embarrassment, then how is it that everyone - whether rich or
poor - brought a "sin offering" to the Temple? The activities in the Temple
were a public event! So wouldn't everyone automatically know that they were
bringing a "sin offering" offering because they'd transgressed?
To minimise this potential embarrassment, the Torah prescribes that all "sin
offerings" be slaughtered in the same location as the "burnt offering" -
which was brought primarily as a voluntary offering, and thus lacked any
negative connotations. Therefore, when a spectator would see a sin offering
being brought, it would be unclear whether this was a sin or burnt offering.
In this way, the transgressor would be spared embarrassment.
As in so many places, in both bold and subtle ways, the Torah emphasises to
us the importance of never causing another person the pain of embarrassment.
_________________________
PARSHA OVERVIEW - Tzav
This week's Torah portion includes the laws of: the Burnt Offering, Meal
Offering, High Priest's Offering, Sin Offerings, Guilt Offerings and Peace
Offerings.
It concludes with the portions of the Peace Offerings which were allotted to
the Priests and the installation ceremony for the Priests serving in the
Sanctuary.
_________________
Other Developments
*Last Shabbos during davening, Simon and Simona Weinstein named their
newborn baby daughter, Chana Weinstein. After davening a kiddish was held to
celebrate the occasion where Simon spoke about how he hopes that his
daughter Chana will live the qualities of his late mother, after whom she is
named. Yasher Koach and Mazal Tov to the Weinstein and Elkus families.
*At Shalosh Seudas last week, Mark Franck explained concepts of Moshe's
great humility as symbolised by the small letter 'aleph' in the opening word
of last week's Parsha, Vayikra. Yasher Koach.
*Last Motzei Shabbos a pre-Sefira Kumsitz was held at the Bergman residence.
Illuminated by the flames of the fireplace, five guitars strummed their way
into the early hours of Sunday morning, accompanied by stirring singing and
harmonising. A delicious pizza Melava Malka supported the physical, with the
music uplifting the spiritual. Special thanks to Ari and Esther Bergman -
hosts and instigators and also to our guitarists - Rabbi Micha Turtletaub,
Menchi Shneir, Mendi Slodowitz, Yehoshua Kramer and Ari Bergman.
-----------------------------
Announcements
-This coming Wednesday is Erev Pesach and accordingly on Tuesday night,
Bedikat Chametz (The Search for Chametz) should be performed. 'Ta'anis
Bichorim' (Fast of the First-Born) is on Wednesday morning and as always, a
siyum will be held in shule after both minyanim on Wednesday, participation
at which absolves the obligation to fast.
-Minyanim times for the coming week are:
Shacharis: First Minyan @ 6:35am, Second Minyan @ 7:00am
Mincha at 7:20pm followed by shiurim and then Ma'ariv at 8:00pm.
-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
Albert Park Squash Centre. If you are interested in attending, please
contact Mendi Solodowitz.
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Thoughts for the Week
* From what we get, we make our living; from what we give we make our life.
* It is easier to get older than wiser.
* A father is a man who expects his children to be as good as he was meant
to be.
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Shabbat Shalom, Gut Shabbos & Happy Pesach to all!
"The Editors"
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