PARSHAT PEKUDEI SHABBAT SHEKALIM. Stone Chumash Page 530 February 28 - March 7 28 Adar I - 5 Adar II 5774 GET CONNECTED. Friend us on Facebook

Transcription

1 Boca Raton Synagogue WEEKLY PARSHAT PEKUDEI SHABBAT SHEKALIM Stone Chumash Page 530 February 28 - March 7 28 Adar I - 5 Adar II 5774 RABBI EFREM GOLDBERG Marah D asrah RABBI PHILIP MOSKOWITZ Assistant Rabbi DAVID WOLGIN, PhD President RABBI JOSH BROIDE Outreach Rabbi RABBI URI PILICHOWSKI Teen Rabbi RABBI MORDECHAI SMOLARCIK Rabbi, BRS West RABBI KENNETH BRANDER Rabbi Emeritus MATTHEW HOCHERMAN Executive Director ALIZA PILICHOWSKI Youth Director ESTHER LUPIN, MSW BRS/JFS Social Worker KERRY PURCELL Editor-in-Chief of the Weekly FRIDAY NIGHT Candle Lighting Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat SHABBAT DAY Rabbi s Class GET CONNECTED Friend us on Facebook Boca Raton Synagogue Follow us 6:03 pm 4:50 pm From Haman to Hitler and Purim to Policy Conference: Seeking the Root Cause of Anti-Semitism Rabbi Philip Moskowitz Shabbat Mincha Ma ariv/havdalah 5:50 pm 6:57 pm FRIEND Check out Jewish Pride Films for our latest videos HAHN JUDAIC CAMPUS 7900 MONTOYA CIRCLE N. BOCA RATON, FLORIDA (561) FAX (561) OFFICE@BRSONLINE.ORG

2 FROM THE RABBI S DESK Last week, I had the privilege of joining 30 lay and professional leaders from South Florida on the Jewish Leadership Coalition s 2nd annual mission to Tallahassee. Florida law allows corporations to receive a dollar for dollar tax credit when they donate funds to the Step Up For Students scholarship program, which provides scholarships to children from lowincome families. The scholarship is awarded to the child, not the school, enabling the family to choose the school that is best for their child, be it public or private school. Ask What s Working, Not What s Broken This academic year, Jewish day schools in South Florida are receiving $4.8 million from the Step Up For Students scholarship program, but the potential exists to receive much more. Currently, there is a cap to the scholarship fund limiting how many dollars can be donated while getting a tax credit. Moreover, the current law has a narrow definition of low income that restricts the candidates who qualify for receiving aid. Our broad and diverse group spent the day lobbying on behalf of proposed legislation currently in the Florida House and Senate that would raise the cap and raise the income level for eligibility. This proposal specifically, and the goal of school choice in general, has strong bipartisan support in the Florida government including the Governor, CFO, Senate President, and the Speaker of the House. Our meetings were productive and positive and our message was mostly greeted warmly and enthusiastically. Irv Slosberg, who represents the 91st District, which includes Montoya Circle, was non-committal when asked if he would vote in favor of the proposed legislation expanding Step Up For Students. I urge you to contact his office at (561) , communicate how important this issue is to you, and ask him to vote favorably on the pending legislation. I am deeply grateful to the leadership of Step Up for Students and the Jewish Leadership Coalition for their efforts on behalf of the Jewish day school tuition crisis. Over the last few years, I have participated in countless conversations, conventions, and conference calls hosted by a number of organizations, all in search of relief for parents suffocating from the burden of high tuitions. I believe the efforts of the Jewish Leadership Coalition have not only been the most effective to date, but also have the greatest promise in creating at least a partial solution to this problem. On the plane back from Tallahassee, it occurred to me that while so much time, energy, and money have been invested in addressing the tuition crisis, not nearly the same resources have been poured into addressing a parallel crisis in our Jewish educational system, a crisis that is affecting schools from every segment of the Jewish people. For all of the sacrifice and money we invest in our children s Jewish education, are we producing inspired, informed, and passionate Jewish young people? Many teens, including those currently enrolled in orthodox schools, unabashedly admit to laxity in observance and a general disaffection with the observant lifestyle and its rigorous demands. Many express a sentiment of, if these practices don t do anything for me and they don t why should I observe them? For a long time, the term at-risk teens referred to young people leaving the traditional Jewish educational system and getting involved with dangerous substances like alcohol or drugs. Today, at-risk can more broadly be used to describe children who are remaining in the system, attending our schools and Shuls and growing up in our homes, but forsaking observance privately, and even publicly. What can we do to address this crisis, one that is growing? Two weeks ago, BRS was privileged to host world-renowned happiness expert, Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar. In his seminar, he described how half a century ago, traditional psychology tried to address the at-risk population in inner cities and dangerous areas. The question they asked was why do so many in these communities fail? Why do they resort to drugs, why is crime high, etc.? They came to conclusions and designed programs around attempting to address why so many fail. In the year 2000, UNESCO did a study of 32 countries to assess the impact of these programs over 50 years. They concluded that after millions of dollars, countless hours of manpower, and tremendous resources, the net impact of the programs on the at-risk population was ZERO. In the 1980s, the field of Positive Psychology began and it radically changed the question. Instead of asking why are so many failing, researchers began to ask, why do some succeed? What makes some thrive despite their unfavorable conditions and environment? Dr. Ben-Shahar described that researchers identified the presence of several attributes and practices that were common to those who flourished including optimism, resilience, volunteerism, identifiable role models, physical activity, and well as others. They then designed programs for Page 2

3 the at-risk population based on teaching and modeling these character traits. In a very short time, they were able to measure fantastic results and significant impact on the at-risk population. Dr. Ben-Shahar quoted management expert Peter Drucker who said, The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question. Drawing from his presentation, it is worth considering that perhaps we are asking the wrong question when it comes to our children. Instead of examining why some of our children are disenchanted and disillusioned with observant Judaism, let s identify our Jewishly enthusiastic young people and ask, what s working, why are they inspired? I suspect we will find many of the same answers Dr. Ben-Shahar spoke about, but the exercise may reveal other variables that we can incorporate into our Jewish educational institutions and into our homes and Shuls. Dr. Ben-Shahar described that in the search for happiness we tend to focus on what isn t working and try to fix it. We spend too little time examining what is working in our lives and improving and enhancing it. He encouraged us to ask ourselves what are we good at? What energizes us? What are our strengths? What gives us strength? Like the tuition crisis, the inspiration crisis won t be solved overnight. Unlike the tuition crisis, legislation and the influx of greater financial assistance will not bring a solution. We must continue to work on communicating the relevance, meaning, and timeless values of Torah to our children and model passion, enthusiasm and devotion. What I learned from Dr. Ben-Shahar is that in addressing the challenges that we face, instead of focusing on what s broken alone, we need to focus on what is working and on our strengths, and then leverage the answers to those questions into a brighter future. Good Shabbos, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Follow the Rabbi at twitter.com/ rabbigoldberg Friend the Rabbi on facebook Efrem Goldberg Share the Rabbi s blog on PARSHAT PEKUDEI SUMMARY Construction of the Mishkan. At Moshe s command, the total cost of the Sanctuary construction was computed. The work was approved and inspected by Moshe, who blessed the people for their assistance in this magnificent achievement. On the first day of the month of Nissan, almost a year after the Jews departure from Egypt, the Mishkan was erected under Moshe s personal supervision and its contents were arranged in the prescribed order. A cloud covered the Mishkan, which was suffused with Hashem s Glory. Whenever the cloud lifted, it signaled Hashem s desire that the Jews continue their journey. BOCA RATON SYNAGOGUE DERECH ERETZ STATEMENT In the spirit of our mission Valuing Diversity and Celebrating Unity, we believe that a community is built on the collective engagement of individuals representing differing perspectives, whether religious, political, or social. As is an environment where all of its members and visitors need to feel valued and welcomed, members are required to comport themselves in a manner which reflects mutual respect and a sense of inclusiveness. In our Synagogue, we value debate about pressing issues. This is consistent with the American democratic tradition. Our sages saw the value of arguments conducted L Shem Shamayim, for the sake of heaven, believing that great minds who engage in respectful debate will arrive at better solutions. They valued and welcomed alternate views, as do we. Derech Eretz, good and proper conduct, and mutually respectful dialogue are core values of the Synagogue community. These create a safe place for inspiration and spiritual growth, the central purpose of the Synagogue. It is a violation of Jewish law and ethics to use harsh language (vitriol) to demonize or to marginalize people with whom one may disagree. Uncivil expression reflects negatively on our Synagogue as well as on the individuals who engage in such behavior. expects its members to act and to speak with kindness and sensitivity to others. It is only in this fashion that a strong, vibrant, and harmonious community can be created and maintained. Adherence to this policy is a requirement for membership in good standing at the. In line with our recently published Derech Eretz Statement, we mention some examples of how we can be more sensitive towards others and create an even better community. When the Shul is crowded, please take private articles off the seat next to you and invite someone to sit down. There is a coatroom in the lobby for hats and outerwear. BRS does not allow members to claim a Makom Kavuah. If you wish to sit in a specific location, come early. One must never ask another person, whether a member or especially a guest, to get up and move. If you have a Mensch Message you would like us to promote, please us at office@brsonline.org Page 3

4 SHABBAT SCHEDULE FRIDAY NIGHT Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pm Sephardic Minyan () 6:00 pm Candle Lighting 6:03 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) SHABBAT DAY Neitz Minyan () 6:00 am Hashkama Minyan () 7:25 am Sephardic Minyan () 8:30 am Ashkenazi Minyan (Rand Sanctuary) 9:00 am Sermon: Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Shtiebel Minyan (Shtiebel Beit Midrash) 9:30 am Sof Zman Kriat Shema 9:38 am Teen Minyan (Berdugo Beit Midrash) 9:45 am Youth Tefillah Groups (Jacobs and Rubin Youth & Senior Center) 10:00 am Early Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 3:00 pm Rabbi s Class 4:50 pm From Haman to Hitler and Purim to Policy Conference: Seeking the Root Cause of Anti-Semitism Rabbi Philip Moskowitz Sephardic Mincha () 5:45 pm Ashkenazi Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 5:50 pm Sh kiah 6:22 pm Daf Yomi (Berdugo Beit Midrash) between Mincha/Ma ariv Ma ariv/havdalah 6:57 pm SHABBAT LEARNING Sichot of the Lubavitcher Rebbe with Rabbi Levine (Shtiebel Biet Mid) 8:30 am Tefillah Insights with Rabbi Josh Broide (Rand Sanctuary) 8:30 am Teachings of the Ba al Shem Tov (Shtiebel Beit Midrash) 9:00 am Parshat Hashavua with Rabbi Dr. Zvi Yehuda (Board Room) 9:15 am Advanced Gemara Chabura 15 minutes after Hashkama Minyan Junior Congregation (Shechet Beit Midrash - Rooms 205 & 206) 10:00 am Youth Groups (Drop-off begins at 10:00 am) 10:30 am Sephardic Roundtable () 11:00 am Father & Son Learning () 4:00 pm PARSHAT VAYIKRA Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pm Sephardic Minyan () Candle Lighting 6:07 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) 6:10 pm Ma ariv/havdalah 7:01 pm BRS WEST (At the Hillel Day School, th Ave. (305) Mincha Candle lighting JOIN US FOR FOUR AMAZING UPCOMING PURIM PROGRAMS PURIM CARNIVAL WITH ALL OF THE TRIMMINGS SUNDAY, MARCH 9 AT 11:00 AM Amazing BBQ by Moshe Kaminetsky, carnival rides, toxic rampage, rock climbing wall, toddler play zone, petting zone, pony rides, and much more. NEW THIS YEAR!! We will be having carnival booths where each winner will receive a token prize and a can to donate to our tower of hope. This tower will be donated to the food pantry. $5 per child for unlimited rides, max of $20 per immediate family. Food for concession. Co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. PURIM NIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA Join us Saturday night, March 15 for an incredible night of fun immediately following the Family Megilla reading with entertainers, ice cream and Chesed activities. We are looking for sponsors. Please contact Aliza for opportunities at aliza@brsonline.org PARENT AND ME KIDS PURIM STORY Join us on Sunday, March 16 at 10:20 am. Most appropriate for children ages 1-5. Purim Story with lots of noise and Grogger shaking told by Rabbi Uri Pilichowski and YOU! Make sure to come in costume and bring your groggers! Program will be in the. CHESED OPPORTUNITY! Youth Purim Masquerade at Heartland at 1:00 pm. On Purim Day, March 16. All families are encouraged to attend in costume. Shacharit Youth Groups Kiddush follows Davening Mincha (Shabbat) Shabbat Ends/ Maariv FRIDAY NIGHT SHABBAT DAY WEEKDAYS 5:58 pm 6:03 pm 9:30 am 10:30 am 4:30 pm 6:57 pm Sunday Morning Minyan Breakfast is Sponsored by the D Var Torah Club DAILY MINYAN TIMES Ashkenazi Shacharit Sephardic Shacharit Ashkenazi Shacharit Ashkenazi Shacharit Sephardic Shacharit Ashkenazi Shacharit Early Ashkenazi Mincha Sephardic Mincha/Ma ariv Ashkenazi Mincha/Ma ariv Late Ashkenazi Ma ariv Page 4 SUNDAY ROSH CHODESH 6:05 am 7:00 am 9:00 am 1:00 pm 6:10 pm 9:30 pm MONDAY ROSH CHODESH 6:05 am 7:00 am 7:45 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 8:30 am 3:15 pm WYHS 6:10 pm 9:30 pm 6:25 am TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 7:00 am 7:45 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 8:30 am 3:05 pm WYHS 6:10 pm 9:30 pm 6:25 am 7:00 am 7:45 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 8:30 am 3:15 pm WYHS 6:10 pm 9:30 pm 7:00 am 7:45 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 8:30 am Rand Sanctuary 3:15 pm WYHS 6:10 pm 9:30 pm 6:25 am 7:00 am 7:45 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 8:30 am

5 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS MAZAL TOV Dani & Shayndee Hiller on the engagement of their granddaughter, Talia Hiller, to Marc Finkelstein of Aventura/NYC. Their proud parents are Elie & Nanci Hiller of West Orange, NJ and Joe & Wendy Finklestein of Aventura, FL. Drs. Stuart & Hindy Rubin on the birth of their granddaughter, Tiferet Moriah. Her proud parents are Chava & Aaron Schultz. Rabbi Moshe & Michal Schochet on being honored at Torah Academy s Journal dinner this Wednesday night. KIDDUSH Friday Night Live Kiddush is sponsored by Irwin Levine in celebration of his wife Natalie s birthday. Hashkama Minyan Kiddush sponsored by Rabbi Tsvi Kilstein in honor of the birth of his granddaughter, Basya Kilstein. Sephardic Kiddush sponsored by Chaim & Eti Bazini and Eli and Shula Amsalem in memory of Eli Amsalem and Eti Bazini s father Avraham Ben Masudda. Sephardic Seudah Shlishiet sponsored by Dr. Ephraim Foonberg in commemoration of the Yahrzeit of his beloved father David Foonberg. Seudah Shlishiet co-sponsored by, Jeffrey & Carla Klein, and Eli & Shula Amsalem Guest Speaker: Rabbi Mordechai Siev (Big Mo) NEW STAFF MEMBER In partnership with the Rales Jewish Family Services, BRS now has a dedicated Social Worker on our Staff. Esther Lupin, will be available for one on one counseling, to lead support groups, pay home visits and most importantly coordinate broader support services for our members. As a member of our Shul, Esther is very familiar with our community and is well positioned to serve as an excellent resource and source of support. Due to the generosity of Jewish Family Services, this new position will not cost our Shul at all. Esther can be contacted at esther@brsonline.org and can be reached by calling the Shul office. She will have dedicated space at the Shul or can meet our members at JFS offices if they prefer. BRS AIPAC DELEGATES: BRS is proud to be once again sending a large delegation to AIPAC. We encourage those attending to to join us for the official BRS delegation photo on Sunday, March 2 at 7:00 pm in Ballroom ABC. NEW TO THE COMMUNITY If you are a new member of the Shul or of the community, and you have not received a call from the BRS Welcome Committee, please contact Linda at (561) or linda@brsonline. We are planning an event for new members and would like to invite you. YU-BRS PARTNERSHIP WEEKEND- NEXT SHABBAT Dr. Rona Novick will be our Scholar in Residence next Shabbat, March 8 in partnership with Yeshiva University. Shabbat Morning: Haman, Incognito and School Yard Bullies: Addressing the World s Villians. Shabbat Afternoon Class: Kindling Your Spiritual Fire The Mental and Physical Benefits of Belief Seudah Shlishit: The Purim Perspective Mental Housekeeping that Builds Happiness SECOND NIGHT PESACH SEDER AT BRS Need a break from the kitchen? Want to experience a Pesach like you ve never experienced it before? Leave your 2nd Seder to us! We will provide delicious food, uplifting singing, and beautiful Divrei Torah to enhance your Seder. People of all ages and backgrounds will love the liveliness and spirit of the BRS Seder. Come join Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Shimmie Kaminetsky and the entire Goldberg and Kaminetsky families for a Seder experience you won t forget! The cost to attend the Seder is $75 per person for BRS members and BRJE regulars and $90 per person for non-members. The cost for children ages 5 15 will be $35 per person. For more information or to sign up visit org/seder. The Seder is based on a first come, first served basis, and will be closed out at 120 participants. HAVE YOU LOGGED IN YET? We are proud to announce that we have completed our move online. You can now log in to to update your membership information and process payments. Just click on My Account from the home page to log in. If you have any questions, please contact us at (561) CALLING ALL YOUNG ARTISTS AGES 6-13! is looking to make new tzedaka boxes and we need your help. Please create an original piece of artwork on a piece of 8.5 x 11 white paper in full color. Use your creativity and knowledge to design a look that will enhance the Mitzvah as people give Tzedaka. The artwork should reflect what Tzedaka means to you. Please feel free to include any quotes from the Torah or Mishnayot that you would like to use. All submissions must be received by Monday, April 28 in order to be entered into the competition. One winner will be chosen to be featured on the new BRS Tzedaka box. SPECIAL TALK: CROWN PRINCE REZA PAHLAVI This Friday night, February 28 at 8:30 pm, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the older son of the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran, will give a talk in the Rand Sanctuary that is open to the community. RABBI MORDECHAI SIEV- THIS SHABBAT Rabbi Mordechai Siev (Big Mo)of Ascent in Tzfat is joining us for Shabbat. He will be speaking in the Shtiebel Minyan on Shabbat morning and at Seudah TEHILLIM CIRCLE Saturday night, March 1, Rosh Chodesh Adar II, please rotate to the next 3 Psalms. ROSH CHODESH ADAR II Will be celebrated this Sunday & Monday March 2 & 3. MEMBERS OF THE CHEVRA KADISHA Members of the Chevra Kadisha, are cordially invited to the Zayin Adar dinner on Sunday, March 9 at 8:00 pm If you did not receive an invitation by call Yvette at (561) If you can attend YOU MUST RSVP. Please NO WALK-INS. USED TALEISIM NEEDED The Chevra Kadisha is in need of used Taleisim. If you can donate one, it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Yvette at ykaweblum@aol.com, or (561) SISTERHOOD MISHLOACH MANOT PROJECT IS BACK! The deadline to submit your order forms is this week. Please brspurim@ gmail.com with any questions. PURIM WILL BE HERE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT! Purim Cards are now available for purchase. The cost is 10 for $18.00 and all proceeds benefit the Tomchei Shabbat Program. Support the BRS Tomchei Shabbat Program by giving cards in Lieu of Mishloach Manot. SHAKE N DONATE Shake N Donate is a campaign to help stop world hunger. This Purim, thousands will gather in their local Synagogues and universities to hear the Megillah being read. It has been a long tradition for people to make noise when they hear the evil name of Haman. This year, instead of just shaking Groggers, we are asking that our members come to Shul with boxes of pasta to shake. There will be a box in the front lobby for you to put your box of pasta in after Megillah reading. We will then donate these boxes of pasta to Tomchei Shabbat. HAPPY MINYAN After an extremly succesful first Happy Minyan a few weeks ago, it is with great excitement, we announce the next BRS Happy Minyan, on Friday night, March 21 at 7:00 pm. For those looking for singing, Ruach, a warm feel, and a positive energy, and perhaps a little dancing. Once a month on Friday night, always followed by an affordable group Shabbat dinner. Because Davening should be a happy, joyful and uplifting experience. All are welcome to join. To register for the Happy Minyan Shabbat dinner, please visit our website at brsonline.org The cost is $20 an adult and $10 a child under 15. Please consider adding $2 a person to help subsidize others to join. For more information or to get involved, please contact Stu Wax at m5750@mac.com or Ann Deakter at zevanne@comcast.net Page 5

6 WEEK AT A GLANCE DAILY DAF YOMI (Sunday - Friday) with Rabbi Ben Sugerman at 7:00 am in Rooms MISHNA BERURA YOMI (Sunday - Thursday) 15 minutes before Mincha NIGHT BEIT MIDRASH (Sunday - Thursday) community learning in the at 8:00 pm NIGHTTIME DAF YOMI (Sunday - Thursday) with BRS Rabbinate at 8:40 pm in the Board Room MONDAY MOMMY AND ME will take place at 9:30 am in the women s section of the Rand Sanctuary HEBREW POETRY CLASS with Hassia Yehuda at 9:30 am in the Board Room TUESDAY PARSHAT HA SHAVUA with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg will not be taking place this week THE HAFTORA CLUB with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz will not be taking place this week PEOPLE OF THE BOOK with Rabbi Yosef Kassorla 8:00 pm in the WEDNESDAY CUP OF JOE & KNOW with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg after 7:45 am Minyan in the IN-DEPTH STUDY OF BOOK OF JUDGES with Malka Morris at 9:30 am in the Sender s Library KABBALAH & SPIRITUALITY: THE SOUL OF THE TORAH Level 1-2 with Shoshana Deakter at 7:00 pm in Room 101 KABBALAH & SPIRITUALITY: THE SOUL OF THE TORAH Advanced with Shoshana Deakter at 8:30 pm in Room 101 Rabbi Shmuel Jarashow Shmuel Tzvi ben Shayna Merv Jacobs Meir ben Sarah Moshe Applebaum Moshe Zvi ben Rachel Leah Yosef Chaim ben Faiga Shlomo ben Tamara Bob Silver Reuvan Lieb ben Miriam Stuart Silverman Yeshaya Moshe ben Nacha Sarah Moshe ben Chana LIFE CYCLE WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS Dr. Robert & Judith Bruckstein BIRTHDAYS Sherri Greenblatt Elana Ostroff ANNIVERSARIES Alan & Mona Fisher Theo Klewansky & Jacquie Padow Doni & Sherri Greenblatt Josh Bramnick APPRECIATION Mark Fisher extends heartfelt gratitude to Rabbi Goldberg, Rabbi Moskowitz, Rabbi Broide, and the entire community for the outpouring of love and support shown to him and his family during their recent bereavement. REFUAH SHLAYMAH For members of BRS Community. For all other Refuah Shlaymah needs, please see Tehillim Circle Helen Ijac Alta Haita bat Devorah Joan Noven Rochel Tova bat Malka Beverly Kassirer Briendle bat Pessel Ariella Berman Ariella Sarah bat Elisheva Malka Beverly Kellman Baila Rus bat Sarah Chana Guta bat Rochel Ruth Malinowitz Rivka bat Freyda Noa Maya Carmel Noa Maya bat Devora Rachel Jean Cohen Ita Chaya bat Yocheved Rachel THURSDAY THE BOOK OF BAMIDBAR with Rabbanit Dr. Avigail at 9:30 am in the Board Room SATELLITE LECTURES with Rabbi Yissocher Frand at 9:00 pm in the Board Room WEEKLY SHMOOZE with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz at 9:45 pm in the FAY GREENE S CLASS Next class will be held on this Tuesday, March 4, 12:30 pm at the home of Stephanie Saks, 7855 Tennyson Court, in Boca Hamlet. The topic will be: Queen for a Day. A light lunch will be served. Please RSVP to: bubbesue@ att.net EMPTY NESTER PROGRAM NEW TIME Sunday, March 16 at 4:30 pm for a Purim Seudah at Asia, only $25 per person. Any questions, please call Sylvia Broide (561) or Rita Rubin (561) BOCA RATON COMMUNITY ERUV The Boca Raton Community Eruv is in need of funds. Yearly membership remains at $100 per family. It is now possible to sponsor the Eruv for a particular Shabbat for $360. Donations can now also be made through our website org or by contacting Chani Salamon at (561) for more information. Please help, as we ALL benefit from the Eruv. The Eruv is something we all rely on and often take for granted. If you have not yet contributed, please consider doing so in order to ensure that the Eruv can be checked and maintained. BIKUR CHOLIM Looking for sensitive and caring people who have a background in Psychology, Social Work, or Bereavement to head up a needed program in South Palm Beach County. There will be professional training and overseeing of this new program. For further information, contact Stan at (561) BRS AUXILIARIES, ETC. YAHRZEITS Sheryl Strauss in memory of her father Philip Shapiro, 29 Adar I Edmund Ashkenazie in memory of his mother Margie Ashkenazie, 30 Adar I Dr. Ephraim Foonberg in memory of his father David Foonberg, 30 Adar I Carla Klein in memory of her father Philip Lewin, 30 Adar I Linda Katz in memory of her sister Roberta Shabtai, 30 Adar I Gabi Shabtai in memory of his wife Roberta Shabtai, 30 Adar I Adela Gad in memory of her father Murray Geller, 2 Adar II Jill Rose in memory of her father Samuel Goldfarb, 2 Adar II Dr. David Levenson in memory of his mother Mildred Levenson, 2 Adar II Rabbi David Kinberg in memory of his brother Jerry Kinberg, 3 Adar II Eli Amsalem in memory of his father Avraham Amsalem, 4 Adar II Deanna Shulman in memory of her brother Sanford Green, 5 Adar II Dr. Bennett Salamon in memory of his mother Bessie Salamon, 5 Adar II SISTERHOOD 5TH ANNUAL JEWISH WOMEN S STUDY DAY: HOW JEWISH WOMEN LEAN IN Thursday, March 27, 8:45 am- 2:00 pm, Temple Beth El of Boca Raton. The learning program includes two classes and lunch, featuring keynote speaker Rochelle Shoretz, founder of Sharsheret. Information and registration Contacts: Hinda Bramnick (561) or Rachel Harrow (561) Complimentary baby-sitting available by reservation only. MEMBERS OF THE CHEVRA KADISHA Rabbi Elchonon Zohn will be giving a lecture in Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm. All members are invited to attend. If you know someone that would like to become part of the Chevra, they are welcome to join you. If you would like to arrange for a carpool to go to Rabbi Zohn s lecture, please contact Yvette Kaweblum (561) or Ykaweblum@aol.com. STORAGE SPACE IS NEEDED The Chevra Kadisha is looking for space to store various items for Shiva homes. If you have a fair amount of space that you are able to lend to the Chevra on a long term basis, and have the ability to give access to the space at any given time, please contact Matthew Hocherman at mjh@brsonline.org. Page 6

7 SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA Friday, March 7th at Boca raton Synagogue Join hundreds of synagogues across the continent that will take part in an historic national Jewish event to celebrate what unifies all Jews Shabbat!... FRIdAy NIgHT LIvE AT 6:00pM SHABBAT dinner AT 7:00pM For more info, please contact Simone (561) ISRAEL 2014 e eopl 20 p lready a have ed up! sign May 18-30, 2014 Memorable. Meaningful. Magical. TAKE THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME WITH RABBI JOSH & SIMONE BROIDE BE THERE TO ENJOY A PERSONALLY FULFILLING JOURNEY, TO OUR SPIRITUAL HOMELAND. For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Simone Broide (561) simonebroide@yahoo.com Page 7

8 ISRAEL UPDATE SOCIAL ACTION In case you missed it, February 24 - March 2 marked Israel Apartheid Week s return to American campuses. According to promoters, Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) is an international series of events that seeks to raise awareness about Israel s apartheid policies towards the Palestinians and to build support for the growing Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign. In spite of the movement s self promotion, officials of Israel s Foreign Ministry stated that the week-long event has little impact and that the strength of the organizations running it has significantly decreased over the years. In no small measure, this is due to pro-israel groups, such as Stand With Us and The Israel Project, in addition to representatives of the Jewish Agency, that have been arranging activities to counter the narrative of IAW. We must all do whatever we can to support our homeland and those who defend the Jewish people. Yashar Lachayal is the top organization in Israel for speedily helping IDF front line soldiers with a wide range of needs. The organization has reached out to BRS for help in funding this year s Mishloach Manot Drive. Please make this an especially joyous Purim for Chayalim in the Golani brigade with a generous contribution to Yashar LaChayal. Contributions can be brought to the BRS office. PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS WRITE TO ALAN GROSS Alan Gross has been in prison for over 1400 days. Now you are able to write to him via his website Aba Chonah ben Hava Chana - Alan Gross American Jew Alan Gross has been wrongly held in a Cuban prison since December Since that time, Alan s physical and emotional state has deteriorated. He has lost over one hundred pounds and has suffered partial paralysis. Join us to call upon the Cuban government and the international community for the immediate release of Alan on humanitarian grounds. For more information and to get involved, visit WRITE TO JONATHAN POLLARD Your letters - the only ray of light in Jonathan s dreary cell. Write to him today: Jonathan Pollard # , c/o FCI Butner, P.O. Box 1000, Butner, North Carolina, U.S.A Yehonatan ben Malka - Jonathan Pollard. Jonathan Pollard has been imprisoned in the United States since While working as an American civilian intelligence analyst, Pollard has admitted to passing classified information to Israel. Although even his most ardent supporters agree that he was in the wrong and guilty, the nature and length of his imprisonment is disproportionate and unparalleled. Join a multitude of prominent politicians, officials from the national intelligence world, and the legal world who have called for Pollard s sentence to be commuted. For more information and to sign a petition, visit WARREN WEINSTEIN The 72-year-old Weinstein, Yisrael Yitzchak ben Hannah Faygel, was a consultant for the US Agency for International Development in Pakistan when terrorists broke into his home in 2011 and dragged him away. Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-zawahiri has since claimed to be holding him. Weinstein made news in a justreleased video in which he pleads for President Obama to help. No Jew should ever feel abandoned or forgotten. Please add him to your prayers. ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES (IDF) PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS OF IDF SOLDIERS The Emek Learning Center in Baka has a program that offers support to IDF Soldiers without families in Israel. If your child or grandchild is in the IDF and would like the center to reach out to them, please send Linda their name and contact information and it will be forwarded to the center. If you want to learn more about the center, the website is emeklearningcenter.com. Linda can be reached at linda@brsonline.org or by calling (561) Please have in mind children and grandchildren of members of our community currently serving in the IDF: Amiel Abir, Ben Weiss, Asher Kaplan, Adam Barel, Daniella Borenstein, Stav Gare, Menachem Kaplan, Shabtai Kaplan, Jeremy Siegman, Noam Ivri (Makover), Arie Hizkiya, Daniel Makover, Charlie Pollack, Yakov Simcha ben Moshe Yisroel, Yehuda Strauss, Elad Shachar, Liel Reinfeld, Amichai Berman, Matt Firestone, Dov Lieber, Isaac Marco Romano, Yuchiel Shlomo Lowenstern, Amir Tsarfati Reuben Gladstone and Mordechai Wolfson. If you have children or grandchildren currently serving in the IDF, please let us know their names so we can include them. Please have in mind our missing in action Israeli Soldiers Page 8

9 -BRS YOUTH NEWS- WEEKLY AND COMING EVENTS * Shabbat Morning Youth Chabura after Hashkama Minyan in room 103 with Rabbi Eisenberger. * Shabbat Morning Groups for children ages Groups take place in the classrooms every Shabbat and start at 10:00 AM *Shabbat Morning Teen Minyan each Shabbat in room , starts at 9:45 AM. * Once a month Shabbat in the Park, in the park adjacent to the Shul on Shabbat afternoons. Check the Weekly if SITP is on this week. * Nursing Home Visits for girls in 4 th -5 th grade. Every Shabbat afternoon leaving from the Pilichowski home. Check with Aliza or Gila Pilichowski for the exact time the group is leaving this Shabbat. * Once a month 5 th Grade Girls Seudat Shlishit at various homes. Stay tuned for the next great Seudat Shlishit. * Teen Seduat Shlishit, each Shabbat in the BRS Board Room after Mincha. Listen to various speakers and enjoy great food. * Teen Mincha takeover. Once a month teenagers take over the main BRS Ashkenaz Mincha. *Pro-Israel Advocacy classes for teens. Each Friday at 3 PM in the BRS Board Room. The next BRS Teen Israel advocates meeting will be this Friday. Lobbying a C0ngressman By Bailey Frohlich Having been raised in a modern Orthodox, pro-israel environment, I have learned about the significance of Israel to the Jewish people. However, once my family and I moved to Boca Raton in the summer before ninth grade, I learned that when it comes to important issues where one s passion lies, there is a disparity between knowledge and action - the former prepares one for the latter. I decided that I wanted to make a difference. Upon hearing about the weekly Friday afternoon Israel-advocacy class at my local synagogue,, that Rabbi Uri Pilichowski offers to teens, I decided to attend and immediately felt empowered. Rabbi Pilichowski s goal was to educate teens so that they can meet Congressman and lobby for Israel, thereby enabling them to directly impact the American-Israel relationship. Since that first meeting, I have been given the opportunity to make an impact: By attending events for organizations like AIPAC, I meet Congressman and advocate on behalf of Israel. On Thursday, I attended an event at Dr. and Mrs. David and Sharona Kay s house where I met Congressman Richard Nugent. The congressman represents Florida s eleventh district. I, at the age of fifteen, asked the Congressman about Israel, the bi-partisan issue that concerns me. He related to me his view of the Iran-Israeli conflict and the need for a strong US-Israel relationship. When he addressed the group, he wished to impart one message to the few teens present: the future is whatever we, the teens of the group, wish to make it. I am thankful to be a member of BRS, where I can partake in the Pro-Israel Teen Advocacy Group for this very reason, I am now empowered to shape the future of the issue I am passionate about. THANK YOU to Morah Rina Lanner for inspiring our girls and the Meyerowitz family for hosting last week s FIFTH GRADE GIRLS SEUDAH SHLISHIT Due to the BRS Teen Israel Advocates Group trip to AIPAC s Policy Conference The next Friday Israel Advocacy classes will be held on Friday, March 7. Page 9

10 Michael J. Bock Senior Vice President Wealth Management Senior Financial Advisor (877) Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. AD ARJ241F PM-07/2013 BRS MEMBER SINCE YEARS EXPERIENCE ALLCPA.NET - ALLCPA@AOL.COM Tax Prep & Planning Corporate, Partnership, Individual & Trust Returns (All States) Financial Statements Business Start-up, Consulting & Incorporation QuickBooks & Payroll Services Healthcare Accounting Outsourced CFO services Complimentary Initial Consultation Stuart A. Rubin, M.D. Board Certified: Rehab Medicine / Pain Boynton Beach Deerfield Beach Celebrating 20 years of serving South Florida! Musculoskeletal Medicine Epidural and Joint Injections Balance and Fall Clinic Stroke and Cancer Recovery Sports Medicine EMG-Disability Acupuncture FLORIDA S FINEST Glatt Kosher Supermarket MORE THAN JUST ONE STOP KOSHER SHOP, A UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE POWERLINE RD., BOCA RATON, FL CATERING BY CIRCLE CATERERS LANDSCAPER AVAILABLE Lawn Maintenance Landscaping Clean-Up Tree Service Hurricane Prep Sprinkler Repair Many recommendations available from people living on the Circle CALL VAZQUEZ & SONS (561) DONATE A CAR Sod Installation Mulch Walks & Patios Flower Beds Shrub Designs And so much more! Make a difference Do you know a family member, friend or a Do you neighbor know a family in member, need of friend Home or a neighbor Health in Care? need of Home Health Care? Certified Nursing Assistant / Home Health Aides to assist you with: Bathing Dressing Meal Preparation Transferring Toileting Ambulating Alzheimer s Specialist Grocery Shopping Light Housekeeping Transportation Prescription Pickup Respite Care We provide care in your home, hospital or facility. Call today and mention BRS to receive a 10% DISCOUNT off your 1 st week of service. FREE In-Home Consultation and Assessment. We accept Private Pay and All Long Term Care Insurances. Florida Licensed and Insured NR# Thank you to Joseph & Sarah Blumenthal and Joe & Shira Sharp for donating their cars to BRS! Matthew at mjh@brsonline.org to arrange your donation. CALL Sal Abady

11 American Society for Yad Vashem Inaugural FlorIda TrIbuTe dinner honoring ARON BELL (BIELSKI) and BRENDA WEIL MANDEL Keynote Speaker Senator Marco rubio Sunday, March 2, 2014 B nai Torah Congregation Cocktail Reception and Dinner at 5:00 P.M. For information: call Rochel Berman (561)

12 THURSDAY, MARCH 27, th Anniversary Journal Dinner Will take place at Congregation B Nai Israel, 2200 Yamato Road, Boca Raton, FL JOIN US AS WE HONOR Mike Senders Journal Honoree Chazzan Moshe & Gali Nadav Keter Shem Tov Award In honor of our 30th Anniversary, we pay tribute to our Dr. Israel Bruk Steven Marcus Z L Dr. William Rand Dr. Aaron Kaweblum Joe Dalezman Sal & Leslie Abady Dr. Prosper & Pamela Abitbol NEW Daniel & Dr. Liora Adler* Dr. Albert & Evelyn Begas* Joseph Bensmihen Ben-Zikry Families NEW Steven Berkeley & Dr. Rebecca Stern* Howard & Bonnie Block* BRS Board of Directors Dr. Issy & Riwella Bruk Dr. Steve & Yael Charlap* Donny & Dr. Freyda Cohen* Drs. Eli & Orlie Cohen* Dr. Meyer & Laura Cohen* Dr. Bob & Elise Dolgow Leo & Heni Ehrlich** Chaim & Rebecca Elkoby Events by Executive Caterers NEW Nachman & Jamie Feig* Alan & Mona Fisher Dr. Mark & Tilda Fisher* Martin & Ileana Flics** Dr. Ben & Cara Freedman* Michael & Barbara Frenkel* Hensha Gansbourg* Murray & Basheva Goldberg* Save the Date Past Presidents Jack Berkowitz Z L Martin Judovits Rabbi Gabriel Ohayon Mitchell Stiel Jerry Kaminetzky featuring the comedy of ARI TEMAN TRIBUTE COMMITTEE (In formation) Rabbi Efrem & Yocheved Goldberg* Glen & Rosa Golish* Drs. Charles & Simone Griff* Gutterman Warheit Memorial Chapel Stanley & Ana Haar** Lynn Hahn*** Dr. Larry & Debra Halperin* Dr. Chanoch & Rachel Harow* Drs. Samuel & Anita Heering NEW Dr. Moshe & Shari Hirth NEW Yanki & Lauren Hofstatter* Dr. Mervin & Elaine Jacobs* Dr. Bernie & Melanie Kaminetsky** Daniel & Caroline Katz*** Dr. David & Sharona Kay* Gary & Judi Krasna* LAN Infotech LLC NEW Rabbi Samuel & Beatrice Levine NEW Levitt-Weinstein Memorial Chapels NEW Drs. Joseph & Seema Loskove* Dr. Eytan & Devorah Marcus NEW Kosher Marketplace Lothar & Carlyn Mayer** Stephen & Linda Melcer* David & Joyce Muller Bob & Penny Pearlman* Emerald Pillar Society Member*** Platinum Pillar Society Member** Gold Pillar Society Member* For more information or to join the Tribute Committee, please contact Matthew Hocherman via at mjh@brsonline.org. Hommy Tannenbaum Joseph Bensmihen Jonathan Marriott Daniel Katz Joe Persky* Dr. Michael & Dana Petrover* Protection & Tactical Group NEW Dr. William & Debbie Rand Rome Aire Services, Inc. NEW Michael & Jill Rose** Daniel & Sara Rosenthal Dr. Daniel & Rachel Rudensky* George & Stephanie Saks Dr. Bennett & Chani Salamon NEW Dr. Barry & Dana Schechter NEW Mike Senders* Senders Family NEW Larry & Deborah Silver** Dr. Zorik & Ellen Spektor* Eric & Loren Stein Teddy & Linda Struhl* Warren & Robin Struhl Elaine Trachtenberg NEW Vazquez & Sons Landscaping NEW Harry & Marilyn Wanderer** Dr. Neal & Bonnie Weinreb Dr. Jonathan & Suri Winograd* Michael & Risa Zimmerman* Anonymous* Anonymous NEW