Happenings of the Chabad Lubavitch אנ"ש community of Rockland County, New York
Monday, June 29, 2015
Yud Beis Tammuz Farbrengen for Women
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Yud Beis-Gimmel Tammuz Farbrengen at Tzemach Tzedek
Shidduch Group Meeting Tonight
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Parsha Perspective
This week’s Parsha Perspective is dedicated by Mr. Binyomin Philipson in memory of his late mother
Mrs. Ellen (Elka bas Zisel) Philipson OBM.
Have you ever heard of Reb Mendel? He smuggled Jews out of the Soviet Union at the end of World War Two. The Communists gave him fifteen years in the Siberian gulags.
Ever heard of Mumeh Sorah? She did the same, but they never bothered sending her away. For decades her family never knew her yahrtzeit; they still don’t know where, if anywhere, the Communists buried her.
Heard of the mother who backed out of the driveway and pinned her toddler under the rear wheel? She lifted the car by herself and saved her son.
When we ask heroes from where they had the strength to do incredible things, they give weak answers. Inevitably, their answer is “I had to do it,” or to put it differently, they couldn’t not do it. It’s not just modesty that makes them squirm when looking for answers; it is the almost-awkward simplicity. For, regardless of their level of articulation, they cannot come up with any good reason for why they did what they did.
Reasons are powerful motives for doing things. Logic is compelling. But logic is in the head, not the guts. So logic compels our minds to move. A mother’s love is not in the head; therefore all of her moves. Even parts of her she never knew she had move to free her baby from danger. She can’t put it into words, because there are no words in the gut. There is a place so profound that it cannot be made shallow with talk.
And there, right there where the deepest (no, you can’t really even subjugate them to the word) emotions reside, there the Jew has nothing but a visceral connection to G‑d. Not a staid, progressive, links-in-a-chain connection, but a reflexive, instinctive, metal-to-magnet connection. You can’t feel it, and you could live a life without ever knowing it was inside of you. Because like heroes, it doesn’t look to present itself. But if the moment calls for it, the response is automatic and Jewish. (Think of sworn atheists who. when it came down to it gave their lives rather than surrender their identity, or the Jew-in-name-only who, when things were counting on him, came through.) Why? I just couldn’t do anything else.
We have mitzvahs that we like. Family Seders with favorite recipes; Chanukah songs and latkes; Purim plays and Sukkah parties. A melody that lifts you to your feet, a Talmudic insight that dazzles in its elegant simplicity, a Chassidic story that soothes with its empathy. They each relate to a different aspect of our personality and strengthen it Jewishly. But all these precious experiences, for all the growth they give us, do not touch our kishkes. Only the aspect of a Mitzvah which is beyond our intellectual grasp and not within our emotional embrace can resonate so deeply. These mitzvahs are called chukim, and it is with these mitzvahs that this week’s Torah portion begins, Chukas, (Bamidbor [Numbers] 19:1-22:1).
(Excerpts from Chabad.org - by Rabbi Shimon Posner)
Monsey Melamed Trains CGI NY Staff
Rabbi Moshe Wiener, a melamed in Cheder Chabad of Monsey, gave an animated presentation on "Children's Behaviors - Where they come from and how to respond".
Over the few hours spent together, more then 50 counselors were able to learn from his many years of experience as both a melamed and camp director. They are looking forward to a meaningful and positive summer experience for all.
Mesibas Shabbos for Girls
If any girls age 12+ would like to help out, please call Rochel Litzman at 845-222-4824.
Yard Sale to Benefit Cheder Chabad
This Sunday, June 28, (with a rain date of July 5) there will be a yard sale in front of the Wesley Hills Village Hall.
If you have an item to donate, we will split the proceeds with you. What an incredible way to help the Cheder and clean your home. It's a win win!
Please contact Aliza Abel with what you can donate - 917-833-8962.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
New Daily Shiur
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Summer Camp Scholarships
Monday, June 22, 2015
Tutor Available
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Seeking Apartment
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Shabbos Gimmel Tammuz at Tzemach Tzedek
Monsey Anash Uniting for Gimmel Tammuz
We are standing a few of days before Gimmel Tammuz.
People the world over, from all different backgrounds and even many outside of Anash, are preparing in their own way to make the most out of this auspicious day marking the 21st Hillula Kadisha of the Rebbe.
As we all know our community has been continuously growing and spreading in all directions. We already have quite a few shuls and it is continuing to grow with more shuls in the process of forming.
It is self understood that each shul is unique and has its owns style and activities. However, we are after all, one family.
In the last few months I have been working together with representatives from each of the local Chabad shuls to brainstorm on activities that we can develop to help unite and strengthen us as a community b’gashmiyus u’veruchniyus.
In this spirit, all shuls together have organized an event that is taking place this Sunday which is geared to all of the men, women, and children of our community.
Everyone is strongly encouraged to participate and join together with the greater international Anash community to mark this special day.
As a result of our achdus may we be zoche to celebrate Gimmel Tammuz in Yerushalayim!
Zalmen L. Markowitz
For all of the details of the event taking place this Sunday, please click here.
Parsha Perspective
This week’s Parsha Perspective is dedicated by Mr. Binyomin Philipson in memory of his late mother
Mrs. Ellen (Elka bas Zisel) Philipson OBM.
In this week's Parshah Korach (Bamidbor [Numbers] 16:1- 18:32) we read how Korach, a member of the Levitic tribe, challenged Moses' authority and appointed himself to the high priesthood. The Torah teaches that Korach was punished for his insubordination when the earth "opened up its mouth" and swallowed him up.
Let's analyze what Korach did. He gave expression to his soul's awesome and unbridled yearning for the spiritual sublimation of high priesthood. Was that wrong? Every soul is suffused with divine passion. Was Korach meant to restrain his passion for G-d?
The Answer Is: Yes
Yes, even the most sublime strivings of the spirit must be restrained when its passion drives a wedge between ourselves and others.
We know our passion is misdirected when it prompts us to look down on others who have achieved less than us or begrudge those who have achieved more.
We know our passion has led us astray when in our zeal to reach the synagogue we fail to notice the person begging for alms on the road.
We know our passion is toxic when our enthusiasm for Torah prevents us from befriending those who have yet to embrace it themselves.
True love for G-d should not drive us from each other; G-d loves others as much as he loves us.1
Now we understand where Korach went wrong. Korach's zeal for the high priesthood led him to a rebellion that was bitterly divisive. This was the first indicator that his passion for G-d was misguided; his love was not true and his beauty was not pristine. Korach was toxic and had to be stopped.
Spiritual energy that brings us closer to G-d and to others is sacred and must never be stifled. It must radiate through everything we do.
This brand of soul energy is graced with beauty. Every deed, every prayer, every devotion must be infused with it.
(Excerpts from Chabad.org – by Rabbi Lazer Gurkow)
Gimmel Tamuz with Rabbi YY Jacobson in Monsey
All programs are for men and women.
Shabbos Gimmel Tamuz at Or Chaim (22 Forshay Road):
Shabbos morning Chassidus: 9:00 AM
Shacharis: 10:00 AM sharp
Sermon: 11:30 AM
Kiddush and Farbrengen: 12:15 PM
Lecture on "What I Learnt from the Lubavitcher Rebbe" for the entire community (20 Forshay Road): 6:30 PM
Grand Sholosh Seudos with Nigunim and Maamar by Rabbi Jacobson: 8:00 PM
Sunday Daled Tammuz:
Sunday morning Shuir on the topic of "The Real Story Behind Hitting the Rock" (at Ohr Chaim): 9:30 AM
Learning the Rebbe's Torah with Rabbi Jacobson simultaneous with children rally (at Tzemach Tzedek): 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Mazel Tov Lefkowitzs - L'chaim!
The l'chaim will take place tonight, Thursday, at Rubashkin, 1349 President Street in Crown Heights.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Monday, June 15, 2015
A Million For the Shluchim’s Children
Chof Ches Sivan Farbrengen Tonight
Seeking Ride
Seeking Bunkbed
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Friday, June 12, 2015
Mazel Tov Goodfriends!
Shifra and Puah arranges meals for mothers of newborn children in our community. If you are able to cook a meal, please sign up on MealTrain or contact Karen Schild at 845-354-4898 or karenschild@yahoo.com.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Parsha Perspective
This week’s Parsha Perspective is dedicated by Mr. Binyomin Philipson in memory of his late mother
Mrs. Ellen (Elka bas Zisel) Philipson OBM.
A Chosid and follower of the Rebbe suffered tremendous back pains, and after unsuccessfully trying many medications and treatments, all the specialists he visited advised him that surgery was the only way to be cured. When the Rebbe was asked for advice, he implied that surgery was unnecessary; there must be a cream on the market which could solve the problem! But the doctors insisted that they know of no alternative to surgery.
Finally, this chossid visited Dr. Avrohom Seligson (the Rebbe's personal doctor and a devoted Chassid). Dr. Seligson, who was not a back specialist, checked the Chossid and prescribed an ointment for his back. Indeed, until his passing more than twenty years later, this Chossid never suffered any back pains.
When Dr. Seligson was asked how he knew to prescribe the particular cream, when all the specialists thought that surgery was the only option, he responded: "The results of the check-up indicated that he needed surgery—but the Rebbe said that this wasn't the case. I realized that the Rebbe merely wanted a 'vessel' through which a miracle could be manifest, so I prescribed the simplest and cheapest cream available on the market!"
In this week’s Torah portion Shlach (Bamidbor [Numbers] 13:1-15:41), the Torah tells of the spies Moses sent to Israel, in advance of the Jews entering the Land. The spies' reconnaissance mission to Canaan was intended to gather intelligence information about the enemy. They were told to scout the lay of the land, as well as its natural and man-made fortifications. They were to report on the enemy's strengths and weaknesses, and the natural resources they could rely on during times of battle. This information would be used to formulate an appropriate combat strategy for the impending battle to conquer the Holy Land.
The spies – all of whom were upright and pious people with unquestionable integrity – faithfully went about their task, but what they saw concerned them greatly: the Canaanites were a powerful nation, gargantuan people with awesome strength. There was no way, the spies concluded, for the Israelites to achieve a natural victory against the formidable Canaanite foe. "We are unable to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we," they declared!
Yet this honest conclusion had disastrous results. G‑d was highly displeased with their report, the reaction it engendered and it caused the premature demise of the entire generation which left Egypt. Where did the spies go wrong?
The Rebbe explains that the spies erred in assuming that they had to reach a conclusion. They were told to go to Canaan and bring back dry facts: the nature of the land and its population etc. They were not asked to render a decision regarding the feasibility of conquering the land. G‑d had promised the Jews a military victory against the Canaanites, and therefore that was not a debatable issue. The question wasn't if it could be done, but rather how it would be done.
The same is true with our personal lives. We all are "sent on a mission" to this world, to illuminate our surroundings with the radiance of Torah and mitzvot. Often the opposition seems to be too formidable; the obstacles to observing Torah and His Mitzvot appear to be insurmountable. When these thoughts enter our minds we must remember that if G‑d charged us with the mission it certainly can be carried out. Our job is only to figure out how to do it.
(Excerpts from Chabad.org - by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg)
R' Mendel Groner to Farbreng at Tzemach Tzedek This Shabbos
Please join us for this very special, uplifting Shabbos.
As Shabbos Mevorachim blesses, and is therefore connected to, the entire month of Tammuz, Chodesh HaGeula and the awesome days of Gimmel Tammuz and Yud-Bais/Yud-Gimmel Tammuz, all are invited to take part in sponsoring this special Shabbos and farbrengen, and all of the brochas connected to it. As the saying goes, what a farbrengen can accomplish, even Malach Michoel can not.
To become a sponsor, please contact Avraham Hayman at 845-269-1787 or avrahamhayman@gmail.com.
Help Pack Food Packages at Tomchei Shabbos
Time: 8:30 PM – 9:45 PM
Maariv: 9:45 PM
Address: Spook Rock Industrial Park Building E (3rd building on the right)
We look forward to seeing you!
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Chidon Sefer HaMitzvos Winners
Monday, June 8, 2015
Friday, June 5, 2015
Parsha Perspective
By Rabbi Yisroel Shusterman
This week’s Parsha Perspective is dedicated by Mr. Binyomin Philipson in memory of his mother, Mrs. Ellen (Elka bas Zisel) Philipson OBM.
Nobody wants to play the Indian, we all want to be the chief. The maids of honor are only in the picture to complement the bride. It's obvious; the headman gets all the rank and prestige and the bride gets all the presents. There is no shame in wanting to stride first down the red carpet of life but for better or worse some people do need to hang back in the processional.
The Jews were on their long trek to the Promised Land. Contrary to popular belief, this was no unruly mob resentfully scrabbling their way through the desert, but a highly motivated and organized nation, marching in military formation and in orderly succession. The princely tribe of Judah marched at the front with all due pomp and ceremony. Following them were the holy Levites, bearers of the Tabernacle, together with the high and mighty firstborn tribes. Bringing up the rear, last and possibly least, were the lowly grouping that belonged to the tribe of Dan.
Remarkably, the Dannites were the only regimental division to be honored with a description of purpose. "The camp of Dan, the collectors."1 Though it sounds like a rock band or an obsessive group of rare coin fanatics, the title "collectors" reflects their unique position in the social order.
With hundreds of thousands of Jews packing up and breaking camp simultaneously, it was inevitable that some items of value would be inadvertently left behind. The job of these back-end tribes was to collect those valuables and restore them to their owners. In fact this remarkable facility for cleaning up after themselves may well explain why so little overt evidence has ever been found of our ancestors' sojourn in the desert.
There are those who live their lives in the fast lane, striding off imperviously into the sunset, never looking back, not worrying about those who fall behind. Others live more circumspectly; not for them the bold gestures or the over-hasty decision, they live their lives for others and are there to pick up the pieces when you fall.
When it comes to deciding on one's future career path, it is tempting to imagine your name up in lights; headlining the show and earning all the applause. But from the Torah's perspective there is much to be admired about those who stand back, ready to shoulder the load for others. Somewhere out there, there are people who need your help. If you are too focused on your own journey you won't hear their cry nor feel their pain. We have to be ready and waiting for the opportunity to help others, even at the cost of our own self-gratification.
The leaders may get the kudos, but the real heroes of life are those quiet collectors at the rear.
(Excerpts from Chabad.org - by Rabbi Elisha Greenbaum)
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Davening Times for Lazarus Shiva
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Mazel Tov Rabbi & Rebbetzin Lesches!
Millions for Chesed for the Next 24 Hours
Monday, June 1, 2015
R' Shlomo Lazarus Sitting Shiva
We are deeply saddened to inform you that Reb Shlomo Lazarus will be sitting shiva for his mother at 252 H Blueberry Hill from Tuesday, June 2 until Sunday morning, June 7.
.המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
Seeking Ride
Families Enjoy Shavuos Retreat
The participants returned home inspired, invigorated and looking forward to their next retreat. Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe served as the scholar-in-residence and the gourmet meals were catered by Rabbi Yisroel Silverstein and Rabbi Avrohom Siegel.
In addition to offering the broad variety of in-depth Torah study and recreational opportunities the men engaged in, and those offered to the women, the children enjoyed a range of organized activities, spiritual and physical.
Gan Israel Retreat has already begun planning for their upcoming retreats on Labor Day Weekend, Rosh HaShanah, and Sukkos, which it anticipates will reach maximum capacity as quickly as the Shavuos retreat did.
For information about upcoming retreats please call 845.425.0903, email info@CGIPoconos.org, or visit www.CGIPoconos.org.
Support Local Shlichus & Be In It To Win
With an estimated 1,000 Jewish students at RCC there is much work to be done. Many students have very little Jewish affiliation and many have grown up in observant homes but have drifted away or had negative experiences. With your help and by becoming a partner in this work, you can really make a difference!
Please buy some tickets today here.