the Jewish Spark - Rohr Chabad House at UVa

JEWISH
SPARK
the
published by Chabad at the University of Virginia
Every Jewish student’s home away from home!
Volume 2 Issue 2
Shabbat
100
Imagine hundreds of tiny
lights encircling two white tents
illuminating the night, round tables
adorned with lavender tablecloths
and centerpieces depicting serene
ocean scenes. April 28, 2006 was
no ordinary spring Shabbat dinner
at Chabad. This was a night to
remember for many reasons.
Perhaps because it was the largest
Shabbat Dinner at UVa in recent
history, perhaps because of the aura
surrounding the event, or because
of the wide range of people it drew.
Whatever the reason, after this year
Shabbat 100 will not only become
an annual event, but, G-d Willing,
it will also grow into something that
alumni will make their way back to
Charlottesville to attend. Shabbat
100 was strategically scheduled
around the time of the Foxfield
races in order to juxtapose the
rambunctious festivities of many
other University students. This
elegant dinner was planned from the
beginning to show students the scope
of the Jewish community on campus
and the unity that can develop from
such an event.
Chabad House readies for Shabbat 100
2014 Lewis Mt Road Charlottesville, VA 22903
High Holiday Edition 5767
Z society recognizes
Chabad House
Z
A University of Virginia secret society founded in the 19th century has sent a public letter
of commendation to the campus’ Chabad House. The society, regarded as an incubator for
future American leaders, praised the unity of Chabad-Lubavitch and mentioned by name Rabbi
Shlomo and Channa Mayer, who have been Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries since 2002.
The “Z Society” sent a letter full of praise this spring to the four-year-old institution, which sits
on the school’s Charlottesville campus. The University was founded by U.S. president Thomas
Jefferson.
“We would like to recognize your incredible, ongoing pursuit of unity,” stated the letter. “You
continue to work happily and diligently, day and night, all year long, to welcome a very valuable
part of the community to UVa.”
The Z’s letter noted that the doors of Chabad House on the UVA campus, and the hearts the
Mayers, its directors, “are always open to those who need, love, and depend on you – whether it
be Friday night Shabbat dinners, the High Holy Days, or just another day of the week. You have
welcomed each and every student who has entered your home into your family with open arms
and attended to each with only the most divine friendship and love.”
“We are very humbled by this gesture,” said Channa Mayer, “and we’re especially pleased with
the Z’s’ tribute to Chabad’s mission of inclusiveness.”
The University of Virginia has a long and venerable history, dating back to the days of founding
father Jefferson. As with Yale University, notorious for its Skull and Bones Society, the University
has a long tradition of secret societies, whose members comprise scions of the aristocratic families
of the South. University of Virginia official Alexander Gilliam said the presence of secret
societies represents “a spirit of continuity” in the campus community.
It “probably represents the true undergraduate leadership at the University,” said Gilliam.
Membership in such a society is “a form of recognition.”
“It is often hard for individuals of a minority to establish an identity and feel comfortable in a
community which can be so different from them,” the letter explained. “In a community which is
so vast, so changing and so exclusive at times, it can take an exceptional effort to being together
individuals with differing interests, backgrounds [and] lifestyles. However, it is that tireless pursuit
to unite smaller communities within it which keeps our UVA community as lively and diverse as
it is.”
Noting that Chabad UVa hosted more than 100 people for a Passover Seder and sent students
to storm-tossed New Orleans on a service trip earlier in the year, the Z Society declared that
Chabad’s “efforts and accomplishments this year have all been exceptional and inspiring.”
Concluded the letter: “We applaud your efforts, and encourage you to keep inspiring and
loving those who need you. We look forward to seeing this university become a more diverse,
united and stronger place, thanks to you.”
by Bezalel Gordon
a word
from the
directors
“Joy breaks all barriers,” it says in the Talmud. This is a phrase we’ve been
repeating to ourselves for the past few weeks. As most of you know a family
crisis landed us on opposite shores from our Chabad House for most of the
summer. Sitting in a hospital all day is not rewarding, energizing, or uplifting, especially in contrast to our job in Charlottesville. It’s like dark and light.
Even with chaos still reigning in our lives, with heavy hearts we yearned for
the return to the post to which we have made a lifelong commitment. Our future was in suspense. Checking our email one grim morning, we received an
article (see page 1) which had been crafted around a letter we had recently
received from the Z society. The words pushed us through the day, night,
and weeks thereafter leading us with joyous hearts home to Chabad House.
Five years ago we landed on the “battlefront” of Charlottesville with no clue
how we would make it through the month let alone the year. All we had was
our joy and bitachon (trust) that the same Creator who guided us to this very
spot, would allow his protective cloud (much like the one that guided Jewish
people through the desert for forty years) to illuminate the path to success.
Baruch Hashem, it’s undisputable that our trust wasn’t misplaced. So as we
enter this new year, it’s our prayer for our family, your family, and Klal Yisrael that we put our bitachon in the most infallible place of all. And with
G-d’s Good Grace, we should only hear good news from you, and you from
us. Let’s greet the sound of the Shofar with true joy and break the barriers
set out before us.
Rabbi Shlomo & Channa
Hag Kasher v’Sameach!
inspirations
“
from the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel
Schneerson, of righteous memory
Whoever has faith in individual Divine Providence knows
that “Man’s steps are established by G-d,” that this particular
soul must purify and improve something specific in a particular
place. For centuries, or even since the world’s creation, that
which needs purification or improvement waits for this soul
to come and purify or improve it. The soul
too, has been waiting--ever since it came
into being--for its time to descend, so that it
can discharge the tasks of purification and
improvement assigned to it.
this newsletter is dedicated by
Dr. Paul and Susan Cohen in
the merit of the full and speedy
recovery of their daughter Chaya
Avigail Ilana Bas Sarah Raizel.
”
published by
Chabad of Charlottesville &
the University of Virginia
director
Rabbi Shlomo Mayer
program director
Mrs. Channa Mayer
newsletter designer
Laura Scott
2014 Lewis Mt Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Tel: (434)293-5994
E-mail: [email protected]
www.chabadofcharlottesville.org
2
High Holiday Vol. 2 Issue 2
what
is
Chabad?
Chabad House at UVA is a “home away from home” to hundreds
of college students. Providing a warm, open, non-judgemental,
Jewish family atmosphere, makes our niche in Charlottesville so
unique. Whether it’s our crowded Shabbat Dinners, or a personal
visit during our families weeknight dinner hour, our doors are
always open. Chabad House is here to encourage a love and
connection to the Jewish people, the Torah, and the land of Israel.
Regardless of background or affiliation, Chabad accepts all Jews
as equals and strives to make all who walk inside feel welcome.
There are no members or membership fees.
The name Chabad comes from the acronym Chamah
(wisdom) Binah (understanding) Daat (knowledge). Chabad’s
philosophy defines the deepest dimension of G-d’s Torah, teaches
understanding and recognition of the Creator, the role and purpose
of Creation, and the importance and unique mission of every
Creature. The teachings stress the importance of each Jewish soul
and equate them with diamonds, both precious and rare.
Following its inception more than 250 years ago, the movement
swept through Russia into all corners of the world. Today, more
than 4000 shluchim (emissaries) direct more than 3300 institutions
worldwide. A workforce numbering in the tens of thousands
teaches Judaism around the globe to Jews from all walks of life.
Whether on a college campus, in a large community, in a tourist
attraction, running a drug rehab, managing a soup kitchen in
Israel, or directing an orphanage in Russia, Chabad’s presence is
ubiquitous. Chabad centers are referred to as Chabad Houses, as
is the case in Charlottesville. Most are run by a husband and wife
team and their families, who often live far away from family and
friends just to ensure the continuity of the Jewish people.
September 5, 2006
Hi Channa,
It was great to have you come to speak to us in class
yesterday. I was really moved by your words and inspired
by how you have coped through this tough situation. I liked
your philosophy better than the one of the author for the
book we recently read. I read the Pslam over the summer
when I got the email, and went to CBI for services to say a
mishebeirach. I hope that your sister continues to do a little
better each day.
In the meantime I have sent an email out to a bunch of
Jewish girls to come to the house this Thursday for Challah
baking. I am psyched! :) On that note, I wanted to thank
you for continuing Chabad hospitality at UVA. Your hard
work in preparing/cooking Shabbat dinners and holding
various cultural events are much appreciated. It has helped
to build a stronger Jewish community at UVA.
mail
we’ve got
March 10, 2006
Dear Shlomo & Channa,
Our stay in Charlottesville for my surgery was made memorable
because of your warmth and hospitality. Thank you for opening both
your home and hearts for us. You’ve both opened our eyes to the
wonderful and self-less work that you do with Chabad, and it will have
a special place in our hearts and in our thoughts. We wish your family
all the best that life can bring and may we only hear simchas!!
Warm wishes and much hatzlacha!
Barbara & Eli Schnitzer
Staten Island, NY
I hope to see you Thursday night!
~Mimi
educational
opportunities
cookies &
kabbalah
geared for all
Saturdays 9:15AM
(20 minutes)
Chabad House
law-n-learn
geared for grad students
Mondays 12:00PM
Law School
prayer
pizza & parsha
geared for undergrads
Wednesdays 2:00PM
Newcomb Student Activities
Center
opportunities
Traditional
Kabbalat
Shabbat Services
Shabbat Morning
Fridays 6:45PM
Minyan 10:00AM Student Shabbat Dinner 7:30PM
High Holiday Vol. 2 Issue 2
3
parents corner
family weekend
October 20
VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED
SHABBAT
DINNER
Parents, this is a great opportunity to meet a variety of families
with Jewish students attending UVa. Last year, it was the holiday
of Sukkot, when we enjoyed hosting at least 15 families of students
and resulted in a thoroughly packed house! Don’t miss out on
this night of networking and friendship.
RSVP to chabadofuva@earthlink to reserve
your family’s spot today!
for our online
Chinese raffle
Are you able to donate any
time to help gather prizes for
an online raffle/fundraiser
that will benefit the students
of Chabad House?
if so, please email
channamayer@
earthlink.net
GRADUATE
&
young professionals
“I realized, just as I got the e-mail about tonight’s
event, that now I’m at the right place in life to attend,”
remarked David Wasserman (CLAS ‘06).
While still an undergraduate student, Wasserman
was referring to his awareness of Chabad’s regular
Graduate Student & Young Professional gatherings. But
now, because he has extended his stay in Charlottesville
after graduation to work at UVa’s Center for Politics,
Wasserman falls into the “Young Professional” category.
Wasserman and 35 other Grads & Young Professionals
enjoyed a night of bagels, lox, networking, and playing
Jewish geography while attending Chabad House’s
second annual Bagels-n-Lox Kickoff event.
Jeff Bender (Law ‘08) was tickled when Rabbi
Shlomo remembered this event was where the two met
last year, “he said if I came he’d give me flowers, but I
don’t see any!”
4
High Holday Vol. 2 Issue 2
semester highlights
celebration
PASSOVER
MEZUZAH
making
“I don’t usually like crafty things but I
wanted to come to this,” remarked first year
Edward Silver from Atlanta as he painted
a wooden mezuzah using Virginia’s orange
and blue.
Silver and ten other UVa students set
time aside on a Monday night for a Mezuzah
making party sponsored by Chabad House.
Set up to draw mostly first years as the year
commenced, it was held in a campus residence hall. Mosaics, beads, and paint were
used to fashion eye-catching mezuzahs that
will be used for the students own residences doorways.
“Whenever possible we (Chabad) like to
go to where the students are, bring Judaism to campus and infuse the entire the atmosphere,” said Channa Mayer, program
director of Chabad on campus. Chabad
House isn’t just at 2014 Lewis Mt Rd, it’s
everywhere at UVa!
“I, on the other hand love crafts, so this
program is my favorite,” joked Mayer.
The program was part of Chabad’s free
Mezuzah lend-away program sponsored by
alumni.
Never before has the Best Western Cavalier Inn
witnessed such an event - 106 people dining on bitter herbs, crunchy flatcrackers, and apple paste?! At
Chabad’s annual Seder Away From Home, extra
tables, chairs, and Matza were happily scrounged up
as the ballroom overflowed with guests from all walks
of life. Mostly catering to the University students, the
Seder also played host to alumni, parents, community supporters, and those unfortunately with family
members in the University hospital. Rabbi Shlomo
delivered insightful words of Torah and was applauded when he included praise for Channa, his wife and
Program Director for Chabad House, noting that she
worked endlessly for days and nights for this event,
even while being nine months expecting!
Sealing in the homey atmosphere was the boisterous, memory-laden singing of “Dayenu.” To top it all
off was the steamy brisket, savory kugels, and hand
rolled gefilte, which made forgetting Bubbie a nearly
impossible feat! Guessing that Chabad didn’t stop at
one event you’d be right. The next night there was
another more intimate Seder, and yet a third Matzah
soiree when 60 tromped over to Chabad House for a
BBQ-n- Matzah with all the trimmings.
Passover camaraderie 2006!
High Holday Vol. 2 Issue 2
5
ROSH HASHANAH GUIDE
1-2 Tisheri, 5767 September 23-24, 2006
The holiday starts on the eve of Sept. 22. Please see www.chabadofcharlottesville.org for candle-lighting times.
THE MONTH OF ELUL
ROSH HASHANAH
A: A month of mercy. In the generation of
the Exodus from Egypt, Moses ascended Mount
Sinai three times. The first was to receive the
Torah. The second was to plead with G-d for
his forgiveness after the Jewish people sinned in
worshipping the golden calf. Then, on the first
day of Elul—the month immediately preceding
Tishrei—Moses ascended the mountain a third
time, to invoke G-d’s abundant mercy for our
complete atonement. He remained there for forty days, until Yom Kippur, when G-d cleansed us
completely, as though we had never sinned. Since
then, these days are marked as a special period of
Divine Grace, during which our sincere prayers
are sure to find favor in the eyes of G-d.
Rosh Hashanah is the day on which G-d
completed the creation of this world by creating Adam, the original man. Adam’s very first
act was to proclaim the Almighty as King of
the Universe. He called upon all creatures:
“Come, let us worship, bow down, and kneel
before G-d, our maker.” Each Rosh Hashanah,
we too, proclaim the Kingship of G-d, and reaffirm our commitment to serve Him well.
Just as on the original Rosh Hashanah,
when G-d created the world for the first time,
so each Rosh Hashanah He reconsiders and reevaluates the quality of our relationship with
Him, and creates our world anew.
Q: What is Elul?
TEN DAYS OF REPENTENCE
Tzom Gedaliah
The day after Rosh Hashana is called Tzom
Gedaliah—a fast day. We neither eat nor drink,
from approximately 5:00am until 7:03pm. It
commemorates the tragic assassination of Gedaliah, a great Jewish leader during the Babylonian
exile.
Days of Awe
The first ten days of Tishrei—two days of
Rosh Hashanah, the seven days following, and
Yom Kippur—are an auspicious time in which to
rectify our shortcomings and draw closer to G-d.
They are therefore known as the “Ten days of
Teshuvah.”
Teshuvah, frequently translated as “repentance” actually means “returning.” Judaism emphasizes that our essential nature—the divine
spark of the soul—is good.
True repentance is best achieved not through
harsh self-condemnation, but through the realization that our deepest desire is to do good, in
accordance with the will of G-d.
Shabbat Shuva
The seven days between Rosh Hashanah and
Yom Kippur are an opportunity to do Teshuvah
with respect to each of the seven days of the
week (i.e. on the Monday, we can make amends
for whatever wrongs we may have done on all the
Mondays of the previous year and so forth). The
Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, is called “Shabbat Shuvah,” after the Prophetic reading (Haftorah) for this day: “Return,
O Israel.”
6
High Holiday Vol. 2 Issue 2
Tishrei Day 1-2
The Book of Life
On the first evening (Sep. 22) of Rosh Hashanah, after services, we exchange the traditional blessing, “May you be inscribed and
sealed for a good year.” Our sages explain
that on Rosh Hashanah, we all stand in judgment before G-d “like a flock of sheep before
the shepherd.” If we are worthy, we are “inscribed” in the “Book of Life.” Ten days later,
on Yom Kippur, the Book is sealed. Through
repentance, prayer, and charity, we can sweeten
the decree, and merit G-d’s blessing for health,
well-being, and prosperity for the coming year.
Shofar
On Rosh Hashanah (during the daytime,
except on Shabbat) we must hear the sounding
of at least the first thirty of the prescribed blasts
of the shofar—the ram’s horn. The shofar, the
oldest and most soulful of wind instruments,
has many meanings. Among them:
*It proclaims the coronation of G-d as King of
the Universe.
*It “awakens” us to repent and return to G-d .
*It reminds us of the shofar heard at Mount Sinai, when we accepted G-d’s commandments for
all time.
*It represents the simple, primal outcry from the
depth of the soul.
*It presages the call of the “Great Shofar” that
G-d will sound with the coming of Moshiach,
who will lead us out of exile and into our Holy
Land—speedily, in our days.
Note: One does not observe the Mitzvah of
Shofar by listening to the sounds on-line. They
must be heard “live” on Rosh Hashanah. If you
are unable to attend a synagogue on Rosh Hashanah, please contact your local Chabad Center to arrange a private hearing of the Shofar.
Rosh Hashanah Customs
It is customary on Rosh Hashanah to eat
foods symbolizing sweetness, blessings, and abundance. We dip the challah in honey. Afterwards,
on the first night, we eat a piece of apple dipped
in honey. After the appropriate blessing on the
apple, we add: “May it be your will to renew for
us a good and sweet year.” Other customs include eating the head of a fish, pomegranates,
and carrots.
Tashlich
On the first day of Rosh Hashanah following
the afternoon prayer, we visit a body of water
or pond containing live fish and recite Tashlich
prayers, in which we “cast away” our sins. As
fish depend upon water, so do we depend upon
G-d’s providence. Also, a fish’s eyes never close,
symbolizing G-d’s unceasing watchfulness over
us.
Bubbie Baila’s (cake–like) round raisin bread
5 packages yeast • 3 cups water • 2 cups sugar • 1 T salt • 1 cup
oil • 5 eggs beaten • 14 cups flour • 1 cup raisins • 1 T vanilla
Starting with a large bowl add packages of yeast to 3 cups lukewarm water and add
a teaspoon of sugar. Let bubble for 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla, sugar, oil, salt, and
eggs. Gradually add flour until a pliable consistency is formed. Separate challah*
with a blessing. Allow dough to rise for 1 hour. Add raisins. Roll one long braid of
challah and tye in a round knot. Allow to rise another 45 minutes. Bake for 30
minutes at 350 degrees.
*In the times of the Holy Temple, the Jews were commanded to bring a portion of the their dough to the priest or Kohanim
who served as priests in the Temple. Since today we cannot fulfill this mitzvah we observe it by separating our challah dough
and setting it aside to burn either immediately or before Passover when we burn all of our chometz. The blessing is Baruch
Atah Adonai Elohanyu Melech Haolam Asher Kidishanu Bamitzvosav Vitzivanu l’hafrash challah.
recipe corner
YOM KIPPUR GUIDE
10 Tisheri, 5767 October 2, 2006
The holiday starts on the eve of Oct. 1. Please see www.chabadofcharlottesville.org for candle-lighting times.
EREV YOM KIPPUR
Yom Kippur is on the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. On Erev Yom Kippur
the ninth of Tishrei, in the early morning we do
the Kapparot Service (see the Machzor, special
special prayer book for the days of awe, for detail). Later on during the day we eat two festive
meals, to demonstrate our faith and confidence
in G-d’s mercy.
During the second festive meal it is customary
to ask the host for Lekach (honey cake). By asking
for Lekach we’re telling Hashem that just in case
we were ever supposed to have to beg for food or
money, we’re doing it now instead.
Another beautiful custom for this day is that
of parents blessing their children with the Priestly Benediction: “May G-d bless you and guard
you… May G-d shine His countenance upon you
and be gracious to you… May G-d turn His face
toward you, and grant you peace.”
Yom Kippur atones for sins against G-d, but
not for wrongdoings between man and man. It
is therefore important, on the day before Yom
Kippur, to apologize and seek forgiveness from
friends, relatives, and acquaintance, to heal any
ill feelings which may have arisen. Before the
Mincha (afternoon) service it is custom to give
extra Tzedaka.
YOM KIPPUR CUSTOMS
How do we do Kapporos? We swing a chicken over
our head three times, and say a prayer that is
found in your Machzor.
When do we do it? Erev Yom Kippur.
What do we tell Hashem? Really, I have done many
Aveiros but let this chicken take them instead of
me and it should take the punishments too.
What do we do with the Kapporos? Shecht it and give
it for Tzeddakkah.
What else can we use for Kapporos? fish or money.
Who Bentches (Blesses) us on Erev Yom Kippur? our
father and the Rebbe.
Is it a Mitzvah to eat on Erev Yom Kippur? Yes.
What does Hashem count it as? as if you fasted two
days instead of one.
What don’t we do on Yom Kippur? we are not allowed
to wear leather shoes, eat, drink, take a bath or
wash up, use perfume.
How do we wash our hands (the ritual way) on Yom Kippur? half way to the knuckles.
Can we carry on Yom Kippur? No.
Why do we wear white clothes on Yom Kippur? Because
we are pure and clean like Malochim.
How did the boy get the apples from his Father and how
can we get Hashem to forgive us? He made the Brocha, we tell Hashem how kind and forgiving He
is, and He wouldn’t want us to say something un-
true so He’ll forgive us.
What do we learn from the story of Jonah? You can
never run away or hide from Hashem.
What happens to the gates of Shomaim (heaven) during
Neila? They start to close.
Why are we so happy after Yom Kippur and we sing Napoleon’s March? Because we won the war with the
Yetzer Hora (evil inclination).
What do we do immediately after Yom Kippur? We start
to build the Sukkah to rush to do a Mitzvah right
after the Yom Tov is over.
An Eternal Bond
Though these Days of Awe, as they are often
called, are solemn, they are not sad. In fact, Yom
Kippur is in a subtle way, one of the happiest days
of the year. For on Yom Kippur we receive what
is perhaps G-d’s most sublime gift—His forgiveness. When one person forgives another, it is
because of a deep sense of friendship and love
that overrides the effect of whatever wrong was
done. Similarly, G-d’s forgiveness is an expression
of His eternal, unconditional love. Through we
may have transgressed His will, our essence and
His essence are one. Moreover, on the level of
the soul, the Jewish people are all truly equal and
indivisible. The more fully we demonstrate our
essential unity by acting with love and friendship
amongst ourselves, the more fully G-d’s love will
be revealed to us.
Jonah Swallowed By The Fish
The Haftorah that is read on the afternoon
of Yom Kippur tells the story of how G-d commanded the prophet Jonah to go to the city of
Ninevah and warn the people there to repent,
lest G-d destroy their city. Jonah did not want to
fulfill this mission and ran away on a ship. G-d
caused a terrible storm to occur and eventually
the sailors threw Jonah off the ship as the only
way to make the storm cease. G-d caused a great
fish to swallow up Jonah. Eventually, Jonah was
saved from the fish and went to do G-d’s bidding
in Ninveh.
Why was this story chosen to be read on the
holiest day of the year? And why did Jonah “run
away” from G-d rather than carry out his mission? To teach us how much our love of our fellow Jew needs to be. This lesson is so important
that we read it every year on Yom Kippur.
YOM KIPPUR
“Kol Nidrei,” which absolves us of any vows we
may make in the coming year. During each main
prayer throughout Yom Kippur, we recite the
“Viduy” (confession), enumerating all the sins we
may have committed, and any vows we may have
committed, and ask for G-d’s forgiveness. The
final prayer of the day, as our judgment for the
coming year is being sealed, is called “Ne’ilah.”
Ne’ilah is the only service of the entire year during which the doors of the Ark remain open from
beginning to end. This signifies that the gates for
prayer in heaven are wide open to us at this time.
Ne’ilah culminates with the “Shema Yisrael” and
other verses said in unison, and the final blowing
of the Shofar. One of the most moving parts of
the Yom Kippur service is the recounting of the
Service of the Kohen Gadol—the High Priest.
On this day—the holiest of the year, the holiest
man in the world would enter the holiest place on
earth—the Kodesh HaKadoshim of the Temple
in Jerusalem—to pray on behalf of his people.
When he emerged from the Holy of Holies, the
liturgy tells us, he was radiant, ‘like the iridescence
of the rainbow… like a rose garden of delight…
like the morning star sparkling on the horizon.”
Five Prohibitions
In addition to the prohibition of work, as on
the Sabbath, there are five activities specificly
prohibited on YomKippur: eating and drinking,
anointing oneself with perfumes or lotions, marital relations, washing (for pleasure), and wearing
leather shoes.
Brycen A. Hudock, D.C.
Family Wellness Doctor of Chiropractic
355 W. Rio Rd., Charlottesville, VA
(434)975-6100
www.truehealthva.com
Official RCS research center: please call for
details on wellness chiropractic and/or participation in an international wellness study.
Rabbi & Rebbetzin Approved!
A Day of Prayer
On Yom Kippur we are freed from all material concerns, and can devote the day to prayer.
We begin the evening service with the chanting of
High Holiday Vol. 2 Issue 2
7
Wahoos
semester highlights
GRADUATING
get Chabad House send off
Orange balloons dominated a
table laden with tiny blue gift bags.
Bite-sized scrumptious appetizers addorned the buffet. Round tables, rented speifically for the occasion, filled
Chabad House social room. All the
bells and whistles were pulled out to
honor the graduating Jewish students
in the class of 2006. Twenty students
turned out for a night of reminiscing
and farewells. Rabbi Shlomo provided an inspirational insight into “new
beginnings,” while Channa passed
out small tokens of congratulations to
the students. Gifts included a pocket
book called “FAQ’s about Judaism,” a
well-written paperback full of widely
asked and rarely known specificities
pertaining to Judaism. Also in the gift
bag was a small tzedakah box to put
on the gradates’ new desks at work or
grad school.
“It’s the best way to start each day,”
said Rabbi Shlomo, “you begin
your days journey with the committment to helping your fellow man.”
Chabad House sends our most
hearty Mazel Tov to those who graduated and best wishes for coninued
success in your careers. We anticipate
hearing good news from you and look
forward to welcoming you back to the
Chabad House family throughout the
years!
8
High Holiday Vol. 2 Issue 2
upcoming events
Sept. 24: Shofar Blowing on the Lawn
Oct. 11: Chillin’ & Grillin’ Sukkot BBQ
Oct. 29: Jconnect: Jewish Dating Event at UVa
Nov. 3-5: Free NYC Shabbaton
See our online calendar at
http://www.chabadofcharlottesville.org/calendar
for a complete list of upcoming events.
reunion’s
weekend
Shabbat
&Shavuot
dinner
alumni corner
Reunions Weekend of 2006 celebrated not only alumni of the University
returning to Charlottesville, but also the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. Because
Chabad promises year-long operation, this summer weekend welcomed several
alumni, some even traveling from the Land of Israel where they now live, to our
services and meals. Although Friday night a tremendous thunderstorm knocked
out power for several hours, Yom Tov candles provided the perfect light for
a subtle meal full of memory and camaraderie. We would like to thank Josh
Howard (ISRAEL ‘01), Holly Howard (ISRAEL, ‘02), Ben Levy (PA, ‘01),
Jeff Marcus (NY, ‘01), Talia Lanyi (VA, ‘01), Suzanne Pritzker (MO, ‘96),
Justin Sher (DC, Law ‘06), Asieh Nariman (NY, Law ‘06), Alison Lyzenga
(CA, Law ‘06), Dan Bress (DC, Law ‘05), and Eitan Iahr (PA, ‘06) for making
the reunion Shabbat/Shavuot dinner such a wonderful event.
quick numbers
25
To Dan and Sara Atkins on the birth of their daughter Freida
To Guy and Limor Carmi on the birth of their son Ron
To Andy and Liz Glass on the birth of their son Jack.
To Daniel Horowitz and Rochel Cousineau on the birth of their son Eliyahu
and for their son Shaya’s upsherin.
To Josh and Holly Howard on the birth of their daughter Rivka
To Michael and Lauren Schwartz on the birth of their daughter Jayden.
pounds of food donated to
local food banks from our
Chometz For The Homeless
drive before Passover
247
pieces of sushi eaten at the
Shabbat 100
178
potatoes peeled this Passover
at Chabad of Charlottesville
396
meals Chabad provided on
Passover
495
students now on Chabad’s email list
14
campus Chabad Houses that
have opened this year
4
mazel tov:
Jewish women
lighting up the night
pages added to this fourth
edition of the Jewish Spark
ing
sparkelrs
wat
flow in
Charlottesville
A significant gift has been made to Chabad
House to kickoff funds for a beautiful mikvah (ritual
purification bath). Never before has a mikvah
graced the city of Charlottesville, with the closest
being one hours drive to Richmond. The gift
was made by George and Pamela Rohr
in the merit of Chaya Avigail Ilana Bas Sarah
Raizel’s speedy recovery. Chabad House sends our
warmest thanks and hopes that the mikvah will be
built with gladness, joy, and love of Hashem. If
you would like to become a special partner in the
efforts to bring richer resources to Charlottesville’s
Jewish community, make your gift today. For more
information on Mikvaot please visit http://www.
thejewishwoman.org.
Starting this fall at Chabad House, female students are
encouraged to show up early for a Shabbat dinner, light
candles, and recite a few Psalms as a group. Psalms, or
Tehillim in Hebrew, are traditionally known as prayers that
are the vehicles to evoke G-d’s mercy in difficult times or
situations. When beginning a reading of Psalms, each
student is encouraged to mention the person’s name (the one
who is in the difficult situation) and their mother’s name, as
well as share any additional information they’d like. Each
week a mention is made of the Land of Israel and the hope
for the safety of everyone inside its borders. Second year
law student Becky Soll frequently attends the pre-dinner
women’s group and notes that “lighting Shabbos candles
with Channa before dinner Friday night connects me to
Shabbos in a deeper way than the food that comes later. I
light candles, welcome in Shabbat in a personal way, and
allow the spirituality and warmth of the holiday into my
life, just as the Jewish people have for thousands of years.”
women’s corner
High Holiday Vol. 2 Issue 2
9
DONOR
RECOGNITION
a hearty thank you to those who keep our
doors forever open:
April ‘06 - September ‘06
20,000+
The George & Pamela Rohr
Family Foundation
10,000+
Cohen, Paul & Susan
7000+
Myer-Smith, Zalman & Sheina
1000-2000
Capon, Rob & Rose
Chase, Jan
Cohen, Lloyd & Hilary
Pincus Paul Charitable Trust
Horowitz, Daniel & Rachel
Cousineau
Trugman Foundation, Bernard
& Nita
500-999
Alexander, Andrew & Liz
Burstein, Matt & Elinor
Doppelt, Ira
Dorn, Dan & Abbie
Goldin, Nathan & Beth
Goldman, Fred
Kaplan, Matthew
Katz, Paula
Kranz, Yoel & Sarah
Leinhardt, John
Miller, Ed & Iris
Rauch, Marshall
Sifen, Larry
Ufaratzta Fund
Zippin, Larry & Gretchen
250-499
Berman, David & Tina
10
High Holiday Vol. 2 Issue 2
Bloch, Aaron-Tzvi & Teme
Doppelt, Minnie
Elgort, Andy & Virginia
Gardner, Joel & Gayle
Gavurin, Esther
Goldberg, Eliezer & Shirley
Goodkin, Howard & Gwen
Gordon, Daniel & Janet
Hoffman, Paul & Carolyn
Lifchitz, Yosef & Devorah
Ariella
Lipper, Maurice & Bethe
Miller, Steven & Sheryl
Tuler, Floyd & Marsha
100-249
Ainzstein, Jackie
Atkins, Daniel & Sara
Avtzon, Esther
Belkov, Calvin & Linda
Berman, Byron & Ellen
Bettman, Jack
Bolotnyy, Leonid
Cohen, George & Lauren
Colker, Marvin & Hazel
Eaton, Seth & Karen
Friedman, Billings, & Ramsey
Goodman, Perry & Berengere
Gay
Gordon, Nanette
Gore, Joan
Gray, Bill & Antoinette
Iahr, Eitan
Kahn, Bob & Gayle
Kaplan, Dov & Baila
Kiken, Barbara
Laufer, Gabriel & Liora
Lewis, Samuel & Susan
Liston, James & Sandra
Lynn, Dusty
Medinets, David
Nadler, Jerry & Mary Ann
Raspa, Megan
Resnick, Victor
Rogol, Peter
Rose, Stacey
Schwartz, Michael & Lauren
Shields Jon, & Stephanie
Muravchik
Shor, Mildred
Sternlicht, Ludwig & Ruth
Thorner Michael & Prue
Ungar, Jason
Weiss, Edith
Weiss, Mike
Wilhelm, Richard & Shelly
Porges
Zuckerman, Jason & Anna
50-99
Baer, Christopher & Lisa
Cohn, David & Ariane
Fein, Aaron & Dahlia Lithwick
Finder, Gabriel & Fern Hauck
Finder, Herbert
Frank, Gayle
Goldstein, Bob & Robin
Ham, Carol
Hanft, Herbert & Ruth
Kassel, Jody
Kerchner, Daniel & Deborah
Langsam, Harold & Marcia
Lazerson, Susan
Lucy, Billy & Sherry Kraft
Morgulis, Michael & Dina
Nariman, Asieh
Nerenberg, John & Beverly
Wolfer
Schiller, Hugo & Eli
Stein, Joyce
Stone, Evan
Tanno, Darrell & Deborah
Temple Emmanuel Sisterhood
Zisk, Burt & Grace
0-49
Abbott, Rob & Sandra
Ainzstein, Josef
Baker, Leonard & Sara Sgarlat
Berde, Michael
Berschadski, Sandu
Biemann, Asher & Dalia
Rosenfeld
Bond, James & Janet
Cagan, Bonnie
Colel Chabad
Curry, Marvin & Ricki
Curtis, Susan
Eskinazi, Solomon
Feldman, Aaron & Debbie
Tuler
Finestone, Alvin
Fox, Chuck & Amy
Gessner, David & Jill
Howard, Josh & Holly
Lapa, David & Sheila
Margulis, Michael & Wendy
Menachem, Aviyah & Ahava
Roitman, David
Schnitzer, Eli & Barbara
Shaffer, Stephen & Simona
Aronow
Thall, Ed & Helene
Weinstein, Beverly
sponsorship is
still available
for our
Jconnect
event on
October 29
contact
[email protected]
for more information
snapshots
Chabad House at the University of Virginia
depends on you!
___YES! I/We think a warm, open, non-judgemental, Jewish family atmosphere is essential in Charlottesville. I/we understand that 100% of my/our gift will be
used to enhance the quality of Jewish life in Charlottesville, provide spiritual guidance for students, bring hot kosher meals and comfort to Jewish patients at the
University Hospital, and offer a place where everyone can feel at home.
___$54 One Pizza Parsha Study
___$108 Shabbat meals for one student for the entire semester
___$360 A complete Shabbat dinner for all
___$ Other
Name:______________________________ Phone:___________________
E-mail:______________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________
Dedication/In honor ____________________________________________
Please mail to: Chabad of Charlottesville 2014 Lewis Mt. Road Charlottesville, VA 22903
TWO WAYS TO
DONATE ONLINE:
1. log onto www.chabadofcharlottesville.org
2. go to www.alumni.virginia.edu and
designate “Chabad” in the category field
High Holiday Vol. 2 Issue 2
11
No membership or affiliation required • English/Hebrew prayer books • Warm, traditional atmosphere
Rosh Hashanah Services
Friday, Sept. 22 6:45PM
@ Cavalier Inn on Emmett St.
Student Brisket Dinner 8:00PM
Saturday, Sept. 23 & Sunday Sept. 24 9:00AM
@ Zehmer Hall (UVA)
kiddush following services
Yom Kippur Services
@Cavalier Inn on Emmet St.
Sunday, Oct. 1 6:45PM
Kol Nidre: Monday, Oct. 2 9:00AM,
Yizkor: 12:00PM, Neilah: 6:20PM
break-the-fast following concluding services
L’Shanah Tova!
For more information or directions visit www.chabadofcharlottesville.org or call 434.293.5994
Chabad of Charlottesville works daily to assist, educate, and inspire University students and the greater community in expanding their
Jewish knowledge, practice, and pride in a non-judgmental environment. The Chabad House is funded only by contributions from alumni,
parents, community members, private grants, and friends. Chabad is unaffiliated with the University and receive no money from Chabad
International. All gifts are tax-deductible.
Chabad House at UVA
2014 Lewis Mt. Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903