ASK THE RABBI
Rabbi Lipskar's weekly d'var torah
Pinchas
Dear friends and community family,
After some thought, I decided to share with you the important reaction and feeling that I had attending the joint session of the United States Congress, where Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was invited to give an address this Wednesday. First, I must thank our extraordinary Leadership in the state of Florida, particularly Senator Rick Scott, who had invited me to this event and whose extraordinary office and staff literally went overboard to make my being there as comfortable as possible. It is no doubt that the dedicated first-class staff of our dear Senator Scott reflected his mold, extending a feeling of caring for each and every one of us in a meaningful way. I was privileged to spend some quality time with the Senator and realized again his deep commitment to Almighty G-d, family, the United States of America, and a world of goodness, kindness and growth.
Very honestly speaking, it was amazing to be in the gallery with the perfect 360° view of everything that was going on, and in the midst of this conglomeration of American world leadership as the most powerful body in the most powerful government of the world participated, listening to accomplishments, challenges, and perspectives of the Holy Land of Israel and the Jewish people. True to his extraordinary talents, Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke brilliantly and again scored a diplomatic home run. His ability to integrate almost 500 of the most powerful people in the world to feel a part of the Jewish journey and challenges was done seamlessly and with operatic perfection. From my perspective, being there the Prime Minister did not hit an over-the-top note which he could have easily done by wearing a yarmulke pridefully, recognizing this centrality of our faith and trust in Almighty G-d and offering Almighty G-d the gratitude that He deserves being at the center-point of the miraculous reality of our beyond natural success. Granted he did include some powerful verses of prophecy that distinguishes the Jew as “the Lion was woken from his slumber in his massive power and with a roar that can never be diminished”. I say this in light of the fact that most of the middle American leadership base their foundation on G-d, family, country and the better life for them and their children. The most electrifying moments to me that literally brought chills every time I stood in applause and ovation, was the remarkable expression of support and partnership that sprung naturally with force and determination from the majority of patriotic Americans. It was not the condescending emotion of pity or even empathy for the poor Jewish victims who were being massacred and maligned by evil forces. It was a proclamation of commonality of values and shared perspectives of mission and purpose, based on the common foundation of G-d and truth.
We have been reading in recent Torah portions regarding the Jewish relationship with the general world. Biblical sources emphasize that the seventy nations comprising the civilized population of the world are a critical factor in preparing the world to receive Moshiach, who will come to the world, Jewish and non-Jewish, and the one nation that needs to be eradicated and the one element that needs to be eliminated, Amalek, who has camouflaged himself in different clothing, different language, different spaces, (i.e. Pharaoh, Titus, Torquemada, Chmelnitsky, Hitler, Stalin, Hamas) but represents the dark, irrational, fundamental hatred of the Divine features of goodness, kindness and decency. The Jewish People are the representation of those G-dly features.
Being in the capital for the historic address by Israel’s Prime Minister to the rest of the world via America was a clear indication to me that we are on the brink of a messianic reality where the world is recognizing the authority and centrality of G-d as the Divine Architect and Director of this world, and all that is in it. I felt it and watched it as the majority of the civilized world expressed their connection to Torah values and standards. Despite the few who were not there and those who react negatively like one who carried some placard of rebelliousness, there was no negativity coming from that space. Their impact was bland and empty like dead energy because the positivity was so powerful it overwhelmed any sense of negativity that might try to permeate that space. We continue to see all over the world that secular leadership is identifying with the necessary fundamental truths that are critical for a healthy balanced society. It was evident as both houses gathered to pay homage to G-d, the Jewish people and G-d centered humanity. My positive outlook and optimism were enhanced over the top.
Wishing you a very good Shabbat weekend and summer,
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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