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Shabbos Parshas Korach - 15 June, 2002
Series 3, Edition 40
Candle lighting time: 4:50pm. Shabbos ends: 5:50pm.
Friday Mincha followed by Kabalas Shabbos: 5:05pm.
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 3:50pm.
__________________________
MAZAL TOV
Mazal Tov to Eliezer Lebovits on the occasion of his engagement to Sarit
Wolkenstein of Toronta, Canada this week.
Katanga would like to wish a Mazal Tov to the parents Robert and Judy
Lebovits, the grandparents, brother, uncles, aunts, cousins and whole
extended family.
---------------------------------------
MAZAL TOV & Farewell
Mazal Tov to Rita & Zvi Tamir and to the grandparents Mr N & Mrs I Herbst
who are going overseas this week to celebrate the wedding of their son and
grandson Alon to Racheli Rosenthal in New York.
Katanga would like to wish a Mazal Tov to the parents, grandparents,
brother, sister, uncles, aunts, cousins and whole extended family.
----------------------------------------
D'var Torah
"Korach - What's so bad?"
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons
In this week's Parsha, a terrible dispute erupts when Korach accuses Moses
of corruption. After recruiting 250 men Korach stages a full-fledged
rebellion. In the end, the earth opens up and swallows Korach and his
cohorts alive.
Why such a terrible punishment? Judaism regards quarrelling as one of the
gravest sins because divisiveness contradicts the essential unity of God.
Quarrelling - with its tension, allegations and incriminations - undermines
the harmony of creation. (Midrash Bamidbar Rabba 11:7)
In Hebrew, the word for peace, shalom, is derived from the root shalem,
which means whole or complete. Peace is not merely the absence of war. Peace
is a co-operative, symbiotic relationship, where both parties care for each
other, assist each other, and ultimately complete each other.
We've all been faced with confrontation. So what should we do? The surest
way to immediately defuse any conflict is to refuse to participate.
Remember: It takes two to argue.
In our Parsha, Moses asks to meet with the provocateurs Datan and Aviram.
Moses eagerly pursues peace even though it means the risk of personal
humiliation. (see Numbers 16:8,12)
The Talmud (Avot 1:12) describes Aaron as the master of pursuing peace. If
Aaron saw two people arguing, he would tell each of them that the other
admitted his mistake and wants to make up. That way, each party saves face,
allowing the dispute to end. How much family dysfunction could be spared
with this advice!
The topic of "peace" is a popular one these days. We hear everyone talk
about peace in the home, peace with the Arabs, peace in the inner city.
Peace is perhaps the most central theme in Judaism. The words of King David
(Psalms 133:1) - "How good and pleasant is it for brothers to sit peacefully
together" - are perhaps the most popular Hebrew song. The Amidah prayer,
said three times daily, ends with the word "Shalom." The Grace After Meals
ends with the word "Shalom." The Birkat Kohaim (Priestly Blessing) ends with
the word "Shalom." The entire Talmud ends with the word "Shalom." As well,
the Talmud declares, "Shalom" is one of the Names of God!
But if peace is such an essential Jewish value, then why are Jews always
arguing?!
Quarrelling should not be confused with well-intentioned controversy. Any
student of the Talmud knows that the schools of Hillel and Shammai were
always arguing. Yet their respect for one another grew because they knew the
disputes were for the purpose of reaching a common understanding. In fact,
the Talmud (Yevamot 14b) reports that the children of Hillel and Shammai
intentionally married each other to show they were at peace.
The Talmud (Avot 5:20) describes a well-intentioned controversy as that
between Hillel and Shammai. A poor-intentioned controversy is that of Korach
and his followers, who tried to manipulate others for their own selfish
power struggle.
Hatred, jealousy and infighting are unfortunately not new terms to our
people. The Talmud (Yoma 9b) says that it was baseless hatred amongst Jews
which brought about the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple
has lain in ruins for 2,000 years.
Only through unconditional love will it be rebuilt.
Much has been said recently about internal disputes between Jews in Israel.
Can we stop these disputes? Perhaps not. But we can live with these disputes
providing we remember one essential rule: "Every person is worthy of
profound respect, regardless of their beliefs and level of observance."
I may have differences and disagree with other Jews on various issues. I may
have differences and disagree with my wife on various issues as well. But
just as I would never consider distancing from my wife based on our
disagreements, so too I would never consider distancing myself from other
Jews based on our differences.
How appropriate that the city of Jerusalem is actually a contraction of two
words - Yeru-Shalem - "peace will be seen." May the Almighty bless us with
the patience and sensitivity to avoid destructive arguments and to accord
proper respect all.
_________________________
PARSHA OVERVIEW - Korach
Korach, Dosan and Aviram, and 250 leaders of Israel rebel against the
authority of Moshe and Aharon. The rebellion results in their being
swallowed by the earth. Many people resent their death and blame Moshe.
Hashem's "anger" is manifested by a plague which besets the nation, and many
thousands perish. Moshe intercedes once again for the people and instructs
Aharon to atone for them and the plague stops.
Hashem confirms the role of the tribe of Levi's for Priesthood and verifies
Aharon's position as Kohen Gadol (through the placing of the staffs). The
specific duties of the levi'im and kohanim are stated. The kohanim were not
to be landowners, but were to receive their sustenance from the tithes and
other mandated gifts brought by the people. Also taught in this week's
Parsha are laws of the first fruits, redemption of the firstborn, and other
offerings.
---------------------
Other Developments
*Last Shabbos during davening, Shane Karpes of Aish HaTorah was guest
speaker in the Youth Minyan. He explained that even though Hashem acquiesced
the people's request to send spies to scout the Land of Israel, they were
still punished for their derogatory report. Shane explained that this is the
essence of free will and our responsibility to suffer the consequence of our
actions. Yasher Koach.
*After daveneing last Shabbos, the traditional Shabbos Mevorachim Kiddish
was held. This month's guest speakers were Michael Lipshutz & Dr Michael
Goldsmith, both of whom, prior to making Aliya, davened at Katanga together
with their parents. Both speakers described their individual experiences and
perspective of living in Israel in the current climate. Yasher Koach.
*At Shalosh Seudos last week, Prof. Hasofer explained the particular
leadership qualities of Moshe compared with Noach & Avraham as described by
the Zohar. 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 encouraged to be recited daily.
-----------------------------
Announcements
-Minyanim times for the coming week are:
Shacharis: First Minyan @ 6:40am, Second Minyan @ 7:00am
Mincha at 5:05pm followed by shiurim and then Ma'ariv at 5:45pm.
-Anyone interested in presenting a Shiur in the Youth Minyan please contact
Ari Bergman, 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 Isaac Berkovits.
_________________________
Thoughts for the Week
* You preach a better sermon with your life then with your lips
* Only two things are infinite; G-d and human stupidity
* Coincidence is G-d's way of staying anonymous
_________________________
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos to all!
"The Editors"
Shabbos Parshas Shelach Lecha - 8 June, 2002
Series 3, Edition 39
Candle lighting time: 4:50pm. Shabbos ends: 5:50pm.
Friday Mincha followed by Kabalas Shabbos: 5:05pm.
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 3:50pm.
__________________________
MAZAL TOV
Mazal Tov to Eli Goodman on the occasion of his engagement to Beila Sirota
of Denver (CO, USA) this week.
Katanga would like to wish a Mazal Tov to the parents Moshe and Gita
Goodman, the grandmother Mrs F Pacanowski, the brothers, sister, uncles,
aunts, cousins and whole extended family.
----------------------------------------
D'var Torah
"Who are you...?"
by Rabbi Stephen Baars (aish.com)
"If you want to endure this world, equip yourself with a heart that can
withstand suffering." - Midrash, Vayikra Rabba 30
In this week's parsha, the Jewish People send 12 spies to scout the Land of
Israel. Upon their return, the conclusion everyone (with but a few
exceptions) reaches is that it is dangerous and unwise to enter the land.
Our Sages tell us that the Israelite's fear of entering Israel was really
only a pretence. Their real desire was to stay in the desert.
And it is not hard to imagine why. In the desert, all their physical and
spiritual needs were well taken care of. They always had food to eat - the
miraculous manna. Their clothes never wore out. Special "Clouds of Glory"
protected them from any and all adversaries. And they had a close
relationship with God whose presence was always amongst them.
They knew that once they entered Israel, all these phenomena would end and
they would have to work to obtain a livelihood. They would have to engage in
war to protect themselves. And they would be expected to achieve the same
closeness with God as they had in the desert.
It was for good reason they did not want to leave the desert. Who would want
to give up the easy life?!
On one level, everyone in the world seems so nice. Whether at work, in the
store, or just taking out the trash, there is a standard acceptable
behavior. We can usually count on a certain degree of politeness, usually a
smile and a "good morning."
But how do we find out what's bubbling beneath the surface - to discover
who's sincere and who's not?
The Sages say that a person's true nature is exposed through three things:
money, drink and anger. (In Hebrew, this forms a cute rhyme: "Kees, Kas,
Kose.")
Money... The stock market crash was a good time to see who the real person
is. Who kept their cool, and whose personality took a dive with the ASX or
Dow Jones?
Drink... When someone's had a little too much to drink, when their
inhibitions are let down, when they don't care who is looking - then you can
get a clear insight into true character.
Anger... When people get offended or insulted; when they have their domain
imposed upon; when someone stands on their shadow... At those times, do they
crumble, burst into a fiery rage, insult and accuse?
Anyone can be righteous on a mountaintop. God wants us to be righteous in
the thick of a traffic jam.
In our parsha, the Jewish People were experiencing immense holiness in the
environment of the desert. But that was not God's purpose for the Jewish
People. He wants us to behave with the same moral standards when the
hardships of history are imposed upon us.
As Mark Twain wrote: "In all countries, from the dawn of history, the Jew
has been persistently and implacably hated, and with frequency persecuted."
What standard of morality must we strive for? To behave with the same degree
of dignity and kindness when life is easy, as when life is difficult. To
have the same joy in life when business is good, as when the market is
crashing.
The good times are no judge of character. Look back at how you behaved in a
crisis and you may get a very different and perhaps truer image of who is
the real you.
_______________________________________________
PARSHA OVERVIEW - Shelach Lecha
The Parsha begins with the Jewish people sending twelve spies to see if
conquering the land of Israel was feasible. Ten came back with a report of
strong fortifications and giants and rallied the people against going up to
the Land. Joshua ben Nun and Calev ben Yefunah (Moshe's brother-in-law)
tried to stem the rebellion, but did not succeed. The Almighty decreed 40
years of wandering in the desert, one year for each day they spied in the
land of Israel. This happened on the 9th of Av, a date noted throughout
Jewish history for tragedy - the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem
and the expulsion of the Jews from Spain amongst them.
---------------------
Other Developments
*Last Shabbos, the regular participants of the weekly Shabbos afternoon
Gemorah Berachos Shiur with Mark Franck were treated to an inaugural Shiur
Lunch at the home of Mark & Chana Franck. After davening at the Youth Minyan,
members of the Shiur (& spouses) excitedly made their way to the Franck's
home where they enjoyed a wonderful Shabbos meal courtesy of Chana Franck.
Divrei Torah were recited and Zemirios sung right until it was time for
lunch to end and the shiur begin. A special Yasher Koach to Mark & Chana for
organising the lunch was expressed by all those who enjoyed their
generosity.
*Last week at Shalosh Seudos, Rabbi Yager, who was commemorating the Yorzeit
of his grandfather, explained the selection process employed by Moshe to
determine the Seventy Elders of Israel. 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 encouraged to be recited daily.
-----------------------------
Announcements
-This week is Shabbos Mevorachim Tammuz. Rosh Chodesh Tammuz is Monday 10
June 2002 and Tuesday 11 June 2002.
-Minyanim times for the coming week are:
Shacharis: First Minyan @ 6:35am, Second Minyan @ 7:00am
Mincha at 5:05pm followed by shiurim and then Ma'ariv at 5:45pm.
-Anyone interested in presenting a Shiur in the Youth Minyan please contact
Ari Bergman, 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 Isaac Berkovits.
_________________________
Thoughts for the Week
* We are not responsible for the world we inherit, but for the world we
bequeath
* I never fail but merely determine ways that do not work
* You can't shake hands with a clenched fist
_________________________
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos to all!
"The Editors"
Shabbos Parshas Behalosecha - 1 June, 2002
Series 3, Edition 38
Candle lighting time: 4:52pm. Shabbos ends: 5:51pm.
Friday Mincha followed by Kabalas Shabbos: 5:05pm.
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 3:50pm.
__________________________
D'var Torah
"Selling the Present for the Future"
by Rabbi Stephen Baars (aish.com)
"We remember the fish we ate for free in Egypt..." (Numbers 11:5).
This complaint is perplexing, given the fact that the Jews were well taken
care of in the desert. God provided them with Manna (a special food which
tasted however the person eating it desired it to taste). Plus each Jew was
given a satisfying quantity every day. What a deal! So why are the Jews
complaining about free fish in Egypt?!
Rashi (11th century France) explains that in one important respect, slavery
in Egypt was "free" in comparison to life in the desert. The Manna that God
provided came with certain "strings attached" - the Jews were simultaneously
expected to perform mitzvahs; whereas the food in Egypt did not come with
these obligations. Therefore, says Rashi, the Jewish People's use of the
word "free" refers to their desire to be "free" from doing mitzvahs.
Yet Rashi's answer seems problematic. Could it be that the Jews preferred
eating fish amidst harsh slavery, rather than observing mitzvahs in total
freedom - and eating the miraculous Manna - which obviously could also taste
like fish?!
The Western world views slavery as abhorrent. But to appreciate the Jewish
People's desire to choose Egypt over the desert, we have to appreciate how
deeply appealing slavery can be.
"Freedom" can often feel the most enslaving of all. Problems, pressures, and
difficult decisions - about career, marriage, children, life goals - can
often feel like the yoke of bondage. Therefore, to let someone else make
your decisions is in some ways more appealing than the idea of freedom.
Furthermore, real freedom requires effort - to discover one's purpose in
life, set goals, and examine actions to correct mistakes. These are the
"freedoms" that made the Jewish People prefer "slavery!"
The Manna had a miraculous aspect to it: it tasted however the person
desired. And if you didn't consciously think of any taste? Then the Manna
tasted like nothing! This is why the Jews in the desert preferred real fish
- as opposed to Manna which can taste like fish. Real fish requires no
understanding, no consciousness. You just eat it. You don't need awareness.
Just an open mouth.
Food is symptomatic of how we treat everything. We are constantly looking
for outside stimuli, rather than picking ourselves up. Movies, drugs,
Disneyland is all about letting an outside force take control of your mood.
A key to mental health is "never wanting more than you need." Yet we see
today how people will work like slaves to obtain more than they need. They
may be a slave to status, or a slave to "security" - living for a time that
may never come, rather than enjoying the time that is now.
The Manna in the desert lasted only one day. New Manna had to be gathered
every day. You couldn't store it on the shelf for tomorrow. The Jews in the
desert lived with a stark reality: Tomorrow is not worth worrying about
because there is nothing you can do about it till it comes.
This is real freedom. Freedom from worry. But it's a freedom that has a
price. The price is trusting that God will provide for tomorrow.
That reality was as real in the desert as it is for us today. We can choose
that freedom. But many times we prefer the slavery of worrying about having
enough for tomorrow. At first, it feels like freedom to know you have enough
for tomorrow. However, you always end up working harder to protect it. You
end up selling today... for the hope of tomorrow.
Ask yourself: Do I spend any significant portion of my day enjoying the
efforts of my labor? Or do I simply plough it back to obtain something in
the future?
Freedom is enjoying the here and now. It's eating the Manna and focusing on
the taste of fish. Freedom is appreciating "now," rather than worrying if
you will enjoy tomorrow.
Does your life has the sense that it isn't all it should be... Do you have a
sense of being "manipulated" but can't pinpoint the source... Are you
looking for answers in a life-style that was supposed to be the answer...
Are you passing up the real pleasures of life for some promises you aren't
sure can be met... Are you working for the future instead of getting the
most out of the present?
Freedom is closer than you think. But rather than running to "find," you
need only slow down to "see."
Stop living for the future and try living for the present. The future sounds
like it holds freedom, but real freedom is right here and right now. If you
are not free - if you don't enjoy the here and now - then the world offers
you an irony: Freedom will taste as slavery, and slavery as freedom.
Start now. Dedicate 15 minutes of today - to living just for today.
_______________________________________________
PARSHA OVERVIEW - Behaloischa (Bamidbar 7:90 - 7:89)
The Parsha begins with Aharon being commanded to light the Menorah and the
Levites purify themselves for service in the Tabernacle (they trained from
age 25-30 and served from age 30-50). The first Pesach is celebrated since
leaving Egypt. The people journey to the wilderness of Paran during which
time they rebelled twice against Hashem. The second time they complain about
the boring taste of the maan and the lack of meat in the desert. Hashem
sends a massive quantity of quail and those who rebelled died. Yisro,
Moshe's father-in-law, refuses to travel with them, but returns to Midian.
Miriam, Moshe's sister, speaks lashon hora (defaming words) about Moshe and
is struck with Tzora'as.
---------------------
Other Developments
*Due to the current situation in Israel, the Shule Committee dedicated last
Shabbos at Katanga to helping Israel. The Committee decided to focus its
activities on assisting Shaarei Tzedek Hospital and in this regard before
Mussaf, Dr Sol Javawovsky, an ex-Australian now living in Israel and working
with trauma patients in Shaarai Tzedek addressed the Shule. Dr Javawovsky
provided an overview of the physical and emotional damage suffered by those
wounded in terrorist attacks and the treatments provided by Shaarei Tzedek
and the overbearing financial strain that this places on the Hospital.
Contributions donated by members of Katanga will fund the purchase of a new
vital piece of medical equipment required by Shaarei Tzedek to improve the
treatment and rehabilitation of Jewish lives in Israel.
*After davening last Shabbos a kiddish was held in honour of the naming of
Shifra Amira Susskind, the newborn daughter of Elliott and Sharon Susskind
who was named during leining. Mazal Tov and Yasher Koach.
*Last Shabbos afternoon Ari Bergman addressed a gathering of Katanga women
at the home of Mr & Mrs Fischer. The gathering was held to farewell Mr and
Mrs Herbst prior to their trip to America for their grandson Alon's wedding.
Yasher Koach.
*Last week at Shalosh Seudos, Rabbi Mendel Cohen spoke about the intrinsic
difference between the performance of Mitzvos before and after the Giving of
the Torah at Har Sinai. 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 encouraged to be recited daily.
-----------------------------
Announcements
-Minyanim times for the coming week are:
Shacharis: First Minyan @ 6:30am, Second Minyan @ 7:00am
Mincha at 5:00pm followed by shiurim and then Ma'ariv at 5:40pm.
-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 Isaac Berkovits.
_________________________
Thoughts for the Week
* The secret of success is sincerity. Once you fake that you've got it made
* Pray for what you want, work for what you need
* If it isn't from the doctor it can't be bad news
_________________________
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos to all!
"The Editors"
Shabbos Parshas Naso - 25 May, 2002
Series 3, Edition 37
Candle lighting time: 4:55pm. Shabbos ends: 5:54pm.
Friday Mincha followed by Kabalas Shabbos: 5:10pm.
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 3:55pm.
__________________________
MAZAL TOV
Mazal Tov to Elliott & Sharon Susskind on the birth of a daughter and to Sam
& Betty Susskind on the birth of a grand-daughter this week.
Katanga would like to wish the sisters, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins
and extended family Mazal Tov and best wishes for lots of naches and simcha
in the future.
__________________________
D'var Torah
"ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN..."
by Rabbi Stephen Baars (aish.com)
Why is it that in recent history it appears that 'greatness' has been
thinning? What concept have we forgotten that in the past produced great
people?
Greatness is not in short supply because of a lack interest in achieving it.
Rather, greatness is lacking because there is a misunderstanding of how to
achieve it.
Many think that greatness consists of making giant leaps in the areas of
business or personal character. This definition of greatness has a danger:
The goal is too formidable and it keeps people from ever trying. Or, someone
may try and then give up very quickly - because the goal was in fact too
difficult to achieve.
Which is not to say that great people don't make great decisions. Of course
they do. However, they approach the goal in a way that ensures their
success.
Usually we only get to see great people after they've achieved success. So
we can easily be fooled into thinking their greatness was natural. We see
them after the race, not during the rigors of training.
Many great people from history were nothing special when they started on
life's journey. Great people make greatness look so easy that it appears to
us as though they mastered it without any effort. But experts in any field
will tell you differently. Any difficult skill requires immense practice.
But... you haven't mastered a skill until it becomes natural!
This week's parsha describes a unique mitzvah called "Nazir." Nazir is the
name for a person who decides he wants to achieve great holiness. Rabbi
Shimshon Raphael Hirsch writes (in his commentary to Numbers 6:21):
"If we consider the whole of this institution of Nazaritism we see that the
way is open... for any individual... to satisfy his urge for spiritual and
moral ennoblement, to raise himself temporarily... to a status comparable to
the High Priest."
What steps does the Torah prescribe for a person to attain such a lofty
goal? Surely it requires tremendous personal fortitude and self deprivation!
Actually, the requirements of becoming a Nazir are remarkably simple and
few: For a minimum of 30 days, he must abstain from any grape products, is
not allowed to shave or cut his hair, and is not allowed to come near a dead
body. That's all one has to do to achieve the great level of "holy unto
God!" (Numbers 6:8)
Why is greatness lacking in our generation? Because people mistakenly think
that greatness is found in the "big" decisions of life. They think that
great people are the ones who decide to become the Ghandi-like pacifists or
Rambo-like heroes.
In their desire for greatness, people often make colossal gestures for
mankind. They throw themselves in front of speeding trains or embark on
intercontinental walks. These gestures are usually nothing more than that -
gestures. Ironically, it seems people would rather take big steps to
greatness and fail, then take small steps and succeed!
The Torah is telling us that greatness can be found in the smallest of
life's decisions. Not the ultimate big leap, but the initial first step. Not
the big character reformation but the modest changes in schedule or habit.
Communicating with one's family, a commitment to Jewish learning, sending
your child to a Jewish school - these are the kinds of small but meaningful
actions. Small decisions often hold the keys to greatness because they are
usually adhered to. "Consistency" is the name of the game.
We mistakenly think that greatness is a function of "degree" - how big the
leap will be. But greatness has less to do with degree of change than it has
to do with our desire to change. To succeed, you must have the right
motivation. Don't' seek the fame and prestige of greatness - which is a
counterfeit, exterior pleasure. Rather, choose to discover the meaning and
fulfilment of a better life.
We all want to be great. We all want to be more meaningful. The change will
come when we spend more of our time doing actually meaningful things. We
just have to be a little kinder, study and learn a little more, shift our
priorities and even examine to make them just one degree better.
Greatness is available by making the smallest step for your largest goal.
_______________________________________________
PARSHA OVERVIEW - Nasso (Bamidbar 4:21 - 7:89)
The Parsha begins with further job instructions for the Levites. Moshe is
instructed to purify the camp in preparation for the dedication of the
Mishkan.
Laws relating to Cohanim are given: 1) restitution for stolen property where
the owner is deceased and has no next of kin - goes to the Cohanim. 2) If a
man suspects his wife of being unfaithful, he brings her to the Cohanim for
the Sotah clarification ceremony. 3) if a person chooses to withdraw from
the material world and consecrate himself exclusively to the service of
Hashem by becoming a Nazir (vowing not to drink wine, contact dead bodies or
cut his hair), he must come to the Cohen at the completion of the vow. 4)
the Cohanim were instructed to bless the people.
The Mishkan is erected and dedicated on the first of Nissan in the second
year after the exodus. The leaders of each tribe jointly give wagons and
oxen to transport the Mishkan. During each of the twelve days of dedication,
successively each tribal prince gives gifts of gold and silver vessels,
sacrificial animals and meal offerings. Every prince gives exactly the same
gifts as every other prince.
---------------------
Other Developments
*Last Thursday night, first night Shavous, Katanga once again held a Tikkun
Leil Shavous program attended by men and women of both the Youth Minyan and
Main Shule.
The program began with Ari Bergman facilitating a lively and intellectual
discussion regarding the emotion and essence of Jewish spirituality. This
was then followed by a shiur from our guest speaker, Rabbi Berlin who
explained the different laws and views regarding the performance of Mitzvois
for money. After this a well-earned ice-cream and cheesecake break was
enjoyed by all.
Upon resumption, Noah Fried entertained and informed with stories based on
Avraham Avinu's clear and simple truth-seeking message and the often
uncomplicated honesty and reality of children. The formal program concluded
with Simon Weinstein presenting a synopsis and review of the differing
characteristics that Man was created with, based on the Sefer Lonely Man.
Simultaneously a program full of entertaining Shavous related stories, games
and of course food was enjoyed by younger members of the minyan, under the
guidance of Yoel May and Shimon Goodman.
As usual, people stayed learning at Katanga throughout the night,
culminating in the early morning when Shacharis was davened and a kiddish
sponsored by Mr & Mrs Gruber was enjoyed by those davening at the early
minyan.
Naturally a very big Yasher Koach is deserved by all those who generously
donated their time to prepare and deliver the wonderful, entertaining and
enlightening Shiurim and to those who kept the flame of Torah learning
flickering throughout Shavous night.
*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.
-----------------------------
Announcements
-Minyanim times for the coming week are:
Shacharis: First Minyan @ 6:30am, Second Minyan @ 7:00am
Mincha at 5:05pm followed by shiurim and then Ma'ariv at 5:45pm.
-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 Isaac Berkovits.
_________________________
Thoughts for the Week
* A clue for good communication - 'listen' and 'silent' are the same letters
* The world is full of willing people: Some willing to work, others willing
to let them
* Knowledge comes from taking things apart, wisdom is putting things
together
_________________________
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos to all!
"The Editors"
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