ASK THE RABBI
Rabbi Lipskar's weekly d'var torah
Pekudei - Shabbos Chazak
As we conclude the second book of the Torah, Exodus/Shmos, it serves to summarize the concept of our having reached the next level of our historical trek through the millenniums of history. The book begins with Jewish enslavement, pain and suffering and then we experience multiple milestone events that transformed us into a Nation of G-d, beginning with the Exodus and its multiple miracles to Revelation, the building of the Tabernacle which was the formal dwelling place of Almighty G-d and preparing to enter into the third book, Vayikrah/Leviticus, which addresses the service of the various offerings in the Tabernacle.
As we know, the Torah is very frugal on writing any extra word or even letter yet in this portion we find the statement "as G-d commanded Moses" or "as G-d commanded" 19 times, relating to every aspect of the building, furnishing and setting in place the proper vessels with their proper functions.
The message and lesson is blatantly clear. As we culminate our becoming free, it is important to note that true freedom is not what society dictates in doing one’s whim and wish based on their limited understanding and perspectives. We are charged to follow a divine order that knows how we are structured and gives us the important and critical directives in how to sustain true freedom and succeed.
After we have learned about the building of the Tabernacle, with all of the details, multiple times in the last five weeks, and are set to erect it and begin our special relationship with G-d through our service in this Tabernacle, we are told over and over again that, regardless of our wisdom and understanding, what is most effective and safe in building the dwelling place for G-d is to follow G-d's directives and to have trust in our Rebbe Moses that what he tells us is the Divine will.
Each one of us is a domicile wherein G-d dwells. Each of our homes and environments must serve as the holy Tabernacle. The fundamental, underlying element in making sure that we succeed in fulfilling that important mission is to submit our intellect and desires to G-d's will and wisdom.
CHAZAK! CHAZAK! VENISCHAZAIK! Be strong! Be strong! And let us be strengthened!
Have a great Shabbos and a good week.
Sholom D. Lipskar
The Shul Pushka Campaign
It's the little things in life that count. G-d fills the world every moment with His divine energy. Tzedakah is one of the special and significant ways to create an all-encompassing Mitzvah, and in today's world, we need more Mitzvot than ever. It doesn't matter where or how much you give, just make Tzedakah part of your day.
The Shul provides beautiful Pushkas (charity boxes) to the community and to all those that would like to participate in the important Mitzvah of Tzedakah. To request a Shul Pushka please call The Shul Office at 305-868-1411 or fill out the form below.
To Learn More About The Meaning of Tzedakah Click Here
Jewish Holidays
All Jewish holidays begin the evening before the date specified on most calendars. This is because a Jewish "day" begins and ends at sunset, rather than at midnight. If you read the story of creation in Genesis Ch. 1, you will notice that it says, "And there was evening, and there was morning, one day."
From this, we infer that a day begins with evening, that is, sunset. Holidays end at nightfall of the date specified on most calendars; that is, at the time when it becomes dark out, about an hour after sunset.
UPCOMING JEWISH HOLIDAY
For more information Click here
Project 33154
Project 33154 is a community wide program to create a neighbor to neighbor Jewish experience. The initial case study started Chanuka 2002 where 10 young Yeshiva boys visited every home in Bay Harbor to identify which ones were Jewish and give them the necessary items (Menorah, Candles, Guides etc.) for the Holiday of Chanuka.
Over 250 Jewish Homes were identified together with a color coded map of Members, Non-Members and Unaffiliated Jews. Over the next Purim and Passover the same idea was used in the Surfside and Bal Harbour area and over 800 new Jewish homes were contacted and had a taste of The Shul.
Block Shluchim
Together with color coded map each neighborhood was split up into different areas that include a lay leader from The Shul.
Before each Yom Tov The Shul prepares a special food package which promotes holiday awareness.
Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Succot, Chanukah, Purim, Pesach andShavout
Every newly identified Jewish household in the Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands and Surfside areas has been contacted with thousands of Apples and Honey packages, Chanukah kits and Purim Mishloach Manos and food packages distributed this year.
Over 350 pounds of hand-made Shemurah Matzo (that’s about 2,450 pieces of matzah) has been distributed throughout 33154. If you are new on the 33154 area, please let us know so you can be included in this amazing and inspiring Jewish Program.
Send a letter to the Rebbe זי"ע
Throughout his lifetime, the Rebbe received hundreds of letters every day, from people of every conceivable background, occupation and faith. Today people continue to send letters to be placed at the Ohel for the Rebbe's guidance and intervention On High, in the age-old tradition of written prayer petitions at our holiest sites
Whether referring to one's own self or mentioning someone else's name in a letter, one should always include the name and mother's name (e.g. Isaac the son of Sarah) of both the one(s) who are in need of blessing and the signer.
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/761128/jewish/Why-Use-the-Mothers-Name-When-Praying-for-Someone.html
http://www.ohelchabad.org/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/78445It is preferable to use one's Jewish name. (Customarily gentiles use their father's name.) Letters can be written in any language. You can fax directly to the Ohel at: (718) 723-4444 Or you can use the form below to have the rabbis at Ohel Chabad Lubavitch http://www.ohelchabad.org/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/78445personally bring your prayers to the Rebbe’s resting place.
The Rebbe
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of righteous memory, the seventh leader in the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty, is considered to have been the most phenomenal Jewish personality of modern times. To hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of sympathizers and admirers around the world, he was -- and still is, despite his passing -- "the Rebbe."
Whether referring to one's own self or mentioning someone else's name in a letter, one should always include the name and mother's name (e.g. Isaac the son of Sarah) of both the one(s) who are in need of blessing and the signer.
Click Here to Know More Click Here.
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