Rabbi - Clanton Park Synagogue
Transcription
Rabbi - Clanton Park Synagogue
בסײד Mara d’Asra: Rabbi Yehoshua Weber President: Mr. Wayne Kurtz Volume 1 Issue 1 September/October 2008 Rabbi Emeritus: Rabbi Yitzchok Kerzner תשרי תשס"ט/אלול 11 Lowesmoor Avenue Toronto, Ontario M3H 3H6 Telephone: (416) 633-4193 email: [email protected] website: www.clantonpark.com Your community Orthodox shul dedicated to Torah study and acts of generosity and kindness ROSH HASHANAH 5769 ISSUE ראש השנה תשסײט From the Editor’s Desk A NEW YEAR ! A NEW NAME ! A NEW LOOK ! Welcome to the Rosh Hashanah issue of the shul bulletin ! This represents the inaugural issue of “MOSAIC”. In addition to a new name, the bulletin has a new fresh new “look” this year, starting with the cover page. Each subsequent issue of the bulletin will have basically a similar cover page featuring a photo of our shul. Why “MOSAIC” ? As Editor, I have taken the liberty of choosing a new name for the bulletin. (Who said life was fair? When you are Editor, you can choose your own name too.) The name MOSAIC represents the growing diversity of our shul under the Torah passed on to us by Moshe Rabbeinu and the leadership of Rabbi Weber. The Clanton Park umbrella supports a mosaic of strengths, personalities, opinions, backgrounds and hashkafos within the bounds of Mosaic and rabbinic law and will be richer for it. As editor, I would like to encourage you to write opinion pieces for publication in the next issue and stimulate debate and discussion on matters of common concern. So sit back and enjoy your reading ! Please let me know what you think of the new name, “look”, and of course quality and appropriateness of the content. Your feedback is welcomed ! I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Rav, the President and all other contributors of information or articles for this issue of the bulletin. A special thanks to the shul members who have sponsored Rosh Hashanah greetings and to the corporate advertisers who have sponsored ads. With the funds raised through their sponsorships, the printing costs for the bulletin have been more than offset. Yasher Koach to all ! A full colour version of the bulletin is available on the shul website at www.clantonpark.com. If any announcement in this bulletin is inaccurate, incomplete or any has been omitted, it is a result of the information not being available. In order to ensure that your Mazal Tov announcement is not overlooked or the information in it is accurate and complete, please email the details to [email protected]. L’Shana Tova ! Wishing the Entire Kehillah a Year of Health, Happiness, Peace and Prosperity ! ! שנה טובה תכתבו ותחתמו Message From the Rav … AN UMBRELLA SHUL Col ha’kolos kesheirin ba’shofar “all tones of the shofar are valid” (Rosh Hashana 27b). The tones that we hear may be high or low, they can be loud or muffled, but, provided that they are not affected by foreign matter (e.g., gold plating), they are all halachically acceptable. This Gemara is, of course about the technicalities of the shofar and the shofar sound. But, perhaps, it is also about other more esoteric issues. Rabbi Yehoshua Weber “All the tones of the shofar are valid” might also incorporate a homiletical message about the permissibility of reaching Hakadosh Baruch Hu through a variety of channels. Shofar sounds and other expressions of our yiddishkeit, if they are sincere and unadulterated by foreign influence, are, we are being told, acceptable in a variety of formats. In the not very distant past, in the world of the shtetelach, people lived with an unchanging structure that, it seemed, would stretch on, as it had stretched back, into time immemorial. In that world of little diversity and of even less change, a variety of sounds might not have been necessary. But in today’s fluid environment, in a world in which a variety of mesoros, of educations and of needs mingle in most large shuls, such a variety might be imperative. And so, travel the world and you will see that, generally speaking, the large shuls that have found success have found it through “all the tones of the shofar”, by providing a range of tefillah, Torah and social choices. This variety is, to a degree, unfolding in our shul. The shul strengthening that people discuss is not displaying itself in the traditional activities. The morning daf yomi shiurim, are as they were but additional morning learning and the evening daf, amud and other formats of learning have blossomed. The regular midweek Mincha-Maariv has not really grown, but the late Maariv and the early Mincha have. The Shacharis growth has occurred at the bain ha’zemanim, the youth and the 8:30 minyanim. It is the ancillary components, the new davening and learning arenas, the kiddush, the sisterhood, the youth programming, the bulletin, the trips, the chessed et al where the growth is seen. Our shofaros are making a variety of sounds and in the process we have developed umbrella shul characteristics that can attract the members of the next generation. Our shul’s current members will, of course, benefit from that generation of mispallelim. But those new mispallelim will also benefit because they will share in our shul's other umbrella message, its unique ability to validate a range of hashkafos and to thereby tap into the strengths of “all the tones of the shofar.” These new members’ youth, like our current youth, can, potentially, gain the most from this umbrella. Youth, to a large degree, view their yiddishkeit through the prism of their parents’ and their school personnel’s personalities and hashkafos. Those personalities and those hashkafos do not fit every child. For that unaddressed child, a shul based understanding of the range of hashkafos might open a comfort zone within yiddishkeit that he or she might not have otherwise found. My anecdotal evidence (feel free to do your own research) is that the large mono-hashkafic New York area communities, whether right or left, whose children see less of the frumkeit spectrum, are somewhat more challenged in their capacity to successfully transmit Jewish values to the next generation. The narrowness of the frumkeit spectrum might be part of the problem. Let us sustain a variety of shofar sounds, both as they relate to our shul, in particular, and to our yiddishkeit, in general. Our shul and our yiddishkeit will only be stronger because of it. Kesiva Va’Chasima Tova ! Message From the President … As we are now in the month of Elul and in the midst of our t’shuvah process, I carry with me a new responsibility and perspective. In addition to reflecting upon my actions as a husband, father, son, friend and member of the community at large, as president of our kehillah, I now have the opportunity to think about the current and future goals of our shul. As such, I thought it would be appropriate to share with you the following Dvar Torah from Rabbi Kenneth Brander of Yeshiva University. WAYNE KURTZ The primary mitzvah of Rosh Hashanah is hearing the sounds of the shofar blasts. The halacha tells us that two sets of shofar blasts are blown. One is known as t’kios dim’yushav, the sitting blasts. These blasts are not blown during the communal amidah. Rather, they are blown either before the silent amidah or, in some traditions, during the silent amidah. The second set of blasts is known as t’kios dim’umad, the standing blasts. These are blown at the close of each section of the communal amidah. Why do we blow the shofar blasts in two separate contexts? Is it necessary to hear the blasts both prior to the communal amidah as well as during the communal amidah service? The requirement for us to hear the shofar blasts, both as t’kios dim’yushav and t’kios dim’umad, emanates from two different perspectives vis-a-vis our relationship with G-d. The t’kios dim’yushav are called such not because we sit during those blasts, but rather as a message to integrate these blasts into our lives. They are a call to each and every one of us to be involved in the t’shuvah process as individuals. Dim’yushav –“sitting alone” for these blasts. They are not blown in a communal context, rather in the personal amidah or immediately prior to it. These blasts call upon each of us to re-evaluate our personal relationship with G-d. They ask one to focus on how, as an individual, we have grown spiritually during this year. The second message of the shofar is the t’kios dim’umad, the shofar blasts that are sounded as we stand together as a community. We hear these blasts and they require us, as a community, to ask ourselves; has the community lived up to its responsibilities in its unique relationship with G-d ? Does our community encourage the proper observance of mitzvos, and what role have I played in helping to facilitate that focus? May the month of Elul allow us the clarity of vision to reflect upon the ways we focus on personal and familial development, recognizing that personal growth is necessary to be effective communal leaders. At the same time, let us reflect upon our own community initiatives and be strategic in the way that we serve the Jewish people, analyzing what initiatives need to be developed in order to allow our community to actualize its full potential. On behalf of my wife, Zeldie and my children I would like to extend to the entire kehillah our best wishes for a Kesiva Va’Chasima Tova. If anyone has an announcement that he/she wishes to be made on Shabbos morning, i.e. mazal tov, event, shiur etc., please inform the President prior to erev Shabbos, by email or written note, in order to avoid any confusion or omissions. M A Z A L T O V Sponsored by ... ZEMER ORCHESTRA (416) 633-5936 “Toronto's Freilich Orchestra!” WAYNE KURTZ DIGITAL STUDIOS (416) 633-4941 “May we only meet b'simcha” BIRTHS Mazal Tov to Mrs. Mozelle Kanner and Phil & Faygie Schwartz on the birth of a great-granddaughter, Aderet Sarah, to Eitan & Gabriella Green of Jerusalem, Israel. Mazal Tov to the grandparents Daniel & Rhona Grodzinsky and Monty & Adrienne Green of Ra’anan, Israel and to the great great-grandmother Mrs. Gertrude Zack of Jerusalem, Israel. Mazal Tov to Moshe Leib HaLevy & Sarah Yente Jesion and Avrohom & Sarah Chana Radcliffe on the birth of a grandson, Yehudah Meir, to Benyomin & Abigail Radcliffel. Mazal Tov to the great-grandparents Sam & Cecile Bidner. Mazal Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Menashe Laiman and Mrs. Francis Kopstick on the birth of a great-grandson to Avraham and Sarah Gal. Mazal Tov to the grandparents Nili and Arnie Abrahams, Judy and Jeno Gal, Motti and Tracy Kopstick . Mazal Tov to Mr. & Mrs. W. Tenenbaum on the birth of great-grandson. Mazal Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Woolf on the birth of a great granddaughter to Zvi & Sharon Woolf. Mazal Tov to the grandparents David & Fran Woolf and Andrew and Carla Ulpian Mazal Tov to Ruthie Mann and Mechel Mann and Chaim Goldberg and Sharon Goldberg on the birth of a grandson, Yitzchak Isaac, to Aliza & Akiva Goldberg. Mazal Tov to the great-grandparents Anshel & Judy Lebowitz, Chana Mann and Norman Goldberg. Mazal Tov to Nathan & Vera Elzas and Rabbi David & Mrs. Goldie Shawel of Dallas, Texas, on the birth of a grandson, Daniel Simcha Leib, son of Akiva & Rachelle Shawel of Miami, Florida. Mazal Tov to the greatgrandmother, Mrs. Weisz of Manchester, England. Mazal Tov to Tibor & Susie Klein and Neil & Gloria Cohen, on the birth of a grandson Yonis, to Yehuda & Esti Cohen. Mazal Tov to the great-grandparents Mr. Morris Groszberger and Herman & Rivka Klein. Mazal Tov to David & Alana Weitzner on the birth of a daughter, Shaindy Chaya Mushka. Mazal Tov to Dr. Ernie & Susan Greenwald and Rabbi Avishai & Mrs.Chaya Leah David of Bait Shemesh, Israel, on the birth of a grandson, Nesanel, to Dovid & Devora Rochel Greenwald of Ramat Bait Shemesh, Israel. Mazal Tov to the great-grandparents Paul & Roberta Tobias and Mrs. Lily Greenwald. Mazal Tov to Murray & Clara Shore and Andy & Nafti Armond of Neve Daniel, Israel, on the birth of a grandson, Itimar, to Michael & ViVi Shore of Moshav Elazar, Israel. Mazal Tov to Heshy & Esther Sturm on the birth of a granddaughter to their children Shira and Steven Botnick of New York. Mazal Tov to the great-grandparents, Mrs. Agi Sturm of Toronto and Mr. & Mrs. Sigi Weil of New York and Mr. and Mrs. Jerry & Jinny Pinsky of New York. Mazal Tov to Evelyn Silverberg Hoffman and Murray Hoffman on the birth of a great-grandson, Ayton Ezra, to Moshe & Jennifer Schwartz of Washington, D.C.. Mazal Tov to the grandparents Dr. William & Debbie Schwartz of Monsey, New York. Mazal to Lloyd, Ray and the boys. Mazal Tov to Evelyn Silverberg Hoffman and Murray Hoffman on the birth, of a great-granddaughter, Daniella Nechama, to Doug & Shira Marks of Bergenfield, New Jersey. Mazal Tov to the grandparents Martin & Mindy Stein of Taeneck, New Jersey. Mazal to Lloyd, Ray and the boys M A Z A L Sponsored by ... ZEMER ORCHESTRA T O V WAYNE KURTZ DIGITAL STUDIOS (416) 633-5936 “Toronto's Freilich Orchestra!” (416) 633-4941 “May we only meet b'simcha” B I R T H S (continued) Mazal Tov to Evelyn Silverberg Hoffman and Murray Hoffman on the birth of a great-granddaughter, Nechama Mindel, to Esty & Yosef Reichman of Cleveland, Ohio. Mazal Tov to the grandparents Robin & Yacov Nussbaum. Mazal to Lloyd, Ray and the boys. Mazal Tov to Evelyn Silverberg Hoffman and Murray Hoffman on the birth of a great-grandson to David & Rochelle Schwartz of Modine, Israel. Mazal Tov to the grandparents Dr. William & Debbie Schwartz of Monsey, New York and Dr. Moe & Bayla Tilson of Monsey, New York. Mazal to Lloyd, Ray and the boys. May the baby boys and baby girls grow l'Torah l'Chupah ul'Maasim Tovim and be sources of Yiddishe nachas to their families and all of Klal Yisrael ! BAR MITZVAHS Mazal Tov to Phil & Faygie Schwartz and Rudy and Gabriella Dresdner, on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Benjamin Noah, son of Daniel & Debbie Schwartz of Manhattan, New York. Mazal Tov to the great-grandmother, Mrs. Gertrude Zack of Jerusalem, Israel. Mazal Tov to Arnold & Sally Rais on the Bar Mitzvah, in Israel, of their grandson. Mazal Tov to Joe & Eleanor Posner and Vladmir & Iya Rott on the Bar Mitzvah, at the Kotel in Jerusalem, Israel, of their grandson Adam, son of Paul & Ilona Posner. Mazal Tov to Zack and Yael Rosen on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Dovi. Mazal Tov to the grandparents Mrs. Francis Kopstick. Mazal Tov to Joseph & Evelyn Mandel and Judy Klein on the Bar Mitzvah, in Israel, of their grandson, Arye Leib, son of Denis & Gabrielle Klein of Efrat, Israel. May the Bar Mitzvah boys grow l'Torah l'Chupah ul'Maasim Tovim and be a source of Yiddishe nachas to their families and all of Klal Yisrael ! BAT MITZVAH Mazal Tov to Dr. & Mrs. Yehudi & Ruth Shields and David & Fran Woolf on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter, Kayla Shields, daughter of Mordie & Zahava Shields. Mazal Tov to the great-grandparents Sidney & Pearl Woolf, Mrs. Annie Shields and Mr. Melech Good. Mazal Tov as well to the uncles and aunts, Mr. & Mrs. Wayne & Zeldie Kurtz, Mr. & Mrs. Howard & Chavie Lyons, and Dr. & Mrs. Moshe & Renee Shields and the great-uncle and great-aunt Rabbi & Mrs. Leo & Faigie Davids. May Kayla grow l'Torah l'Chupah ul'Maasim Tovim and be a source of Yiddishe nachas to her familiy and all of Klal Yisrael ! M A Z A L Sponsored by ... ZEMER ORCHESTRA T O V WAYNE KURTZ DIGITAL STUDIOS (416) 633-4941 “May we only meet b'simcha” (416) 633-5936 “Toronto's Freilich Orchestra!” ENGAGEMENTS Mazal Tov to Tibor & Susie Klein on the engagement of their son, Yitzi, to Eva Zucker, daughter of Dennis & Caroline Kalish. Mazal Tov to the grandparents, Mr. Morris Grosberger, Herman & Rivka Klein and Barry & Pearl Seathner. Mazel Tov to Shia & Rochel Sochaczewski on the engagement of their son, Betzalel, to Chana Lieder, daughter of Dr. & Mrs. Yossi & Sandy Lieder of Monsey, New York. Mazal Tov to the grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Fishel & Henya Sochaczewski and Dr. & Mrs. Joseph & Esther Lewittes of Riverdale, New York. Mazal Tov to Heshy & Esther Sturm on the engagement of their son, Raffi Sturm to Carly Westbrook, daughter of Jimmy and Brenda Westbrook. Mazal Tov to the grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Sigi Weil of New York, Mrs. Agi Sturm, Mr. & Mrs. Max and Dorothy Stern and Mr. & Mrs. Lou and Margaret Glatt of Toronto. May the weddings take place b’sha’ah tovah umutzlachas and may the young couples be zocheh to build a bayis ne’eman b’yisroel WEDDINGS a Mazal Tov to Paul & Naomi Rechnitz on the marriage of their son, Sholom Yosef, to Chaya Rochel Lewin, daughter of Moshe & Sarah Lewin of Lakewood, New Jersey. Mazal Tov to Goel & Soheila Sabeti on the marriage of their son, Mordechai, to Tova Stone, daughter of Arnold & Sheila Stone of Thornhill. Mazal Tov to the grandmother, Mrs. Ida Abenstein. Mazal Tov to Chavi Rosenzweig on the marriage of her son, Meir Rosenzweig, to Sarah, daughter of Dr. & Dr.Chop of Detroit, Michigan. Mazal Tov to the grandmothers, Mrs. Faye Rosenzweig and Rebbetzin Gittel Rosenzweig. Mazal Tov to Imrich & Anna Grossman on the marriage of their granddaughter, Devorah, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ahron Kalish of Monsey, New York, to Yechiel Levenson, son of Mr. & Mrs. Casriel Levenson of Lakewood, New Jersey. Mazal Tov to Hanoch & Celia Bernath on the marriage of their daughter, Sara, to Sruli Millstein of Boro Park, New York, son of Rabbi & Mrs. Chaim & Pessie Millstein. Mazal Tov to the grandparents, Reuven & Devora Bernath and Mrs. Millstein. Mazal Tov to Chaim & Tovit Rubin on the marriage of their daughter, Tamar, to Rafi Younger, son of Martin & Faith Younger of London, England. Mazal Tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Moshe & Sarah Stern, Mrs. Malka Rubin, Reverend Olsberg and Mrs. Gogi Younger of England. Mazal Tov to Eisig & Ethel Bergman on the marriage of their granddaughter, Chavie, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Peretz Feder of Brooklyn, New York, to Eli Scheller, son of Mr. & Mrs. Shmuel Scheller of Brooklyn, New York. th Mazal Tov to Margaret and Gary Kopstick on the forthcoming marriage (Sept. 14 ) of their daughter, Chani to Leeshai, son of Elazar and Rochelit Reichman of Staten Island, New York. Mazel Tov to the grandmothers Mrs. Frances Kopstick and Mrs. Ruth Simons. May the young couples be zocheh to build a bayis ne'eman b'Yisrael and be sources of joy and Yiddishe nachas to their families and all of Klal Yisrael ! CONDOLENCES Mrs.Yutka Zimmerman on the loss of her husband and Mrs. Margaret Perl on the loss of her brother, Mr. Leslie Zimmerman עײה. Mr. Chaim Lazar on loss of his mother Sarah Lazar עײה. Mrs. Leah Weinberger on the loss of her sister עײה. Mrs. Susie Seidenfeld on the loss of her father Mr. Danny Rubinstein עײה, one of the shul’s founding members. Mr. Danny Rubenstein עײה, was the husband of the late Mrs. Vera Rubenstein עײהand father of the late Mrs.Annie Kohn עײה. May the families only know of simchas ! NEW MEMBERS Our membership committee has been busy. We welcome the following members and their families who have recently joined our shul. Yedidal Aryeh Eli & Ahuva Edell Chaim Gad & Gill Ginsburg Steve & Chava Jacobs Barrie & Joan Pollock Hyla Reichmann Mark & Chana Ross Yona & Yonit Rothenstein Goel & Soheila Sabeti Dan and Karen Valter The shul extends a warm welcome to our new members. We look forward to having you become integral members of the Clanton Park family for many years to come ! HATZLACHA & BRACHA It’s that time of year again when we wish צאתכם לשלוםto our members’ children who are leaving to learn in Israel and elsewhere. We wish הצלחה רבהto all of them. May they enjoy a productive and meaningful year ! CLANTON PARK SHUL – SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ! Clanton Park Shul currently provides a choice of minyanim and shiurim, both during the weekdays and on Shabbosos and Yomim Tovim as well as a multitude of programs and activities for all ages and is always striving to add to its repertoire. As times change and the needs of our members and the community-at-large change, the Rav and the Executive Board members are continually trying to find ways to address them. Currently the shul provides : On weekdays, 3 shacharis minyanim and 2 maariv minyamin On Shabbosos and Yomim Tovim, a hashkama shacharis minyan , the main shacharis minyan, a youth minyan and several programs for boys and girls of all ages; on Shabbosos 2 mincha minyanim Raffle for prizes Motzo’ei Shabbos for the children Shiurim every day of the week, including 2 morning Daf Yomi shiurim and evening Daf and Amud Yomi shiurim Shiurim for both men and women and, in the summer, a special series of shiurim for the women For the Mesivta and High School boys, Shabbos Mevorchim programs with the Rav A hot Kiddush every Shabbos following the Shacharis/Mussaf davening and on Shabbos Mevorchim an enhanced hot Kiddush A fully equipped library with sefarim, both in Hebrew and English Babysitting services and playground for young children during the Shabbos shacharis minyan Bein Hazmanim programs during Succos and Pesach Organized outings for the children during Chol Hamoed Succos and Pesach Simchas Beis Hashoevah in the Rabbi’s succah Lag Ba’omer celebration - bonfire, food, music, fireworks and much more Annual Purim and Chanukah parties for both the adults and children, complete with food, entertainment and fun Neilas Hachag on the last day of Yom Tov (Succos, Pesach, Shavuos) between mincha and maariv A special Simchas Torah hot Kiddush following shacharis Flags and candy for the children on Simchas Torah Scholars-in-residence programs throughout the year Hosting for Torah Conferencing Network (TCN) providing “live” shiurim by distinguished Rabbonim A mikveh for men and for toivelling keilim Sisterhood whose activities include, a monthly Rosh Chodesh event, organizing shiurim for women, annual Shabbos salad shalosh seudos, mishloach manos on Purim, simcha bags, “meals on wheels” for cholim and mothers who have just given birth, shiva meals, new family welcome baskets, transportation for medical appointments or events, decorating the shul with flowers for Shavuos and much more Bikur cholim committee hosting for Kiruv training programs sponsored by Project Inspire Erev Shabbos “community dinners” periodically during the year Gemilas Chesed Fund providing interest free loans or financial support to our members in need and the communityat-large Tzedakah Fund providing tzedakah to meshulachim Many thanks to Faygie Kaplan for her time and effort in coordinating this past summer’s Women Shiurim Program. Once again this year, the program was a great success - the turnout was impressive and the shiurim informative. Yasher Koach! A Yasher Koach, as well, to the following who generously volunteered their time to prepare and present the shiurim: Dr. Reena Basser Rabbi Shlomo Jakobovits Dr. Brian Lipson Mr. Michael Levi Mrs. Shifra Klein Chaim Gad & Gill Ginsburg Prof. Leo Davids Rabbi I. Pliner Mrs. Devora Chana Weisswasser Mr. Udi Grunwald Dr. Irv Bromberg Mrs. Rivka Sonenberg 2008/2009 IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT MOSHE SHIELDS PRESIDENT WAYNE KURTZ 1ST VICE-PRESIDENT ARTHUR BIRENBAUM TREASURER LIBRARY AARON FRANKEL MANUEL KANNER FINANCIAL GEMILAS CHESED BOBBY SILBERSTEIN COMMUNICATIONS NORMAN WEISBART CHEVRA KADISHA HERSCH KANNER MEMBERSHIP GERSHON MISKIN HALL RENTAL ARTHUR HERZIG BIKUR CHOLIM TIBOR KLEIN SIDNEY WELLMAN ALON KRONENBERG 2ND VICE-PRESIDENT KEN STOLLON SANDY HOFSTEDTER RECORDING SECRETARY PARNESS GABBAIM IRWIN DIAMOND SRULI OCHS GERSHON KAPLAN BULLETIN NATHAN KIRSH SOCIAL ZACK ROSEN ISRAEL BONDS MORRIS SOSNOVITCH HIGH HOLIDAY TICKETS MENDY GOLDMAN HOUSE MAINTENANCE DAVID TAUB YOUTH JUDA HABOT GABBAIM Irwin Diamond, Sruli Ochs Members are strongly encouraged to double check with the gabbaim that : (1) yahrzeits are listed and are accurate (2) the full names of all sons who are Bar Mitzvah age and older are listed with the gabbaim The gabbaim strive to honour the chiyuvim of our members with respect to aliyos and davening from the amud. Please make their efforts easier by providing them with complete and accurate information. In order to avoid mistakes or oversights, the gabbaim request that you inform them of any chiyuvim for aliyos during the week prior to the Shabbos on which you require an aliyah. Your cooperation is much appreciated. SOCIAL Zack Rosen Succos is coming, and we look forward to having a Simchas Bais Hashoavah in the Rabbi’s Succah ! Details will be announced in the shul. nd This year Chanukah starts on Monday night, December 22 . On Motzo’ei th Shabbos, December 27 , we will have a Chanukah Get-Together at the shul ! We will inform you of the exciting details! Last year our shul initiated several “Community Dinners” on erev Shabbos. They proved to be a tremendous success providing an opprortunity to leave the cooking to the Caterer, participate in singing zemiros, hear an informative dvar torah and to mingle and enjoy the company of both family and friends. Details of the first Community Dinner for 5769 will be announced in the Fall. You won’t want to miss it ! GEMILAS CHESED Bobby Silberstein The Gemilas Chesed Committtee would like to report on changes in how the fund is managed and how one accesses it. The Committee members are Mordechai Weiszberger, Aaron Weinstock, Irwin Diamond, Gershon Kaplan, and Bobby Silberstein. The Fund has 2 purposes: Loans - to lend money, interest free, to people in the community, with priority to shul members Financial Support - To provide direct support to those in the community who are in serious need, with priority to shul members Loans To qualify for a loan, a borrower must complete an information form and provide 2 acceptable guarantors. The form is available from any of the Committee members. At least 3 of the committee members must approve each application. Financial Support Any Committee member may be approached with a request for funds for those in dire need. In all cases at least 2 members of the Committee must sign cheques. All requests are treated with the utmost discretion and confidentiality. The need in our own community is greater than one might imagine. We would encourage the shul members both to donate generously to the fund and to discretely bring to the Committee’s attention a need of which they become aware. We are here to help ! “Gemilas Chesed of Clanton Park Committee” Gershon Miskin Clanton Park has always been the spiritual centre of this neighbourhood and our strength is our members. The shul is evolving and it is everybody’s wish that we have a committed, young, vibrant and growing membership. There are a substantial number of people in the neighbourhood who, for whatever reason, are not members but should be. The membership committee would like to solicit everyone who is interested in keeping Clanton Park our community’s preeminent shul to help refer their friends and neighbours for membership. If you can think of someone who comes to our shul to daven but is not yet a member, or somebody new to the neighbourhood who hasn’t thought to join, please speak to them and encourage them to become members and help us grow our membership. We offer Associate Memberships at reduced rates. An Associate Membership is available to individuals or couples who are members elsewhere, come to the shul occasionally and wish to feel part of the Clanton Park community. An Associate member will have priority over non-members for High Holiday tickets, for Yahrzeit obligations, and for Hall Rental / Simchas. An Associate Member is not eligible for Cemetery (Bais Olam) privileges. The Executive is working on further membership incentives and we will keep you informed. In the not too distant future we will, G-d willing, see a modernized building, new programming and the revitalization of the shul - the outlook is very exciting and now is a great time to talk to people about joining Clanton Park. Morris Sosnovitch We become blasé. We take our good fortune for granted. We are living during a time in which there is the unbelievable miracle of a Jewish State and we are hypercritical. Those of us who were at the community celebration of the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel heard the stunning speech given by Prime Minister Harper who expressed better than I can, why we have to support Israel. Prime Minister’s Speech for Israel’s 60th Anniversary 8 May 2008 Toronto ... Ladies and gentlemen, I am truly honoured to be part of tonight’s celebration marking the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. All of my life, Israel has been a symbol – a symbol of the triumph of hope and faith. After 1945, our battered world desperately needed to be lifted out of post-war darkness and despair. After so much pain and suffering, humanity needed comfort and optimism. After so much death and destruction, we needed renewal – the renewal of the dream of a better and more civilized world. In short, we needed to be inspired. It was the people who had suffered who most provided that inspiration. By their example, they led the world back to the light. From shattered Europe and other countries near and far, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob made their way home. Their pilgrimage was the culmination of a twothousand-year-old dream; it is a tribute to the unquenchable human aspiration for freedom, and a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Jewish people. In the sixty years that followed, Israel blossomed into one of the most successful countries on earth; a land of ingenuity and enterprise, an oasis of agricultural genius, a wellspring of fine art and high culture, a model of democracy. Israel truly is the “miracle in the desert.” But the source of Israel’s strength and success, in my view, is its commitment to the universal values of all civilized peoples: freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.... Unfortunately, Israel at 60 remains a country under threat – threatened by those groups and regimes who deny to this day its right to exist. And why? Make no mistake; look beyond the thinly-veiled rationalizations: because they hate Israel, just as they hate the Jewish people. Our government believes that those who threaten Israel also threaten Canada, because, as the last world war showed, hate-fuelled bigotry against some is ultimately a threat to us all, and must be resisted wherever it may lurk. In this ongoing battle, Canada stands side-by-side with the State of Israel, our friend and ally in the democratic family of nations. We have stood with Israel even when it has not been popular to do so, and we will continue to stand with Israel, just as I have always said we would. I know that we all hope and pray that someday freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law will be a reality for all the peoples of the Middle East. Enshrining these values is the best way to assure lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike. The foundations for a peaceful future are there. At the individual level, throughout the holy land, people of all faiths only want what all of us want: a safe place to live, a fair opportunity to get ahead, a good life for their children, a future for their grandchildren. So as we gather tonight to celebrate the first 60 years of the State of Israel, let us resolve as Canadians to do whatever we can to support Israelis and their neighbours in their quest for a better future. There will be many challenges along the way, but considering how far Israel has come in such a short time, in the face of such seemingly insurmountable odds, I can foresee no dark force, no matter how strong, that could succeed in dimming the light of freedom and democracy that shines from within Israel. LIBRARY Manuel Kanner Shana Tova from the Dolly Edell Memorial Library !. As the new year approaches, there is no better time to honour a loved one by inscribing a volume or set in our well used library. We are excited about the intense interest the library is attracting. Please remember that many people will follow after you looking for the same books..so please.... keep them clean and whole and please place them back in their correct place. We are still looking for "librarian helper". So if you love books and have time for an additional responsibility, please contact me. Shana Tova Umitukah ! Manuel Kanner (416) 636-6268 BIKUR BCHOLIM Tibor Klein, Sid Wellman It is a mitzvah to visit someone who is ill. It brightens up their day and shows them that you care and are interested in their well-being. The appreciation and joy experienced by an ill person, as a result of a visit, cannot be adequately expressed in words. Please make every effort to visit the cholim of our shul and the community at large. If you are unable to visit in person, even a telephone call is appreciated! Please call before making a visit! The Bikur Cholim group is looking for male and female volunteers to visit those in our community who are homebound. Our Rav and the Bikur Cholim Committee are anxious to serve our members. Many times there are members who are ill who do not receive visits or phone calls because the Rav or the Committee members are unaware. If you are aware of someone who is ill or to volunteer to visit cholim, please contact: Tibor Klein (416) 636-7425 or Sid Wellman (416) 636-0672 May all the cholim have a speedy and complete Refuas HaNefesh and Refuas HaGuf and may they have Arichas Yamim v’Shanim together with their families and all of Klal Yisrael. YOUTH Juda Habot Y-news The year 5768 is winding down and the Clanton Park Shul youth programs are gearing up. The youth programs have been underway since the first week of Elul after a two-month summer break. With some exceptions the nursery has been running throughout the summer and will continue to be available on Shabbos morning @10 a.m. Yasher Koach to Meira Shields, Hindy Edell, Aviva Kurtz, and Ayala Rubin who agreed to run the program in the coming year. Parents are asked to pick up their toddlers promptly after davening. Any children left behind will be turned over to the Kohanim, even if they are not the bechor. During Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur extended nursery hours will be available. Non-shul members will be operating the program. Parents are encouraged to drop in every so often to ensure that their children are happy, fed, and clean. Thank you to Shlomie Plonka and Yaakov Travis who agreed to run the Shabbos morning program for grades three to four, and one to two, respectively. The programs have undergone some minor changes. But by no means have the programs been modeled after a penitentiary nor have Shlomie and Yaakov received any training as prison guards. Participation is voluntary. Kids will be asked to bench-up with their parents for misconduct. As always, parents’ cooperation is encouraged. We are still looking for shul members from the ages of 20-120 years to give a 5 minute dvar Torah to the boys, starting at 10:30 a.m. Everyone should be interested to volunteer and contact me at [email protected]. The girls’ Shabbos morning program has resumed its operation as well. Under the auspices of Leora Herzig and Dina Haboura the grades one to six girls will enjoy a lovely Shabbos program that will include davening, stories, play and junk food. In the future we hope to have two girls’ Shabbos groups. High school bachurim will continue to attend their Shabbos morning youth minyan @ 9:00 a.m. sharp, followed by a kiddush for the participants!!! Yasher Koach to Eliezer Diena who has agreed to be the Gabbai. The only program operating during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will be the nursery. th th Succos Yeshivos Bein Hazmanim will start on the 11 of Tishrei and will end on the 25 of Tishrei. Rabbi Weber is organizing a line-up of speakers and shiurim that will follow the youth minyan davening and breakfast. Parents, grandparents, uncles, friends and other family members are invited to this leibedik minyan. During Chol Hamoed there will be an outing to a fun-filled place. Detailed information will follow. On behalf of my family and I, I would like to take this opportunity (and save $25) to wish everyone a Shanah Tova U’metukah with good health and nachas. I also ask forgiveness of anyone that we may have offended. May this year be the year that Moshiach comes, and we would not need to worry about the shul’s building fund. Shana Tova ! Juda Habot and Family HIGH HOLIDAY TICKETS Mendy Goldman For those members who have not handed in or mailed in their membership dues payments and high holiday ticket requests in advance, the High Holiday Ticket Committee will available downstairs in the shul, on the following days to receive membership payments and distribute high holiday tickets : st Sunday, September 21 : nd Monday, September 22 : rd Tuesday, September 23 : 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Please ensure you bring your cheque(s) filled out in their entirety or your VISA or MASTERCARD card with you in order to pay your membership dues and any outstanding dues or nedarim. One lump sum cheque, a series of post-dated cheques or payment by credit card will be accepted. Your payment in full is crucial for the shul to cover its ongoing operational costs. The shul is counting on you ! HALL RENTAL Arthur Herzig In an effort to make the process of reserving the Meyer Pik Social Hall more efficient, members are asked to contact the shul's Hall Chairman, Arthur Herzig, by e-mail at [email protected] and provide the following details: 1. The date(s) the hall is needed. 2. Whether the event will be a daytime or evening affair (or both). 3. The nature of the event (e.g., Bar Mitzvah, Aufruf, Sheva Brachos) and 4. A daytime and evening contact telephone number. Members are also urged to contact the shul caterer, Menchen's Catering, to confirm their plans and to receive details of the hall rental and maintenance fees. “MESSAGE FROM CLANTON PARK SYNAGOGUE: THIS MESSAGE IS FOR THE ENTIRE MEMBERSHIP” COMMUNICATIONS Norm Weisbart Making sure the congregation is aware of what transpires within our shul is important. Whether it is a simcha,funeral, or an interesting program, keeping an open line of communication from the shul to you is vital. On the rare occasion when the phone tree is not working, we would require volunteers to make the necessary calls. Please call Norm Weisbart at (416) 631-8466, if you are able to help. MAINTENANCE David Taub The new heating / air conditioning system has now been completely installed, fine tuned and is fully operational just in time for the High Holidays. If you are aware of something that needs repair or replacement, please contact David Taub. During this exciting time in our shul's development, a group of special dedicated young women have taken upon themselves leadership positions in our shul's sisterhood. I thank them in advance and look forward to working with them. Treasurer Rosh Chodesh - Shiva Meals -n- Wheels Welcome Baskets - Cheryl Jenah Ilana Weitzner Gill Ginsburg Tamara Miskin Rosie Roth Judy Habot Yonit Rothenstein Nurit Ochs I'm looking for 2 volunteers to help run the mishloach manos committee and a co-president. Wishing you and your families a meaningful Yom Tov !. Leah Weber and________________________* Presidents *It can be you !!!!!!!!!!! FIRST SISTERHOOD EVENT OF THE SEASON ! Join the Clanton Park Sisterhood “start of the year” Shalosh Seudos on Shabbos Parshas Ki Seitzei, September 15 , 2008 at 6:00 p.m., at the home of Mrs. Annie Tencer, 128 Almore Avenue. th Relax and enjoy the garden variety of salads and meet our new committee heads. Please contact Annie to volunteer your special salad. All women are invited to attend whether or not they bring a salad. SPONSORSHIPS / DONATIONS Sponsorship / donation opportunities are available for members to recognize an accomplishment, honour someone celebrating a simcha or to commemorate the memory of loved one or dear friend. To enhance our library the Shul has recently purchased a large number of seforim which can be dedicated, in addition to the siddurim and chumashim for the Shul and Bais Hamidrash. SHALOSH SEUDOS Rabbi Ahron Levine in his sefer, “Kol Bo Le’Yahrzeit” cites sources that mention it is considered very important to not only acknowledge a yahrzeit with a tikkun on the day of the yahrzeit but also to sponsor Shalosh Seudos on the Shabbos prior to the actual yahrzeit. The Levy Family has generously donated a Shalosh Suedos plaque in memory of Dr. Mark Levy זײל, who was President of our shul from September 1992 through Pesach 1996. Shalosh Seudos sponsorship starts from $118 and the menu can be upgraded. All sponsorships will now include a nameplate. Please indicate which Shabbos you wish reserved so that we can pre-order the plaques. Gold plaques for annual sponsors. Silver plaques for one time sponsors. May the neshama have an aliyah! The recently established Tzedakah Fund is distributed to the numerous meshulachim who visit our shul annually. Rather than have the meshulachim circulate among the mispallelim during the davening, they see the Gabbai Tzedakah who distributes tzedakah on behalf of the kehilah. Donating to the fund can either be monthly or annually. Please calculate what you were previously giving directly to the meshulachim and donate accordingly. Full tax receipts will be given. ___________________________________________________________________________________ _________ Please indicate your sponsorships / donations. Shalosh Seudos: _____ I plan i”yh to sponsor Shalosh Seudos on Parshas______________________ _____ Gold (annual sponsorship) _____ Silver (one time) Name for plaque _____________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ Tzedakah Fund: Yearly donation of $____________ (cheque enclosed) Monthly pledge of $ ____________ (post-dated cheques enclosed) Dolly Edell Library Tribute cards - $18.00. Library seforim dedications from $50 per sefer Artscroll Siddur: _____$50 (Hebrew/English) ______$36 (Hebrew)_______$65 Stone Chumash (Hebrew/English) Please call Fay Goldman. 416.636.0395 ___________________________________________________________________________________ Shul: _______ Memorial Yahrzeit Plaque (cost: $375) NOTE: If donating a sefer, siddur or chumash please provide inscription. SHUL GENERAL NEWS Founders’ Dinner – Wednesday, September 17, 2008 Come celebrate our Shul history, reminisce about the early years, and honour our founding members. This is the opportunity for everyone to spend an enjoyable evening and to be officially documented as “being there in 2008”. Our program will also include archival footage of the dedication of the main Sanctuary in 1961. It is amazing to see how our members have retained their youthful look as well as youthful spirit. Reservations can be made by email to; [email protected] or calling 416.879.2065 Join us on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 as we Pay Tribute to the Past…and Plan for the Future. 1961 DEDICATION DINNER FOR THE MAIN SANCTUARY Percy Danziger z”l & Naftali Kanner z”l At the Bimah Sol Edell z”l & Pesach Edell z”l Bill Rubinstein z”l Founders at the Dedication Dinner Ben Schwartz z”l & Sam Nussbaum כל ישראל ערבים זה לזה REPORT FROM THE GABBAI TZEDAKAH The new policy for giving tzedakah to meshulachim has now been in effect for almost 6 months. The meshulachim have been receiving, every evening except erev and motzo’ei Shabbos, tzedakah from the Gabbai Tzedakah, on behalf of the mispallelim, Members of the shul are requested and encouraged to continue to cooperate and adhere to the policy and should you be approached by a meshulach, you are requested to tactfully direct the meshualch to the posted signs in the shul. To-date about $3,300 has been distributed to the meshulachim from funds donated by shul members as well as a few non-members. Members are encouraged to continue to donate money to the Fund, either in one lump sum or on a continuous basis every Rosh Chodesh, in order to sustain the Fund. All funds donated are tax receiptable. Only about 20% of the members have contributed to the fund. I would like to take this opportunity to express my hakaras hatov to those members who have voluntarily donated generously to the fund and I encourage those who have not participated to give serious consideration to donating as a substitute for their previous practice of giving tzedakah to the meshulachim during the davening. Be part of the mitzvah of giving Tzedakah by participating in this endeavour. Shabbos Mevorchim Program A Shabbos Mevorchim program for Mesivta and high school boys is held every Rosh Chodesh at the home of one of our members. The boys are provided with refreshments followed by an informative discussion with Rabbi Weber on pertinent halachic and hashkafic issues. If you are interested in hosting future Shabbos Mevorchim programs please contact Rabbi Weber or Juda Habot. Security Alert from B'nai Brith A number of suspicious incidents at synagogues have been reported across Canada over the summer months. These incidents involved individuals who attempted to gain access to the institutions under false pretences. Ongoing vigilance regarding security must be a top priority. Suspicious behaviour should be reported promptly to persons in authority. B'nai Brith Canada's 24-7 Anti-Hate Hotline 1-800-892-2624 should also be contacted immediately. B’nai Brith Canada is in close contact with police across the country and work with them to provide a national picture as to security regarding the Jewish community. B'nai Brith Canada has provided the “twelve warning signs”, listed on the next page, of which we should all be aware. VIRTUAL OFFICE We now have a “virtual” shul office ! The shul’s “bookkeeping / administrative” duties are being handled by Esther Taub. Using technology, Esther is able to do the work from the comfort of her home. To contact Esther, please email her at [email protected]. Plans are in the works to install a proper shul voice mail system on which members as well as the community can leave messages. EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE Interested in being included on the shul weekly email list ? Want to receive weekly the Shabbos shul schedule ? Important and timely announcements and reminders ? “Be in the loop” ? We want to communicate with as many of our members as possible in this informative way ! Please send your email address to the shul webmaster, Daniel Orner, at [email protected] and start checking your email ! . “NEW” Shacharis Minyan The shul's weekday 8:30 AM shacharis minyan proved to be a real success this past summer. With the bachurim returning to their educational institutions and summer holidays ending, the time of the minyan has been moved back to “8:00 a.m.” downstairs in the Beis Hamidrash. We'd like your help to advertise it and ensure that it continues all year long. Please mention it to people who may be interested. THANK YOU. P.S. YOU are invited as well :-) Note: Davening is at 9:00 AM on Sundays and statutory holidays. AS FALL AND WINTER APPROACHES As our members should be aware there is no parking permitted on the west side of Lowesmoor Avenue and there is no parking permitted on the east side of the street between the hours of 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Monday to Friday. The issue is particularly acute in the winter when mincha is during the “no parking” hours and the parking lot is reduced in size because of the snow. Members are reminded to refrain from parking illegally on both sides, so as to not create a nuisance to our neighbours and a potential hazard, G-d forbid, if emergency vehicles are blocked. It will also save you paying the City for a parking ticket which, we have seen, in the past, the enforcement officers are diligent at performing their duties. Let us show our neighbours that we care about them – let us try hard to be a shochen tov - a good neighbour. GUEST SPEAKER – SHALOSH SEUDOS Professor Gerald Steinberg Our shul had the privilege to hear Professor Gerald Steinberg speak at shalosh seudos on Shabbos September 6, 2008 (parshas Shoftim) following Mincha. Professor Gerald Steinberg is the Political Studies Department Chair at Bar Ilan University, the founder of the Program on Conflict Management and Negotiation, and the Executive Director of NGO Monitor. He specializes in international relations, strategy, arms control, diplomacy, and "soft power", particularly in the Middle East, including proliferation, the Iranian nuclear program, the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) regime, and the politics of NGOs (non-governmental organizations). He works with a number of international organizations (NATO, UN University, OSCE, SIPRI) is a columnist for the Jerusalem Post, and his articles appear in the Wall St. Journal, the International Herald Tribune, etc. He is also a commentator for the BBC, NPR, and CBC. Professor Steinberg presented an informative perspective of the current political climate in Israel and what we could expect over the next 6 months or so to take place in the Israeli political arena. DAF YOMI With Rosh Hashanah upon us, now is the time to consider joining one of the Daf Yomi shiurim offered by the shul. The morning Daf Yomi shiurium, in Yiddish, given by Rabbi Reich, and English, given by Rabbi Braun, begin at 6:00 a.m. and 6:15 a.m. respectively. There is a Daf Yomi shiur given by Rabbi Weber and an Amud Yomi shiur given by Chaim Kaplan in the evening. KESIVA VA’CHASIMA TOVA ! AVRAHAM & BETTY KATZMAN KESIVA VA’CHASIMA TOVA ! RABBI AVRAHAM KUBAYOV SOFER STAM 416-631-9185 10 Bonnacord Drive Selling Sifrei Torah, Megillot, Teffilin and Mezuzot TIBOR & SUSIE KLEIN and FAMILY Checking Tefillin and Mezuzot Same Day Reasonable Prices, High Quality, Large Selection Just around the corner from Clanton Park Shul Wish the Rabbi, Rebbetzin & the Clanton Park Kehilah a Kesiva Va’Chasima Tova and Pay tribute to the Founders of the shul ! Shana Tova to Rabbi Weber and to Kahal Machzikei Hadas Our prayers for 5769 – may they be for good. Yossi Fisch (416) 787-8879 3454 Bathurst Street Toronto, Ontario Hachnosas Sefer Torah st On Sunday, June 1 , 2008, Mr. & Mrs. Harry & Helen Sporer donated a Sefer Torah, in memory of their parents. The community procession began at Yeshivat Or Chaim and continued to Clanton Park Shul. A L’chaim and kiddush luncheon followed in the Social Hall. On Friday, August 15 , 2008, in Ba’ka, Jerusalem, Israel, Phil & Faygie Schwartz donated a Sefer Torah to Beis th Keneses Nitzanim, to commemorate their 50 wedding anniversary. th . YASHER KOACH ! As many are doubtlessly aware, for the past 2 years the shul has been host to NCSY’s Torah High one afternoon per week. Torah High is a unique educational technology created and designed by NCSY to attract, educate and inspire Jewish public high school students. Students receive high school credits for this programme. Recently our Immediate Past President, Moshe Shields, received a call from NCSY to confirm whether they can continue to use the shul for their programming, as they have in past years. In the conversation, it was related that, apparently, our shul is the only location where the NCSY boys and girls have any contact with the members and it has a real hashpa'a on them...seeing men and boys coming to learn and daven. There is also interaction between the youth and our members. In fact, in one case, one boy has begun learning with an older member of our shul. This truly is a real “kiddush Hashem” for our shul and is something of which we should all be proud! Footnote: The Executive has approved use of our shul for the coming year for NCSY programming ! SPORER FAMILY’S HACHNOSES TORAH JUNE 1, 2008 SPORER FAMILY’S HACHNOSES TORAH JUNE 1, 2008 Mazel Tov! GRADUATES A graduation Kiddush, held on Shabbos June 7th, 2008, Parshas Nasso, was co-sponsored by the families of the graduates listed below. May the graduates bring their parents and families continued nachas! Leib Birenbaum - She’arim Brina Bressler - Eitz Chaim Rachel Bressler - Eitz Chaim Noam Edell- Yeshivat Or Chaim Uri Edell – Yeshiva University Chaim Greenwald – Masters in Education Daniel Greenwald – Bachelor of Science Shmuel Herzig – Yeshivat Or Chaim (class Valecdictorian) Adam Karoly – Ner Israel Yeshiva Miriam Klein – Bais Yaacov High School Yitzi Klein – York University Leora Kronenberg – Eitz Chaim Senior Kindergarten Amanda Lax – Netivot Hatorah Jonathan Lax – Yeshivat Or Chaim Moshe Hillel Lipson – Yeshivat Or Chaim Tali Lyons – Eitz Chaim Ahuva Magder – Ulpanat Orot Chana Magder Ross – University of Toronto (Masters of Physiotherapy) Daniel Magder – Yeshiva University, Sy Syms School of Busines (Business Bachelor Science, Magna Cum Laude) Elana Magder - C. W. Post Long Island University (Masters of Speech Therapy) Chaya Aliza Markovic - Bais Yaakov High School Lea Nussbaum - Bais Yaacov Elementary School Ari Nussbaum – Ner Israel Yeshiva Shragi Rosenzweig – Yehivat Or Chaim Yechiel Rosenzweig – Eitz Chaim Hadassah Rubinstein – Stern College (Yeshiva University Presidential Fellowship) Aryeh Samuel Yeshivat Or Chaim Shira Shields – Tiferes Bais Yaakov Yosef Shields – Eitz Chaim Senior Kindergarten Kayla Wachsman – Eitz Chaim Senior Kindergarten Binyomin Walfish – Ner Yisroel, Baltimore Leora Walfish – Eitz Chaim A. J. Warner – Yeshiva Darcheo Torah Simcha Weber – Eitz Chaim Senior Kindergarten Yitzy Weber – The Toronto Cheder Tamar Weitz – Tiferes Bais Yaakov Netta Yaffe – Bais Yaakov Elementary School The Torah Conferencing Network (TCN) is a state-of-the-art system which allows Jews in Toronto to view and hear shiurim, given in real-time, from all over the world. All shiurim can be heard in the Clanton Park Shul, in the main sanctuary. Recommended donation is $10 ($5 for members). Torah Conferencing Network 2008-2009 Season CONSIDER AN ANNUAL TCN MEMBERSHIP FOR OVER 170 SHIURIM Single $118 Family $180 For receipt make out cheques to Clanton Park Synagogue Mail to: 40 Palm Drive Toronto M3H 2B6 Membership cards to be picked up at the shiurim 2008 Season began Sunday August 31, 2008 1. Sunday at 10 a.m. Shira Smiles- for women only Weekly Parsha 2. Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein 3. Thursday at 7:45 p.m. Rabbi Eli Monsour 4. Thursday at 9 p.m. Rabbi Yissocher Frand Weekly Parsha Location: 11 Lowesmoor Ave. Clanton Park Synagogue Kahal Machzekai Hadas For e-mail information and schedule updates send your e-mail address to [email protected] Shi’ur Schedule Sunday Monday 6:00 AM Daf Yomi (Y) –RE 6:15 AM Daf Yomi – BR 9:00 AM Hilchos Shabbos: Background & Applications 6:00 AM Daf Yomi (Y) RE 6:15 AM Daf Yomi – BR 6:40 AM Halacha 7:00 AM Halacha 8:15 AM Gem. Arachin KE 8:10 AM Mishnayos – DA 30 minutes before Mincha Meshnayos – WE 8:30 PM Amud Yomi – KA 8:30 PM Daf Yomi Chaburah-Rotation 30 minutes before Mincha Mishnayos – WE 8:00 PM Daf Yomi 8:30 PM Amud Yomi - KA 9:30 PM Men’s Navi Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Shabbos 6:00 AM Daf Yomi (Y)– RE 6:15 AM Daf Yomi– BR 6:40 AM Halacha 7:10 AM Halacha-SO 8:15 AM Gem. Arachin KE 8:10 AM Mishnayos – DA 10:00 Women’s Chumash Beginning Sep.16 30 minutes before Mincha Mishnayos – WE 6:45 PM Gem. Bava Kama 7:30 PM Minchas Chin.-KE 8:00 PM Daf Yomi 8:00 PM Parsha -SA 8:30 PM Amud Yomi – KA 6:00 AM Daf Yomi (Y) –RE 6:15 AM Daf Yomi – BR 6:40 AM Halacha 7:10 AM Halacha 8:15 AM Gem. Arachin KE 8:10 AM Mishnayos – DA 6:00 AM Daf Yomi(Y) -RE 6:15 AM Daf Yomi – BR 6:40 AM Halacha 7:00 AM Halacha 8:15 AM Gem. Arachin KE 8:10 AM Mishnayos – DA 6:00 AM Daf Yomi(Y) -RE 6:15 AM Daf Yomi – BR 6:40 AM Halacha 7:10 AM Halacha 8:00 AM Chumash 8:15 AM Gem. Arachin KE 7:55 AM Gemara Chullin 1 hour before Mincha Mishnayos-DA 30 minutes before Mincha Meshnayos – WE 8:00 PM Daf Yomi 8:00 PM Yoma-DA 8:30 PM Gemara (Y) – BO 8:30 PM Amud Yomi - KA 30 minutes before Mincha Mishnayos – WE 8:00 PM Daf Yomi 8:30 PM Amud Yomi - KA Every Shabbos Mevorechin: Contemporary Issues for Mesivta/High School Boys 1¾ hours before Mincha Gemara Taanis (Y) – DA 1½ hours before Mincha Gemara Kesubos 45 minutes before Mincha Pirkei Avos 1 hour before Mincha Daf Yomi – SO All shi’urim are men’s shi’urim are given by the mara de’asra, unless, as noted, they are given by the following rabbonim/community members: BO= Moshe Bobrowsky; DA= Leo Davids; BR= Ari Braun; KA= Chaim Kaplan; KE= Yitzchak Kerzner, Rav Emeritus; RE= Velvel Reich; SO= Shea Sochaczewski; SA = Dovid Sapirman; WE= Mordechai Weiszberger. All shi’urim are in English unless, as noted by (Y), they are in Yiddish. Every 3rd week the rav will also give his Shabbos Derasha at the Hashkoma & the Junior Minyanim. Exceptions include Shabbos Mevorechin, Shabbos Yom Tov & special occasions. Our Father, our King, inscribe us in the book of sustenance and support. With the New Year approaching, ParnossahWorksCanada.org delivered by JVS Toronto, a Not for Profit Jewish Community Organization is continuing to grow and provide a unique service to all Jews in Toronto. It is the first city wide FREE Jewish On-line Job Board. ParnossahWorksCanada.org™ A FREE online job posting service to meet the needs of the Jewish Community in the GTA FREE Services to Employers Confidential posting of job openings on the website Referral of pre-screened qualified applicants Access to wage subsidy programs (government funded JVS Toronto programs) Ongoing support and consultation prior and post hiring FREE Employment Services to Job Seekers Employment counseling and job search support Linking of Jewish job seekers with employers through user friendly ParnossahWorksCanada.org website Visit us today at: www.ParnossahWorksCanada.org If you require further information please feel free to contact: Carrie Klians, Workforce Specialist Parnossah Works Canada 416 661-3010 xt.234 [email protected] Jewish Vocational Service – www.jvstoronto.org ParnossahWorksCanada.org™ is a joint initiative of JVS Toronto (Jewish Vocational Service of Greater Toronto), synagogues and various Jewish community centres in the GTA, and FEGS Health and Human Services System. ! שנה טובה תכתבו ותחתמו “M O B I L E Y E S ” I N G O U R C O M M U N I T Y SINCE 1999 SLICHOS SCHEDULE On Sunday September 21st, at 12:30 a.m.,in the Beis Hamidrash, Professor Leo Davids will be giving a lecture entitled, “Introduction to Slichos”, followed by slichos at 1:00 a.m. in the main sanctuary. Men and women are encouraged to attend ! DATE Sunday, September 21st Monday, September 22nd Tuesday September 23rd Wednesday, September 24th Thursday, September 25th Friday, September 26th Sunday, September 28th Monday. September 29th (Erev Rosh Hashanah) Friday, October 3rd Sunday, October 5th Monday, October 6th Tuesday, October 7th Wednesday, October 8th (Erev Yom Kippur) TIME 1:00 a.m. 6:20/6:55 a.m. 6:30/7:05 a.m. 6:30/7:05 a.m. 6:20/6:55 a.m. 6:30/7:05 a.m. 7:00/7:55 a.m. 6:00 a.m. (one minyan only) 6:30/6:55 a.m. 7:00/7:45 a.m. 6:00 a.m. (main sanctuary) 6:45 a.m. (Beis Hamidrash) 6:30/6:55 a.m. 6:45/7:10 a.m. PLEASE NOTE: On Sunday, September 21st, in addition to the regular scheduled shacharis minyanim, there will be a special 9:00 a.m. shacharis minyan for those who want to catch a little extra sleep. HIGH HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 2008 (5769) EREV ROSH HASHANAH (Monday, September 29th) 6:00 a.m. Slichos/Shacharis (one minyan only) Candle Lighting 6:43 p.m. Mincha 6:45 p.m. 1st DAY ROSH HASHANAH (Tuesday, September 30th) 7:45/7:45 a.m. Shacharis 2nd DAY ROSH HASHANAH (Wednesday, October 1st) 7:45/7:45 a.m. Shacharis 6:45 p.m. Mincha 7:40 p.m. Maariv 7:47 p.m. Motzo’ei Yom Tov SHABBOS SHUVAH (Shabbos, October 4th) 8:00/9:00 a.m. Shacharis 5:30 p.m. Drasha 4:30/6:30 p.m. Mincha 7:42 p.m. Motzo’ei Shabbos EREV YOM KIPPUR (Wednesday, October 8th) 6:45/7:10 a.m. Shacharis 3:00 p.m. Mincha Candle Lighting 6:27 p.m. 6:25 p.m. Kol Nidrei YOM KIPPUR (Thursday, October 9th) 9:00/9:00 a.m. Shacharis 5:00 p.m. Mincha 6:15 p.m. Neilah Fast Ends 7:35 p.m. Mincha Tashlich Candle Lighting TZOM GEDALIAH Thursday, October 2nd Fast Begins Shacharis Chatzos Mincha Maariv Fast Ends 6:05 a.m. 6:20/6:45 a.m. 1:06 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:28 p.m. 7:36 p.m. 5:30/6:45 p.m. 6:00 p.m. After 7:49 p.m. ROSH HASHANAH / YOM KIPPUR REMINDERS Although we strive to make our environment a family friendly one, we must balance that with potential security and safety risks in the event of an emergency. With this in mind, please ensure that baby carriages or strollers are not cluttering the foyer or any shul exits. The shul parking lot will be closed to all vehicles for security reasons. For security reasons, please ensure that, during davening times, you enter and exit the building only through the main front doors. All other entrance/exit doors should remain closed unless an emergency arises. This will be monitored closely and strictly enforced. The mikveh will be open at 6:00 a.m. every day. Please ensure that the staircases leading to the women’s section in the main shul remain clear at all times and the boys and young men who frequently congregate on the steps to socialize are requested to please refrain from doing so. This causes many women to feel uncomfortable as they climb the stairs and could also be quite dangerous in the event of an emergency Aliyos and other “kibuddim” will be auctioned immediately following shacahris davening on each day of Rosh Hashana and on Yom Kippur. This is your opportunity to honour a family member, a fellow shul member or even to just treat yourself ! Be a participant in the bidding, not an observer ! SHOFAR BLOWING Unfortunately, due to illness or mobility limitations, some members may be unable to attend the shul on Rosh Hashanah to participate in the mitzvah of hearing the blowing of the shofar. To accommodate those members, the shul has once again arranged with several volunteers to visit the homes of those members and blow the shofar for them. Please contact Rabbi Weber, Irwin Diamond, David Segal, or Nathan Elzas if you will be unable to attend shofar blowing at the shul or if you are aware of anyone who will be unable to be in the shul due health or mobility reasons. Let’s all have the opportunity of participating in the mitzvah of hearing the shofar ! YOMIM NORAIM DECORUM ! דע לפני מי אתה עומד During this auspicious time of year let us all make the extra effort to refrain from talking to our neighbours during davening. It not only detracts from the kavanah of our own teffilah but also disturbs others around us who are trying to concentrate on their tefillah. If you do have the uncontrollable urge to converse with your neighbour, it is requested that you please do so outside the main sanctuary and social hall while davening is in progress. Please respect the davening of your neighbours. If while waiting for the Rabbi or the Chazzan to complete Shemoneh Esrei, you get the urge to talk to your neighbour, there is a guaranteed solution for you. It has been tried successfully in many shuls, yeshivos and schools throughout the world. Simply try davening very slowly and pronounce every word carefully as prescribed in the Shulchan Aruch. Be assured that if you follow this solution there will no longer be the opportunity to have idle time and the urge to talk. MEMBERS‘ GREETINGS Wishing Best wishes for a year of the Rabbi, Rebbetzin , health, happiness, prosperity and peace Members of the Executive Board to our relatives, friends, members of the shul and their families a and the people of Eretz Yisrael. Kesiva Va’Chasima Tova ! שנה טובה ומתוקה ! כתיבה וחתימה טובה EISIG & HELEN BERGMAN Wishing Rabbi & Rebbitzen Weber & family, Best wishes for a year of The Executive and Board of Directors and health, happiness, prosperity and peace their families, our family, friends and shul to our relatives, friends, members of the shul members and klal yisrael a happy, healthy and and the people of Eretz Yisrael. peaceful New Year. שנה טובה ומתוקה ! שנה טובה תכתבו ותחתמו HANOCH & CELIA BERNATH and FAMILY ARTHUR & SUZANNE BIRENBAUM and FAMILY Best wishes for a year of Wishing family, friends and shul health,our happiness, prosperity and members peace IRWIN & RUTH DIAMOND toa our relatives, friends, members of the shul happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. and the people of Eretz Yisrael. שנה טובה תכתבו ותחתמו שנה טובה ומתוקה and FAMILY Wish all of klal yisroel a kseva va'chasema tova .... NAME LEO & FAIGIE DAVIDS a year filled with gezint and bracha ! Best wishes for a year of Wishing our family, friends and shul members health, happiness, prosperity and peace to our relatives, friends, members of the shul and the people of Eretz Yisrael. שנה טובה ומתוקה JOSEPH & ESTY EDELL and FAMILY a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. שנה טובה תכתבו ותחתמו YITZCHOK & RIVKAH EIZOKOVICH MEMBERS‘ GREETINGS Wishing our family, friends and shul members Wishing our family, friends and shul members a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. שנה טובה תכתבו ותחתמו שנה טובה תכתבו ותחתמו CHAIM & RACHEL FLETCHER AARON & MIRIAM FRANKEL and FAMILY Best wishes for a year of Best wishes for a year of health, happiness, prosperity and peace health, happiness, prosperity and peace to our relatives, friends, members of the shul to our relatives, friends, members of the shul and the people of Eretz Yisrael. and the people of Eretz Yisrael. שנה טובה ומתוקה שנה טובה ומתוקה ABE & LELIANE GARTNER ERNIE & SUSAN GREENWALD And FAMILY Best wishes for a year of health, happiness, prosperity and peace health, happiness, prosperity and peace to our relatives, friends, members of the shul to our relatives, friends, members of the shul and the people of Eretz Yisrael. ומתוקה נה טוYisrael. ש and the people ה ofבEretz NAME IMRICH & ANNA GROSSMAN Wishing our family, friends and shul members a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. שנה טובה תכתבו ותחתמו Wishing all our family and friends a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year ! שנה טובה ומתוקה EVELYN SILVERBERG HOFFMAN and MURRAY HOFFMAN Best wishes for a year of health, happiness, prosperity and peace to our relatives, friends, members of the shul and the people of Eretz Yisrael. שנה טובה ומתוקה SANDY & IRENE HOFSTEDTER and FAMILY HERSCH & PENNY KANNER and FAMILY MEMBERS‘ GREETINGS Best wishes for a year of Best wishes for a year of health, happiness, prosperity and peace health, happiness, prosperity and peace to our relatives, friends, members of the shul to our relatives, friends, members of the shul and the people of Eretz Yisrael. and the people of Eretz Yisrael. שנה טובה ומתוקה שנה טובה ומתוקה JERRY & NATHAN KIRSH HENRY & JULIA KOSCHITSKY Best wishes for a year of Best wishes for a year of health, happiness, prosperity and peace health, happiness, prosperity and peace to our relatives, friends, members of the shul to our relatives, friends, members of the shul and the people of Eretz Yisrael. and the people of Eretz Yisrael. שנה טובה ומתוקה שנה טובה ומתוקה WAYNE & ZELDY KURTZ ANSHEL & JUDY LEIBOWITZ and FAMILY Best wishes for a year of Best wishes for a year of health, happiness, prosperity and peace health, happiness, prosperity and peace to our relatives, friends, members of the shul to our relatives, friends, members of the shul and the people of Eretz Yisrael. health, happiness, prosperity and peace to our relatives, friends, members of the shul ומתוקה נה טוYisrael. ש and the people ה ofבEretz שנה טובה ומתוקה NAME MANDEL & DORFMAN FAMILIES CHARLIE & AGNES NAGEL and ARIELLA Best wishes for a year of Best wishes for a year of health, happiness, prosperity and peace health, happiness, prosperity and peace to our relatives, friends, members of the shul to our relatives, friends, members of the shul and the people of Eretz Yisrael. and the people of Eretz Yisrael. שנה טובה ומתוקה שנה טובה ומתוקה SAM & GILDA NUSSBAUM SRULI & NURIT OCHS and FAMILY and the people of Eretz Yisrael. MEMBERS‘ GREETINGS Best wishes for a year of Best wishes for a year of health, happiness, prosperity and peace health, happiness, prosperity and peace to our relatives, friends, members of the shul to our relatives, friends, members of the shul and the people of Eretz Yisrael. and the people of Eretz Yisrael. שנה טובה ומתוקה שנה טובה ומתוקה ELI & RENEE RUBINSTEIN and FAMILY PHIL & FAYGIE SCHWARTZ Best wishes for a year of Wishing our family, friends and shul members health, happiness, prosperity and peace to our relatives, friends, members of the shul and the people of Eretz Yisrael. שנה טובה ומתוקה MOSHE & RENEE SHIELDS and FAMILY a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. שנה טובה תכתבו ותחתמו YEHUDI & RUTH SHIELDS May Best you wishes andfor your a year family of Best wishes for a year of health, happiness, prosperity and peace be insrcibed for a year of to our relatives, friends, members of the shul good health, happiness peace. and the people of Eretzand Yisrael. health, happiness, prosperity and peace to our relatives, friends, members of the shul ומתוקה בהTova שנה טו L’Shana שנה טובה ומתוקה NAME PAUL & ROCHELLE SOCKEN and FAMILY AARON & RACHEL WEINSTOCK Best wishes for a year of Best wishes for a year of health, happiness, prosperity and peace health, happiness, prosperity and peace to our relatives, friends, members of the shul to our relatives, friends, members of the shul and the people of Eretz Yisrael. and the people of Eretz Yisrael. שנה טובה ומתוקה שנה טובה ומתוקה MOSHE & GERTIE WEISS HARRY & SALLY WEITZ and the people of Eretz Yisrael. MEMBERS‘ GREETINGS Best wishes for a year of health, happiness, prosperity and peace to our relatives, friends, members of the shul and the people of Eretz Yisrael. Best wishes for a year of health, happiness, prosperity and peace to our relatives, friends, members of the shul שנה טובה ומתוקה and the people of Eretz Yisrael. YOSSI & ESTHER WINTER SIDNEY & PEARL WOOLF and FAMILY Best wishes for a year of Best wishes for a year of health, happiness, prosperity and peace health, happiness, prosperity and peace to our relatives, friends, members of the shul to our relatives, friends, members of the shul and the people of Eretz Yisrael. and the people of Eretz Yisrael. שנה טובה ומתוקה שנה טובה ומתוקה THE YAFFE FAMILY SOL & RAYE ZEIFMAN and FAMILY COMMUNITY GREETING Jamie Pasternak & Family Best wishes and for a year Lynn of health, happiness, prosperity and peace wish all members of the community to our relatives, friends, members of the shul and the people of Eretz Yisrael. a year of שנה טובה ומתוקה health,NAME happiness, prosperity and peace. L’SHANA TOVA ! ! שנה טובה ומתוקה SUCCOS SCHEDULE 2008 (5769) KRIAS DATE Monday, Oc. 13 Note 1: Note 2: Note 3: SHACHARIS SHEMA CANDLE MINCHA SHKIAH LIGHTING MAARIV HAVDALAH th Erev Yom Tov th Tuesday, Oct. 14 7:30/8:15 a.m. 6:20 p.m. 6:18 p.m. Yom Tov th Wednesday, Oct 15 8:00/8:45 a.m. 6:20 p.m. After 7:25 p.m. Yom Tov th Thursday, Oct. 16 8:00/8:45 a.m. 6:20 p.m. Chol Hamoed (see note 1) th Friday, October 17 6:30/7:00/8:30 a.m. 6:25 p.m. Chol Hamoed (see note 2) th Shabbos, October 18 6:30/7:00/8:30 a.m 6:10 p.m. Chol Hamoed / Koheles th Sunday, October 19 8:00/9:00 a.m. Chol Hamoed th Monday, October 20 7:15/8:00/8:30 a.m. 6:15 p.m. Hoshana Rabbah (see note 3) st Tuesday, October 21 6:20/7:00/8:30 a.m. 6:05 p.m. 6:07 p.m. Shmini Atzeres/Geshem/Yizkor nd Wednesday, October 22 8:00/8:45 a.m. 6:10 p.m. After 7:13 p.m. 9:43/10:19 a.m. 7:23 p.m. 6:50 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:12 p.m. 4:05/6:05 p.m. 7:18 p.m. 6:40 p.m. Simchas Torah 8:00/8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. th The entire shul is invited to a Simchas Bais Hashoeva at the Rabbi’s home on Tuesday, October 14 (Yom Tov) at 9:00 p.m. th The entire shul is invited to attend Torah Reading on “Leil Hoshana Rabbah” on Sunday, October 19 at 9:00 p.m. downstairs nd There will be a Ne’ilas Hachag on Wednesday, October 22 (Simchas Torah) following Mincha th Earliest Talis (and for some, Tefillin) at 6:37 a.m. on Thursday, October 16 (Chol Hamoed) th Earliest Talis (and for some, Tefillin) at 6:38 a.m. on Friday, October 17 (Chol Hamoed) th Earliest Talis (and for some, Tefillin) at 6:42 a.m. on Monday, October 20 (Hoshana Rabbah) 7:12 p.m. Mincha/Maariv on October 23rd 6:15/6:40 p.m. SUCCOS NEWS ישיבת בין הזמנים,קהל מחזיקי הדת CLANTON PARK YESHIVAS BEIN HAZMANIM 8:30 minyan & hot breakfast followed by shiurim by some of Toronto’s most esteemed maggidei shi’urim Starting Friday, 11 Tishrei, Oct. 11 Kid’s Yom Tov Succos with the Rav open to members & to non-members nd 2 nd 2 Boys, grade 5 thru 8: day of Yom Tov, Wed., Oct. 15 from 4:30-5:15 p.m. Girls, grade 5 thru 8: day of Yom Tov, Wed., Oct. 15 from 5:15 to 6:00 p.m. Boys & Girls, up to grade 4: Shabbos Chol ha’Moed, Oct. 18 from 5:00-5:45 p.m. Hoshanah Rabbah Hoshanas will be available, in the shul foyer, from Eli Yaffe, on erev Hoshanah Rabbah and the morning of Hoshanah Rabbah. Simchas Torah Members are requested to donate bottles of liquor for the Simchas Torah Kiddush. Please give the bottles to Mendy Goldman or Eli Yaffe. The annual Simchas Torah Kiddush will take place in the Social Hall immediately following Musaf davening. As is the tradition, the Kiddush will be sponsored by our caterer, Menchens Catering. Yasher Koach to the Stern and Rosenblatt families. Speech: The Power to Build or Destroy “I am entitled!” “I have every right to express myself and convey what is bothering me.” “You wouldn’t believe what ***** said to ME!” Should this person be surprised that their relationships and work life are suffering?! There is a huge problem with the innate human condition, namely the felt entitlement to be critical and undue in our comments towards others, particularly behind their backs or in social gatherings. The human condition is such that we focus readily on the negative and particularly on others and shift the focus outside of ourselves, after all, who wants to see a stain appear on one’s own psyche? What many of us do not realize is that a simple utterance can create something tremendously sinister, a powerful force that will challenge every essence of our very being, as well as that of another person, and ultimately affect Jews everywhere collectively. The Esoteric Nature of Lashon Hara Sefer Tomer Devorah (Rav Moshe Cordovero, ZT'l) addresses the meaning of avon noseh "carrying of the sin" explaining that when a person sins, a negative emotion and a negative entity are created and brought into the world ()םיתיחשמ. The law of creation is such that this entity can only survive through commission of more sins, and speaking badly (Lashon Hara) is no exception. Teshuva can repair all but the establishment of this negative force in the world. At this point, Rav Cordovero points out that the merits of our performed mitzvot then become the sustenance of these evil and negative entities we have created. In the matter of avon noseh "carrying the sin," HKB'H carries and suffers the sins of Am Israel, which causes pain to the Divine Spirit. It pulls the Divine Spirit down to the impurity of this world (( )התולגב אתניכשChesed LeAvraham, Rav. Avraham Azoulai, ZT'l). In the spiritual realm, we are all directly tethered to Hashem, and those negative forces in the spiritual worlds that serve to draw us down, in turn, will also serve to drag the Shechina down as well. Given this, it is possible to understand that the negative interaction between just two people can serve to bring all of us down together since we are ALL connected to the Shechina. Rosh Hashanah marks the weighing and judgement of our accomplishments and sins, and the presence of something that serves to drain us of our mitzvah achievements is detrimental. Physicality of Loshon Hara The body is a magnificent creation with a power afforded to its frail human form to create, as too there is the capacity to destroy. There are two regions of the body that create, namely the upper world of the body and the lower world of the body. The lower world of the body is involved in bringing children into the world through the coming together of a husband and wife and the Shechina. Speech is no different as it is initiated by one person, but requires a participant to bring it into the world even if just through passive acknowledgement. It should be understood then that the tongue and the procreative organ (two manifestations of covenant between Hashem and man) are interlaced. Their rectification will therefore be interdependent. Correction of one's faculty of speech as with guarding of the covenant of one’s procreative organ, depend upon and influence one another. It is likely for this reason that the word Milah applies not only to the Hebrew word for tongue, but to the performance of circumcision, as well as the act of Teshuva in removing the “covering of the heart” in order to draw closer to Hashem. Speech is derived from the upper world of the body, and is also a function of thought and contemplation. If one were to simply blurt out exactly what they were thinking or feeling as a function of a purely physical urge, it may be likened to a goat bleating perfunctorily in the field. A purely physical act of speech without contemplation of where our powers of speech stem from, to whom we are addressing our thoughts, the nature and ultimately the consequence of what we say, constitutes a waste of the organs of speech. Anatomically and physiologically, it is believed that a heart muscle is capable of beating only so many times before it stops. If a heart beats faster all the time, the natural outcome will be a shorter life, given that the quota of beats will be used up that much sooner. It is no different with speech. The numbers of words we are allotted in life are indeed limited (Chofetz Chaim). What we say, how we say it, and when we say it, are all things we have control over. Lastly, consider that words possess the power of prophecy. When we issue threats, it is very important to consider that the comment made in haste or anger can actually come to fruition. When we curse ourselves or others, there are many instances where those curses take hold and present themselves in physical reality. It is known that there are particular Hebrew otiyot (characters) relegated to each part of the head and mouth as they pertain to speech, and depending upon their enunciation can create good or portend harm. There is only one way to look at the power of speech, namely as a form of creation. Speech is achieved through multiple levels of thought as well as a separate set of physical levels. We have the ability and opportunity to use our speech wisely and for constructive purposes, and words used in such a way will serve only to build, dedicate, and preserve what is pure, helpful, and ultimately beautiful. Good words, words that have been thought through, and spoken with gentle, loving-kindness will build relationships. Anything contrary will only destroy and cause suffering. Perhaps now, the notion of bringing in a negative power into our world through a contraction of speech and Loshon Hara can be appreciated on a much more serious level. Putting It Together The power of the number “two” is significant as it is an inherent part of creation. The old adage of it takes two to tango verily applies. Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan, the Chofetz Chaim, authored Shmirat Halashon (Guarding Speech), and outlines that on its simplest level, poor speech occurs on a level between at least two people. He elaborates on how it bears the power to create untold pain, suffering, and loss for others in an untimely and lasting fashion. A wholly and beautiful contrast to this lies within the power to bring down the light of the Shechina/Ein Sof by simply learning Torah together. Not even a malach (angel) can withstand the power of the light that comes down between two people learning Torah. Another example lies in the collective completion of the Talmud by a number of individuals, where each is considered as if he had completed the whole Talmud himself. The irony abounds where two can have the choice to exercise a power to either create or destroy by using words. Hashem shields Himself from us through many contractions and levels of filtration from one Sefirah (realm) to the next. We can reach Him with considerable strength of character, learning and piety, and most of all through acts of Chesed and Tzeddakah. King Solomon quoted Eshet Chayil (Woman of valour) referring to “Chagra beoz matneiya...” (She girds her loins with strength): it is important to consider that Torah is referred to as the source of life, as well as being like water that sustains life. Following the Torah will help one to live life and drink the waters of life. Indifference and wayward behaviour will cause waters of strife, not unlike the suffering experienced by a Sotah, for example. It is by no coincidence that the mouth is constructed of one circular muscle which is covered by two red/vermilion borders we call lips. Just as good things can bring about reward, so it follows that bad things can return almost in a circular fashion to affect their source. Red is the colour of blood, and what we share and shed becomes our responsibility. When we purse our lips in anger, the lips become white and blood is drawn away. Words that issue forth at this point may too result in a drawing away of the blood of another, causing pain or embarrassment; the Torah refers to this as a shedding of blood. We should therefore exercise our lips by keeping them bound together until the words we wish to issue are thought out with clarity, purpose, and purity. Rosh Hashanah marks a time of achieving our physical and spiritual best. It also requires that we make a bracha on apples dipped in honey. The apple is a symbol of nourishment and reminds us that an original sin with an apple can now become a vehicle for teshuva and a good life. If what we put into our mouths is sweet and blessed, it necessarily follows that what comes out be even sweeter and holier. Wishing you and your families Shana Tova and every Bracha for a good and long life, im Briyut, Simcha, Shalom, Achdut, and Parnassa,The Ginsburg Family Dvar Torah Understanding the Structure of Tefillas Musaf on Rosh HaShana Ralph Frankel By way of introduction, we all know the the musaf of Rosh HaShana is a very unusual tefillah. Whereas all other tefillos on Shabbos and Yamim Tovim are composed of seven brachos, musaf of Rosh HaShana has nine brachos. Every Shmoneh Esrei starts with the same three brachos, which are referred to as Avos, Gvuros and Kedushas HaShem. Avos refers to our three patriarchs, Gvuros refers to Hashem's ability to control nature, and Kedushas HaShem refers to הקל הקדוש which during Yamim Noraim is replaced by המלך הקדוש. On Shabbos and Yom Tov the middle bracha is called Kedushas HaYom - in this bracha we sanctify and commemorate the special sanctity of Shabbos - מקדש השבת, or Yom Tov מקדש ישראל והזמנים. The musaf of Rosh HaShana is different - there is a special commandment to introduce three unique brachos. In addition to the Kedushas HaYom which is part of every musaf, we also need to mention the three central themes of Malchuyos, Zichronos and Shofaros. Each topic requires its own bracha and has a unique structure - we are required to recite a total of ten verses: three from Chumash, three from Kesuvim, three from Neviim and the last pasuk again from Chumash. These three brachos constitute the middle section of the musaf, and the entire tefillah is composed of nine in total. This is the only tefillah where nine brachos are recited. The problem arises that one bracha needs to serve double duty because we also need to include the standard Kedushas HaYom that is part of every tefillas musaf. Where do we place the Kedushas HaYom vis a vis the Malchuyos, Zichronos and Shofaros? The Mishna in Rosh HaShana (32a) addresses this issue and discusses a dispute that arose between Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Yochanan ben Nuri. Rabbi Akiva's opinion is familiar to us in that it is our minhag - Kedushas HaYom is recited together with Malchuyos in the fourth bracha. (Note the nusach of the bracha: ויום הזכרון מלך על כל הארץ מקדש ישראל- the first expression, מלך על כל הארץ, refers to the Malchuyos portion; the second phrase, מקדש ישראל ויום הזכרון, refers to the Kedushas HaYom portion.) Rabbi Yochanan ben Nuri objects - the Kedushas HaYom of Rosh HaShana needs to be a stand-alone bracha like other similar brachos recited during the year - it is always the fourth bracha and no additional content is to be added to it. So where does the Malchuyos go? The answer is that it is said together with the Kedushas HaShem in the third bracha. Kedushas HaShem already has concepts dealing with the sovereignty of God. This takes on further emphasis during the Yamim Noraim because we adopt the terminology of God's dominion and rule over His world. We refer to Him as our King, not just our God - המלך הקדוש. Combining Malchuyos with Kedushas HaShem into one bracha makes a lot of sense. Rabbi Yochanan ben Nuri adds one other major detail - when we recite Malchuyos, we do not blow shofar at this juncture. We delay the shofar until the fourth bracha, which only contains Kedushash HaYom. In summary, R' Yochanan ben Nuri’s order is: 3rd bracha - Kedushas HaShem combined with Malchuyos without shofar , 4th bracha - kedushas HaYom with shofar, 5th bracha - Zichronos with shofar, 6th bracha - Shofaros with shofar. Did you ever wonder why we say extra portions in the bracha of Kedushas HaShem on Rosh HaShana? ( ובכן תן כבוד, ובכן צדיקים, ובכן תן פחדך, )ובכן יתקדשRabbi Soloveitchik זצ"ל, postulated that these piyutim are remnants from R' Yochanan ben Nuri's Malchuyos which he and his disciples recited in the bracha of Kedushas HaShem. These tefillos were passed down through the ages and were inserted into our machzorim, even though we have adopted the opinion of R' Akiva. I noticed that Rabbi Meir Simcha in his chidushim on Shas suggests the same. He further notes that the Rambam in his sidur tefillah mentions that the real custom was to say this portion only on Rosh HaShana and not on Yom Kipur - other communities added this on Yom Kipur as well. This confirms the notion that these piyutim are part of Malchuyos, and as such, were intended to be said only on Rosh HaShana. (There is no mitzvah of Malchuyos on Yom Kipur.) R' Akiva objects to R' Yochanan ben Nuri's approach. R' Akiva inquires - if you are not blowing, why are you saying Malchuyos at all? The Gemara is puzzled by R' Akiva's question - why are you saying Malchuyos at all? It is a Divine decree to recite Malchuyos! The Gemara answers that R' Akiva was asking the following: if you are not blowing, why do you recite 10 psukim, you should only be reciting 9 psukim? The commentators are totally silent on this point - no one offers an explanation into R' Akiva's reasoning. What is the difference between nine or ten psukim, what relevance does tekiyas shofar have regarding this issue, and why does the placement of Malchuyos have any bearing over the number of psukim that ought to be recited? Rabbi Soloveitchik explains this dialogue in brilliant fashion but first he introduces two very important concepts. The first concept is: אין אדם שואל צרכיו בג' ברכות ראשונות- one does not make demands in the first three brachos of Shmoneh Esreh ))ברכות לד ע'א. The first three brachos of Shmoneh Esrei are blessings of praise, ברכות שבח- this is how a slave approaches his Master. He must first offer praise before making demands. In the weekday Shmoneh Esrei, 13 brachos of beseechment follow the first three brachos. Supplication never occurs in the first three brachos. Demands and requests must be done in their proper time and order - only after we have sufficiently praised Hashem can we make any demands of Him. The second concept has to with the purpose of tekiyas shofar. It is not merely a mitzvah - it is a form of tefillah and supplication. Indeed the Kabbalah sefarim all say that shofar converts the midas ha-din into rachamim - it converts Hashem's judgment into mercy. This is precisely why Chazal instituted that shofar be blown in the middle of the tefillah - it is part and parcel of our tefillah. We can begin to understand what R' Akiva was asking. He understood why R' Yochanan ben Nuri does not blow shofar during Malchuyos. R' Yochanan ben Nuri holds that Malchuyos is recited with Kedushash HaShem, in the third bracha. This means it is subject to the rule that no supplications can be made at this juncture of the Shmoneh Esrei. Since supplications are not allowed, tekiyas shofar must be aborted - it will have to be delayed until the fourth bracha where supplication is allowed. What does this have to do with the number of psukim that should be recited, and what is the difference between nine and ten? We need to examine where the ten verses are quoted in the context of the bracha. It might actually be handy to have a machzor on hand. Each of these three brachos starts with an introduction that presents the main theme of this bracha. After the introduction, we offer proof texts as a way of validating what we have already said. We offer nine verses as proof texts: three from Chumash, three from Kesuvim and three from Neviim. Note that the tenth pasuk is not mentioned at this point. After we are done with the introduction and proof texts, we enter the final portion of the bracha, which is the bakasha, the supplication. Each bakasha starts with the words " "אלוקינו ואלוקי אבותינוand in our machzorim is the start of a new paragraph. The supplication of Malchuyos is: מלוך על כל העולם בכבודיך- You should rule over the entire world with Your Glory. The supplication of Zichronos is: זכרינו בזכרון טוב לפניך- Remember us favourably. And the supplication of Shofaros is: תקע בשופר גדול לחרותנו- Blast a great shofar to signal our redemption. It is in this context of beseeching Hashem that we quote the tenth verse. The tenth verse serves as a proof text that acknowledges our right to make such a demand of Hashem, knowing full well that He Himself has already promised us that He would deliver upon this request. For example, right before the chasimas ha-bracha in Zichronos we recite the following: וקים לנו ה' אלוקינו את הדבר שהבטחתנו בתורתך על ידי משה עבדך מפי כבודך כאמור "וזכרתי להם ברית ראשונים אשר הוצאתי אותם מארץ " ... מצרים We have confidence that Hashem will grant our request to remember us because this was precisely His promise to us. The exact same pattern appears in Shofaros, and a small variation of this pattern appears in Malchuyos as well. The structure of the ten verses then is as follows: nine verses service the introductory portion of the bracha and the last verse services the bakasha portion of the bracha. This is why the tenth pasuk is not recited together with the other nine, because it needs to be said at the completion of the bracha after we have beseeched Hashem. Let's go back to R' Akiva's question. If Malchuyos is recited in the 3rd bracha with Kedushash HaShem it must be devoid of any bakasha and supplication. We have already established that no supplication is allowed in the first three brachos. R' Akiva asks - you certainly acknowledge that this principle of not making requests in the first three brachos is true. How do I know you agree with me? Because you yourself do not blow shofar in the third bracha. Obviously you recognize that blowing shofar is a form of supplication and cannot be performed during the first three brachos. That being the case, I don't understand how your version of Malchuyos has ten verses - you cannot have a tenth verse, because the whole purpose of the tenth verse is to support the bakasha portion of the bracha. However, bakasha is forbidden in the third bracha, so to what purpose do you have a tenth pasuk? This is the explanation of R' Akiva's question - if you are not blowing, why are you reciting a tenth verse? Rabbi Soloveitchik has provided us with a tremendous insight into the structure of the tefillas musaf on Rosh HaShana, the organization of Shmoneh Esrei in general, and the critical role that the shofar plays in the davening. May Hashem grant our supplication: תקע בשופר גדול לחרותנו May we all be zoche to a kesiva va’chasima tova and may it be a year of Yeshuos and Refuos for all of Klal Yisroel. Neurology and Hashem Submitted by Professor Paul Socken In a United States convention of neurologists from all over the world, one of the main topics was the phenomenon of people fainting upon getting up from bed. One of the speakers was Professor Linda McMaron of Great Britain and she gave a lengthy speech regarding her study on this issue. She elaborated that after many years of study and investigation on this subject, she came to the conclusion that the fainting is caused by the sharp transfer between laying down and standing up. Professor McMaron said that it takes 12 second for the blood to flow from the feet to the brain. But when a person quickly stands Up upon waking up, the blood gets 'thrown' to the brain too quickly and the result is fainting. She suggested that each person, even one that does not have a tendency to faint, upon waking up should sit on the bed, and count slowly till 12 to avoid dizziness, weakness, and/or fainting. Her speech was rewarded with loud applause and enthusiastic feedbacks. Another Professor, a Jewish religious man, asked permission to speak. He said: "By us, the Jews, there is an old tradition, thousands of years old, to say a prayer of thanks to the Creator of the World for meriting us to wake up healthy and whole. The prayer is said immediately upon waking up, while one is still on the bed and sitting down. There are 12 words in this prayer and if one regulates himself to say it slowly with concentration, it takes exactly 12 seconds to says it... 12 words in 12 seconds. He said the prayer slowly in Hebrew: רבה אמונתךמודה אני לפניך מלך חי,וקיים שהחזרת בי נשמתי בחמלה Mode Ani Lefanecha Melech Chai VeKayam, Shehechezarta Bi Nishmati Bechemla Raba Emunatecha. Thank Thee, O living and eternal King, because Thou hast graciously restored my soul to me; great is Thy faithfulness. The auditorium burst into a standing applause that roared throughout the auditorium. This time, it was for the Creator of the World. REMINDER! DON‘T MISS IT! R.S.V.P. SHAINDY COHEN GOLDSTEIN (416) 879-2065