1. religion and spirituality
2. judaism

‫בס"ד‬
MIZRACHI MATTERS
SHABBAT SHMINI (Vol 9, No 30)
Z’manim
Shacharit
Dawn
Tallit & Tefillin
Sunrise
Sh’ma (‫)גר"א‬
Earliest Mincha
Candles
Minchah followed by
Sunset
Night
SECOND MA’ARIV
Count Tonight:
SHIURIM
MISHNAH
YOMIT
EVENTS
Friday, 17 April (28 Nissan)
Minchah at 5:40pm
Candle Lighting at 5:33pm
1. Beit Yehuda 2. Beit HaRoeh 3. Beit Midrash 4. Bnei Akiva 5. Elsternwick
6. Midrashah 7. Rabbi’s Home 8. Goldberger Hall 9. Nachalat David
SHABBAT
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
18 APRIL
19 APRIL
20 APRIL
21 APRIL
22 APRIL
29 NISAN
ROSH CHODESH ROSH CHODESH
2 IYAR
3 IYAR
1
1
7:00am1
1
1
1
7:30am
6:20am1
6:30am1
6:30am1
1,2,3,4,9
8:00am3
9:30am
7:20am
7:30am
7:30am
9:00am
5:37am
5:38am
5:39am
5:39am
5:40am
5:57am
5:58am
5:58am
5:59am
6:00am
6:49am
6:50am
6:51am
6:51am
6:52am
9:34am
9:34am
9:35am
9:35am
9:35am
12:49pm
12:49pm
12:49pm
12:49pm
12:49pm
1, 3
5:25pm
5:50pm
6:32pm
1
Daf Yomi
8:45am3
Nadav Prawer
Sefer HaKuzari
8:45am6
Daf Yomi
9:45pm3
Ohalot 9:5-6
Ohalot 9:7-8
5:15pm1
Between Mincha
and Ma’ariv1
Gan Shabbat
10:30 – 11:30am
Children’s Tefillah
Groups
10:15 – 11:30am
Bnei Akiva
4:00pm
Seudah Shlishit:
Simona Weinstein
The Holy Bagel
Not this week
Yom Hazikaron
Interactive
Exhibition
10am - 4pm at
Hamerkaz Hall,
Leibler Yavneh
College
Irene Herman
(Father)
YAHRTZEITS
1
1
FRIDAY
24 APRIL
5 IYAR
1
1
6:25am1
7:25am
6:30am1
7:30am
5:41am
6:01am
6:53am
9:36am
12:48pm
1
1
5:42am
6:02am
6:54am
9:36am
12:48pm
5:24pm
5:30pm
5:42pm
6:24pm
5:35pm
5:35pm
5:35pm
5:35pm
5:47pm
5:46pm
5:45pm
5:43pm
6:29pm
6:28pm
6:27pm
6:25pm
3
3
3
3
9:30pm
9:30pm
9:30pm
9:30pm
th
st
th
th
th
th
th
15 day of Omer 16 day of Omer 17 day of Omer 18 day of Omer 19 day of Omer 20 day of Omer 21 day of Omer
R’ Leor Broh
9:00am2
R’ James Kennard
9:30am6
Drashot
R’ Leor Broh2
Parashat HaShavua
Shiur Rabbi James
Kennard
4:35pm3
5:35pm
5:49pm
6:31pm
3
9:30pm
THURSDAY
23 APRIL
4 IYAR
Daf Yomi
8:15am3
Parshanut Hamikrah
with Michal
Kaufman
9:30am6
R’ Dovid Segal
Gemara B’iyun
8:30pm2
Bein Haftara
leParasha Shuir Adina
Bankier-Karp
Shiur for post high
school girls
8:30pm6
R’ Chezy Deren
ContemporaryHalacha
7/93 Hotham St
8:30pm
Michal Kaufman
(Lewis’ house)
9:00pm
Daf Yomi
9:45pm3
Ohalot 9:9-10
Daf Yomi
8:15am3
Daf Yomi
9:45pm3
Daf Yomi
8:15am3
Weekly Parashah
Shiur for ladies & girls
11:00am
7 Morrice St
Rabbi Yaakov
Glasman
Daf Yomi
9:45pm3
Daf Yomi
8:15am3
Daf Yomi
9:45pm3
Daf Yomi
8:15am3
Ohalot 9:11-12
Ohalot 9:13-14
Ohalot 9:15-16
Ohalot 10:1-2
Between Mincha and Between Mincha and Between Mincha and Between Mincha and
Ma’ariv1
Ma’ariv1
Ma’ariv1
Ma’ariv1
Notre Dame
Secondary College
School Visit
Communal Yom
Hazikaron/Yom
Ha’atzmaut Tefilah
5:15pm
5:20pm1
Musical Hallel for
women of all ages
10:00am2
Chillen Cholent
Not this week
Stan & Bronia
Berkoff
(Son)
Ludevit Ehrenreich
(Wife)
Eva Felman &
Debbie Herz
(Mother)
Sally Lowinger
(Husband)
Daniel Lowinger,
Shimi Lowinger &
Gila Adelist (Father)
Robert Lowinger
(Brother)
MIZRACHI’S VIRTUAL NOTICEBOARD
Mazel Tov
Allan & Shanee Goldstein (née: Katz)
on the birth of their son
Mazel tov to the grandparents Esther & Murray Meltzer (Melb), Rachel & Benny Goldstein
(Melb), & Evelyn & Dani Katz (Qld)
Mazel tov to the great-grandmother Rachel Katz (Syd)
Shalom Zocher: Friday 17 April from 8.30pm, 1A Furneaux Grove, East St Kilda
Mazel Tov
on the engagement of
Yehudis Herszberg (Melb) & Zalman Simons (Sydney / LA)
Mazeltov to the parents: Dovid & Devora Rochel Herszberg
& the late Zev a’h & Rochel a’h Simons
Mazel tov to the grandparents Sender & Gittie Munitz (L.A.);
Myer & Evi Herszberg (Melb), Mordechai Braham (Syd), Saul & Hanna Simons (Syd)
Mazel tov to the great-grandmother Shoshana Rodan (Melb)
Mazel Tov
on the engagement of
Yael Rubinstein & Ricky Castan (in Israel)
Mazel tov to the parents: Philip & Tamara Rubinstein and Steven & Lani Castan (W.A.)
Mazel tov to the grandparents: Raie Levy, Nellie Castan, Blanche Zaitman, Aaron Zaitman
We wish Mazal Tov to the following members who celebrate their wedding
anniversary during the coming week:
Monday — Adina & Danny Karp
We wish Happy Birthday to the following members who celebrate their
birthday during the coming week:
Monday — Yoni Garfield
Tuesday — Michael Diamond, Yonatan Lindell (Hebrew)
Thursday—Dion Epstein, Jacob Joel, Dinah Strum
If you have an occasion or a milestone event that you would like to be mentioned in Mizrachi Matters, please email it
to [email protected] by 12:00pm on Thursdays
‫ב ס "ד‬
NEWSLETTER
FOR THE
18 April 2015
29 Nissan 5775
Parshat Shmini
ELSTERNWICK JEWISH COMMUNITY
Yahrzeits during the coming week
Avi Paluch (Father) [18 April]
Bella Freedman (Uncle) [21 April]
Contact numbers
Rabbi
Rabbi Chaim Cowen
0433-308-584
[email protected]
Chairman
Mark Kras
Daniel Lowinger (Father) [24 April]
Shabbat times
Candle Lighting this week
Kabbalat Shabbat this week
Pre-Shacharit Shiur
Shacharit
No Rabbi’s Shabbat Shiur till after Succot
Rabbi’s Shabbat Shiur
Mincha at
Shabbat ends at
Candle Lighting next week
Kabbalat Shabbat next week
5.33 pm
5.45 pm
9.00 am
9.30 am
4.30 pm
5.15 pm
6.32 pm
5.24 pm
5.35 pm
0410-460-970
[email protected]
Gabbai
Elan Jacobs
0419-527-227
The Rabbi’s Shabbat Shiurim
The early shiur (9.00am, before Shacharit) - come join the Rabbi for cake, coffee and an
exploration of the mystical parsha
[email protected]
Secretary
Sally-Ann Jaye
0437-625-350
Rosh Chodesh
We celebrate Rosh Chodesh Iyar on Sunday/Monday 19/20 April, and bless the new moon on
Sunday 19 April at 1:27 (4 chalakim) AM
[email protected]
Haftorah requests
Dennis Max
9528-6865
In shule this week …
Stuart Lew will be leading Kabbalat Shabbat, Rabbi Cowen will be leading Shacharit, Elan
Jacobs will be leining, Basil Krawitz will be saying the Haftorah, and Jordan Simai will be leading
Mussaf.
[email protected]
Contributions to
Newsletter (please)
Sally-Ann
[email protected]
Kiddush this Shabbat
You are all invited to the kiddush, which will be co-sponsored by Elan and David Jacobs
together with EJC in celebration of Elan’s Bar-Mitzvah anniversary.
At the Rabbi’s
For the Young Adults – the Wick on Thursday evenings from 8.00 to 9.00pm at the Rabbi’s
home, Unit 3, 301 Glen Eira Road, Caulfield North
Weekday times
Sunday: Tefillin beginners class, including breakfast
Monday and Thursday
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
8.00 am
6.30 am
6.45 am
NORMAN LOURIE ‫ע"ה‬
Shalom from Eretz Yisrael –the country that my Aba z"l loved so much from the
inner chambers of his heart.
This is a modest tribute around the shloshim period for my Aba z"l – Norman
Lourie – Nachum ben Yitzchak Izak VeYehudit Lourie z"l. (Har Sinai-Bavel….
Ukraine-Palestine-Australia-Israel)
Some of you readers, may not have known my father at all,
and others may have only seen or known him in the later
years, as he was pushed to shul in a wheel chair (but walked
the last bit from the Fishers in Fosbery, due to pride), or
from his davening as chazzan of Psukei Dezimrah during the
weekdays. Of course, there are still those of you who
fondly remember our Aba z"l from his "slightly more fiery
and passionate days" in the 1960's, 70's and 80's, as a
power player, macher, Mr. Israel, Mr Bnei Akiva and basically a central figure
within the surroundings of Mizrachi, Yavneh College and Bnei Akiva.
Life itself stops for no-one, time marches forward and there is today a new
generation, even within the Mizrachi community, to whom Norman Lourie z"l
won’t mean too much. BUT for me, my Ima, my siblings, our wonderful
spouses, the 17 grandchildren, the extended family and true friends from the
past and present – Aba, Saba, Uncle Norman, Normie is very "special, real,
alive and kicking !". Each one of us, thank G-d, has some merit, and maybe
even a few nice character traits, because of him –Aba z"l. The same is true for
hundreds of both religious, traditional and non-religious families and friends
who have been touched and impacted by knowing Aba z"l over the years. Dr.
Maurice Lamm writes that all this, reflects the true value and worth of the
parent (individual).
I am – who I am, because of Aba z"l. From my ability to ride a bike, play squash
and kick a football, to speaking and appreciating Hebrew, passing school tests
in Maths and Torah studies…finishing a course at University…to the pure love
and ideals of Am Yisrael B'Eretz Yisrael and the importance of Aliyah, Zionism
and being passionate about Hashem, our heritage and the Torah – is from Aba
z"l. From rubbing the sore tummy of any of my children, putting on a plaster
with savlon, plus a kiss, when the finger is cut, to ideals of "never say never",
"never give-in", "getting over the pain barrier", "never sitting on the fence",
being just, being punctual and organized, and always being honest, hard
working and straight forward – all come basically from Aba z"l. I am who I am,
because of Aba z"l.
After Aba z"l passed onto Gan Eden on 23rd
Adar, we received hundreds of warm and
emotional emails, text and Facebook messages.
Of course Aba z"l himself hated these
impersonal cold technologies, preferring the
telephone or face to face real-time
communication.
Shunning the limelight, public recognition, or
plaques, Aba z"l was simply a 'doer and a giver".
Comments like – "pillar of community", " the
fabric and essence of Mizrachi for so many years", "passionate Zionist",
"impacted on our lives", " the open Lourie household and Shabbat hospitality",
" he was our address as Yavneh and Bnei Akiva shlichim", "outspoken and
never minced words"…all filled many messages received. Beyond being the
loving and caring Aba of mine and of my brothers and sisters - together with
mum (may she have a refuah shleima), the Lourie home was a religious and
Zionist magnet for family and friends.
I actually don’t recall too many Shabbatot and Chagim alone with just our
immediate family, as we always had guests – Hebrew was spoken on
Shabbatot because Aba z"l was the "go-to-man" for all shlichim, he was the
religious friend who built the sukkah and ran the Pesach seder for his many
non-religious friends and family…and our home was simply open to all. The
ultimate Zionist who pushed and shoved Israel down every "throat and mind"
(ALBIET from his comfortable home in Lumeah Road), at every opportunity.
And his "bags" for Israel were packed for years, just waiting for the right
moment. Yes- there were those few in Bnei Akiva who slightly ridiculed the
arm-chair Zionist , but he had the last "symbolic laugh" by fulfilling his dream,
and making Aliyah, while one or two of those same detractors stayed or
returned to Australia after attempting Aliyah. (But everyone has their reasons
and justifications, I suppose.)
Aba z"l was the founder, heart and soul of BAPA (Bnei Akiva Parents
Association) – 'his' baby and with his energy and impetus helped Bnei Akiva for
many years. Of course he was one of the only parents who would be
exceptionally aggressive and competitive, and "win-at-all-costs" when Bnei
Akiva madrichim and chanichim played football against the parents.
Never short of an idea, or scared to voice his opinion, the Lourie word was
always heard and sometimes even adhered to, at Yavneh, Mizrachi and Bnei
Akiva meetings for years.
Aba z"l built a thriving Textile business with a "good honest name" supplying all
bra and lingerie manufacturers and developing the first tracksuit material for
Adidas. (Yes, we got cheaper tracksuits as kids.)
Aba z"l played squash every day of the week including a few hours with the
"boys" (Benny Slonim, Barney Peters, Robin Star, Hugo Gold..etc) at Gordon
Watson courts. Not even a birth of a child would stop that lunchtime game of
squash, to switch off from work. Of course the pinnacle of his squash 'career',
was travelling to Israel with me and both of us representing the Australian
Squash side for the Maccabiah.
His house was in Lumeah Road. His second house was Mizrachi (And he even
bought 8 seats for his mates to sit together) ….BUT HIS REAL HOME WAS
ALWAYS ISRAEL. The fulfillment of that dream and that great day came in
1990, when my parents made Aliyah, and effectively brought the warm and
open house of Lumeah Road, to Ramot-Jerusalem.
I should however point out that my parents first attempted Aliyah after they
married in 1956-57. Aba z"l basically fell in love with Israel after being sent by
Bnei Akiva to a year of 'Shnat' at Kibbutz Shluchot. That love affair with Israel
never ended, although they did sadly return to Melbourne in 1959 when mum
was pregnant with yours truly. (A long story)
A few years after their "second" Aliyah (In 1990), Aba z"l was "hit"- diagnosed
for the "2nd time" with cancer – this time, Leukemia. Thank G-d, he was
accepted to be on a trial for a new drug and after years of struggles, he
effectively beat leukemia with emunah, tenacity and willpower. But initially at
the young age of 40 years, in 1977, he was given only 6-12 months to live,
when he was first diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. But chemotherapy wasn’t
going to get him down and even though he was challenged by Hashem and
notwithstanding all medical logic-experience – Hashem and Aba z"l had other
plans and he overcame the challenge and "beat the cancer" !! Enormous
willpower, never-give-in, a happy disposition, "it will be ok attitude" and an
unshakeable belief in G-d – blended together, to give our Aba z"l, nearly
another 40 years beyond the norm, with us and with friends. A walking medical
miracle, an "Eveready" battery with emunah - our Aba z"l, beat the odds and
sent a powerful message of hope, belief and a positive attitude, to all who
came in contact with him.
Aba z"l never complained – (although in later years Aba z"l, did ask G-d – why
him time and time again)….he was never shaken and refused to 'thrown in the
towel'. Aba z"l, together with mum lived a very full, happy and normal life –
but maybe dispersed with periods of stress and tension regarding medical
issues.
In Sefer Iyov it says: "Though He may slay me, yet I will trust in Him". Yes- Aba
z" had major hurdles with 2 cancers, horrific treatments, years of nausea, heart
and back operations, 2 hip and 2 knee replacements and a pacemaker – BUT
he overcame them all, and lived life to the fullest with emunah.
Hashem gave us Aba z"l for an additional 38 years !! Toda Min HaLev.
Hashem chose a unique 'G-dly shaliach' as a person with the inner strength and
emunah to take on the challenges, the pain and the suffering, and to
overcome. Hashem chose wisely and we are more than grateful that we had
Aba z"l for so long.
Due primarily to his health issues, Aba z"l was forced to live the last few years
in the "comfortable and convenient exile" of Melbourne, but a couple of
months ago he paid his last visit to Eretz Yisrael, for the barmitzvah of a
grandchild. (Michael's son Liam). It may not have been absolutely perfect
because his partner of nearly 60 years – our mother (Libby) wasn’t able to fly.
But Aba z"l had effectively done it all – he had 5 children, son & daughter inlaws and 17 grandchildren living in Israel. Each of course with different levels
of faith, but the best of Aba z"l, in regards to Israel, G-d, Torah and being a
decent, giving and happy ben- adam had rubbed off on each of us. (In some
format I think !)
His last words to his 5 children were - "I love you". His last act was kissing his
Tzitzit against the odds. That summarizes Aba z"l. I hope and trust that each of
us and all the families and friends who were impacted by Aba z"l at some point
over the years will be a credit to his memory and give his neshama (soul) an
aliyah.(spiritual uplifting).
On behalf of our ima and my brothers and sisters, I thank each of you who sent
beautiful warm messages of comfort, who helped and supported over the
years (including during the Shiva), who displayed true friendship and
menschlachkeit and who will remember my Aba z"l, in a good true light.
ABA - You will always be with us in some format…and may you now find the
peace, serenity and spiritual comfort in your rightful place in Gan Eden.
**Note from my "Aba z"l" – Appreciate both the small and big moments of
life, with those whom you love and cherish, whether it be family or friends. Be
happy, positive, upbeat, always look at the 'filled part of the cup' and have true
emunah(faith) in Hashem, His Torah, and our beautiful Jewish lifestyle
And if you maybe decide to take on an extra bit of learning, or go that extra
mile for someone, or do an act of chesed, or do a good deed, or make Aliyah to
Israel – then maybe think of my Aba z"l (Norman Lourie) !!!!
Daniel ben Nachum Luria (Lourie)
(Siblings: Jonathan, Sharona, Michael and Tamara)
SHLOSHIM:
There will an "Azkara" (Shloshim at later date ) for our Aba z"l (Norman Lourie)
on MONDAY EVENING 27th April in the week after Yom HaAtzmaut.
It will be held in the main Beit Knesset called Pnei Shmuel located in the
neighbourhood of Mitzpeh Nevo in MAALEH ADUMIM.(Rechov Mitzpeh Nevo)
The "Azkara"-shloshim will start with Maariv at 7.45pm and then we will go
downstairs to the cultural hall.
Norman Lourie – Our Mr Bnei Akiva.
By David Fisher
As a young Bnei Akiva Merakez back in 1977 I was the delegate to some of our communal
organisations. There, one would see some of the great communal leaders working
collaboratively to resolve issues and develop strategic plans for the future.
Incredible personalities, among them individuals like Robert Zablud z”l, lehavdil bc”l, Shmuel
Rosenkranz, Isi Leibler and many others defended Israel and led the community with
distinction.
Bnei leaders were in turn inspired by the amazing team of dedicated leaders “back home” at
Mizrachi.
We were fortunate to have Bernie Pushett z”l, Ian Rockman z”l, the trio of Messrs Levy,
Apfelbaum and Kraus z”l and lehavdil bc”l Benny Slonim as passionate advocates for Bnei
Akiva.
Those were halcyon times, Bnei was the largest youth movement with a reputation for kiruv
(better referred to as welcoming everyone into its midst)
It was during these times that we met Norman Lourie z”l. Not a tall man physically, but in
our minds a giant. He was beloved by all as our “Saba” or simply as someone with whom
you could share concerns or brainstorm how to achieve the next project.
Norman had always been involved in Mizrachi and Yavneh but Bnei Akiva occupied a special
place in his heart. Maybe because of his commitment to living in Israel, maybe because of
his special memories of his time in Bnei or perhaps, simply because he wanted Jewish youth
to grow up with his love of Eretz Yisrael.
Although Norman became President of BAPA (Bnei Akiva Parents Association), Norman
needed no title to accomplish the impossible.
Without fanfare he totally renovated the Bnei maon (the current hesder house).
Seeking donations from carpet manufacturers, painters, plumbers (and the list goes on) was
second nature. Within a short time, Bnei had a new house and it certainly was our home.
He supported Bnei not just in a physical sense but also by supporting the emotional and
social needs of its leaders and chanichim.
Norman and Libby’s house in Lumeah Rd was the second home of countless Shlichim (both
Yavneh and Bnei) and Madrichim. Together the Lourie’s would provide support and love.
Many recall him as their “Saba” in Melbourne.
You won’t find plaques or certificates so don’t bother looking, it was all done with love and
without the need for acknowledgement.
Looking back, there have always been some amazing individuals in Mizrachi who have
supported communal projects. Many doing so privately and humbly accepting that their
personal fortunes could be used to achieve enormous outcomes. Each family spurred on to
do more by the amazing efforts of others. It was in this humbling yet noble surroundings
that we grew up. Not everyone had financial resources but everyone had the ability to help
the community grow and thrive.
Norman’s amazing personality geared to helping others has benefitted many in our
community.
Norman Lourie z”l passed away peacefully after a long illness (that we mostly were unaware
of in typical Norman style)
Whilst we deeply miss his physical presence and his eternal optimism about life, his absence
will never blur the memories we have of a special man who quietly supported Bnei Akiva to
be the very best it could be.
We wish Libby a Refuah Shelayma.
We hope that the children, Daniel, Jonathan, Sharona, Michael and Tamara will be
comforted by the knowledge that their father’s life was one of enormous accomplishment
and achievement, and that we in Melbourne are the beneficiaries of his good deeds.
May his memory be a blessing for both his family and us in the coming year.
David Fisher
Dear Rae,
I have been cataloguing my library and came across a number of duplicate items, both
Australian and other, which may be of interest to your members. Are you kindly able to
include this in your weekly newsletter?
Australiana
1. Formula for Survival, Newman Rosenthal (1979), $75;
A history of the Ballarat Hebrew Congregation, written by the grandson of one the
community’s most learned and observant members, Newman Friedel Spielvogel.
2. Looking Back With Pride, Newman Rosenthal (1971), $50;
A centennial history of the St Kilda Hebrew Congregation from its inception in 1871.
3. Prayer Book for the Solemn Days for Jewish Members of the Australian Fighting
Forces, under the direction of Rabbi Jacob Danglow (1945, Hebrew and English),
$350;
Only rarely comes onto the market.
4. Rabbi Jacob Danglow, John Levi (1995), $50;
5. Australian Genesis: Jewish Convicts and Settlers 1788–1850, John Levi and George
Bergman (1974, first edition), $40;
6. The Jews in Victoria, Professor Hilary Rubinstein (1986, soft cover), $25.
Commissioned by the Jewish Museum of Australia for Victoria’s sesquicentenary.
Other
1. A History of the Jewish People, Ben-Sasson (1976, soft cover), $25;
Edited by Professor Hayim Hillel Ben-Sasson, professor of Jewish History at the
Hebrew University and published by Harvard University Press, it is generally
regarded as the best and most comprehensive single-volume Jewish history.
2. Modern Jewish Ethics, edited by Marvin Fox (1975), $15;
Contains an important essay by Rabbi Aaron Lichtenstein on whether Jewish
tradition recognises an ethic independent of halachah as well as articles by other
authors including Professor Ernst Simon, Rabbi Nachum Rabinovitch and Professor
David Sidorsky.
3. Statement by Chief Rabbi Israel Brodie (1964, 8 pages), $150;
Very rare. The statement gives the chief rabbi’s reasons for withholding the
minister’s certificate from Rabbi Louis Jacobs when he wished to return to the New
West End Synagogue. The Jacobs Affair was the most significant religious
controversy in Anglo-Jewry during the 20th century.
4. Text-Book of the Jewish Religion, Michael Friedlander (1910), $60;
The very scholarly Michael Friedlander was the principal of Jews’ College from 1865
until 1907. The volume proved very popular and was reprinted on many occasions.
5. The Modern Jew Faces Eternal Problems by Aron Barth (1972), $20;
Aron Barth, an Israeli banker and Zionist leader, was born in Berlin and became
active in the Mizrachi movement in Germany. He settled in Palestine in 1933 and
became director-general of the Anglo-Palestine Bank in 1947 (later, Bank Leumi).
6. Zionist Portraits and Other Essays, by Harry Sacher (1959), $25;
Harry Sacher, who died in 1971, was a prominent British Jew and Zionist (the largest
park in Jerusalem bears his name).
If interested, please contact David Havin: [email protected]
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Torat Chessed:
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‫מדרשת‬
‫תורת חסד‬
Midreshet Torat Chessed
‫תורת חסד על לשונה‬
“EVERY ASPECT OF MTC IS AMAZING! THE LEARNING IN THE MORNING IS
REALLY INTERESTING AND VOLUNTEERING WITH THE KIDS OF BET ELAZRAKI
IS A REALLY FUN AND REWARDING EXPERIENCE. MTC IS SUCH A UNIQUE
SEMINARY THAT I’M SO LUCKY TO BE A PART OF!”
– BAILA GLOGAUER, TORONTO, ULPANAT OROT
Mission Statement
THE MODEL
children, become an integral part of their lives,
and experience the amazing feeling of helping
At Midreshet Torat Chessed, we believe in the another. You will learn the power of giving- and
power of a multi-faceted Year in Israel experience- that giving is really receiving.
and that an experience that combines serious
Torah learning together with meaningful chessed
can be life altering, as each aspect mutually ERETZ YISRAEL
enhances the other.Throughout your year, you
will dedicate your time towards strengthening You will experience the land like never before.
your connection to the three major pillars of Through fun and exciting tiyulim, you will connect
Jewish life- Torat Yisrael, Am Yisrael, and Eretz to the land of your forefathers in a deep and
meaningful way. These tiyulim will help your
Yisrael.
learning come alive, and foster a deep appreciation
of our nation’s past, present, and future. Through
numerous shabbatonim in communities across
TORAT YISRAEL
the country, you will be introduced to Jews of all
You will spend your mornings and evenings stripes and types, and gain a keen understanding
learning about- and engaging- your Jewish of the beautiful tapestry of Israeli society.
tradition. Through stimulating classes with expert
educators, you will gain a better understanding of In addition, your bond to Eretz Yisrael will be
yourselves and your Judaism. You will explore your enhanced through working hand in hand with
Jewish roots, connect to your people’s history, and 50 dedicated bnot sheirut- Israeli girls your age
enter the “yam shel Torah” (“sea of Torah study”) spending their year in national service. These daily
in a fresh and profound way.
encounters will provide you with a unique window
into Israeli society and culture.
AM YISRAEL
Our Torah learning, combined with the “avira
d’eretz Yisrael” and the unique atmosphere of
Every afternoon will be dedicated to the children at Bet Elazraki will encourage you to grow – and will
the Bet Elazraki children’s home. You will become arm you with the skills towards a life of continued
their counselors, mentors, and friends. You will Torah learning, giving and Avodat Hashem.
develop a deep connection with these exceptional
“ASIDE FROM THE AMAZING TEACHERS, WHAT MAKES MTC
SO UNIQUE IS BEING AN INTEGRAL PART OF BET ELAZRAKI- WORKING
SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE BNOT SHERUT AND DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS
WITH THE AMAZING KIDS. I AM REALLY GETTING TO KNOW ISRAELI SOCIETY.”
– MALKA HIRSCH, RIVERDALE, SAR HIGH SCHOOL
EMUNAH Bet Elazraki –
A Paradigm of Chessed
EMUNAH Bet Elazraki is a warm and loving
children’s home for over 250 children at risk in
Netanya. The children, aged 0-19 (youngest one is
often only a few weeks old), from all over Israel,
are referred to the home by the welfare authorities
because their parents are unable to raise them due
to severe health, social or economic problems.
The children arrive at Bet Elazraki through no fault
of their own, rather due to their environment. The
goal of Bet Elazraki is to teach these children how
to lead successful and normal lives by helping
them develop in 3 major areas:
1. Stability- Bet Elazraki focuses on providing
the children with a stable, warm, and loving
environment like any other home.
With this model, Bet Elazraki has developed a
reputation around the world as being one of the
most professional, successful, and thriving homes
for at risk children in the country. It is an institution
with unparalleled warmth and energy.
The participants of Midreshet Torat Chessed will
have the singular opportunity to experience, and
to help create, this warmth. They will be a part of
The Home- and integrate into The Home. They will
spend their afternoons with the children, as well as
many Shabbatot and Chagim. They will live near
the children and eat their meals with the children.
Through this, they will become an integral part of
the Bet Elazraki team.
This warmth and energy that permeates Bet
2. Academic and Social Success- Bet Elazraki Elazraki will define all aspects of our Midrasha as
focuses on the children reaching their potential; well. Midreshet Torat Chessed will be a place where
that the key to their success in life will be the girls will be encouraged to grow, but in their own
successful fulfillment of his or her scholastic and way and at their own pace. Our excellent staff,
social potential.
classes, and programming will be geared towards
creating a year of meaningful self-reflection – all
3. Emotional Development- emotional treatment in the context of one of Israel’s most dynamic and
is offered in order to reduce the deep emotional exceptional institutions.
scars with which they arrive at our home, and to
enable healthy emotional development.
Become an integral part
of a child’s life.
worker, you will have the opportunity to discuss
various challenges and highlights – the ups and
downs of the work with the children. In addition,
At MTC you will have the privilege of supporting you will learn various underlying concepts in the
and loving a child who is not as fortunate as the field of social work. These meetings will train you
average child. You will be assigned to a group of in your work with the children, and arm you with
children that you will have the opportunity to crucial life skills.
work with and impact throughout the year. You
will greet the children every day after school, help The chessed component at MTC is a unique one
them with their homework, laugh with them on that combines responsibility, consistency and
the good days, cry with them on the hard days. tremendous satisfaction. Your impact will help
You will become a role model and a mentor that the Children of Beit Elazraki reach their hidden
potential and become vital members of Israeli
they could not have found at home.
society- and along the way, you will tap into and
Through weekly meetings with a trained social discover your own potential as well.
‫“תורה תחילתה גמילות חסדים‬
)‫וסופה גמילות חסדים” (סוטה יד‬
Daily Schedule
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
8:15-9:00
Hilchot Shabbat
Rav Yossi Goldin
10:00-10:50
CLASS #2
Sefer Ezra and
Nechemia
Rabbi Johnny
Solomon
12:00- 12:50
CLASS #4
Wednesday
Thursday
Shacharit and Breakfast
9:00-9:50
CLASS #1
11:00- 11:50
CLASS #3
Staff
Emuna and Beyond
Mrs. Donna Solomon
Torat HaChassidut
Mrs. Tali
Wohlgelernter
Torat Chessed
Rabbi Johnny
Solomon
Ulpan
Mrs. Emuna
Rosensweig/
Mrs. Shira Melamed
Yisrael HaYom
Rav Shmuel Veffer
Torat Eretz Yisrael
Mrs. Emuna
Rosensweig
Derech Hashem
Rav Shmuel Veffer
Hilchot Shabbat
Rav Yossi Goldin
Ulpan
Mrs. Emuna
Tefillat HaNeshama
Rosensweig/
Rav Yossi Goldin
Mrs. Shira Melamed
Sefer Ezra and
Nechemia
Rabbi Johnny
Solomon
Jewish Moral
Dilemmas
Rabbi Johnny
Solomon
Open
Beit Medrash
Yesodot HaTanach
Mrs. Toby Einhorn
HaIsha VeHamitzvot
Mrs. Ellie Ausubel
Parshat HaShavua
Mrs. Esther
Farkovits
HaAm VeHamedina
Rav Yossi Goldin
Great Jewish Thinkers Mesilat Yesharim Great Jewish Thinkers G-d and Judaism 101
Ms. Alexis Levy
Mrs. Shira Melamed
Ms. Alexis Levy
Mrs. Toby Einhorn
12:50-1:00
Announcements/ Mincha (early)
1:00-2:00
Optional Open Beit Medrash
1:00-3:00
Lunch & Break (Late Mincha: 2:45)
3:00- 6:00
Field-work with Bet Elazraki children
6:00-8:00
Dinner and downtime
with children
8:00-9:30
Night Seder
Rav Ari Yablok/
Rav Yossi Goldin
9:30-12:00
FREE TIME
12:00 am
Curfew
Between Bein Adam
Night Seder
L’chaveiro and Bein
Rav Ari Yablok/
Adam L’atzmo
Rav Aviad Sanders
Mrs. Shira Melamed
FREE TIME
Chug- Zumba
(9:30-10:30)
Curfew (1 am)
Bayit Cham
FREE TIME
Curfew
Rav Yossi earned his BA in
Psychology, Semicha, and MA in
Education from Yeshiva University.
He recently completed a Certificate
in Mental Health Counseling from
The Family Institute at Neve Yerushalayim. He has
been involved in chinuch, both formal and
informal, for the past 8 years at various yeshivot
and summer camps. Prior to his involvement at
MTC, he spent 3 years at the Eretz Hemda
Community Kollel in Raanana, giving shiurim and
running programming for the larger community.
He is known for his warmth and ability to forge
deep connections with his students.
MRS. SHIRA MELAMED
Assistant Director
Shira made aliyah after high school
and has a degree in Social Work
from Bar Ilan University. Before
joining the MTC administration,
she was Eim Bayit and Director of
Student Activities at Machon Maayan for 5 years.
Her combination of warmth, sensitivity and
endless devotion to her students has made her a
very popular teacher and educator.
MRS. TOBY EINHORN
Mashgicha Ruchanit
Dinner and downtime with children
Free (from 5:00)
RAV YOSSI GOLDIN
Menahel
Toby Einhorn resides in Kfar
Shemaryahu, Israel, where she is
the Rebbetzin of a secular Israeli
community. She holds a master’s
degree in Bible from Yeshiva
University and has taught Bible and Jewish
Philosophy in the US, Russia, Israel, Hong Kong
and South Africa for the past 20 years. A true
spiritual seeker, as well as a trained Life Coach,
Toby’s passionate teaching combines a deep
commitment to the texts with a search for the lifealtering lessons of the timeless Torah.
MRS. ELLIE AUSUBEL
Program Director
Mrs. Ellie Ausubel recently made
aliyah and moved to Raanana from
Manhattan, N.Y. Ellie received her
B.A. from Stern College and
completed a teachers fellowship in
conjunction with Hebrew University. She is also
currently pursuing a Masters in Bible Studies. In
the US she taught Tanach and Mishna at Ramaz
Middle School and at Maayanot Yeshiva High
School, and in Israel she has taught at Midreshet
Amit. Ellie enjoys connecting with her students
both inside and outside the classroom.
MR. DAVID BRATSPIS
Tour Educator
David Bratspis is a husband, father,
educator and tour guide living in
Alon Shvut. After making aliya 10
years ago he worked and studied at
Yeshivat Lev Hatorah and Yeshivat
HaKotel. In 2005/6 David was the Youth Director in
the communities of Albany, New York and
Nashville, Tennessee while on shlichut.
Subsequently he served as a volunteer in the IDF
Givati Infantry Brigade. David’s formal education
is from Yeshiva University, Michlelet Herzog and
the Lander Institute. David’s enthusiasm for telling
the stories of Am Yisrael in the very settings where
the events took place inspires students and
connects them to their heritage.
Mrs. Esther Farkovits
Ms. Alexis Levy
Mrs. Emuna Rosensweig
Rav Aviad Sanders
Mrs. Donna Solomon
Rav Johnny Solomon
Rav Shmuel Veffer
Mrs. Tali Wohlgelernter
Rav Ari Yablok
FAQs
want to be able to see their friends. Therefore, we
provide transportation both ways at a subsidized
price for each out Shabbat, as well as every
Monday evening, “seminary night off”, in order
to enable our participants to easily connect with
their friends and family.
Where is the Midrasha located? Where do the
students live? Bet Elazraki is located in the beautiful coastal city
of Netanya. Our students live in a gorgeous villa a
few houses down from BE, which allows them to
be close enough to BE to be a part of all activities
at the home, but also gives them the personal
space to be on their own when needed.
What is the food and laundry setup?
All the classes and learning for the midrasha take Three meals daily are provided in the BE dining
place on the Bet Elazraki campus. In this way, the room, with most of those meals eaten together
learning and environment of the midrasha impact with the children. In addition, the villa is equipped
the home, and vice versa. with basic kitchen appliances to allow the students
to make their own food, should they so choose.
What kind of city is Netanya? Is there anything
interesting to do there?
There is a washer and dryer in the villa for the
Netanya is a vibrant and picturesque coastal city students to do their laundry at their leisure.
with all the amenities of a large city, but the peace
and quiet of a suburb. Our midrasha is located a What is the schedule for Shabbatot?
10 minute walk from the separate beach, as well Similar to Bet Elazraki, the Shabbat experience
as close to a wonderful Anglo community. There will be a unique and crucial part of our program.
are malls, restaurants, and recreational centers all One Shabbat a month, we have an “in” Shabbat
within walking distance as well- not to mention together with the children of the Home, which is
sure to be a singularly powerful experience. An
the beautiful boardwalk along the beach!
additional Shabbat each month is spent together
How far away is Netanya from Yerushalayim? as a midrasha- either on campus together or at
Netanya is a little over 1 hour travel by car from various communities across the country.
Yerushalayim and about 1 hour 20 minutes by
bus. Being outside of Yerushalayim enables our The other two Shabbatot each month are “out”
students to focus more deeply on their Torat Shabbatot, where the students are able visit
Chessed experience without the distractions that family and friends. On those Shabbatot as well, the
campus and kitchen are open for those interested
often come from being “in the scene”. in staying in. For the more adventurous types, we
However, we do realize that most midrashot are are always happy to help our students find places
in the Yerushalayim area and that our students to stay across the country. Do I have to know Hebrew to come? How will
I communicate with the children and staff at
the home?
Speaking Hebrew is not a prerequisite for being
accepted to our midrasha. Although most of
the children in BE speak only Hebrew, we have
found over the years that even when a common
language is lacking, a “language of love” develops
between our children and those who care for themsomething which enables them to overcome the
language barrier. At the same time, we do hope
and expect that our students will improve in their
Are there any tiyulim? Will we get to connect
speech and comprehension of Hebrew over the
to Israel over the year?
year. Every girl in our midrasha will be required to
We believe that an essential part of the midrasha take Ulpan to maximize her ability to communicate
experience is the fact that are in Eretz Yisrael, the with the staff and children of the home.
land of our people, nation, country, and history. As
such, our program includes various ways to help What is the typical “Midreshet Torat Chessed
them connect to the land and Medinat Yisrael.
student”?
At MTC, we are looking for a girl who appreciates
A large part of our program involves traveling the both aspects of our program, and will take
land and exploring its beauty. We have a big 2-3 both parts seriously- a girl who recognizes the
day trip every few months to different parts of the importance of both learning Torah and doing
country, enabling our students to connect to the chessed, and the ability of each aspect to enhance
land in a unique way. Various day tiyulim across the other. A girl who commits to devoting herself
the country also help give our students the ability to our challenging, yet rewarding, program will
to experience – and impact upon – their land and thrive during her year.
their people.
We have numerous shabbatonim throughout the
year in various cities and communities around
the country in order to expose our students to
the different types of communities that make up
Israeli society.
And finally, within the walls of the midrasha itself
there are wonderful ways to connect with our
country and our people. One of our morning classes
explores the complex issues and challenges that
arise within the Jewish state and Jewish society.
In addition, our students work daily with Israelis
very closely- both the children from the home as
well as the staff from the home. There are also 50
Israeli peers who do their Sheirut Leumi service
at the home, which gives our students a unique
window into Israeli society and culture.
Over the course of the year, we hope to arm
our students with a newfound appreciation and
commitment to their Yahadut, as well as a keen
understanding of the power of giving, and the
impact it can have on their own lives.
“AS THE WEEKS HAVE GONE BY, THE URGE TO SEE MY BOYS EACH DAY
HAS GROWN TREMENDOUSLY. EVEN ON MY OFF WEEKENDS I MISS EVERY
SINGLE ONE OF THEM…WHEN YOU ARE PUT IN A PLACE COMPLETELY OUT
OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE, YOU ARE PUSHED TO TRY HARDER…”
– LAUREN ABADY, MIAMI, WEINBAUM YESHIVA
The Power of Learning
The Power of Giving
In Pirkei Avot, the sage Hillel profoundly declares: ‫אם אין אני לי מי לי‬
‫“ – וכשאני לעצמי מה אני‬If I am not for myself, then who is for me? And if I
am only for myself than what am I?” The multi-layered Israel experience
at Midreshet Torat Chessed will enable you to capture these two timeless
lessons in a powerfully personal way. You will learn to recognize your
own singular talents and strengths within the context of Jewish life
and the Jewish land, and will also learn, in the most concrete way, the
power of your ability to give. These two lessons, experienced daily,
will complement and mutually enhance each other in a beautiful waycreating an experience the impact of which will last a lifetime.
“PEOPLE OFTEN CALL THIS YEAR A ‘SELFISH’ YEAR –
ONLY AT MTC HAVE I LEARNED THAT BEING SELFISH AND SELFLESS
IS NOT AN OXYMORON, BUT A FULFILLING WAY OF LIFE – WITH THE
COMBINATION OF TORAH AND CHESSED”
–RIVKI PORTNOY, YAVNEH GIRLS, MANCHESTER
‫מדרשת‬
‫תורת חסד‬
Midreshet Torat Chessed
‫תורת חסד על לשונה‬
For more information, please contact :
Midreshet Torat Chessed
ISRAEL: 7 Rabbi Tarfon Street, Netanya, Israel
Cell: 052-727-9792
USA: c/o Jessica Abergel
1563 Aston Terrace, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Fax: 212-643-9731 Tel: 856-393-4749
[email protected]
www.toratchessed.com