kol beth aaron

September 2016 1 2 2 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 8-9 10 11 12, 13 14, 15 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 17 18 19 20 21

INDEX

From the President Monthly Review Beth Aaron Officers There’s an App for That Upcoming Events Beth Aaron Contacts Profile: Shanah & Jesse Giles Siyum & Sausages Rabbi Shalom Hammer Tisha B’Av Tidbits Beit Yatir A Tribute to My Father The PayPal Giving Fund Beth Aaron News Who to Contact at Beth Aaron Weekly Shiurim See Someone, Say Something Programming Volunteering Condolence Cards Candy Bags Tree of Life Memorial Plaques Movie Rentals NCSY Children’s Corner by Gavriella Hagler Stop and Smell the Roses Word Search Crossword Puzzle Banim Mitpalelim Men’s Club Kiddush

September CALENDAR September YAHRTZEIT lIST Please note that you must be logged into the website to view the yahrtzeit list.

1

Kol Beth Aaron

Elul 5776

From the President

Do you “like” Beth Aaron? Did you know the shul has a Facebook page and is on Twitter? No, you say? If you did not know this, you’re not alone. As of August, something that you may call “social media” is “new” to Beth Aaron, although we have had it for some time. “Social media” is defined by Merriam Webster’s dictionary as a “form of electronic communication through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content.” While I admit that I do not have Facebook or Twitter (call me old-fashioned), I know many people in the shul who do and are quite active users. If you are someone who does follow social media, I am told that you need to “like” us at Beth Aaron to start getting our information feed. Once you “like” us, you will be able to start talking to your friends about joining many of the programs that Beth Aaron currently offers and will be offering in the future. Several months ago, Mordechai Ungar, our VP of Programming, sent out a survey to get your feedback on all aspects of our shul’s programming. As a result of your valuable input, many people and groups came together, led by Mordechai, to plan and develop programming to meet the needs of our large, growing, and diverse membership. Most recently, you saw an e-mail (included in this month’s KBA) that provides a glimpse of that programming over the next few months. I know this programming will help us, as a kehilla, to grow, to be inspired, and to be educated. It also will allow us to socialize, meet new people, nurture and develop new relationships, be entertained, relax, and have fun. The use of social media is an additional way to actively inform you about all our programming activities. However, more so than traditional communications (some may disagree with this comment), social media allows you to share content, connect with friends, and invite them to join you at the various Beth Aaron programs and activities. I invite and encourage you to share our programming with your friends. As the world has become smaller, friends are no longer just folks who daven at Beth Aaron, but may be people who either live elsewhere in Teaneck or even outside of Bergen County. Rabbi Frand in Parashat Behar asks a simple question. At time of Yovel, the Torah (Vayikra 25:9) requires that we “blow the shofar throughout the land”; the question is why. Rabbi Frand suggests that slave owners were required to release their slaves at this time, and the blowing of the shofar was a calendar alert. Yet isn’t it obvious that owners know the exact date when their slaves need to be freed? It would definitely be on the community calendar. Why then did the Torah require that people blow the shofar? Rabbi Frand provides a very insightful answer that I believe we can all learn from. Peer pressure usually is something that we see and is thought of as a negative. It causes people to do something they may not necessarily want to do, but are compelled to do. Keeping up with the proverbial Cohens (no offense to our Cohen families) is a concept that I am sure you understand and are familiar with. Rabbi Frand is telling us that we can make peer pressure a positive experience. By hearing the blowing of the shofar, every slave owner will be showing their neighbors that they are fulfilling their obligations/mitzvot and will therefore not harbor ill feelings when their neighbors are doing the same. I believe that we can learn the same concept with social media. If you are on social media, “like” Beth Aaron and ask your friends to join you at our fantastic programs that I am confident you will enjoy. Isaac Hagler

Beth Aaron Officers 2016-2017 President Isaac Hagler 1st Vice President Steven Hoenig 2nd Vice President Moishe Singer Vice President Finance Josh Klavan Vice President Programming Mordechai Ungar Treasurer Micah Kaufman Secretary Ariel Zell Financial Secretary Pinny Wechter

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT Check out the free Beth Aaron app at the Apple app store and the Google Play Store for Android.

2

MONTHLY REVIEW: AUGUST AT CONGREGATION BETH AARON by Isaac Hagler • On August 6, Parshiot Matot-Masei, between Mincha and Maariv, Rabbi Neil Lauer spoke on the topic of “Kiss Your Donkey Goodbye? The Message Behind Bilam’s Death.” Rabbi Lauer analyzed the issue of how one is to understand the message the Torah is communicating by announcing the death of Bilam. He developed two approaches to the question, based on the various explanations offered by the Mefarshim to the issues surrounding Bilam’s death, such as what he was doing in Midian during the war, who killed him, and on what basis was he killed. • On Sunday morning, August 7, Rabbi Shalom Hammer discussed “A Time to Unite with Tzahal: The Challenges of Ideology in the IDF Today – Purification and Preservation.” Rabbi Hammer, a contributing editor to the Jerusalem Post and the author of four books, serves as a lecturer for the IDF. He is the founder of Makom Meshutaf, www.makommeshutaf.com, which offers lectures on Judaism to secular kibbutzim throughout Israel. A light breakfast was served before the presentation. (For his comments, see article by Arvin Levine on page 6.) • On Sunday evening, August 7, the shul screened the film “Sh’eiris Hapleitah,” produced by the Yizkereim – Rabbi Leib Geliebter Memorial Foundation. The film represents the inspirational narrative of the concentration camp survivors after their liberation and their early existence in Displaced Persons camps. The film focused on their tremendous resilience and determination to rebuild their shattered lives and rekindle Torah life. The film spoke of righteous individuals and organizations that were responsible for bringing “life” back to the Sh’eiris Hapleitah, including Lieutenant Mayer Birnbaum, Mike Tress, Rabbi Leib Geliebter, Rabbi Eliezer Silver, and the Klausenburger Rebbe, each of whom gave their own mesirat nefesh and moved mountains to provide the Sh’eiris Hapleitah with kosher food, clothes, siddurim, tallitot and tefilin, seforim, etc., thus restoring bitachon and morale to people who had been beaten and demoralized for so long. The United States was unable to deal with the Sh’eiris Hapleitah, leaving it to organizations such as the Agudas Yisrael and the Va’ad Hatzaloah to mobilize their efforts. One particularly heartening story told in the film involved Mike Tress and Lt. Birnbaum, who tried to match survivors with living relatives in the States by paying for ads in the local Jewish papers. Those who responded enabled survivors to immigrate to the United States, as they could come only if a relative sponsored them. • On Wednesday August 10, the Men’s Club celebrated the siyum of Masechet Taanit at a program called “Siyum and Sausage.” Organizer David Goldberg noted that “coming together as a community during historically tragic times to celebrate a siyum and Torah – which is what helped us survive those historically tragic times – is truly what will help us get together to bring Mashiach.”

Tisha B’Av – August 13-14 • Rabbi Rothwachs spoke before Maariv on Erev Tisha B’Av, August 13, on the topic of “‫שנאת חנם‬: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment.” • During the 8:45 a.m. Shacharit, Rabbi Rothwachs took selected kinot and explained them in a meaningful way to gain a better appreciation of this solemn day. • The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation featured a video presentation entitled “Opening the Door: The Power of Ahavat Yisrael to Unlock the Geulah,” featuring Rabbis Yitzchok Grossman, Yissocher Frand, and Paysach Krohn. Each spoke powerfully in his own unique way to stress the point that the geulah will not come until we each recognize our relationship with our fellow Jews in an active way through love and respect. • Project Inspire presented a film entitled “The Formula: How to Achieve Guaranteed Success in Ahavas Yisrael and Bringing Hashem’s Children Back to Torah.” Rabbi Yaakov Solomon interviewed individuals who have been touched by normal everyday people (not kiruv professionals). The film searches for the “formula” in which people can approach kiruv. Roshei Yeshiva Harav Hillel David from Yeshiva Shaarei Torah and Harav Aryeh Malkiel Kotler from Beis Medrash Govoha in Lakewood offered remarks and insights. • Rabbi Benjamin Yablok provided a shiur and a multimedia presentation on the topic of “Bar Kochba – Prince, General, Messiah?” Rabbi Yablok’s presentation referred to literary, archaeological and numismatic sources to examine what has been believed and what can be proved about the “Second Jewish Revolt against Rome” and the long-standing questions about the event and its hero. (continued on page 23)

UPCOMING EVENTS AT CONGREGATION BETH AARON We hope you will put these events on your personal calendar and join us at these programs. • Sunday, September 4, following the 8:00 a.m. minyan: Rabbi Neil Lauer will offer a yahrtzeit shiur in memory of his father on the topic “Potato Potahto, Tomato Tomahto? Why Can’t We Just Agree to Disagree Regarding Kale Erech Apayim?” • Shabbat, September 10, at 4:00 p.m.: The Sisterhood Book Club will discuss Let There Be Water by Seth Siegel, a nonfiction book that is the selection for next year’s Jewish Federation One Book, One Community event. • Monday evening, September 12: Come hear former Knesset Member Rabbi Dov Lipman represent Nefesh B’Nefesh at Beth Aaron. • Shabbat, September 16-17: The Adult Education Committee kicks off its schedule. Join your fellow congregants in welcoming Dr. David Lieberman, an author with a renowned insight into the human condition. • Shabbat, September 17, at 4:45 p.m.: Sisterhood Seudah Shlishit at the Rothwachs home, 288 Schley Place. To sign up, please visit PerfectPotluck.com and locate the schedule by coordinator last name (Weisinger) and password (sisterhood). • Sunday, September 18, at 8:15 p.m.: Bowl with Beth Aaron! We hope you will join fellow congregants at at Bowler City in Hackensack for an evening of fun and sportsmanship and earn bragging rights for being the best bowler in the shul! The bowling night is co-sponsored by the Beth Aaron Sisterhood and Men’s Club. Sign up at www.bethaaron.org/event/bowling2016. • Tuesday, September 20, following the 8:00 p.m. Maariv: Sports fans and Israel boosters alike will enjoy a presentation by Israel’s World Baseball Clinic team. Come hear from team players and coaches about the history and the growth of baseball in Israel today. Tickets to one of their late September Coney Island games will be raffled off. • Motzaei Shabbat, September 24, Rabbi Rothwachs will lead a kumsitz to usher in the Selichot season. More details to follow. • Mid-October: A collection box will be placed in the lobby for used winter coats, as part of the Jewish Federation’s Mitzvah Day. • Motzaei Shabbat, October 29: We have not forgotten about Israel Movie Night. Come join us for our first screening (the film is yet to be selected) and enjoy the popcorn, too! • November: Rabbi Rothwachs is planning an exciting series of lectures and new learning opportunities. Stay tuned for more information! • Sunday, November 6: Join Sisterhood for special program, Naomi Nachman, with an Aussie Gourmet Cooking Demonstration. In addition to the above events, ongoing programs, such as the weekly Gemara shiur, will continue.

3

Beth Aaron Contacts Kiddush Ari Gononsky [email protected] Library Mitch First & Josh Zakheim [email protected] Membership Sheryl Dubin [email protected] Men’s Club Moishe B. Singer, President [email protected] Sisterhood Deena Fisher & Sari Samuel, Co-Presidents [email protected] Youth Erica & Jason David [email protected] Security David Fisher & Yakov Eizik [email protected]

Profile:

shanaH & Jesse giles It was the vibrant Jewish community that brought Shanah Gutman and Jesse Giles from the Grammercy Park area of Manhattan to Teaneck, but it was minyanim and restaurants that sealed the deal. Jesse likes to daven where he can easily find a minyan, and Teaneck certainly has a selection, at various times. And there are so many food options here, Jesse explained, noting that they have no favorite cuisine. Rather, they enjoy a wide variety of food and like the many options available. Jesse grew up in Fresh Meadows in Queens and Shanah in Suffolk County on Long Island. When they decided to leave Manhattan, homes were too expensive and too small in Queens, and neither wanted to live on Long Island. It was word-of-mouth about Jewish life in Bergen County that brought them to the other side of the Hudson River. Shanah and Jesse worked with a broker to see homes in both Englewood and Teaneck; in Teaneck, they looked both on this side and the other side. Once they found their new home on Queen Anne Road, they tried just about all the shuls in the neighborhood, he said, finally settling on Beth Aaron. “We chose Beth Aaron because it has many learning opportunities, a robust daily davening schedule, groups for the children, an inspiring Rabbi, and a nice building,” he explained, adding that it also is close to their home. Over the past two years, Jesse (a business lawyer), Shanah (a Planning Associate Director) and their children Maya (aged 4) and Avri (aged 2) have integrated into the Beth Aaron community. “We know a lot of people in the shul, and our neighbors also go to Beth Aaron,” he said. “People here are very nice, and it’s easy to get involved.” And so Jesse has; in June, he was elected to the Board. The shul’s main selling point, according to Jesse, is that “there are many programs for children. Second, the community is very strong, and people are very friendly; and third, the many minyan options leave you with no excuse for not going to shul.” Recently, more young families have joined the shul, he said, adding that he knows “several families who have decided to join Beth Aaron because of the children’s groups.” The outreach, too, makes a big difference, said Jesse, commenting that Felicia Hoenig makes new neighbors feel welcome, arranges meals at members’ home, etc. “The Young Families Seudah Shlishit in the early summer is a good way to meet people.” “This is a great neighborhood with many shul and food options,” he said, noting that he enjoys “being part of a community with something for everyone. After Teaneck, there is nowhere else to go but Israel.”

4

Siyum & Sausages by David Goldberg When we left off last month, the planning stage was done, and publicity was in full swing. The next part – the shopping. Isaac Hagler was kind enough to reach out to Cedar Market and start a dialogue about providing food for the event. They, in turn, granted us a generous discount on the sausages. Everything else, I bought at Costco and ShopRite. Meanwhile, event registrations started coming in. I checked in with Rabbi Rosen – the star of the show – to ensure all was good with him, and it was. Steve Schaffer was kind enough to volunteer to help with the setup, so I emailed him and Larry Kahn to ask them to come an hour early. A few days prior to the event, I emailed the attendees to let them know the agenda for the evening. We all set up the yard with tables and chairs, warmed up the side dishes, got the drinks ready, and set the tables. Larry started grilling, and everything was running smoothly. We started promptly at 7:05 with Mincha on the deck. After Mincha, Rabbi Rosen began the siyum. He masterfully took us through a review of the masechta (Ta’anit), followed by the last lines of the Gemara, and then the Hadran and the Kaddish. Then, washing and dinner. Twenty-four guests attended the event. Everyone enjoyed five different kinds of sausage, along with rolls, sauerkraut, grilled peppers and onions, cole slaw, corn on the cob, and french fries. Larry worked the grill, and everyone pitched in to help set up, bring out food, and clean up. We took a break as it got dark for Maariv, and then said Birkat Hamazon together. It was a bit of a sticky night out, but I made sure there were plenty of ice cold drinks so that everyone stayed hydrated. The rain was threatening… but it never came. All told, we raised nearly $400 for our shul. Thank you to everyone who attended, and everyone for your support. IY”H, we’ll do it again next year, because coming together as a community during historically tragic times to celebrate a siyum and Torah – which is what helped us survive those historically tragic times – is truly what will help us get together to bring Mashiach.

“Yasher Koach! Siyum and sausage -- perfect together!” Sandy Zlotnick “Great food, great learning, and great company.” Alvin Reinstein “Great time!” George Friedman “The Siyum was a great idea that united us with Torah, good food and friends.” Isaac Hagler

5

Rabbi Shalom Hammer by Arvin Levine On Sunday morning, August 7, Congregation Beth Aaron hosted a Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi Shalom Hammer, founder of Makom Meshutaf in Israel. His topic was “A Time to Unite with Tzahal: The Challenges of Ideology in the IDF Today -- Purification and Preservation.” In his talk, he explained how he brings Zionism to Israelis. Sounds crazy, no? Like bringing coals to Newcastle or Modern Orthodoxy to Teaneck. It turns out that his message – that Israel is more than just a country; more than just a modern democratic state in the Middle East; more than a place for Jews to go, visit, and live, and that Israel is the future and hope for the fulfillment of the broadest, God-given potential of the Jewish people – is one that needs to be presented, discussed, and publicized, especially in the twenty-first century. That message is one that can unify the religious and secular Jews in Israel and beyond. Rabbi Hammer told the story of the Israeli Army commander who required all officer training candidates to attend one Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service in the course of their training – not necessarily to pray or to believe in God, but to connect to that segment of the army and the nation that does so. The longer version of the story, as Rabbi Hammer learned firsthand from that secular general, is that the synagogue is still the central gathering place (the Beit Knesset in a literal sense) for all Jews, religious or secular. It is the place you go to when there is no other place to go. And the army officers need to understand and feel this connection. Rabbi Hammer spoke of the workshops, lectures, and unique programming that promote a Judaism which is supportive and accepting. Different approaches and methods, from personal contacts to regular lectures to distributing tefillin and other religious materials, emphasize Jewish values, Jewish history, Jewish tradition, and a strong connection to our nation and land, without being coercive or condescending. The overall goal is to infuse the spirit of the Torah and teach the history of and promote the values of Zionism. Makom Meshutaf is a subsidized non-profit organization that provides services to Tzahal, extending the activities of the army rabbinate to 10,000 religious and non-religious soldiers a month, as well as reaching kibbutzim and moshavim with its programs. It is a “low overhead” 501(c)(3) organization that can be reached through its website, http://makommeshutaf.com/ or by mail in the U.S. as Ezras Israel, 11 Stuyvesant Place, Lawrence, NY 11559. You can email [email protected] for more information.

6

Tisha B’av Tidbits by Heather & Isaac Hagler As we take leave of Tisha B’Av, it is important to reflect on some of the things that we learned from our robust schedule that included the Chofetz Chaim and Project Inspire films, our multimedia presentation from Rabbi Yablok, and the many shiurim and insights provided to us by Rabbi Rothwachs. If we can take some of these lessons with us post-Tisha B’Av, we will, God willing, celebrate the 9th of Av next year as a chag with sasson and simcha. The first takeaway we learned from Rabbi Yitzchak Grossman is the concept that we can do something small to fulfill Ahavat Yisrael. We don’t know what impact a small action can have on someone. He told the story of a child in Meiron, Israel, who was living in a cave because he was hiding from the police and afraid he was going to get caught. At nighttime, this child would come out to look for food. Nearby, a tisch was held by a Rebbe whose shamash was giving out kugel. The child attempted to take some kugel and was harshly reprimanded by the shamash. Rabbi Grossman, seeing what happened, took a piece of kugel and looked for the boy to feed him and make him feel better. The child took the kugel, opened up to Rabbi Grossman, and told him his story. Rabbi Grossman worked with the child to make things right, and, as a result, the child went back to his family and to yeshiva. Who knows where this child would be if not for this small but kind act? We should all remember that “Anachnu Achim” (we are all related), says Rabbi Paysach Krohn. He related the story of a Rav, who while riding in a cab in Israel, noticed the cab driver was not religious, and started a conversation with him. “Anachnu Achim,” said the Rav to his cabbie. “Let’s chat.” The cabbie said in return, “Anachnu ‘lo’ (with an aleph) Achim, and there really isn’t much to talk about.” However, the Rav responded to the cabbie that his teachers always taught him the concept of “Anachnu Achim.” The cabbie, trying to be smart, said he never went to yeshiva and could not have learned from the same teachers. Rabbi Krohn then told the cabbie that they each shared the same teacher from whom they both learned this concept. “Who was that teacher?” the cabbie asked. The Rav responded, “Hitler, yimach shemo, lumped all Jews together as one; it did not matter to him whether a person was religious or irreligious, or which mitzvot he/she kept, etc. We each have an obligation to speak kindly and with respect to each other irrespective of background, education, or how many mitzvot a person does and does not do.” Rabbi Krohn also gave the example of Rav Zalman Auerbach, who, just before Pesach, asked his nephew to give envelopes to a number of poor people in the area. This had to be done immediately after Biur Chametz and could not wait. Rav Zalman’s nephew did what his uncle told him to do, even though he was very busy. While making the deliveries, the nephew noticed that each envelope contained tzedakah, as well as tickets to the Biblical Zoo. During Chol ha-Mo’ed, the nephew asked his uncle to explain what he did and why there was such a rush to do this on Erev Pesach. Rav Auerbach explained that all the children would be talking about what they would be doing on Chol ha-Mo’ed, but the poor children, who were not going to go anywhere, would feel left out, and would be sad. He gave them the tickets so the children would be happy during Yom Tov and be able to tell their classmates that they were going somewhere, too. Rabbi Krohn explained that we learn from this story how we need to be sensitive to people and always think consciously about how we interact with them. This is true Ahavat Yisrael that will hasten the Geulah. He pointed out that the words “silent” and “listen” have the same letters for a reason. A person who listens needs to be silent. During aveilut, Rabbi Rothwachs explained in his Aveilut series, visiting with the Aveil is more important than saying anything to an Aveil. The purpose is to show the Aveil that we share his pain, which is comfort in itself. Rabbi Frand read from a Gemara that relates the story of the carpenter’s apprentice who deceptively arranged for his mentor to divorce his wife so that he could marry her. The Gemara says this is what caused the decree to destroy the Beit ha-Mikdash. Others ask how deceptively marrying someone’s divorced wife caused a punishment for everyone that resulted in the destruction of the Beit ha-Mikdash. Rabbi Frand answers that this type of behavior was rampant, became normal, and no one stopped it. They let it manifest. This is where Rabbi Frand tells us of the concept of “don’t do to others what we would not want done to ourselves.” If we each remember this, our actions will be more thoughtful, and the result would be more Ahavat Yisrael. When a person truly understands this and puts it into practice, he or she will have a closer relationship with people and with God. Rabbi Yaakov Solomon talked to both unaffiliated Jews and those who have tried to reach out to them. He learned that what works for one person may not work for another. However, the most important notion to take away is that the effort associated with Ahavat Yisrael is a key component of Kiruv. Small steps can go a long way. One never knows the impact that kindness and caring has on others in the short-term or in future generations. One never knows what a kind word, a thank you, a Kiddush Hashem will do for kiruv.

7

BEIT YATIR:

The KAITANA EXPERIENCES FLORA AND FAUNA

by Sandy Bloom

Here in Beit Yatir, we like to pride ourselves on the fact that we are, in fact, a moshav. Even though it is true that most of us don’t work in agriculture or in the refet (cow shed), we like the fact that we are close to nature. In past years, however, more stringent government laws and other related changes have distanced us from countryside animals and wildlife. For example, we can’t take our children to see a milking cycle in the refet whenever we feel like it (insurance issues). Even when we make a trip to the orchards, we are kept at arm’s distance from the fruit (new fences were put up to keep local thieves at bay.). So this summer, the Kaitana decided to do something about all this and acquaint the children with local flora and fauna. Everyone agrees that the most fascinating activity was when a female bee-keeper (from Neguhot, another yishuv in our area) came with her bee-keeper suit and explained to the children how honey is produced by the bees and how the bee-keepers protect themselves. They were fascinated by the activity and loved being photographed in the bee-keeper protective clothing. Many children had been afraid of dogs. So, one day, a dog-trainer came with his dogs and explained to the children how these animals can be domesticated and even trained to help blind people navigate their worlds. “It was amazing how children who had been afraid of dogs and other animals really changed in the course of the activities,” Zahava Quinn, the Kaitana coordinator, told me. “And they learned what to do and not do around dogs and other animals.” Then there was one “down-to-earth” activity of which the parents were warned in advance. “We live on a moshav and wanted the children to ‘connect’ to the earth, so we brought someone (from Mitzpe Yair, also in our regional council) to teach the children the benefits of . . . mud!” There was “therapeutic” value to this, as some children were over-sensitive to touch (so I was told). They really loved diving into the mud and, together, fashioned a whale out of the mix of mud, straw, and recycled old plastic bottles. “Since the parents were forewarned,” she explained, “our charges wore old clothes and came with a change of clothing!” Even activities that didn’t involve animals/earth, such as a talk and demonstration by a volunteer firefighter from nearby Susya, had one thing in common: almost all were delivered by local people from the Har Hevron area or Kiryat Arba. Many of them didn’t charge for their time, and each one had an educational message or a theme connected to our world. “For example, someone brought snakes in a large cage and spoke to the children about them, explaining how to tell a poisonous snake from a harmless one and what to do if they spotted a suspicious snake,” Zehava said. At this point, her son proudly brought me a picture taken of him with an enormous snake wrapped around his neck. At Yatir itself, the children spent time in the Techiya Horse Ranch with Ariella Bar, where they rode ponies and learned about proper care and treatment of horses. Another “traditional” activity was at Yatir’s refet to see a milking. Itai, a Yatir member and head of the refet, explained the whole milking process and cycle with a quiz at the end. The children were fascinated. The last “traditional” activity of the Kaitana, “A Day with the Soldiers,” had a different twist this year. Usually, the counselors take the children to the army base just a few minutes from the yishuv, and the chayalim (soldiers) greet them there. This year, a group of five soldiers came to Yatir to meet the Kaitana. They led a mock-army activity of their own, in which the children had to clean up the Kaitana room and the yard outside, spick-andspan, spotless, on the double! The counselors very much appreciated that little touch. We want to thank Congregation Beth Aaron again for helping subsidize the annual Kaitana so that it is affordable for our families. Sometimes, people from outside the yishuv hear how much Yatir charges for the three-week Kaitana and ask how we keep our costs down so much. “We have a wonderful kehilla in New Jersey that helps us,” I always say. Our best wishes, Sandy Bloom, on behalf of Beit Yatir

8

9

A Tribute to My Father



by David Hes My father, Walter Hes, he-chaver Binyamin ben Mordechai, z”l, was given the greatest bracha by the Almighty, that of arichat yamim ve-shanim. And not only did he live a long life, but he lived a full and productive life. But just in case you thought his length of days was genetically predetermined, a little history is in order first. My father was orphaned at the age of 17 – and both of his parents died of natural causes. While being looked after by an uncle and aunt, he travelled to the Wurzburg Seminary in northern Germany, where he learned Torah, chazanut, and other aspects of klai kodesh. In 1937, he was notified that a small shul nearby was in need of a chazzan. My father applied and got the job. There he met a young lady by the name of Luise Moses, who in 1939 became Mrs. Luise Hes. Shortly after my parents were married, the Nazis threw them into jail. The warden had a small streak of decency and released them after two weeks. He also suggested that they leave the country as soon as possible. Through some connections, my father was able to travel to England and, shortly thereafter, was successful in obtaining a visa for his wife and sister as well. My mother left Germany immediately and traveled by train to England. His sister wanted to pack a few belongings first and follow them to England a few days later. But by then, there were no more trains to England, and my aunt never got out of Germany. My mother had taken the last train. My parents arrived in New York on Erev Pesach 1940. I was never told whether they burned chametz that day, but they certainly felt great gratitude to Hashem for having escaped a churban. In 1941, the United States entered the World War, and my father was given a physical to qualify him to fight for the Allies overseas. But when they administered an EKG, a minor flaw was detected. He was thus exempted from combat duty and became instead an Assistant Chaplain in the Army, travelling with my mother all over the country. Fortunately, despite the minor irregularity in his heart, his last birthday was his 101st. Perhaps we should all wish for a similar flaw in our hearts! Who was my father? Some years ago, I had a weekly chavruta with a friend, and we decided to learn the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah together. When we started learning Hilchot De’ot, the Rambam’s prescription for how to live one’s life, I kept thinking to myself: “Hey, you know what? That’s my father!” The essence of the Rambam’s recommendations is to follow derech ha-emtza’it – the middle path. Don’t do anything to excess – not too much, not too little. My father personified the Rambam’s derech ha-emtza’it. He did nothing in extremes, and he was always in full control in all aspects of life. The Rambam virtually assures us that if we can manage to live according to this middle path, God will grant us a long and blessed life. Who can argue with the Rambam? My father didn’t see the inside of a hospital room as an in-patient until he was well into his 90s. And even then, most of his hospital visits involved false alarms or matters easily taken care of. Indeed, as already mentioned, my father was blessed to live through his 101st birthday – 75 of those years with my mother, his late beloved wife. This was a classic case of the fusion of two disparate personalities into a unit full of mutual love and affection for each other from beginning to end. My father was also the most dignified man I have ever known. He was proud of who he was, but he never showed it. There was no hint of ga’avah or conceit. My father was a man of shalom. He dealt with many situations that could have led to machloket, but he wanted no part of it. He was a person with every positive middah (attribute) you could want in a man. He led his shul for decades and was the embodiment of a klai kodesh. He was neither the Rabbi nor the President, but he did it all – chazzan, ba’al koreh, administrator, maggid shiur, choir director, Bar Mitzvah teacher – and I’m sure I’ve left out some other things. He also ran the Talmud Torah, which helped put dozens of young men and women on the right path in Yiddishkeit – some of whom have made indelible marks on their own respective communities. But most importantly, and most important to our father, was his family. I’ll put it this way: Just about everything that I am, I owe it to him. He was my role model. Unfortunately, I could never live up to the high standards he set for himself, but he made everything as easy for me as he could. Day or night, I could always count on his wisdom, guidance, eitzot tovot. Whatever the situation, I always knew I could sit down with Daddy, and he would make it all okay. When he would address a problem in his reassuring, calm way and look me in the eye as if I was the only one that mattered to him, I knew everything would be fine. And it always was. His counsel to me and so many others was invaluable. What didn’t he do for me? He would type my term papers because I was too darned lazy to do it myself. I goofed off in class, and he was there for me to study with me for the big tests and relished the chance to teach his son. He became a baseball fan so he could relate better to Ezra (my brother) and me. He hated the Yankees, but, then again, who’s perfect? (I was a Yankee fan in those days). When I messed up in driver’s ed, who was there for me to teach me how to drive? Yes, reliable and trusty Daddy. This was my father. Humble, multi-talented, undemanding for his needs – everything was good enough for him. He did nothing to excess. His life was one of Avodat Hashem. When the Ribono shel Olam brought him back to shamayim, He must have said (ki-vi-yachol): “Yeyasher Kochacha -you lived your life the way it was meant to be lived!”

10

THE PAYPAL GIVING FUND At Beth Aaron, we are always looking for new ways to better our service to our members. For the last few years, our members have been able to pay for seats for the High Holidays and special events, as well as membership dues, with credit cards through PayPal. This process has made it easy for members to pay their obligations to the shul. At the same time, the shul has enjoyed decreased administrative costs and increased collections. The downside to the use of credit cards is the fee charged by PayPal. This expense is borne either by the person making the payment through PayPal or by the shul. We recently have found an additional method, the PayPal Giving Fund, for accepting online credit card donations and payments that doesn’t charge either the payor (you) or the payee (the shul) an administrative fee. Similar to the Jewish Communal Fund and other charitable funds, the PayPal Giving Fund is a non-profit to which people can make donations. In turn, the Fund supports programs like ours. When you make a donation through our link, Beth Aaron will receive 100% of your donation, with no credit card expense for either party. The Fund can be used in two ways: 1) For one-time donations 2) For monthly recurring donations For example, if a full member wanted to pay the $1000 annual membership fee at the rate of $200 a month for five months, a payment plan can be set up, and Beth Aaron will receive 100% of the money, at no expense. Donations made through the Fund will be posted to members’ accounts the month after they are given, as PayPal will transfer the money to us once a month (in the month after the donation is made). Visit bethaaron.org/givingfund for more details or to pay shul obligations using this new method.

11

Beth Aaron News mazal tov TO

• Atara & Zach Bienenfeld and family, on making aliyah. Mazal Tov also to Atara’s parents, Aliza & Kalman Staiman. • Sarah Rindner & Robert Blum, on the birth of their son Nachum Tzvi Berel. • Evelyn & Moish Elbogen and their son Michael, on making aliyah. • Ellen & Richard Gertler, on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson Yehoshua Gruenspecht. • Linda & Jay Goldmintz, on the birth of their grandson Ayal Aharon Meir, born to their children Elana & Jonathan Gotfried of Bala Cynwyd, PA. • Nechama Avigayil Hager, on her Bat Mitzvah. Mazal Tov also to her parents, Chaya & Daniel Hager. • Judah & Tzvia Isaacs, on their recent marriage. • Renee & Harry Harcsztark, on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter Shana Miller of San Antonio, Texas. • Dr. Howard Kaufman, on the Bar Mitzvah of his grandson JJ Feit. • Yehiel Levy, on his engagement to Sara Goldman of Hillcrest, Queens. • Amanda & Avi Moskowitz and family, on making aliyah. Mazal Tov also to Amanda’s parents, Sharon & Ben Alexander. • Yael & Avi Pinsky and family, on making aliyah. Mazal Tov also to Yael’s parents, Rachel & Yitzchok Furst. • Elisheva Taragin, on making aliyah. Mazal Tov also to Elisheva’s parents, Sara & Benjamin Taragin.

CONDOLENCES TO

• Lauren Bildner, on the passing of her beloved father, Arthur Pine. • Barbara Feinberg, on the passing of her beloved mother, Ruth Bader. • David Hes, on the passing of his beloved father, Walter Hes. • Yocheved Lindenbaum, on the passing of her beloved mother, Rita Grunberg.

Welcome to our New ASSOCIATE Members

• Sarah Rindner & Robert Blum, who live on Vandelinda Avenue.

WELCOME TO OUR New neighbors

• Gila & Aaron Dorfman, who live on Merrison Street. • Elisheva Hanson, who lives on Barbara Drive. • Elli & Ruth Himelstein, who live on DeMott Avenue. • Chaviva & Jeff Stein, who live on Cherry Lane.

PARNAS HAYOM DEDICATIONS

Dedicate a day of learning at Beth Aaron on the occasion of a yahrtzeit, in the zechut of a refuah shelaima, or in honor of a simcha, a birthday or any other occasion. Each week’s dedications are prominently displayed in the shul lobby and sent out to the membership via email. For more information, or to sign up, please go to www.bethaaron.org/parnashayom. Parnas Hayom dedications in August were made by: • Marsha & Tom Friedman, in honor of the yahrtzeit of Marsha’s father, Nossan ben Moshe. • Lynn & Dov Silverberg, in honor of the yahrtzeit of Dov’s father, Yisroel Tzvi ben Avraham • Esther & Rinaldo Toporovsky, in honor of the yahrtzeit of Rinaldo’s father, Asher ben Abraham • Dr. Barry Weissman, in honor of the yahrtzeit of his father, Moshe ben Gershon

Dedications

On behalf of Congregation Beth Aaron, we express our thanks to these donors: • Esther & Myron Chaitovsky, a Valance on the Kol ha-Ne’arim Tallit • Ellen & Richard Gertler, a Support Pillar on the Kol ha-Ne’arim Tallit • Esther & Josh Klavan, a Valance on the Kol ha-Ne’arim Tallit • Rachelle & Chaim Mandelbaum, a Valance on the Kol ha-Ne’arim Tallit • Lynn & Dov Silverberg, a Support Pillar on the Kol ha-Ne’arim Tallit • Marilyn Zeidel, a Support Pillar on the Kol ha-Ne’arim Tallit To dedicate a section of the Kol ha-Ne’arim Tallit , please contact Myron Chaitovsky, [email protected]. For other donations to the shul, contact 1st Vice President Steven Hoenig, [email protected].

12

Beth Aaron News donations to the RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND • Razel & Yosef Adler • Elaine & Howard Alt • Sherry & David Chasan, in memory of Dr. Aaron Chasan, on his yahrtzeit • Arlene & Isaac Chavel • Barry J. Cohen • Tal & Marc Felsen • Lee & Harry First • Sharon & Mitchell First • Rachel First • Susan & Shalom Fisch • Menachem Genack • Noah Goldberg • Jessica Heller • Miriam & Izzy Salomon • Leah & Jonathan Silver • Jamie & Asher Toporovsky • Yaffa & Mordechai Ungar

YAHRTZEIT DONATIONS • Marsha & Tom Friedman • Marcy & Jeff Manas • Sorah (Terry) Ruchlamer, in memory of Yaakov Dovid ben Yechezkel • Shifra & Larry Shafier • Jan & Harvey Silberstein, in memory of Jan’s parents • Linda & George Weiss

Yizkor DONATIONS • Heather & Isaac Hagler

donations to the Stanley Fisch Youth Fund

• Mollie Fisch, in honor of the Kaufman and Feit families on JJ’s Bar Mitzvah. • Mollie Fisch, in honor of the birth of Linda & Jay Goldmintz’s grandson. • Mollie Fisch, in honor of the engagement of Yehiel Levy and Sara Goldman. • Mollie Fisch, wishing Mazal Tov and Hatzlacha Rabba to those who made aliyah: Elisheva Taragin, the Elbogens, the Bienenfelds, the Moskovitzes, and the Pinskys. • Mollie Fisch, with condolences to Barbara Feinberg, on the passing of her mother, Ruth Bader. • Mollie Fisch, with condolences to David Hes, on the passing of his father, Walter Hes. • Mollie Fisch, with condolences to Yocheved Lindenbaum, on the passing of her mother, Yael Grunberg.

13

who to contact at BETH AARON

There are many Beth Aaron members who ensure that our davening, learning, activities, and other events all run smoothly. If you would like to become involved in or have a comment or suggestion related to a particular area, please contact the appropriate person, as indicated below. Area

Contact

Email Address

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Gifts

Judy Gellerstein

[email protected]

Provides gifts to our children becoming Bar and Bat Mitzvah

Calendar

Joel Richter

[email protected]

Responsible for the printed monthly calendar, including the zmanim

[email protected]

Assists with cemetery arrangements and the sale of BA cemetery plots at Riverside Cemetery, Saddle Brook, NJ

Cemetery

Louis Karp

Centerpiece Gemach

Michele Cooper

[email protected]

Contact for the rental of centerpieces, accent pieces, and artificial trees, with proceeds going to tzedakah

Chanukah Toy Drive

Evie Leifer

[email protected]

Coordinates the BA Chanukah toy drive

Chesed

Toby Feder

[email protected]

Coordinates members who require chesed with those who can offer chesed

Chevra Kadisha

Shelly Mermelstein

[email protected]

Performs Chevra Kadisha activities for BA

Financial Arrangements

David Barach

[email protected]

Assists with special financial arrangements

Fundraising/Parnas HaYom

Steve Hoenig

[email protected]

Responsible for all fundraising activities

Gabbai Main Minyan

David Horowitz

[email protected]

Responsible for allocating Shabbat Main Minyan kibbudim, including davening and aliyot

Gabbai Hashkama Minyan

Avi-Gil Chaitovsky/Josh Dubin

[email protected]

Responsible for allocating Shabbat Hashkama Minyan kibbudim, including davening and aliyot

High Holiday Seats

Micah Kaufman/Lenny Presby

[email protected]

Coordinates seats for the Yamim Noraim

House

Abe Leidner/Larry Kahn

[email protected]

Responsible for all day-to-day aspects of the building, including HVAC, lighting, grounds, etc.

Judaic Enrichment

Jeff Neugroschl/Josh Dubin

[email protected]

Responsible for Judaic Enrichment programming and sponsorships

Kiddush

Ari Gononsky

[email protected]

Responsible for all Shul Kiddushim and events serving food

Kol ha-Ne’arim Tallit

Myron Chaitovsky

[email protected]

Contact to add names to the Kol ha-Ne’arim Tallit or select a dedication.

Library

Mitch First/Josh Zakheim

[email protected]

Responsible for the upkeep of and donation to the library in the Beit Midrash

Lulavim

Rich Feldman

[email protected]

Responsible for ordering Etrog and Lulav sets

Membership/New Members

Sheryl Dubin

[email protected]

Responsible for welcoming new members to our Beit Knesset

Memorial Plaques

Aviva Leffel

[email protected]

Contact to order memorial plaques

14

Men's Club

Moishe Singer

[email protected]

Responsible for Men’s Club programs, shul social activities and food projects

Mishebeirakhs

Moshe Teitelbaum

[email protected]

Contact for adding names to or removing names from the Mishebeirakh list

Mishmar

Chanani Sandler/Moishe Singer

[email protected]

Contact for questions about the Mishmar program and/or sponsoring a Mishmar session

NCSY

Rabbi Rael Blumenthal

[email protected]

Responsible for NCSY activities

Programming

Mordechai Ungar

[email protected]

Responsible for overall shul programming and ensuring there are no calendar conflicts

Reflector Belts

Harold Gellis

[email protected]

Contact to obtain reflector belts

Security

Yakov Eizik/David Fisher

[email protected]

Responsible for ensuring the security of the building and surroundings, as well as requesting grants relating to security

Seforim Repair

Mark Sommer

[email protected]

Contact for the repair of seforim

Seudah Shlishit

Sam Berkowitz

[email protected]

Responsible for Seudah Shlishit sponsorships

Sisterhood

Deena Fisher/Sari Samuel

[email protected]

Responsible for the shul Sisterhood, shul social activities and food projects, primarily for women

Teen Minyan

Moshe Kinderlehrer/Steve Knapp

[email protected]

Responsible for the Teen Minyan

Torah Reading Main Minyan

Daniel Chazin

[email protected]

Responsible for arranging for laining in the Main Minyan on Shabbat

Tree of Life

Aviva Leffel

[email protected]

Contact to dedicate Tree of Life leaves

Website/Technology

Moishe Singer

[email protected]

Responsible for the BA website infrastructure and maintenance

Welcome Baskets

Felicia Hoenig

[email protected]

Contact to advise of new families in the neighborhood so they can be welcomed

Yahrtzeit Calls

Mark Sommer

[email protected]

Responsible for calling members to notify them about yahrtzeits

Youth Department

Erica & Jason David

[email protected]

Responsible for BA youth programming

15

WEEKLY SHIURIM

• Daf Yomi in Teaneck: For Daf Yomi shiurim and resources in Teaneck, go to www.teaneckshuls.org/daf/. • Daf Yomi shiur at Congregation Beth Aaron: Monday-Thursday evenings, at 9:45 p.m. • Tanya shiur by Rabbi Moshe Rosenberg: Tuesday evenings at 9:00 p.m. • Rabbi Rothwachs’ Sanhedrin shiur: Wednesday evenings at 8:30 p.m. • Morning Mishna Chavura: Monday, Thursday: 6:55 a.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:00 a.m.

SHABBAT SHIURIM

• Daf Yomi: one hour and ten minutes before mincha • Women’s Learning: one hour and ten minutes before mincha • Meir Hirsch’s shiur: one hour before mincha

See someone, say something!

In order to continue making everyone feel our shul is a welcoming and open place, please make an extra effort to say “hi” to any new faces you may see. If you meet anyone new or know of anyone moving onto your block or into our area, please send an email to [email protected] to ensure they are properly welcomed!

programming

Beth Aaron welcomes input from our shul members for ideas for improving/expanding current programming or instituting new programming. If you have an idea or programming suggestion, email [email protected] or call Mordechai Ungar, 201-741-3920.

volunteering

There are many active committees at Congregation Beth Aaron and many opportunities to help our kehilla grow. We always are looking for people to volunteer their time and talents. It does not need to be a huge commitment, as even a few hours a week can have a tremendous impact. The VP of Programming, Men’s Club, and Sisterhood always appreciate volunteers and people with leadership qualities, too. To volunteer, contact the office, [email protected], with your interests and skills.

CONDOLENCE CARDS

Sisterhood condolence cards are available from the office for $8 each or $50 for 10. To order, please contact Judi at the office, [email protected], 201-836-6210.

CANDY BAGS

Sisterhood can arrange for bags of candy for smachot at a cost of $1 per bag. Two weeks’ notice is appreciated. To order the bags, please contact Lisa Breen, 201-966-8958.

TREE OF LIFE

The Tree of Life commemorates the birth of a child or grandchild, honors someone, or celebrates a marriage or other family simcha. Leaves on the Tree of Life are $100 each. For further information, please contact Aviva Leffel, [email protected].

MEMORIAL PLAQUES

Memorial plaques commemorate the passing of a loved one and perpetuate his or her memory. Plaques are $350 each. For further information, contact Aviva Leffel, [email protected], or Larry Kahn, [email protected].

MOVIE RENTALS

The following movies are available for rent for a month at a time in exchange for making a donation to Congregation Beth Aaron. The titles from the Ma’aleh Film School of Jerusalem, are “Newspapers and Flowers,” “Shira,” “Prague,” and “The Divide.” Trailers can be viewed at www.maale.co.il/default.asp?PageID=74&CatID=1. Thanks to Mordechai Ungar, “Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story” also is available. To borrow the films, please contact Sandy Zlotnick, [email protected].

NCSY

For information about NCSY events, or if you have questions, comments, or ideas, please mail [email protected]. Join us on Facebook or email us, [email protected]. 16

CHILDREN’S CORNER STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES by Gavriella Hagler “Okay,” Dad says, pushing his chair into the Shabbat table, “who wants to talk about their week? What were some of the best parts? What are you thankful for?” Baby Bracha’s hand shoots up. “I’m bummed out that it’s already September and that school starts on Monday.” Ima nods in agreement. “And what are you thankful for?” “Umm… I’m thankful for my parents.” Avial and Shira purposely cough, flamboyantly. “Ok, and I’m thankful for you two,” Baby Bracha adds, winking at her siblings. “My turn,” Shira says. “I want to talk about something that happened on my last day of camp. I think we can all learn an important lesson from it.” Dad nods, loving the sound of anything educational. “So,” Shira begins. “The whole camp was scheduled to watch a show in the auditorium. Only, my bunk was late, so by the time that we got there, there were no more seats, and we all had to sit on the floor. The floor was so squishy, there was no room to put your legs out. People were stepping on each other… Anyway, I get everyone in my bunk a seat and, as soon as I sat down, my camper who was sitting next to me started whining that she was hungry. I explained to her how we already gave out snacks in the morning and there were none left, but her whining persisted. I decided that I wasn’t going to spend the whole show listening to her complain, so I managed to get up and go to the office to search for a snack. By some miracle, I found one last cookie and brought it back for her. As I sat down, the camper grabbed the cookie out of my hand and began to eat it. I just sat there for a few seconds, staring at her, waiting for her to say ‘thank you.’ I mean, I got up and went through all the trouble to find it for her, and no ‘thank you’? “Finally, the camper noticed that I was staring at her, and she turned around. ‘What?’ she barked. “‘What, no ‘thank you’?’ I replied. And it was her response that shocked me. ‘No. I’m not gonna say ‘thank you.’ I’m gonna ask you where’s my second one?’ “As soon as I heard my camper say this, I was shocked. The first thought that popped into my head was she’s one of the rudest, most ungrateful kids I have ever met. But then I stopped for a second and put myself in her shoes. She just saw it from her perspective: I’m her counselor, and I have to help her and try to make her happy. And in her eyes, that was just my job. That’s when I realized we all do that. Even I do that. Mom.” Shira says, staring directly at her Ima. “I never said thank you for spending the time to make this delicious Shabbat meal. I’m so used to you doing things for me that I take advantage of it. You too, Dad. I think we all have to realize and appreciate what everyone does for us. And even if we think it’s no big deal and it’s their job, they have to do it, we still need to thank them and appreciate them. Our parents do so much for us every day. They help us go to school, they make us dinner, they do our laundry, and they listen to how our day went. And no one stops to think ‘that’s so nice,’ because it’s just expected.” “That’s excellent,” Mom says. “School is starting on Monday. Now’s a perfect opportunity. Don’t forget to say ‘thank you’ to your bus driver when you get off the bus, and thank the Mom and Dad who took time out of their busy day to drive you in carpool. Thank your teachers and the person who holds the door for you. Always realize what people do for you, and don’t take anyone for granted. “I agree with your mother,” says Dad. “Spend time and appreciate what you have. It’s time for everyone to stop and smell the roses.”

17

CHILDREN’S CORNER word search by Gavriella Hagler

C

C

E

W

W

X

C

C

R

T

K

C

R

I

E

L

N

A

Y

Z

A

K

E

L

E

E

O

M

S

T

J

G

E

M

R

E

B

L

W

A

Y

O

B

J

A

I

E

Z

P

P

M

B

D

F

C

S

K

Q

K

I

V

R

O

M

E

E

C

F

G

H

W

I

U

T

C

W

O

S

T

Q

D

R

I

V

E

R

E

A

I

E

L

Z

P

E

Z

H

D

U

Y

R

Y

B

D

Z

R

P

E

M

N

X

K

J

L

R

R

L

D

U

D

P

S

A

G

N

I

K

O

O

C

E

D

C

B

P

P

A

M

R

W

J

Y

N

O

A

L

M

N

A

Z

A

D

U

Z

E

L

U

T

H

A

N

K

F

U

L

D

A

Z

C

I

N

P

Q

C

S

E

S

O

R

A

J

K

L

M

Z

A

T

R

S

F

M

K

E

E

J

L

Q

A

X

T

K

H

S

X

F

A

X

Z

K

O

F

F

Q

B

Y

F

J

C

N

U

Z

Z

N

L

C

Y

APPRECIATE CAMPER CARPOOL COOKIE COOKING DRIVER FAMILY LAUNDRY

18

PARENTS ROSES SCHOOL SEPTEMBER TABLE TEACHER THANKFUL

CHILDREN’S CORNER CROSSWORD PUZZLE by Gavriella Hagler

Across 1. The driver turns these on when it’s raining and hard to see outside 4. Students use this to write notes 7. Someone who drives kids to school 9. I use this when I make a mistake 10. Something everyone should say when someone does something nice for them Down 2. A person who gives food out to all the kids in school 3. Kids put all their loose papers in one 5. A federal holiday that’s celebrated this month 6. Number of days students go to school a week 8. The month that we’re in

19

FALL 2016 SCHEDULE

Register at lamdeinu.org | LOOK FOR NEW CLASSES AFTER SUKKOT

MONDAY

10:15 AM - 12:30 PM

Parshanut HaMikra Bereishit: Avot ve-Imahot

Explore the stories of our nation’s mothers and fathers through the lens of midrash, medieval and modern commentaries – chavruta, shiur and interactive discussion. Dean Rachel Friedman, For women only, Tuition $240

Sept. 12, 19, 26, Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19

High Holiday Series For men and women, Tuition $60

TUESDAY

10:15 - 11:30 AM

CAN A HERETIC DO TESHUVAH?

Dr. Chaviva Levin

Rabbinic Responses to Returning Apostates

Sept 13

LEGEND AND LORE:

Dr. Chaviva Levin

The Story of Rabbi Amnon and U'Netaneh Tokef

Sept 20

GOD AS OUR FATHER:

Dean Rachel Friedman

Avinu Malkeinu & Shirat Ha’azinu

TUESDAY

12:15 - 2:30 PM

WEDNESDAY

10:15 - 11:30 AM

WEDNESDAY 12:00 - 1:15 PM

THURSDAY

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Talmud: Masekhet Kiddushin

Talmud for students with Hebrew text skills and some Talmud experience—chavruta & shiur. R. Daniel Fridman, For women only, Tuition $240

Yonah in The Garden of Eden

Based on parallels to Gan Eden and other Biblical texts, explore how Sefer Yonah warns against escapism and advocates for the challenging process of Teshuvah. R. Dr. Yitzhak Berger, For men and women, Tuition $80

Readings of the High Holidays: Torah and Haftarot

Sept 27

Sept. 13, 20, 27, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20 Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5

Sept. 14, 21, 28

An in-depth study of the Akedah (Bereshit 21-22), the story of Hannah (I Shemuel 1) and Yirmiyahu's prophecy of consolation (Yirmiyahu 31). R. Hayyim Angel, For men and women, Tuition $60

Parashah and Haftarah Pointers Thursday thoughts to prepare for Shabbat. R. Daniel Fridman, For men and women, Tuition $240

Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22

Drop-in rate for a class is $25. | Please consider dedicating a High Holiday shiur for $360. Class sponsorships are available for $180. Celebrate Rosh Chodesh at Lamdeinu. See lamdeinu.org for schedule and dedication opportunities. Lamdeinu at Congregation Beth Aaron 950 Queen Anne Road Teaneck, NJ | Rachel Friedman, Dean (advertisement)

20

BETH AARON MEN’S CLUB KIDDUSH and the hashkama kiddush “society” As part of our ongoing effort to further the friendliness of Beth Aaron, we are happy to provide our weekly kiddushim. Kiddushim are held each Shabbat, except when there are private events or rentals in the Social Hall. The Men’s Club is pleased to offer four options (see below) for kiddushim, both single-sponsored as well as multi-sponsored. Our standard weekly kiddush is the “Weekly Cold Kiddush.” WEEKLY KIDDUSHIM: Weekly dairy cold kiddushim with chips, cookies, and soda. Become a Mezonot sponsor for only $54 or a L’Chaim sponsor for $100. If you are celebrating a simcha, commemorating a yahrtzeit, or simply want to say “thank you,” consider sponsoring an upcoming kiddush. Visit our website to sponsor. If you have any questions, contact Ari Gononsky, [email protected]. It is hard to believe that the Hashkama Minyan Kiddush “Society” will be starting its fourth year. This true partnership between the mitpalilim of the Hashkama Minyan and the Men’s Club has allowed approximately 36 Kiddushim to be held following Hashkama. As interest increases in holding Hashkama Kiddushim, please note this updated information: • Hashkama Minyan Kiddush “Society” annual membership is $54. This fund allows us to ensure there is at least one monthly hot Kiddush following the Hashkama Minyan. • Members of the “Society” who would like to enhance an already scheduled Kiddush can do so for an additional donation of $72. Enhancements can include salads, noodles, herring, etc. Contact [email protected] at least one week prior to the Kiddush. • The cost of sponsoring a standard hot Hashkama Kiddush on a week that is not a “Society” Kiddush is $360. There also is an enhanced option for $500. Thank you again to everyone who has joined this partnership; we truly appreciate it. For more information, please contact Ari Gononsky or Moishe B. Singer, [email protected].

21

Dr. Daniel Margolin Dr. Judah Gomberg

Dr. Maryellen Brucato Dr. Daniel Hennessy

You’ve got a foot doctor in the family!

We are now open

every Sunday! FREE initial consultation Does not include treatment or an xray ($105 value). Valid for 30 days.

Participating with Most Insurances New Jersey Foot and Ankle Centers 550 Kinderkmack Road, Suite 202, Oradell, NJ 07649

201-261-9445 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday- 9:00AM-8:00PM, Tuesday- 9:00AM-9:00PM, Friday- 9:00AM-5:00PM, Saturday- 8:00AM-3:00PM & Sunday- 9:00AM-4:00PM

22

(advertisement)

MONTHLY REVIEW: AUGUST at congregation beth aaron (continued from page 2) • Between Mincha and Maariv, Rabbi Rothwachs gave a shiur on “Have You Yearned for the Redemption?: A Question of Time.” • Round two of the Sisterhood Summer Seudah Shlishit Series was a wonderful gathering on August 20, Parashat Va’etchanan, at the home of Tamar and Avi-Gil Chaitovsky. Despite being Shabbat Nachamu, a Shabbat that many families go away on vacation, there was a nice crowd of about thirty women enjoying the food and shmoozing. The hot topic, of course, was “how fast the summer is flying by and camp is almost over and school is around the corner,” with a slight tone of panic in the air... L’via Weisinger gave a d’var Torah about Moshe’s plea to enter Eretz Yisrael, which personally resonated with her and many of the attendees who dream of making aliyah and can imagine how Moshe felt. Those who lingered towards the end of the event were privileged to meet Tamar and Avi-Gil’s adorable newborn baby, which further enhanced our hakarat ha-tov for their hospitality so soon after the new addition. The next, and final, event, of this summer’s series will be held at the Rothwachs home at 4:45 p.m., on Shabbat, September 17. • On August 20, Parashat Va’etchanan, between Mincha and Maariv, Rabbi Robert Shur spoke on the topic of “Hilchot Tefillah.” The shiur discussed halachot of standing next to and walking in front of someone who is davening the Shemoneh Esrei. Rabbi Robert Shur is the director of Torah projects at YU’s Center for the Jewish Future. The son-in-law of Leonard and Susan Presby, he lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh with his wife and four children. • On August 27, Parashat Eikev, Rabbi Rothwachs spoke at the shul-sponsored Seudah Shlishit. He discussed the mitzvah of saying 100 brachot each day and a method to reach this goal.

23

Lawrence L. Shafier, CLU®, ChFC® Insurance  Employee Benefit Funding  Estate Conservation Strategies 1270 Avenue of the Americas #1000 New York, NY 10020 (212) 817-3878 Fax (212) 489-2367 [email protected] 0289810-00001-00 (advertisement)

CONGREGATION BETH AARON 950 Queen Anne Road Teaneck, NJ 07666 Phone: 201-836-6210 www.bethaaron.org [email protected] Laurence Rothwachs, Rabbi 24

Isaac Hagler, President