Inside - Chabad of Augusta
Transcription
Inside - Chabad of Augusta
THE Vol. 16. No. 1 December 2012 / Kislev 5773 NEWSLETTER Get a head start on your child’s Jewish Education! For boys and girls ages 4 & 5 Chabad’s preschool program is enjoying a fantastic session. The weekly program is packed with Jewish tradition, holidays, and yes, even Hebrew learning. ~ Inside ~ Chanukah 2012 1 Tanya Printed in Augusta 2 Capital Campaign Report 2 Help Chabad Help Others 3 Chanukah Flyer 4 Learning Opportunities 5 Sunday School Info 6 Chabad Philosophy 7 The Chabad Newsletter is published by Chabad Lubavitch of Augusta and is distributed free before Jewish Festivals. For information: 706-722-7659 or www.chabadaugusta.org The children can’t wait to come back each week to enjoy the circle-Torah time, songs, A&C and much, much more. Classes meet at Chabad on Old Furys Ferry Rd, on Tuesday afternoon. For more information please call Chani Fischer at 706-722-7659. “Friend” us and stay tuned-in www.facebook.com/ChabadAugusta Sign up for our email list and stay informed. To join please visit www.ChabadAugusta.org and click “join our email list”. .ה.ב Kislev 5773 The Chabad Newsletter By the Grace of G-d On the eve of Chanukah, 5741 [1980] Brooklyn, NY To all Participants in the Public Lighting of the Chanukah Menorah in the USA Greeting and Blessing! Rabbi M. Schneerson, the Rebbe Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, recalls the victory—more than 2100 years ago—of a militarily weak but spiritually strong Jewish people over the mighty forces of a ruthless enemy that had overrun the Holy Land and threatened to engulf the land and its people in darkness. The miraculous victory—culminating with the dedication of the Sanctuary in Jerusalem and the rekindling of the Menorah which had been desecrated and extinguished by the enemy—has been celebrated annually ever since during these eight days of Chanukah, especially by lighting the Chanukah Menorah, also as a symbol and message of the triumph of freedom over oppression, of spirit over matter, of light over darkness. It is a timely and reassuring message, for the forces of darkness are ever present. Moreover, the danger does not come exclusively from outside; it often lurks close to home, in the form of insidious erosion of timehonored values and principles that are at the foundation of any decent human society. Needless to say, darkness is not chased away by brooms and sticks, but by illumination. Our sages said, “A little light expels a lot of darkness.” The Chanukah Lights remind us in a most obvious way that illumination begins at home, within oneself and one’s family, by increasing and intensifying the light of Torah and Mitzvos in the everyday experience, even as the Chanukah Lights are kindled in growing numbers from day to day. But though it begins at home, it does not stop there. Such is the nature of light that when one kindles the Chanukah Lights which are expressly meant to illuminate the “outside,” symbolically alluding to the duty to bring light also to those who, for one reason or another, still walk in darkness. What is true of the individual is true of a nation, especially this great United States, united under G-d, and generously blessed by G-d with material as well as spiritual riches. It is surely the duty and privilege of this Nation to promote all the forces of light both at home and abroad, and in a steadily growing measure. Let us pray that the message of the Chanukah Lights will illuminate the everyday life of everyone personally, and of the society at large, for a brighter life in every respect, both materially and spiritually. With esteem and blessing in the spirit of Chanukah, M. Schneerson 2 .ה.ב Kislev 5773 The Chabad Newsletter Annual Chanukah Toy Drive for Children What to Expect at Chabad? 1. Every Jew is part of one big family. You are always at home with family, no matter what your background or level of observance. Help bring a smile to children in need! Please join the efforts of our Sunday school students and donate unopened toys for this very special cause. (You can also donate money and we will purchase toys on your behalf.) 2. Torah is the inheritance of every Jew. It is yours. Feel free to claim it. 3. Joy! Every activity at Chabad is permeated with Chassidic spirit of love, joy, faith and optimism. Toys will be collected at the Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, December 11. We will continue to accept toys and donations until January 4, 2013. 4. Judaism is not all or nothing. Every good deed and mitzvah has its own inherent, unlimited value. Our goal is to increase your MQ (mitzvah quotient) by providing opportunities to learn Torah and do mitzvoth. Toys will be delivered to children at GHSU Children hospital as a gift from the Jewish community. 5. To live is to grow. Yet we each grow at our own pace. Chabad offers you the tools to delve into Jewish teachings and integrate them into your life on your terms and your timetable. 6. Life is a journey, a search for answers. Every question is a good one. The only bad question is the one left unasked. 7. We are committed to providing a full spectrum of Torah learning opportunities from the practical to the mystical, for all levels of knowledge. If you want to explore a Jewish topic, please let us know. 8. Caring for others is the core of Judaism. If there is any way we can help anyone in the community, materially or spiritually, please let us know. CAR-MENORAH PARADE Join the annual Car Menorah Parade!! Tuesday, December 11 at 5:15pm. 9. Each Chabad center is an independent entity financed by voluntary contributions. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Out support comes from this community and remains here. Parade will be leaving from Chabad on Old Furys Ferry Rd and heading downtown to the Giant Menorah lighting at the Augusta Commons. 10. We are about Judaism, no affiliation. Whether or not you belong to a synagogue or other Jewish institution, Chabad can add spirituality, study, community – or just some good soul food – to your Jewish life. Please contact Rabbi Fischer to reserve a Car Menorah for your vehicle 706.722.7659. 3 .ה.ב Kislev 5773 The Chabad Newsletter As Georgia Health Sciences University welcomed its freshmen students this August, Chabad powered up it’s outreach activities and invited the new (and not so new) students for a delicious homemade Shabbos dinner. Our honored faculty guests were Dr. Paul Wallach, vice dean of students affairs (who is also new to our community), along with Dr. Michael & Roberta Rivner (long time faculty and parents of 2nd year med student Harold), Dr. Steven Roberts from the dental school, and Dr. Ian & Claudine Heger and family (new to GHSU). Along with many medical, nursing and dental students. Approximately 25 assembled at the Chabad House on Old Furys Ferry for some sumptuous Shabbat food, good spirit and insightful discussion on being a Jewish medical and /or dental professional. As the year unfolds Chabad plans to continue its outreach efforts to the Jewish students and medical professionals. In honor of the 200th year to the passing of the founder of Chabad Chassidism, Rabbi Shnuer Zalman of Liadi, his foundational Chassidic treatise—the Tanya—was printed recently in Augusta, Georgia by Chabad of Augusta. The Tanya was first published in 1797 in Russia by the author. It has subsequently been published in over 6000 editions, worldwide, and in various languages. Augusta’s authorized edition is number 5,999 and is currently at the binder’s shop. Rabbi Fischer will be offering a class on the Tanya after the books are bound and delivered. To stay informed about this upcoming class, please contact Rabbi Fischer at [email protected]. Following the spring storm that swept through Augusta last year and knocked a tree onto the roof of Chabad on Old Furys Ferry Rd., we are pleased to report that the building has been fully restored—and with many improvements to boot. In addition, thanks to generous donors we were able to install a new modern kitchen. Many other safety and security measures were also added—such as a fire a suppression system and security cameras. More recently, we have been enjoying the use of a new Ark to hold the Torahs along with a beautiful new curtain (parochet). The Capital Campaign committee has recently been working on preliminary site plans for a future building that would accommodate all out activities (on one location). The Capital Fund account continues to accept contributions to help us reach this great goal. For more information and dedication opportunities, please contact Rabbi Fischer @ 706.722.7659. The Capital Campaign Committee 4 .ה.ב .ה.ב Kislev 5773 The Chabad Newsletter Tuesday December 11 6:30 PM At the Augusta Commons (on the 800 block of Broad Street) Special Chanukah Pyrotechnics Show Sizzling Latkes Chanukah Songs Live Music Gifts for all Children Greetings from Dignitaries Special Children’s Musical Presentation No Charge! Annual Chanukah Toy drive for children. Bring any unused toys to this event. We will deliver them to children at GHSU children's hospital. Bring the joy of Chanukah to children in need! You may also donated money which will be used to purchase toys. For more information please call: 706-722-7659 or [email protected] 5 .ה.ב Kislev 5773 The Chabad Newsletter Five great ways to help us...pick one or more! Chabad is funded locally by people like you who benefit and respect the outreach efforts of our organization. 100% of funds donated are used here in Augusta to support the activities of Chabad of Augusta. #1 Join the “Chai Club” Support the vital work of Chabad with a monthly donation that fits your budget. Even a small monthly donation will make a BIG difference. You can use a credit card. #2 Pick up a Tzedaka Box. Place some coins (and bills…) in the box every day and return charity box when it’s full. #3. Sponsor a Kiddush. Shabbat morning in honor of a loved one or to observe a yartziet, for $75. #4. Honor A Friend or Someone Dear. We will send out a personal letter with an appropriate greeting. Suggested donation $18. #5 Living Legacy? From Successful to Significant. See below on this page for more info. Honor your loved ones with a memorial plaque on our new beautiful memorial board. This board is now affixed inside the Chabad at Old Furys Ferry Rd., and will eventually be placed in our future shul building. The memorial plaques will be lit up during the week of the yartzeit, and also on days when Yizkor Memorial Prayers are recited. Our Sages tell us that the act of tzedaka is one of the best ways to remember our loved one! Each plaque costs $360 and is a tax-deductible contribution. Larger dedications are also available on the board. Please call or email for more details. The proceeds from this board are invested in our Capital Campaign fund. You may be at a point in your life where you have enjoyed success and now have the opportunity to also make a significant difference. We can help. Our attorneys—experts in this area of law and financial planning — will be glad to talk to you confidentially and provide a complementary consultation on estate planning and legacy giving. Please consider leaving a portion of your estate to Chabad. It may also be very beneficial to your estate and it allows you to make a significant difference in the lives of many. There are many ways to achieve this, trusts of all shapes and purposes. Please contact Rabbi Fischer @ 706.722.7659 who will put you in touch with our attorneys. 6 .ה.ב Kislev 5773 The Chabad Newsletter BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS… HOW DOES TORAH SPEAK TO YOU? Wednesday evenings from 7:30—8:30 pm: Torah Studies—Contemporary Torah thought based on the weekly parsha and / or festivals. At Chabad House on Old Furys Ferry Rd. No Hebrew knowledge is required. Each week is a separate, independent topic. RSVP to [email protected]. To see the full catalogue of classes go to www.chabadaugusta.org and click on “Torah Studies”. Shabbat mornings at 9:00 am - a 30 minute class in Chassidism at Chabad House, Old Furys Ferry Rd. Shabbat mornings (approx.) 10:30 am - a review and discussion of the weekly Torah portion. Sunday evening at 7:30-8:45 pm - Maariv service followed by Talmud study. Currently we are studying the last few pages in tractate Pasachim (Passover). We soon begin tractate Brachot (blessings). Now is a good time to try this class. All are welcome. To find out more details or to see if one of these classes might be for suited for you please call Rabbi Fischer at 706.722.7659. Schedule of Weekly & Monthly Services Upcoming Torah Studies classes—Wednesday evenings. The Tune of Ambivalence - December 5 Discover the guiding principles that help us make critical and courageous decisions. Torn between temptation, hesitation, and cognitive dissonance, this lesson examines three biblical tales of everyday struggle that share a common tune--literally! Decorate, Then Sweep - December 12 You need to rid yourself of bad habits to inculcate positive ones, but if you don't start with the good right away, you may end up waiting forever. This lesson explores the pros and cons of cognitive versus behavioral therapy and the wisdom in the order of the Chanukah candles and of Joseph's sons. Reconstructing Crossed Lines December 19 When we cross a line, we become desensitized to the line and prone to cross it again. How do we return to our former selves? This lesson explores the innovative, three-step process Joseph used to aid his brothers return, including reconstructing their original circumstances to prove they had truly changed. Join us and feel free to bring a friend! Every Shabbat 9:30 am. User Friendly Service. In-depth Parsha Analysis, Meaningful Sermon and Great Socializing… Every Sunday night for Mincha / Ma’ariv at 7:30pm - followed by Talmud Study. Every Rosh Chodesh for Shacharit, 6:45am Yartziet minyanim—upon demand. All this at our Old Furys Ferry location (except for Rosh Chodesh services will takes place at our Broad St location). All are welcome! Join us every Saturday morning for a meaningful and joyful Shabbat service and in depth Torah study, followed by a delicious sit down Kiddush luncheon. The famous saying “a Jewish community is as strong as its volunteers,” is how best to describe this community luncheon get together—and WOW do we have some wonderful volunteers! Recent Kiddush preparers and / or sponsors Becky Ades, Robert & Sandy Alman, David Antopolsky, Ronald Blum, Mary Bolgla, Stevin Dubin, Alan Danzig, Cynthia Eiring, Judi Estroff, Chani Fischer, Pam Lewallen, Monica Podolsky, Kobi and Illy Stern. Special thanks to kiddush chairman David Antopolsky who keeps it all going. All are welcome to attend any part , regardless of background, affiliation or level of observance. Come try it out, you’ll be pleasantly surprised! Acts of Love! 7 .ה.ב Kislev 5773 The Chabad Newsletter CHABAD SUNDAY SCHOOL “Where Kids Love To Go” Featuring: Children from all backgrounds are welcome– No affiliation or membership necessary. A safe and loving environment – a place where kids love to learn. Sensitive teachers who are also role models in Jewish observance. Professional curriculum including the renowned “Aleph Champ Hebrew” curriculum with emphasis on teaching Synagogue Service Participation, Torah, History, Holidays, Arts & Crafts, Israel, Jewish Values & more. Personal attention to each & every student. Torah Coins Reward Program. Scholarships are available. We guarantee that your child will be very happy as well as get a solid Jewish education! ~~~~~~~ Not sure if this is for you? Try it out with no strings attached.~~~~~~~ For more info please call Rabbi or Chani Fischer at 706.722.7659 At Sunday School—baking sweet honey cake for Rosh Hashana, baking delicious Challah, working on Hebrew reading. 8 .ה.ב Chabad Lubavitch of Augusta, 3924 Old Furys Ferry Rd, Augusta, GA 30907 Kislev 5773 The Chabad Newsletter Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Permit 623 Augusta, GA Mitzvot for Clunkers Thinking about a New(er) Car? Why not donate your old one to Chabad for a Mitzvah & Full Value Tax Deduction!!! For more information call 706-722-7659. THE CHABAD PHILOSOPHY You may see yourself as unaffiliated, Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox. At Chabad we see you as Jewish. No labels. No differences. Chabad is the largest and fastest growing Jewish outreach organization for one very simple reason: We focus on the soul of every Jew, the bond that unites us as family. Therefore, Chabad is the home for every kind of Jew, regardless of knowledge or background. So come in and feel the warm and loving welcome you are sure to receive. I'm sure you will find the programs, services or learning classes refreshingly casual, and made easy to follow. Our HebrewEnglish prayer-book accompanied with song and explanations, or study material, make everyone feel involved, and at home. If you have any questions or concerns or to receive “What to expect at Chabad” brochure, please don't hesitate to call me, 706.722.7659, or email [email protected] — Rabbi Zalman Fischer 9