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Achim Newsletter
Pinchos
Thursday June 31, 2010
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Greetings!
I hope this newsletter finds you well.
Please note our Tisha b'Av Megillah Reading below.
Candle
lighting time for Baltimore
between 6:57 - 8:13 pm
Shabbos concludes
9:21 pm
Vsego khoroshego,
Paysach Diskind
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Tisha b'Av Megillah Reading
Pending any historical changes
We, the Jewish people have a firm belief that at any moment the historical landscape can change. In the current mode our people are subjected to powers other than HaShem. However, we know that this mode is going to change and the change can happen within a short time frame.
That said, pending any significant changes, we will be holding our Tisha b'Av megillah reading at the Malachevsky's.
Date: Monday evening, July 19
Time: 9:10 - Maariv service
9:25 - Megillah reading
Location:
the Malachevsky home (3002 Lightfoot Road, 21208) map
What: the reading of the Book of Eicha / Lamentations
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to print this as a web page click here
Parsha Thought
With the 17th day of Tamuz behind us we begin our
march to the 9th day of Av. These two dates serve as bookends to the
period of our calendar known as The Three Weeks. This period marks the most
tragic chapters of our people's history. Let us appreciate the tragedy of this
period and perhaps we can then find the solace that our Parsha, Pinchos,
offers. If we succeed in this exercise I believe we will discover a new level
of depth in our Judaism. So let us begin.
Our Sages teach us that one of the critical tragedies that
occurred on the 17th of Tamuz was the termination of our bringing
the daily national sacrifices in the Temple.
Ever since we received the Torah for close to 1,000 years we never missed a day
in which we brought our daily korban (sacrifice) one in the morning and one in
the evening. (This thought is not dedicated to understanding the nature and
value of korbanos (sacrifices). We have dedicated other Parsha thoughts to that
and I anticipate that there will be others in the future that will address that
question.) Our Sages teach us that these korbanos brought remarkable blessings
to our people both in terms of protection from our enemies as well as ensuring
health and wealth to the nation. Hence, with the termination of these
sacrifices all the impending doom took on a new reality. It is important to
point out that there was a much deeper level than simply the impending doom but
a real break in our relationship with HaShem. With the termination of the korbanos
the level of unconcealed love and caring that HaShem had for us also
terminated. And that is why all the impending doom became a reality; HaShem's
relationship was now going to become concealed. Oh, how painful! It would be
correct to say that the gloom and doom was only secondary to the pain of being
cut off from our Parent's love and affection.
Such was the nature of the 17th of Tamuz. It was
the day when our Parent began shooing us out of our home. How painful!
Before we look for solace in our Parsha I would like to
introduce a fascinating notion which the Talmud teaches us as follows. When one
studies the portion of Torah that teaches a given mitzvah with all the details
that are associated to that mitzvah, he receives the reward, the consequential
result as if he actually performed the mitzvah itself. So that in situations
where a person was unable to accomplish a mitzvah for any reason, he is still
able to access the energy generated by the mitzvah by studying the respective Torah
portion and the related laws of that mitzvah! The Talmud actually references
this notion in the context of how we, today in a situation where we have no
Temple, can access the resulting energy of the korbanos even while we are in
exile and have no opportunity to bring those korbanos.
Let us diverge a moment to gain an insight as to how this
works. Why should studying the laws of korbanos give us the benefit of the
korbanos? Let us sharpen the question. If my body is hungry because I have not
eaten for an entire day will I get any
nutrition if I study the laws of botany and chemistry that govern the bread
that I would have eaten? It is simply absurd! Only bread itself nourishes not
the laws of bread. Why are mitzvos different?
I would like to introduce you to the nourishing quality that
mitzvos possess. If we can find the source of that nourishment then we have a
chance at answering this puzzling question. The nourishing quality of bread
lies in the bread itself, not in the laws that govern the bread. The laws are
simply a compilation of information that teaches the nature of the bread. There
is no nourishment in the information. Mitzvos, on the other hand, generate
nourishment by virtue of the fact that the Will of HaShem has been accomplished
through this act. HaShem expressed His Will that I bring a korban. I have the
choice to either reject or accept His Will. If I choose to accept His Will and
bring the korban then I have effectively brought the fulfillment of HaShem's
Will into this world. That is a very powerful accomplishment. This is the
nourishment generated by the mitzvah. The more I successfully bring about the
realization of HaShem's Will into this world, the more G.Dliness I have brought
into the world. The resulting consequence of that accomplishment is protection
and blessing to me and to the entire world.
Let us now go back one step. From where did that mitzvah (in
our example, it is the mitzvah of korbanos; it could be any mitzvah such as
honoring one's parents or eating matzo on Pesach) get its energy? It receives
its energy from HaShem's expression that this is His Will. In other words, the
Torah which is the medium created by HaShem by which He expressed His Will to
us is the source of the mitzvah's energy. The Torah is not simply providing me
with information how to do the mitzvah; it is the very expression of HaShem's
Will that I do the mitzvah. It therefore follows that if I study and "ingest"
that expression of HaShem's Will by studying that portion of Torah, then I have
just as well brought about the realization of HaShem's Will by that studying as
if I performed the mitzvah itself.
So on this tragic day of the 17th of Tamuz, when the opportunity of bringing korbanos
was withdrawn from us, if we rush to the Torah and open those Parshios (plural
for Parsha) that express HaShem's Will that we should bring korbanos and begin
poring over its laws and details that govern the mitzvah, then we can regain
that same energy. During this period of our calendar we need to look to the
study halls of Torah scholarship and bring about a realization of Parent's love
and affection into our world.
This week's Parsha, Pinchos, is the Parsha which instructs us on the mitzvah
of bringing those very karbonos that were terminated on the 17th day
of Tamuz! What incredible solace HaShem offers us by giving us this Parsha upon
the entry to this tragic period.
This is the way by which we can lessen the pain of being
forsaken by Papa.
How fortunate we are that no matter how far away from HaShem
we drift, the Torah is by our side ready to take us home. As concealed as
HaShem may seem to be, He can always be reached by our indulging in His Torah.
In consideration of the above I would encourage you to
participate in our weekly discussions of the 613 mitzvos which is held at our
Tuesday Evening of Learning. If you are not able to join, certainly indulge
yourself in the weekly blog where the synopsis of the mitzvos learned is
reflected. Everybody is invited; there is no previous background necessary.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Paysach Diskind
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Tuesday Evening Learning Program
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 study
partner please contact me at 443.286.9338 or paysach@achim.org.
If you wish to attend 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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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 classic work on basic Jewish
philosophy is studied
depth by two groups of classes.
One group meets on alternate Mondays and the other meets on alternate Wednesdays.
We are currently up to page 22.
Our next sessions:
Date: Monday evening , July 5
Wednesday
evening, July 7.
Time: 8:00 - 9:00
Location:
Monday at the Malachevskys (3002 Lightfoot) map
Wednesday at Kovalerchik (101 Clarendon Road) map
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Хасидская притча
Раби Элияhу из Роголи был знаменит тем, что никогда не позволял другим
обслуживать себя.
Все делал сам и даже стирать для себя не позволял. Однажды
он шел по улице с тяжелым чемоданом в руках, глаза его заливал пот. Подбежал к
нему один из хасидов и стал выдергивать у раби из рук чемодан.
- Позвольте
исполнить заповедь о помощи мудрецу'
- Ты уверен, что я мудрец?-переспросил
раби
- Разумеется, все это знают! К тому же, вы еще и знаменитый
праведник!
- Помочь такому великому человеку я и сам сочту за честь -
воскликнул раби, переложил чемодан в другую руку и пошел дальше
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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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