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Achim Newsletter
Chukas
Thursday June 17, 2010
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Greetings!
I hope this newsletter finds you well.
As you noticed, I have sent out the newsletter one day earlier than my usual Friday morning. This is because I realize how many people do not get the newsletter until after Shabbos.
I hope to continue doing so, schedule allowing.
Candle
lighting time for Baltimore
between 7:02 - 8:18 pm
Shabbos concludes
9:26 pm
Vsego khoroshego,
Paysach Diskind
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to print this as a web page click here
Parsha Thought
The famous quote 'those
who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it' rings with much
truth. However, the question is what we should learn from history. History
presents us with many events and their associated occurrences that surround
them. In order for one to learn the lessons of history correctly one must
understand the correlation between the occurrences and the events. One must
understand the nature of cause and effect within the science of history.
Let us try to illustrate this point. Assuming that Islam is
on the rise, let us ask why? To answer this question we must look at the
surrounding occurrences. We find that the world has an oil addiction. We find
that Islamic Jihadism is becoming more prolific. We find remarkable demographic
changes in the populations of Europe. And so
on. In which of these lies the answer? Perhaps all of them and perhaps none of
them; perhaps these occurrences are not causes for the rise but are the
consequence of the rise. It is for this reason that although history's lessons
are profound, without the proper tutor who can decipher those lessons there is
nothing to learn. We will be doomed to repeat it.
The Jewish people are the most experienced travelers of
history. Not only have we traveled the world over; in almost every place of the
civilized world there was once a flourishing Jewish community. But we are also
meticulous note takers. A tour of the comprehensive library of all of Jewish
literature will expose you to every civilization that has made any impact on the world. I believe we
can say that the Jewish outlook on history should be considered seriously as an
authoritative tutor in history's classroom.
The Jewish people themselves posit that Judaism should be the
only tutor authorized to assist history
in teaching her lessons for the following reason. As Jews, we know that HaShem
is the Director of history. He has been directing history ever since Man walked
upon the Earth. When He chose us, He also gave us prophets to communicate with
us what we should expect from Him and what He expects from us. The prophets
served as communicators for the people who lived in their time. However, since
the return to Israel
after the Babylonian exile prophecy was terminated. Nevertheless, there were
still many prophecies that were articulated years earlier that were canonized
into what is known today as the Books of the Prophets. These prophecies are the
word of HaShem. Obviously, the only One who can claim to know the causes and
consequences of history is the Director of History Himself.
That said, I would like to share with you an insight in this
week's haftorah which comes from the one of the Books of the Prophets. The
prophet recounts the story of Yiftach. (Judges, chapter 11)
At about 300 years after the Jewish people entered the Land of Israel the king of Amon made claims that
the Jewish people stole the land belonging to the Amonite nation. His argument
was that when the Jewish people entered the Land of Israel close to 300 years
earlier they conquered the land of trans-Jordan (which is the country of Jordan
today) from his ancestors and hence they should now return it. Yiftach
responded the king's claim with an extensive history lesson regarding what
transpired 300 years earlier. [for the sake of brevity I will only quote the
text that is germane to our discussion] To understand the context Moab and Amon
were neighbors. Whenever Moab
is mentioned it includes Amon as well. His response goes as follows:
"Israel (the people of Israel)
did not take away the land
of Amon. For when they
ascended from Egypt Israel went in the desert ... Israel came to the land of Moab
from the east, where they encamped across the Arnon; but they did not enter the
border of Moab .... Israel
sent messengers to Sihon 'Let us now pass through ...' But Sihon did not trust Israel, rather he made war against Israel. Then
HaShem delivered Sihon and his entire people into the hands of Israel... Israel took
possession of the entire territory (which includes the disputed land). And now
HaShem, the G.D of Israel
has driven out the Amorites because of his people Israel - yet you would possess it?!"
The final line in Yiftach's response is that HaShem has
driven out the Amorites and has given it to His people. After presenting this
argument the king of Amon declared war on our people and Yiftach's army
defeated them. This is the historical account of our prophets, the tutors in
history's classroom.
Thus, the historical lesson of Yiftach teaches us that when
we recognize that our right to the Land is solely because He gave it to us then
those that challenge our right will be displaced.
As today's global climate warms up to higher levels of
anti-Semitism and Israel's right to her Land is challenged as well as Israel's
right to exist is challenged we must remember that history has taught us that
our only right to our Land is that HaShem, the Director, granted it to us.
There is no other reason. There is no need for any other reason.
If we are able to assimilate this notion into our minds and
hearts we will discover how there is no greater act of patriotism to our people
and to our homeland than to demonstrate our commitment to HaShem and His Torah.
As we clarify for ourselves and the rest of the world that our right to exist
and our right to our Land is because HaShem chose us, the more we become agents
of Israeli security and well-being.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Paysach Diskind
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Tuesday Evening Learning Program
Please be informed that this coming Tuesday we are relocating - this week only. Click here for the details.
Featuring
1. Dr. Keidar's Parsha Class given in Russian.
2. Paysach Diskind in depth study of the 613 mitzvos (check out the blog for the current mitzvah)
3. Learn one-on-one with a study partner on the
matter of your choice.
4. Read, understand and speak Hebrew with Yakov Krug esq.
If you wish to have a chavrusah (study
partner) please contact me at 443.286.9338 or paysach@achim.org.
If you wish to the Hebew class contact Yakov Krug.
I encourage you to join us. Whether you
would like to learn or like to teach we need you.
The details are as follows:
Date:Every Tuesday evening
Time: 8:00 - 10:00 pm
Location:
Rabbi Berger's Shul (3209 Fallstaff Road, 21215) map
What: an
evening of Torah study -
your choice, your level
We are very grateful to Frank and Danielle Storch for providing their property for this program.
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NEW
Hebrew Reading Class
by Yakov Krug
 Yakov Krug has begun a new Hebrew reading class. The goal of this class to give the student a comfort level in reading and speaking classic Hebrew as well as common conversational Hebrew.
This curriculum is a 10 week course and he will be using Ha-Yesod as his foundation.
This Hebrew class will take place as part of our Tuesday Evening Learning Program.
If you are interested in learning more information contact Yakov at yakovkrug@yahoo.com or 410-274-5446.
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The Mitzvah Class
Join me weekly at the Tuesday evening of learning in developing an appreciation for mitzvos of the Torah.
The class deals with practical applications as well as philosophical insights.
Please visit our Blog for a taste of the class.
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Mom's Workshop
Summer has arrived with all the changes that come with it. One of those changes is that Brocha Skulnik will not be continuing the workshop.
We are very grateful to Mrs. Skulnik for her dedication and time that she puts into her presentations and discussions.
There is a possibility that they will continue when school resumes. We will keep you posted.
In the meantime, if have any questions regarding the workshop you may contact me at 443.286.9338 or
paysach@achim.org.
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Mesilas Yeshorim / Path of the Just
This
class meets Wednesday's twice a month. 
We are currently up to page 19.
Our next session:
Date:Wednesday
evening, June 23.
Time: 8:00 - 9:00
Location:
Home of Alla and Joseph Kovalerchik (101 Clarendon Road 21208)
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Хасидская притча
По трем признакам можно узнать еврея:
он умеет кланяться, не сгибая спины,
кричать молча и танцевать, не сдвигаясь с места.
р.Менахем-Мендл из Ворки
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Gemara Class
Weekly class in Russian language
The Talmud is the exposition and clarification of the Oral Torah. Talmud and Gemara are interchangeable terms for this work. So much of classic Jewish literature is built on the teachings of the Talmud. Children 13 years old as well 80-year rabbis study this ancient text. It engages the mind and activates the thinking process in a very deep way.
Monday evenings from 8:00 - 9:00 Dr. Michael Keidar gives a class on Gemara (Talmud) in Russian. This class is designed to accommodate people with limited background in Torah study.
Dr. Keidar gives the class at the Baltimore Community Kollel (3800 Labyrinth Road 21215)
If you are interested in participating or have questions contact Dr. Keidar at keidar@gwu.edu. | |
Parsha Class
Weekly Class in Russian Language
The Torah carries within it many messages. Every Shabbos is assigned its own special portion that is read in the synagogue. This weekly portion is called the Parsha. The lessons and insights that are packed with the Parsha are timeless as they are profound.
Tuesday evenings 8:00 - 9:00 Dr. Michael Keidar presents insights on the weekly Parsha in the Russian language. Participation does not require any background in Jewish education.
Dr. Keidar gives the class Kehilas Achim's Tuesday evening of Learning.
If you are interested in participating or have questions contact Dr. Keidar at keidar@gwu.edu. |
Employment Opportunities?
A new request has passed my desk.
If you know of a qualified tutor for Math, English grammar and reading for the summer months, please contact Yakov Krug or call 410-274-5446.
Do you know of any opportunities that perhaps someone in our group might benefit?
Or perhaps you are looking for an opportunity and you wish to include other people in your search.
Please contact me at paysach@achim.org.
We will be posting such opportunities on our website at Employment Opportunities
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Sunday morning @ Milbrook
Shachris service
Every Sunday morning we have a morning prayer service followed by tasty donuts with coffee and lively discussions with insights on the weekly Parsha dealing with relevant applications.
People who need to recite kaddish but are embarrassed to do so will feel comfortable at our service. We provide help and support in reciting kaddish in a friendly atmosphere.
Sunday morning schedule
Service 8:00 - 9:00
For kaddish be there no later than 8:45
Donuts, coffee and discussion 9:00 - 9:45
Everyone is welcome
Special prayers are recited by the minyan for sick members of the community. If you have someone you wish to be mentioned contact me at paysach@achim.org .
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Weekly Women's Class
Continuing professional education
The Jewish woman has many responsibilities, each of which is critical to their family and to their people as whole. We can define the position of Jewish womanhood as requiring a degree in culinary arts, psychology, clinical social work, business management, human resources and education. In addition to this list, a comprehensive background in Jewish law comes in handy.
As with every profession, Jewish womanhood requires Continuing Professional Education. Achim is very fortunate to have Mrs. Tamar Englander who is an outstanding member of this elite class of Jewish Women. Tamar conducts a weekly class that provides motivational and educational approaches to practical Jewish womanhood. A sampling of the areas that are covered in her classes include perspectives on Shabbat, dealing with the challenges of stress that find themselves in life, cooking with a touch of spirituality, child rearing, marital relationships and many more.
Every Wednesday evening from 8:30 - 9:30 Tamar conducts this class at her home, 6307 Wirt Avenue 21215. All women are invited to participate in this group.
Please contact paysach@achim.org if you wish to join. |
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