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Boca Raton
Synagogue
WEEKLY
PARSHIOT VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI
SHABBAT PARAH
Stone Chumash Page 516
March 13 • March 20, 2015 • 22 Adar • 29 Adar 5775
This week’s Weekly is generously sponsored by
Sam, Anita and Shlomit Heering in honor of Eitan and Kayla’s engagement.
RABBI EFREM GOLDBERG
Marah D’asrah
[email protected]
RABBI PHILIP MOSKOWITZ
Associate Rabbi
FRIDAY NIGHT
[email protected]
DAVID L. WOLGIN, PHD
President
Plag Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat
Earliest Candle Lighting
Candle Lighting
Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat
[email protected]
RABBI DAVID SHABTAI, MD
Rabbi, Sephardic Minyan
[email protected]
RABBI MORDECHAI SMOLARCIK
Rabbi, BRS West
[email protected]
RABBI JOSH BROIDE
Outreach Rabbi
[email protected]
RABBI SIMMY SHABTAI
Rosh Beis Medrash
[email protected]
SHABBAT DAY
MONTHLY GALA
KIDDUSH
RABBI KENNETH BRANDER
Rabbi Emeritus
6:00 pm
6:14 pm
7:10 pm
7:15 pm
Rabbi’s Class
6:00 pm
Shabbat Mincha
Ma’ariv/Havdalah
7:00 pm
8:03 pm
Non-Gebruckts: Mitzvah, Minhag or Meaningless
Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
[email protected]
MATTHEW HOCHERMAN
Executive Director
[email protected]
RABBI GERSHON EISENBERGER
Youth Director
[email protected]
RABBI ELI ZIANS
Teen Director
[email protected]
ESTHER LUPIN, LCSW
BRS/JFS Social Worker
[email protected]
KERRY PURCELL
Editor-in-Chief of the Weekly
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FROM THE RABBI’S DESK
“What
Happens
When We
Die?”
Cremation in the Jewish community
is growing at disturbing rates,
with advertisements appearing in
Jewish newspapers promoting it
as a legitimate post-death option,
including in some cases, shockingly,
endorsements by rabbis. The
prohibitive cost of traditional burial
is often given as a reason for this
trend, but it undoubtedly is the result
of ignorance as well.
It is not just the secular and
unaffiliated that are uneducated
about the Jewish approach to death
and dying. Most people don’t learn
about death until they encounter it
with the loss of a family member or good friend. Questions
like what happens at death, where does the soul go, how
do we prepare the body, and what is the afterlife like remain
mysterious and unknown. Historically the Chevra Kadisha
has always been a modest society who does its work
without attention, fanfare or even credit. Those that serve
on it do so privately and quietly. But that doesn’t mean that
the work it does or the why and how it does it should remain
a secret.
Educating about the Jewish view of death doesn’t only
prepare people and bring comfort and solace in a painful
time that everyone will inevitably face, but in my experience
it also inspires living a more meaningful and rich life.
This week, to the great credit of Rabbi Jonathan Kroll, Head
of School, senior girls at Weinbaum Yeshiva High School
began an eight-session course titled “The Final Journey:
How Judaism Dignifies the Passage.” This pioneering
project, a brainchild of Rochel Berman, author of “Dignity
Beyond Death: The Jewish Preparation for Burial,” is
designed to expose students to both the philosophy of what
happens at death as well as the practical procedures of the
Chevra Kadisha. The course includes a field trip to a funeral
home to see the tahara room, tachrichin, and a halachikly
appropriate casket.
I had the privilege of teaching the introductory class,
in which I attempted to put death in the context of life.
At the core of every answer to the myriad of questions
revolving around death is the following critical statement:
We don’t have a soul; we are a soul. A lifetime of caring
for our bodies, pampering ourselves, and seeking physical
pleasure often leaves us confused and with the mistaken
notion that we are a body and we have a soul. Judaism
teaches that in fact, it is the opposite.
Page 2
Our soul has existed
since creation itself
and as an extension
and expression of the
Almighty, it will continue
to exist eternally. Our soul is housed in a vessel called the
body for what in the span of eternity is a very short period
of time: seventy, eighty, or even one hundred and twenty
years. Our rabbis don’t refer to what happens at the end of
life as death. They call it yetzias ha’neshama, the extraction
of the soul from the body because in truth people don’t die,
bodies die and people aren’t buried, bodies are buried.
How does the soul experience its transition from the body?
Is it painful or pleasurable? The answer is it depends on
how that soul lived life when it was housed in the body.
The righteous person who throughout his or her life always
identified themselves as a soul that had a body and while
caring about the body truly invested in nourishing and
nurturing the soul, experiences its extraction as a moment
of bliss and great joy. The righteous see the body as a
burden, a source of temptation and distraction that holds
back the soul. Of course they recognize that only with the
body can the soul express free will and therefore shape and
mold it. They therefore don’t pray for death or welcome it.
However, when it happens, our greatest leaders are
described as experiencing a kiss of death, a moment of
bliss, when their soul was liberated from the shackles of
the body. Rav Nachman of Breslov wrote (Sichos Ha’Ran
#179), “I can’t wait to divest myself of this garment that is
my body…” To the righteous, removing the body from the
soul is as painless and indeed pleasurable as taking off
ones suit and tie at the end of a difficult day.
The average person who identified with his or her body
throughout life and who invested in nurturing and nourishing
the body while neglecting the soul, experiences its
extraction very differently. Our tradition teaches that the soul
hovers over the body when it is first removed, pained by the
startling realization that the body they looked at in the mirror
and saw as themselves all those years was only a vessel,
a vehicle for the soul. The soul is confused and anxious by
the sudden awareness that in fact, we are a soul and only
had a body, not the other way around.
The primary responsibility of the Chevra Kadisha is to
comfort that soul through its journey and transition. The
Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 33) tells us that it is forbidden to leave
a dying person alone. The least we can do is provide that
soul with companionship and love during its difficult time.
We have a shomer with that soul all the way until the body
is buried at which time the soul can begin to ascend on
high.
Boca Raton Synagogue
Valuing Diversity • Celebrating Unity
If the body is just a temporary vessel, a source of
ephemeral pleasure, why do we treat it with such respect,
dignity and affection before placing it in the ground? If
what matters is the soul, why not discard the body by any
means? The soul of the average person which sees itself
as inextricably connected to the body endures pain by
the separation. After all, they lived together for a lifetime,
engaged the world as one, made choices and experienced
events, people and places together.
Shlomo Ha’Melech taught (Kohelles 12:7) “The dust returns
to the earth as it was and the spirit returns to God Who
gave it.” The soul finds solace and returns to God only after
seeing its body return to the earth with dignity and respect.
Everything about the tahara, the burial preparation, is
designed to allow the soul to observe us treat its formal
body with great respect. We carefully wash the body from
head to toe, we clean under the fingernails, in the ears,
and we remove all tubes, lines and catheters. We purify
the body by immersing it in a mikvah or pouring 9 kabim of
water of it. And then we dress the body in shrouds that are
both simple and majestic. We don’t talk about extraneous
things in the tahara room, we have a candle lit to represent
the neshama, and we don’t pass things over the body
treating it like an object or piece of furniture.
When performing a tahara there is an acute awareness
that the neshama of the individual is palpably present in
the room, watching, observing and grieving. I have walked
away from every tahara I have been privileged to participate
in with a greater consciousness of my soul, a greater drive
to nourish it, and a renewed mindfulness that in fact, I don’t
have a soul; I am a soul that has a body.
Imagine the pain of the soul that, rather than witness
its body treated with love, affection and dignity, sees it
incinerated and cremated into a pile of ash. From our
perspective cremation may not seem that different than
placing a body in the ground, but from the perspective of the
soul in the world of truth, it can be the difference between
comfort and grief, consolation or profound pain.
I would like to believe that Hashem Has a way of providing
comfort for those that choose cremation or a mausoleum
rather than traditional burial out of a lack of Jewish
education or experience. However, it is our responsibility
to educate as widely as possible on the beauty and
deep meaning of the authentic Jewish view of death and
mourning.
I concluded my class by encouraging the students to get
involved in the holy work of the Chevra Kadisha. There are
few things more satisfying and fulfilling than participating
in chesed shel emes, lovingness that cannot be repaid.
Contact with death inspires greater meaning in life and
provides contact with our souls in a way few other things
can. There are so many ways to get involved not only in
the tahara room, but serving as shomrim, setting up shiva
homes, helping make shiva minyanim, stocking supplies,
making meals and more.
I am grateful to Rochel Berman and Weinbaum Yeshiva
High School for piloting this program and I hope it will be
emulated all over, not only for students but adults as well.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
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 Boca Raton Synagogue 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.
Boca Raton Synagogue 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 Boca Raton Synagogue.
In line with our recently published Derech Eretz Statement, we mention some examples of how we can be more sensitive toward others and
create an even better community.
• Books and other items placed on the ledge adjacent to the Mechitza block the view of those seated in the women’s section.
• Please refrain from placing your Siddurin, Chumashim, Taleisim, etc. there.
If you have a Mensch Message you would like us to promote, please email us at [email protected]
Boca Raton Synagogue
Valuing Diversity • Celebrating Unity
Page 3
MAIN MINYAN GALA KIDDUSH
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
SHABBAT SCHEDULE
FRIDAY NIGHT
The Gala Kiddush is now in its second year and we need your help to make
sure it continues! In order for the Kiddushim to continue, we need everyone’s
support.
The Gala Kiddushim for this year are tentatively scheduled as follows:
April 18, 2015
May 16, 2015
June 13, 2015 (Graduation Kiddush)
Earliest Sephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 5:55 pm
Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pm
Plag MIncha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary)
6:00 pm
Earliest Candle Lighting
6:14 pm
Sephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash)
7:10 pm
Candle Lighting
7:10 pm
Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) 7:15 pm
We are very grateful to our Executive Chef Sponsors who contributed $1,000
for the year and our Sous Chef Sponsors who contributed $500 for the year.
These sponsorships are what makes the Gala Kiddush possible.
SHABBAT DAY
Neitz Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash)
6:50 am
Hashkama Minyan (Social Hall) 7:30 am
Sephardic Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 9:00 am
Ashkenazi Minyan (Rand Sanctuary)
9:00 am
Sermon: Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
Shtiebel Minyan (Shtiebel Beit Midrash)
9:30 am
Teen Minyan (Berdugo Beit Midrash)
9:45 am
Youth Tefillah Groups (Jacobs and Rubin Youth & Senior Center) 10:00 am
Sof Zman Kriat Shema 10:31 am
Early Mincha (Rand Sanctuary)
3:00 pm
Rabbi’s Class
6:00 pm
Non-Gebruckts: Mitzvah, Minhag or Meaningless
Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
Sephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash)
6:55 pm
Ashkenazi Mincha (Rand Sanctuary)
7:00 pm
Daf Yomi (Berdugo Beit Midrash)
between Mincha/Ma’ariv
Sh’kiah
7:29 pm
Ma’ariv/Havdalah
8:03 pm
EXECUTIVE CHEF
SOUS CHEF
Dr. Albert & Evelyn Begas
Joseph Bensmihen
Donny & Dr. Freyda Cohen
Dr. Hillel & Chayi Cohen
Martin & Ileana Flics
Leo & Heni Ehrlich
Avi & Dr. Laura Greenbaum
Yaakov Kronfeld
Drs. Jeffrey & Naomi Gross
Dr. David & Reena Makover
Dr. Kermit & Natalie Halperin
Dr. David Markowitz & Dr. Sara Levine
Dr. Larry & Debra Halperin
Martin & Sara Schandelson
Yanki & Lauren Hofstatter
Evan & Orly Shapiro
Daniel & Caroline Katz
Dr. Zorik & Ellen Spektor
Philip & Jennifer Landau
Michael & Esther Lupin
Anonymous
Anonymous
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
Executive Chef Sponsor $1,000 Sous Chef Sponsor $500
Bar Mitzvah / Aufruf $360
Bat Mitzvah / New Baby / Engagement $250
Birthday / Anniversary $100
Grandchild / Other Occasion $100
SHABBAT LEARNING
Sponsorships are announced from the pulpit on Shabbat morning of the
Kiddush and listed in the Weekly. If you would like to sponsor on any level in
this coming year, please contact Matthew Hocherman at [email protected] or
our Kiddush Club chairs, Donny Cohen and Avi Greenbaum.
Tefillah Insights with Rabbi Josh Broide (Rand Sanctuary) 8:30 am
Advanced Gemara Chabura 15 minutes after Hashkama Minyan
Rabbi Sacks Explanatory with Rabbi Broide (Board Room)10:00 am
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 (Sephardic Beit Midrash)
11:00 am
Avos U’Banim (Social Hall)
5:00 pm
BRS WEST
PARSHAT VAYIKRA
SHABBAT HA’CHODESH
ROSH CHODESH NISAN
(At the Hillel Day School, 21001 95th Ave. • (305) 725-2292 • www.brswestonline.org)
FRIDAY NIGHT
Ashkenazi Shacharit
SUNDAY
MONDAY
7:10 pm
7:10 pm
Rabbi’s Class
Shacharit
Youth Groups Kiddush follows Davening
Mincha (Shabbat) Shabbat Ends/ Maariv
8:45 am
9:00 am
10:30 am
SHABBAT DAY
Earliest Sephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 5:55 pm
Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pm
Plag MIncha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Social Hall)
6:00 pm
Earliest Candle Lighting
6:16 pm
Sephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 7:10 pm
Candle Lighting
7:14 pm
Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) 7:15 pm
Ma’ariv/Havdalah (Shabbat) 8:07 pm
DAILY
MINYAN TIMES
Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat
Candle lighting TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
6:15 pm
8:03 pm
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
6:35 am
Rand Sanctuary
7:15 am
Senders Library
6:35 am
Rand Sanctuary
7:15 am
Senders Library
6:35 am
Rand Sanctuary
7:15 am
Senders Library
6:35 am
Rand Sanctuary
7:15 am
Senders Library
6:30 am
Rand Sanctuary
7:15 am
Senders Library
6:30 am
Rand Sanctuary
7:15 am
Senders Library
Ashkenazi Shacharit
7:15 am
Rand Sanctuary
7:00 am
Social Hall
7:00 am
Social Hall
7:00 am
Social Hall
7:00 am
Social Hall
7:00 am
Social Hall
Sephardic Shacharit
7:55 am
Berdugo Beit Midrash
8:00 am
Rand Sanctuary
9:00 am
Rand Sanctuary
7:55 am
Berdugo Beit Midrash
7:45 am
Social Hall
8:30 am
Social Hall
7:55 am
Berdugo Beit Midrash
7:45 am
Social Hall
8:30 am
Social Hall
7:55 am
Berdugo Beit Midrash
7:45 am
Social Hall
8:30 am
Social Hall
7:55 am
Sephardic Beit Midrash
7:45 am
Social Hall
8:30 am
Social Hall
7:55 am
Berdugo Beit Midrash
7:45 am
Social Hall
8:30 am
Social Hall
3:05 pm
Sephardic Beit Midrash
7:10 pm
Sephardic Beit Midrash
7:15 pm
Social Hall
9:30 pm
Senders Library
3:40 pm
Sephardic Beit Midrash
7:10 pm
Sephardic Beit Midrash
7:15 pm
Social Hall
9:30 pm
Senders Library
3:05 pm
Sephardic Beit Midrash
7:10 pm
Sephardic Beit Midrash
7:15 pm
Social Hall
9:30 pm
Senders Library
3:05 pm
Sephardic Beit Midrash
7:10 pm
Sephardic Beit Midrash
7:15 pm
Social Hall
9:30 pm
Senders Library
Sephardic Shacharit
Ashkenazi Shacharit
Ashkenazi Shacharit
2:00 pm
Early Ashkenazi
Senders Library
Mincha
Sephardic Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:10 pm
Sephardic Beit Midrash
Ashkenazi Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:15 pm
Late Ashkenazi Ma’ariv
Page 4
Rand Sanctuary
9:30 pm
Senders Library
Boca Raton Synagogue
Valuing Diversity • Celebrating Unity
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
MAZAL TOV
Rabbi Josh & Simone Broide on their daughter, Eliana, becoming a Bat Mitzvah. AND to her proud siblings, Ayala, Avigayil, AJ, Ahuva and
Eytan, AND to Bubby Sylvia Broide and Zaydie & Grandma, Marty & Renee Brown.
Daniel & Sara Rosenthal on their son, Akiva, becoming a Bar Mitzvah. AND to his proud sisters, Lana & Abigail. AND to the Goldberg &
Rosenthal grandparents and to the Levenson, Averbook, and Rosman families and extended relations.
Ido & Gila Stern on the Auf Ruf of her brother, Nachie Brand, and his forthcoming marriage to Samantha Rudnick. AND to the Brand and
Rudnick families.
Simon & Cheryl Mirsky and Aaron Muckley on the marriage of their daughter, Alyssa, to Jason Estes, son of Dr. David & Hena Estes of
Cedarhurst, NY. AND to her proud siblings, Corey, Atara, and Michael.
Sam & Anita Heering on the engagement of their son, Eitan, to Kayla Adler, daughter of David & Eve Adler of Atlanta, GA. AND to his sister
Shlomit.
Marvin & Myrna Hirschhorn on the engagement of their grandson, Sgt. Ron Hirschhorn, of Navei Daniel to Miriam Lozowick of Jerusalem.
Dr. Steve Morris on the birth of his granddaughter. Proud parents are Jessica & Eitan Hoffman.
Rabbi Avi & Rebecca Hochman on being honored at the Torah Academy Annual Dinner this Thursday night.
KIDDUSH
Hashkama Minyan Kiddush sponsored by Nachman & Jaime Feig in commemoration of the Yahrzeits of his beloved father, Menachem, great
grandmother, Rivka bat Rabbi Zvi, and great grandfather, Yehudah Dov ben Shlomo Zalman.
Sephardic Minyan Kiddush sponsored by the Sephardic Minyan Kiddush Fund
Sephardic Seudah Shlishiet sponsored by Dr. Ephraim Foonberg in commemoration of the Yahrzeits of his beloved father, Dovid ben Chana
and his beloved grandmother, Fruma bat Frieda.
Seudah Shlishiet co-sponsored by Rabbi Mordechai & Fortunee Cohen, Marcia Feldman, Hensha Gansbourg, Dr. Marcus & Shirley Mayer, Alan
Veingrad and Ida Wax.
Guest Speaker: Rabbi Mordechai Siev
BRIT INFORMATION
MAIN MINYAN GALA KIDDUSH IS
SPONSORED BY
•
•
•
•
Rabbi Josh & Simone Broide in honor of Eliana’s Bat Mitzvah
Gila and Ido Stern in honor of their children’s birthdays and her
brother Nachie Brand’s upcoming marriage to Samantha Rudnick
Dr. Bob & Elise Dolgow in honor of the birth of their
granddaughter
Our Executive Chef and Sous Chef sponsors listed on page 4
RABBI MORDECHAI SIEV
Rabbi Mordechai Siev of Ascent in Tsfat will be speaking at BRS this
Shabbat in the Shtiebel Minyan and during Seudah Shlishiet. He
will speak about Jewish identity in connection with Ascent’s work
with the IDF and creating a home for all Lone Soldiers. For more
information about Ascent please call (516) 343-1674 or visit their
website at www.MyAscent.org
NEW TIME FOR AVOS U'BANIM
The exciting new Avos Ubanim father-son learning program will
now take place on Shabbat afternoons beginning one hour before
mincha in the Social Hall. Come join your friends for great learning,
ices and prizes!
BRS WEST RABBI SEARCH
Rabbi Eli Kohl, one of the candidates for the position of Rabbi of
BRS West, will be speaking at BRS West this Thursday, March 19 at
8:00 pm in a class entitled: "Does God Want Me To Struggle When I
Perform Mitzvot? The Rambam's Response.” This class is open to the
entire community. For the full bios of all three candidates see page 15.
CHIZUK (MISCARRIAGE) SUPPORT GROUP
Chizuk boca fertility support group is pleased to feature our
first guest speaker Mrs. Elisheva Levitt. She will talk about her
experience with surrogacy. This will take place at the Boca Raton
Synagogue at 10:00 am on March 15 in the boardroom . This event
open to anyone who can benefit and is for women only. Please rsvp
at [email protected]
WHATSAPP CHESED GROUPS
Our community often has chesed opportunities such as driving
someone to a doctor or making a meal that requires responsiveness
in real time. Additionally, we sometimes have shiva homes that
struggle to get a minyan. We have created two WhatsApp groups
for individuals to be alerted to chesed opportunities in real time and
to volunteer to help. If you would like to be part of the BRS Chesed
Group or the BRS Shiva Minyan Group on WhatsApp, please contact
the Shul office indicating which group and your WhatsApp cell
phone number.
Matthew & Tova Hocherman announce the Brit of their son & the
Simcha Bat for their daughter on Friday, March 20 after the 7:00 am
Minyan at BRS.
TWO MINYANIM FRIDAY NIGHT
Beginning this Friday night, March, 13, we will have two Minyanim
for Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat. The Plag Minyan will take place at
6:00 pm in the Rand Sanctuary and the Zman minyan will take place
at 7:15 pm in the Rand Sanctuary. We kindly ask that men do not sit
in the Women’s section when we have multiple Minyanim.
HAPPY MINYAN
Please join the Happy Minyan of BRS for an evening of Shlomo
Carlebach teachings, stories and songs on Pesach and the Seder
taught by Rabbi Naftali Citron - Rabbi of the Carlebach Shul, nephew
of Shlomo Carlebach. This will be held on Monday, March 16, 8:00
pm at the home of Carolynn Jarashow, 22360 Dorado Dr. in Captiva.
The evening is dedicated for the Aliya Neshama of Shmuel Tzvi ben
Binyamin Jarashow z”l. Please RSVP to [email protected].
SUNRISE MINYAN AT THE BEACH
This Friday, March 20 at 7:05 am - Men and women welcome.
Watch the sun rise over the ocean as you connect with God
through prayer and inspiration. Meet at the Palmetto Park
Gazebo for a special inspirational Minyan. Please call the
Shul office (561) 394-0394 to confirm your attendance.
THE SELLING OF CHAMETZ
Rabbi Goldberg, Rabbi Moskowitz and Rabbi Dr. Shabtai will be available to
arrange the selling of chametz at the following times. Unless otherwise noted,
Rabbi Goldberg will sell chametz in his office and Rabbi Moskowitz and Rabbi
Dr. Shabtai will sell chametz in the main shul office. Sunday through Thursday
immediately following Mincha/Maariv for 10 minutes (Social Hall). For a full
list of selling times see page 6.
Monday, March 16
8:00 – 9:00 pm – Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
Wednesday, March 18
10:00 – 11:30 am – Rabbi Philip Moskowitz
Sunday, March 22
9:30 - 10:30 pm – Rabbi David Shabtai, MD
THE ROSH CHODESH WOMEN’S
INSPIRATIONAL LECTURE SERIES
Sunday, March 22 at 8:00 pm with Dr. Ahava Oppenheimer. Hosted
by Donna Tripp, 22247 Alyssum Way in Thornhill Green.
Boca Raton Synagogue
Valuing Diversity • Celebrating Unity
Page 5
COUNT DOWN TO PESACH
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 and the entire Goldberg family 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 www.brsonline.
org/Seder. The Seder is based on a first come, first served basis, and
will be closed out at 120 participants.
PESACH WORKSHOP
Rabbi Goldberg’s annual Pesach Workshop will be held on Sunday,
March 22, beginning at 10:00 am
COMMUNITY KASHERING FOR PESACH
Will be held on Sunday, March 22 at 8:00 am – 12:00 noon at the Jewish
Federation of South Palm Beach County.
PESACH SEDER
If you have room at your Seder table for a guest or two, or you are
in need of a Seder to attend, contact Linda at [email protected] or
(561) 394-0394
THE SELLING OF CHAMETZ
Rabbi Goldberg, Rabbi Moskowitz and Rabbi Dr. Shabtai will be available to
arrange the selling of chametz at the following times. Unless otherwise noted,
Rabbi Goldberg will sell chametz in his office and Rabbi Moskowitz and Rabbi
Dr. Shabtai will sell chametz in the main shul office. Sunday through Thursday
immediately following Mincha/Maariv for 10 minutes (Social Hall) .
Monday, March 16
8:00 – 9:00 pm – Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
Wednesday, March 18
10:00 – 11:30 am – Rabbi Philip Moskowitz
Sunday, March 22
9:30 - 10:30 pm – Rabbi David Shabtai, MD
Tuesday, March 24
8:00 – 9:30 pm – Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
Thursday, March 26
10:00 – 11:30 am – Rabbi Philip Moskowitz
Sunday, March 29
8:00 – 9:00 pm – Rabbi David Shabtai, MD
Tuesday, March 31
10:30 – 11:30 am – Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
Thursday, April 2
6:00 –7:00 pm - Rabbi Philip Moskowitz
Page 6
LIFE CYCLE
WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY
Marty & Renee Brown
Moshe, Cara, Rena, Dovid and Shaya Sweet
Julie Koesterich
Jerry & Carol Osher
Elisheva Levitt
Family & Friends here in honor of the Broide Simcha
BIRTHDAYS
Jeremy Griff Elaine Jacobs
Liz Stadlan
Orly Shapiro
Rebecca Freedman Lauren Hofstatter
CONDOLENCES TO
•
•
•
•
Brenda Arshawsky on the passing of her beloved father, Joseph
Smulewicz
Dr. Stuart Rubinstein on the passing of his beloved father, Saul
Rubinstein
Penny Pearlman on the passing of her beloved mother, Helen
Meltzer
Vivian Lankari on the passing of her beloved son, Aviv Lankari.
REFUAH SHLAYMAH
For members of BRS Community.
For all other Refuah Shlaymah needs, please call Linda at (561) 394-0394
Helen Ijac
Moshe Applebaum
Alta Haita bat Devorah
Moshe Zvi ben Rachel Leah
Joan Noven
Yosef Chaim ben Faiga
Rochel Tova bat Malka
Merv Jacobs
Ariella Berman
Meir ben Sarah
Ariella Sarah bat Elisheva Malka
Stuart Silverman
Beverly Kassirer
Yeshaya Moshe ben Nacha Sarah
Briendle bat Pessel
Nachum Gedalia ben Sara Baila
Chana Guta bat Rochel
Mordechai ben Malka
Ruth Malinowitz
Yerachmiel Pincus ben Malka
Rivka bat Freyda
Yonatan Chaim ben Yehudit
Noa Maya Carmel
Rabbi Philip Moskowitz
Noa Maya bat Devora Rachel
Perel bat Chaya Sara
Harav Gavriel Pinchas ben Jacquie Padow
Devorah Zlata
Ya’akova Chava Rus bat Beyla
Or Ester bat Dina Rivka
Wendy Wasserstrom
Zehava bat Chaya
Lily Lerman
Libi Chana bat Golda Chava
YAHRZEITS
Norma Pollack in memory of her mother
Iris Weiss in memory of her father
Joyce Muller in memory of her mother
Murray Goldberg in memory of his sister
Roger Gladstone in memory of his father
Dr. Ephraim Foonberg in memory of his grandmother
Dorinne Gerstin in memory of her grandfather
Jeffrey Gerstin in memory of his mother
Ida Wax in memory of her sister-in-law
Alan Veingrad in memory of his father
Fortunee Cohen in memory of her mother David Antine in memory of his mother
Louis Benjamin in memory of his mother
Morris Schnur in memory of his wife
Linda Struhl in memory of her mother
Linda Katz in memory of her father
Gabi Shabtai in memory of his father-in-law
Shirley Mayer in memory of her father
Nachman Feig in memory of his father
Dr. Marty Jacob in memory of his mother
Isaac Jacob in memory of his wife
Dr. Mark Barnett in memory of his mother
Ida Wax in memory of her father-in-law
Nachman Feig in memory of his great grandfather
Dr. Irving Weigensberg in memory of his brother
Isaac Jacob in memory of his brother
Hensha Gansbourg in memory of her mother
Marcia Feldman in memory of her father-in-law
Ken Markman in memory of his brother
Dr. Mathew Zaltzman in memory of his father
Ralph Goldberg in memory of his mother
Judah Weiner in memory of his father Janet Berg in memory of her mother
Etta-Linda Pell in memory of her husband
Sheryl Strauss in memory of her father
Boca RatonDr.
Synagogue
Jaimy Bensimon in memory of his father
Valuing Diversity • Celebrating Unity
Mildred Gottlieb, 22 Adar
Julius Mollach, 22 Adar
Frieda Siegel, 22 Adar
Sonia Tick, 22 Adar
William B. Gladstone, 22 Adar
Fruma Strauss, 23 Adar Herman Levin, 23 Adar
Gertrude Gerstin, 23 Adar
Feiga Spitzer, 23 Adar
Leon Veingrad, 23 Adar
Esther Setton, 24 Adar
Anne Antine, 24 Adar
Rosa Benjamin, 24 Adar
Joan Schnur, 24 Adar
Joan Schnur, 24 Adar
Marvin Mittman, 24 Adar
Marvin Mittman, 24 Adar
Arieh Zahavi, 24 Adar
Menachem Feig, 24 Adar
Joan Jacob, 24 Adar
Joan Jacob, 24 Adar
Phyllis Barnett, 25 Adar
Elias Wax, 25 Adar
Yehuda Dov Ben Shlomo Zalman HaCohen, 26 Adar
Harry Weigensberg, 26 Adar
Yeshaya Jacob, 26 Adar
Beatrice Stone, 26 Adar
David Feldman, 27 Adar
Marvin Markman, 27 Adar
Rabbi Phillip Zaltzman, 27 Adar
Irene Goldberg, 28 Adar
Rabbi Ahron Weiner, 28 Adar
Carol Marks, 28 Adar
Oscar Willenzik, 28 Adar
Philip Shapiro, 29 Adar
Raphael Bensimon, 29 Adar
WEEK AT A GLANCE
DAILY
•
•
•
•
DAF YOMI (Sunday - Friday)
with Rabbi Ben Sugerman at 7:00 am in Rooms 211/212.
MISHNA BERURA YOMI (Sunday -Thursday)
15 minutes before Mincha
NIGHT BEIT MIDRASH (Sunday - Thursday)
community learning in the Senders Library at 8:00 pm
NIGHTTIME DAF YOMI (Sunday - Thursday)
with BRS Rabbinate at 8:40 pm in Rooms 104/105
THE 2014-2015
PILLAR SOCIETY CAMPAIGN
PILLAR SOCIETY 2014-2015
EMERALD
Daniel & Caroline Katz
Paul S. & Lynn H. Pariser
PLATINUM
Leo & Heni Ehrlich
Martin & Ileana Flics
Bernie & Melanie Kaminetsky
Lothar & Carlyn Mayer
Dr. William & Debbie Rand
Michael & Jill Rose
Larry & Deborah Silver
Harry & Marilyn Wanderer
MONDAY
•
•
HEBREW POETRY
with Hassia Yehuda will not take place this week
MEN’S AFTERNOON KOLLEL
3:00 - 5:00 pm in the Social Hall
TUESDAY
•
•
GOLD
PARSHA CLASS
with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg at 9:30 am in the Social Hall
SEFER DANIEL CLASS
with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz will not take place this week
Daniel & Dr. Liora Adler
Dr. Albert & Evelyn Begas
Howard & Bonnie Block
Dr. Steve & Yael Charlap
Donny & Dr. Freyda Cohen
Drs. Eli and Orlie Cohen
Dr. Hillel & Chayi Cohen
Dr. Meyer & Laura Cohen
Nachman & Jamie Feig
Dr. Mark & Tilda Fisher
Dr. Ben & Cara Freedman
Michael & Barbara Frenkel
Hensha Gansbourg
Rabbi Efrem & Yocheved Goldberg
Murray & Basheva Goldberg
Glen & Rosa Golish
Drs. Charles & Simone Griff
Stanley & Ana Haar
Dr. Larry & Debra Halperin
Dr. Chanoch & Rachel Harow
Ben & Hanna Henschel
Dr. Moshe & Shari Hirth
Yanki & Lauren Hofstatter
Dr. Mervin & Elaine Jacobs
Dr. David & Sharona Kay
Gary & Judi Krasna
Yaakov Kronfeld
Drs. Joseph & Seema Loskove
Stephen & Linda Melcer
Bob & Penny Pearlman
Dr. Michael & Dana Petrover
Dr. Daniel & Rachel Rudensky
Mike Senders
Dr. Leor & Gabriela Skoczylas
Dr. Zorik & Ellen Spektor
Teddy & Linda Struhl
Dr. Jonathan & Suri Winograd
Drs. Allen & Amy Wolnerman
Michael & Risa Zimmerman
Anonymous
Anonymous
WEDNESDAY
•
CUP OF JOE & KNOW
with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg will not take place this week
IN-DEPTH STUDY OF BOOK OF SAMUEL I with Malka Morris at 9:30 am in the Social Hall
MEN’S AFTERNOON KOLLEL
3:00 - 5:00 pm in the Social Hall
KABBALAH & SPIRITUALITY: THE INNER WISDOM OF
THE 5 BOOKS OF MOSES (BEGINNERS)
with Anne Deakter at 7:00 pm in Room 101
KABBALAH & SPIRITUALITY: THE INNER WISDOM OF
THE 5 BOOKS OF MOSES (ADVANCED)
with Anne Deakter at 8:30 pm in Room 101
•
•
•
•
THURSDAY
•
•
AVIGAIL ROCK
with Rabbanit Avigail Rock at 9:15 am in the Board Room
WEEKLY SHMOOZE
at 9:45 pm in the Senders Library
BRS AUXILIARIES, ETC.
BIKUR CHOLIM
On March 22, at 9:00 am, if you would like to help Kasher the Jewish
Hospitality Room and Shabbat Suite at the Boca Raton Regional
Hospital, please call Stan at (561) 362-7345.
PIM - PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT MATTERS
SAPPHIRE
HOLOCAUST WRITING AND ART COMPETITION
Theme: “Never Again Begins with Me: How can we take personal
responsibility to help make the world a better place and ensure that
the Holocaust never happens again?” This KADISH initiative contest
is open to students in grades 6-8 in Boca Raton, Florida. WRITING:
may be prose (essay or story), poetry, or a play, 750 words or less.
ART original drawings or paintings only - NO SWASTIKAS. Art
piece MUST include an artist’s statement, not more than 100 words,
describing your piece and inspiration. Submit entries February 25,
- March 25. For registration and detailed information, visit www.
brsonline.org/pim. All entries will be displayed at the Boca Raton
Synagogue Annual Yom Hashoah Ceremony on April 16. Please see
flyers in the lobby.
Dr. Mark & Helen Cohan
Rabbi Simcha & Anna Freedman
Elaine Trachtenberg
Dr. Neal & Bonnie Weinreb
Anonymous
SILVER
Dr. Avraham & Elana Belizon
Evan & Orly Shapiro
Dr. Josh & Stephanie Stern
Dr. Ashi & Chava Weisstuch
Anonymous
List in formation
NEW PILLAR SOCIETY CATEGORY
We have added a new $4,000 Pillar Society level this year called
Sapphire. This is for BRS Members that at least one spouse is 70
years old or over. The Sapphire Level members will receive all
of the same benefits of the Silver Level as well as a Half Page Ad
in the Annual Journal. Pillar Society brochures with additional
information are available in the lobby. To join the Pillar Society for
2014/2015 please contact Matthew Hocherman at
[email protected] or (561) 394-0394.
Boca Raton Synagogue
Valuing Diversity • Celebrating Unity
Page 7
ISRAEL UPDATE
SOCIAL ACTION
ACTIVISM WORKS!
Last week, a video game promoting the murder of Israeli soldiers appeared for sale on the Google Play Store and the Amazon
Appstore. The Israel Project (TIP) immediately launched a grassroots effort to remove this game. Thanks to activist participation,
TIP’s efforts were successful. Both Google and Amazon removed “Gaza Man.” There is now one less tool for Palestinian terrorists
to promote hatred, violence, and the murder of Israeli soldiers among Palestinian youth and those who are drawn in by their lies.
Stand With Us, in partnership with the BRS Social Action Committee, on Sunday morning, launched a month long Buy Israel Goods
(BIG) campaign to counter the nefarious anti-Israel boycott. With Pesach just three weeks away, please remember to look for and
purchase Israeli products. We must all be involved in confronting the demonization of Israel.
Join us at the next social action committee meeting, 7:30 pm, Wednesday, March 18 in the Boardroom.
PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS
JONATHAN POLLARD
Your letters - the only ray of light in Jonathan’s dreary cell. Write to him today: Jonathan Pollard #09185-016, c/o FCI Butner, P.O. Box
1000, Butner, North Carolina, U.S.A 27509-1000.
Yehonatan ben Malka - Jonathan Pollard.
Jonathan Pollard has been imprisoned in the United States since 1987. While working as an American civilian intelligence analyst, Pollard
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 www.jonathanpollard.org.
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 just-released 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 [email protected] or by
calling (561) 394-0394.
Please have in mind children and grandchildren of members of our
community currently serving in the IDF: Amiel Abir, Asher Kaplan,
Adam Barel, Daniella Borenstein, Yosef Brander, Stav Gare, Menachem
Kaplan, Shabtai Kaplan, Daniel Louis, Arie Hizkiya, Albert Lupin,
Charlie Pollack, Yakov Simcha ben Moshe Yisroel, Yehuda Strauss,
Elad Shachar, Liel Reinfeld, Ron Hirschhorn, Yehoshua Strauss, Amichai Berman,
Matt Firestone, Dov Lieber, Leo Loeffler Chanan Wolfson, Eitan Yitzchak ben Etel
Rochel, Noam Bar Yakov, Yuchiel Shlomo Lowenstern, Amir Tsarfati, Reuben
Gladstone, Zoe Gladstone, Dean Tansman, Joshua Weiss, Hannah Katz and Zachary Solomon. 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
Boca Raton Synagogue
Valuing Diversity • Celebrating Unity
BEIS MEDRASH of BRS
RABBI SHMUEL RABINOVICI – THIS SHABBAT
Rabbi Rabinovici will be giving a Chabura this Friday night at 9:30 pm at the home of
Steven & Keri Greenfield, 22218 Alyssum Way in Thornhill Green. Rabbi Rabinovici will
also be giving the Chabura after the Hashkama Minyan on Shabbat morning. On Sunday
morning at 8:00 am Rabbi Rabinovici will once again be giving a shiur on Sugyot from
the Daf Yomi.
NEW TIME FOR AVOS U’BANIM
The exciting new Avot Ubanim father-son learning program will now take place on
Shabbos afternoons beginning one hour before mincha in the Social Hall. Come join your
friends for great learning, ices and prizes! For sponsorship opportunities, please speak
with Rabbi Simmy Shabtai.
SUNDAY NIGHT: HALACHOT OF DAILY LIFE CHABURA
Join Rabbi Simmy Shabtai on Sunday nights, 8:00 – 8:45 pm in the Senders Library for group
learning on the Halachot of day-to-day life (Tefillah, Brachot, Etc.).
TUESDAY NIGHT: 7TH & 8TH GRADE GEMARA CHABURA
Come to the Senders Library on Tuesday nights, 8:00 – 8:45 pm and join your 7th and 8th
grade friends for guided learning in Masechet Brachot by Rabbi Simmy Shabtai.
THURSDAY NIGHT: PARSHA CHABURA
Join Rabbi Simmy Shabtai on Thursday nights, 8:45 – 9:30 pm in the Senders Library for
roundtable learning and insights on the weekly Parsha.
THURSDAY NIGHT: MUSSAR SCHMOOZE & BBQ WINGS
Come to the Senders Library after the 9:30 pm Ma’ariv to hear words of Mussar and
inspiration from various rabbinic personalities from within our community. Famous BBQ
wings from Chef Gersh will be served. This week we will have the privilege to hear from
Rabbi Avi Billet
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
COMMUNITY LEARNING
All levels welcome
Located in the BRS Social Hall
Free of charge. Refreshments provided
MEN’S AFTERNOON
KOLLEL
Mondays
Wednesdays
3:00-3:45
Gemara Pesachim (2nd perek)
with Rabbi David Shabtai, MD
3:00-4:00
Gemara Pesachim (10th perek)
with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
3:45-4:30
Hilchot Tefilla
with Rabbi Simmy Shabtai
4:00-4:40
Hilchot Aveilut
with Rabbi Simmy Shabtai
4:30-5:00
Mesilat Yesharim
Rabbi Yigal Abramchik
4:40-5:00
Sefer Yona
with Rabbi Simmy Shabtai
NEW!
Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva Tiferes Torah of Boca Raton
Participate in our vibrant Wednesday Night Learning
Program, taking place between 8:00 and 10:00 pm in
the Sephardic Beit Midrash as we are joined by Yeshiva
Tiferes Torah of Boca Raton. In addition to Chavruta
learning, we will be having the following Chaburas take
place:
8:00 – 8:45 pm
Shulchan Aruch Chabura
By: Rabbi David Shabtai, MD.
8:45 – 9:30 pm
Mesillat Yesharim Chabura
By: Rabbi Matan Wexler
8:45 – 9:30 pm
Chassidus Chabura
With our Shtiebel Minyan
For more information, please contact the Rosh Beis Medrash,
Rabbi Simmy Shabtai, at [email protected] or 347.439.7031
Young Israel of
Deerfield Beach
8:45 – 9:30 pm
High Level Bava Metzia Chabura
By: Rabbi Shaul Opoczynski
Rosh Yeshiva of Tiferes Torah of Boca Raton.
Light refreshments will be served.
Congregation Torah Ohr
For more information about any of the programs taking place as part of the Beis Medrash of BRS or to be set up with
a Chavruta, please contact our Rosh Beis Medrash, Rabbi Simmy Shabtai at [email protected]
TEEN PROGRAM
BRS YOUTH PROGRAM
BRS TEEN MINYAN BBQ
RABBI EISENBERGER’S MISHNA CLASS
TEEN MINYAN
JUNIOR CONGREGATION
All teens from teen minyan are invited to our Teen BBQ. The BIGGEST
problem will be too many meats to choose from Sunday, March 22, at
7:00 pm Hosted by the Kay Family Located at 7958 Tennyson Ct (Boca
Hamlet).
Join us every Shabbat at 9:45 am in classrooms 104/105 followed by a
delicious Kiddush and schmooze! Join us every week for your chance
to win tons of prizes!! Heat tickets, Ipads, and so much more but you
gatta be in it to win it!!
LOOKING FOR AWESOME SUMMER
PROGRAMS?
Searching for an incredible and inspirational summer? Search no
more! Visit ncsysummer.org for more information!
We are continuing our journey through Shisha Sidrei Mishna as we
learn Masechet Sh’vuot. Join us every week for an incredible learning
experience. Junior Kiddush each week. 9:30 am - 10:00 am in Room
102.
Daven with your friends each and every week with Boca’s new
star Rebbe, Rabbi Matan Wexler. Great stories, singing, Parsha, and
special treats!!!
5TH GRADE SEUDAH SHLISHEIT
This week, March 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Dalia Baum, 7507
Andorra Place in Captiva. Walking group meeting at 6:45 p.m. at BRS
lead by Sara Schandelson. Remember pick up is at the conclusion of
Shabbat.
If you would like to help sponsor or donate to our Teen Kiddush,
Teen Seudah Shlishiet, or any other program, or for more information
about upcoming events and activities, please contact Rabbi Eli Zians at
[email protected] or at (516) 451-2123. Wishing everyone a Shabbat
Shalom!
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Page 10
Boca Raton Synagogue
Valuing Diversity • Celebrating Unity
SHABBAT ACROSS
AMERICA @BRS
Friday, March 13th
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,Special
please
contact
Guest Speaker
Simone (561) 929-4568
Eliana Broide
Adults $25 ~ Children (under 10) $10
please make “Becoming
checks payable
to
a Bat Mitzvah”
Boca Raton Synagogue
Join us this week at 6:00pm in the Senders Library!!
Join more than 200 people from
all over Boca Raton on this trip!!
Call Josh for more information
(561) 702-3864
PAID ADVERTISEMENTS
BRS MEMBER SINCE 1993
25 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Do You Remember
When it did not hurt?
561-683-8126
ALLCPA.NET - [email protected]
• 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
• Musculoskeletal Medicine
• Epidural and Joint Injections
• Balance and Fall Clinic
• Stroke and Cancer Recovery
• Sports Medicine
• EMG-Disability
• Acupuncture
561.738.2000
WWW.STUARTRUBINMD.COM
Sheri Strauss,
GreenSeed
Tutoring Services
We Plant Academic Success
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Standardized Test Preparation
Application Essays
Language Arts Academic Support
Melinda S. Ruben, M.Ed. ~ 561.306.1690
[email protected]
www.tutoringprofessional.com
DONATE A CAR TO BRS
THANK YOU TO
Daniel & Ellen Averbook, Joseph & Sarah Blumenthal,
Michael & Sharona Loeffer, Yechiel & Margo Rosman,
and Joe & Shira Sharp for donating their cars to BRS!
PAID ADVERTISEMENTS
DBA
PAID ADVERTISEMENTS
BAR-ILAN UNIVERSITY:
Innovation
and Jewish Inspiration
Where Scientific
Come Together
Detecting cancer
with gold
is what drives Dr. Dror Fixler, who
has developed a nanotech-based
method for the early diagnosis of
cancer. Dr. Fixler and his team at
the Advanced Light Microscopy
Laboratory at Bar-Ilan University
in Israel have created a non-invasive
optical system, which detects cancer
of the head, neck, tongue and throat.
It has proven itself during its first
human tests.
The patient simply gargles with a
mixture that includes nanoparticles of
gold, which paint the cancer cells. The
success rate is more than 90% says
Fixler, a scientist and rabbi who
believes “God exists in the small things.”
To learn more about Dr. Fixler’s research,
go to www.afbiu.org or call
Ileane Rayman-Kaufman
at 561-229-7013 or email
[email protected]
Jewish and Zionist values are central to
Bar-Ilan’s initiatives in the sciences, law,
nanotechnology, engineering, business, the
humanities and its Medical School in Safed.
PAID ADVERTISEMENTS
BRS WEST RABBI SEARCH FINALISTS
Please share any questions or feedback by contacting any of the
search committee members, whose names are listed below.
Jackie Tripp, Chair
BRS West Search Committee: Donny Cohen, Lance Cohen, Jennifer Epstein,
Sharona Kay, Roger Kurland, Ron Lewittes, Gil Stein and Ashi Weisstuch
RABBI ELI KOHL (SHABBAT OF 3/21/2015)
Rabbi Kohl is currently the Rabbi of the Mount Kisco Hebrew Congregation. He utilizes his musical abilities
to lead High Holiday Services, teach in the local preschool, and he has been invited to perform in other communities. He serves as part of the Pastoral Care team at Northern Westchester Hospital. Previously he served
as the Rabbi of the Orthodox community at the University of Maryland.
Rabbi Kohl grew up in Brooklyn, NY, he attended Yeshivat Hakotel (now known as Netiv Aryeh) in Jerusalem and continued on to Yeshiva University. He completed his Rabbinic studies at RIETS at YU while simultaneously spending three years studying in the Marcos and Adina Katz Kollel program. He also completed
advanced training towards a Certificate from Machon Puah in Reproductive Health and Halacha. While at
YU, He worked in the Mechinah program helping students from all backgrounds transition to YU. He also
spent time with preschoolers teaching kindergarten in Ramaz and more recently he served on the education
staff at Camp Yavneh, teaching a wide variety of classes to children of all ages.
Naomi Kohl completed her BA in Psychology at Stern College for Women, holds an LMSW in Social Work from YU's Wurzweiler
School. She also completed her coursework towards her MA in Jewish Education from the Azrieli School at YU. She is currently the
Alumni Relations Coordinator for SAR Academy and SAR High School in RIverdale, NY. Rabbi Kohl and Naomi have three children
Yisrael (7), Shira (5) and Elana (3).
RABBI RAEL BLUMENTHAL (MID-WEEK, WEEK OF 3/23/2015)
Rabbi Blumenthal currently serves as rabbinic intern at Congregation Keter Torah in Teaneck, NJ and
teaches at Yavneh Academy in Paramus, NJ. Previously he served as the director of Teaneck NCSY. Rabbi
Blumenthal has spent the past 6 summers as a director of NCSY's TJJ program in Israel, and currently trains
advisors in Kiruv and relationship building.
Rabbi Blumenthal was born and raised in South Africa and studied for 3 years in Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh
where he devloped a close relationship with Rav Mendel Blachman. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science from Yeshiva University. He completed his Rabbinic studies at RIETS while studying in Rav
Hershel Schachter's Kollel.
Rabbi Blumenthal is married to Aliza who is a New York native. She received her bachelors in Psychology
from Yeshiva University and her masters in Social Work at Hunter. She works as a therapist at Jewish Family Service in Passaic/
Clifton. Rabbi Blumenthal and Aliza have two children, Ayelet (3), and Dovi (2 mo).
RABBI GIDEON BLACK (SHABBAT OF 3/28/2015)
Rabbi Gideon Black is the OU-JLIC Rabbi at NYU, a role he has held since 2011 in which he serves as the
rabbi for the Orthodox student community on campus, working as part of the Hillel team at the Bronfman
Center for Jewish Student Life. Additionally, Rabbi Black directs the OU-JLIC/YU Fellowship program,
which places rabbinic students on various campuses as interns. Prior to his time at NYU, Rabbi Black held
rabbinic internships at the Riverdale Jewish Center under the tutelage of Rabbi Jonathan Rosenblatt, and at
the Manhattan Jewish Experience.
Rabbi Black was born in Glasgow, Scotland and was raised in London, England. Following high school he
spent two years at Yeshivat Har Etzion (Gush) in Israel. After beginning his undergraduate studies at the
London School of Economics, he received his law degree from University College London and his MA in
Jewish Philosophy from YU's Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, and was ordained by YURIETS in 2011.
Rabbi Black is married to Aliza, who is from Englewood, NJ. In Israel, Aliza studied at Midreshet HaRova after which she majored
in Biology at Stern College. She completed her masters in Physician Assistant Studies at Pace University/Lennox Hill Hospital and
currently works as a PA. The Blacks have two sons, Judah (3) and Natan (1).
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015
25th Annual Journal Dinner
Will take place at Congregation B’Nai Israel, 2200 Yamato Road, Boca Raton, FL
JOIN US AS WE HONOR
Dr. Bernie & Melanie Kaminetsky
JOURNAL HONOREES
Noam & Jill Kaminetzky
KETER SHEM TOV AWARD
Linda Gordon
IN HONOR OF HER 18YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO BRS
Ad Blanks are available in the Shul lobby. For more information or to join the Tribute Committee,
please contact Matthew Hocherman at [email protected].
TRIBUTE COMMITTEE
(In formation)
Sal & Leslie Abady
Dr. Prosper & Pamela Abitbol
Daniel & Dr. Liora Adler**
Asia of Boca Raton
Dr. Albert & Evelyn Begas**
Steven Berkeley & Dr. Rebecca Stern
Howard & Bonnie Block**
Michael & Mirta Brown NEW
BRS Board of Directors NEW
BRS Men’s Club
BRS Sephardic Minyan
BRS Shabbat Morning Haftorah Group
BRS Sisterhood
Dr. Issy & Riwella Bruk*
Butters Construction
CEK Caterers
Dr. Steve & Yael Charlap**
Dr. Mark & Helen Cohan NEW
Donny & Dr. Freyda Cohen**
Drs. Eli & Orlie Cohen**
Dr. Hillel & Chayi Cohen**
Dr. Meyer & Laura Cohen**
Bob & Michelle Diener
Dr. Bob & Elise Dolgow
Leo & Heni Ehrlich***
Chaim & Rebecca Elkoby
Robert & Ruth Epstein
Nachman & Jamie Feig**
Drs. Brian & Sharon Ferber
Alan & Mona Fisher
Dr. Mark & Tilda Fisher**
Martin & Ileana Flics***
Dr. Ben & Cara Freedman**
Michael & Barbara Frenkel**
Hensha Gansbourg**
Tony & Judy Gelbart
Dr. Russel & Lauren Glaun NEW
Rabbi Efrem & Yocheved Goldberg**
Murray & Basheva Goldberg**
Glen & Rosa Golish**
Dr. Eric & Sarah Gordon
Richard & Marlene Gordon
Drs. Charles & Simone Griff**
Gutterman Warheit Memorial Chapel
Stanley & Ana Haar**
Dr. Larry & Debra Halperin**
Dr. Chanoch & Rachel Harow**
Drs. Samuel & Anita Heering
Ben & Hanna Henschel**
Dr. Moshe & Shari Hirth**
Yanki & Lauren Hofstatter**
Dr. Mervin & Elaine Jacobs**
Dr. Bernie & Melanie Kaminetsky***
Daniel & Caroline Katz****
Emerald Pillar Society Member****
Lisa Kaufman - Boca Home Care
Dr. David & Sharona Kay**
Dr. Steven & Marjorie Kellner
King David Catering
Gary & Judi Krasna**
Yaakov Kronfeld**
LAN Infotech
Philip & Jennifer Landau
Levitt-Weinstein Memorial Chapels NEW
Howard & Elayne Levkowitz
Robert & Linda Levy
Drs. Joseph & Seema Loskove**
Dr. David & Reena Makover
Barry & Russel Mannis NEW
Kosher Marketplace
Lothar & Carlyn Mayer***
MDVIP
Stephen & Linda Melcer**
David & Joyce Muller
Paul S. & Lynn H. Pariser****
Bob & Penny Pearlman**
Joe Persky
Dr. Michael & Dana Petrover**
Dr. William & Debbie Rand***
RCI Controls NEW
Rome Aire Services, Inc.
Michael & Jill Rose***
Platinum Pillar Society Member***
Dr. Daniel & Rachel Rudensky**
George & Stephanie Saks*
Dr. Barry & Dana Schechter
Mike Senders**
Larry & Deborah Silver***
Dr. Barry & Judy Silverman
Dr. Leor & Gabriela Skoczylas**
Dr. Zorik & Ellen Spektor**
Eric & Loren Stein
Teddy & Linda Struhl**
Warren & Robin Struhl
Elaine Trachtenberg*
Dr. Benjamin & Donna Tripp
Dr. Jackie & Rachel Tripp
Vazquez & Sons Landscaping
VIP Caterers
Harry & Marilyn Wanderer***
Dr. Neal & Bonnie Weinreb*
Dr. Jonathan & Suri Winograd**
Dr. Jeff & Fay Wolkowicz
Drs. Allen & Amy Wolnerman**
Michael & Risa Zimmerman**
Anonymous**
Anonymous**
Anonymous
Gold Pillar Society Member** Sapphire Pillar Society Member*