Shabbat Announcements, February 21, 2009

Parshat Mishpatim-Shekalim Torah Artscroll, 416 Hertz, 306 Maftir Artscroll, 484 Hertz, 352 Haftorah Artscroll, 1212 Hertz, 992 Mevorchim Chodesh Adar Tues 2/24 and Wednesday 2/25 Molad Tuesday 2/24 5:39pm Times Candle lighting

5:18 pm

Mincha

5:20 pm

Hashkama Minyan

8:00 am

Parsha Shiur

8:30 am

Youth

8:30 am

Main Minyan

9:00 am

Beit Midrash

9:15 am

Gemorah Shiur

4:15 pm

Mincha

5:10 pm

Shabbat Ends

6:27 pm

Sunday, February 22,

7:30 am 8:30 am

Mon., Thurs.,

6:35 am

Tues., & Wed.,

6:30 am

Friday

6:45 am

Second Shacharit Minyan (Daily)

7:45 am

Mincha (week of February 22)

5:30 pm

Late Ma’ariv Mon., - Thurs.,

8:15 pm

Latest times for Shema/Shmoneh Esrei February 21

9:24/10:19 am

February 28

9:18/10:14 am

Next Shabbat - Terumah Candle lighting

5:26 pm

Mincha

5:30 pm

February 21, 2009 27 Shevat, 5769 GNS TEFILLA DIGEST:

A Weekly Discussion about the Fundamentals of Jewish Prayer By Rabbi Brahm Weinberg – Rabbinic Intern

This inspiring article about tefillah is sponsored by David and Diane Rein in memory of Diane’s mother, Helene M. Fink z”l.

deduce different details about his opinion from the various places that he speaks about it and the reasons why he mentions it in each of his writings.

that is paid to his tenure there. You can still visit his grave in the Jewish cemetery and visit the Altneuschule – the Old New Synagogue where he was the rabbi. The Maharal wrote many Issue # 33 – Kriat Shma works on different on halacha and In terms of his view of the (Part XII) Jewish philosophy including his mitzvah of “ahavat Hashem,” commentaries on the aggadic Over the last two weeks we we have outlined three basic sections of the Talmud and his have been discussing the aspects of how one reaches a super-commentary on Rashi’s first verse of the shma and love of G-d: Contemplation of the commandment of loving the cosmos and the greatness of commentary on the Torah. The G-d: “V’Ahavta et Hashem creation (Hil. Yisodei Hatorah Maharal was an original and innovative thinker who not only Elokecha,” “And you shall 2:2), a greater level love the Lord your G-d.” philosophical understanding of was involved in academic study but had new ideas about G-d (Hil. Teshuva 10:6), and We have mainly focused community and about Jewish finally, studying the Torah our discussion of the love education as well. He has (Sefer Hamitzvoth: Positive of G-d on the Rambam’s influenced some of the most Commandment #3). view of the mitzvah. The serious of Jewish thinkers and Rambam is one of the most Many others have expressed streams of Judaism up until today major of medieval sources opinions about what it means to including the Vilna Gaon and and was a great codifier of love G-d, about how it is Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Hakohen the halacha. Thus, it possible to love G-d, and how Kook] follows that he would have one goes about acquiring this The Maharal’s book called much to say about every love. Netivot Olam deals primarily with mitzvah including this one. The Maharal, Rabbi Yehudah ethics as well as an elaboration of Furthermore, because the Loewy of Prague was one of the most essential aspects of Rambam wrote different those rabbis who wrote Jewish life. He devotes an entire works both of halacha and prolifically on the subject. section Netiv Ahavat Hashem – philosophy examining his The Path of Loving G-d – to position on any one issue [The Maharal was born in can be rich and deep Poland in the 16th century to a discuss the mitzvah of ahavat Hashem. because it can be viewed rabbinic family. He later from different perspectives became the rabbi of an area of One of the things you might have depending where he speaks Moravia and ultimately settled been wondering about over the about it. We can in Prague. If any of you have last few weeks is how the theme sometimes, as with this visited Prague you will of ahavat Hashem is connected to mitzvah of loving G-d, remember the great attention the rest of the shma.

Kiddush is sponsored by

Sharona & Ben Ohebshalom

Seudah Shlishit Is sponsored by

in honor of the 2nd birthday of their daughter

Anne & Harvey Brenner

rachel

Joseph Brenner

In memory of his father

26 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023 (516) 487-6100

Shabbat Announcements, Mishpatim-Shekalim 5769

Last week we saw the Sefer Hachinuch’s explanation of how loving G-d is connected to the rest of the first passage of the shma which is essentially about studying Torah and keeping the commandments. He claims that one must study the Torah to love G-d and one must love G-d to properly fulfill the commandments!

gain a feeling of love simply by understanding that we owe our lives to G-d.

What still remains to be explained is how loving G-d is connected to the verse that precedes it in the Torah, “Shma Yisrael Hashem Elokenu Hashem Echad,” “Hear O Israel the Lord our G-d the Lord is One,” whose theme is the Oneness of G-d.

Thought to Ponder

The Divine Oneness and Unity that is described by the first verse of the shma leads directly to the next verse in the Torah which contains the mitzvah of loving G-d.

Think of another reason why the theme of ahavat Hashem, love of G-d is connected to the essence of the shma: Oneness of G-d.

One of the most original aspects of Maharal’s thought on this subject is how he connects the mitzvah of ahavat Hashem which is the first verse of the first paragraph of the shma and the essence of the shma which is it’s opening line, the verse that directly precedes it in the Torah which speaks of the Oneness of G-d. The Maharal says that: “Man comes from G-d and man returns to Him, just as everything must return to Him. There is nothing other than G-d; He is one, and there is nothing else…From this point of view we can understand love. This is why it is said, “the Lord our G-d, the Lord is One” (and immediately thereafter) “You shall love the Lord your G-d” etc. Because He is one, there is nothing in existence in the world that is separate from Him, for all depends upon and is attached to Him, for He is the foundation of all. And that is why love is relevant to G-d” (Netivot Olam: Ahavat Hashem Ch.1). Everything exists because of G-d since He is the creator and sustainer of all existence. If G-d is really one unified whole unique and with no divisibility then all of existence if part of that whole and so are we. It, therefore, makes sense that we would be able to and be inclined to love G-d if we are part of G-d and sustained by Him. Reality ties us to G-d as our creator and we would not be alive or be complete without G-d. This understanding is part of the process that leads us to love G-d. Loving ourselves, our lives, our station in life, and any part of our existence is also a part of loving G-d because we and all that exists are part of G-d and stem from Him. In addition, even if we don’t feel any love for ourselves or our life, we still might Great Neck Synagogue Shabbat Activities Program

Dale Polakoff, Rabbi Shalom Axelrod, Assistant Rabbi Brahm Weinberg, Rabbinic Intern Dr. Ephraim Wolf ,z”l, Rabbi Emeritus Zeev Kron, Cantor Eleazer Schulman, z”l, Cantor Emeritus Mark Twersky, Executive Director Howard Silberstein, President Harold Domnitch, Chairman of the Board

GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK Tu B’Shevat honors Recycling Tu B'Shvat, our Jewish Earth Day, foretells the coming of spring and presents us an opportunity to honor the cycles and recycling of nature. From this Chag Ha'Ilanot, we may develop a clearer understanding that the well being of trees is intimately connected to the well being of all creation. Unfortunately due to the widespread deforestation that is taking place across the world to feed our paper addiction, we are losing that delicate ecological balance in our planet that affects our climate, animals, and water supply. We are using up more trees that we can plant, and must ultimately reduce our use of paper goods. The paper products that we use everyday in our homes—like toilet paper, tissue paper, towels and napkins are made from what's called virgin tree fibers, which come from forests. As more forests are destroyed, we have fewer trees to help keep our soil and water clean, provide habitat for wildlife, and soak up carbon dioxide that causes global warming. Switch to recycled paper goods. We would collectively save close to 1.5million trees! Buy paper goods with at least 50% post-consumer recycled content. The higher the post-consumer content, the greater the amount of materials that have been through the entire recycling process and the greater the savings of precious natural resources and energy.

SUNDAY, Feb.22, 10am Men’s Club Great Neck Synagogue presents

“The DNA Connection Modern Jews and the Ancient Hebrews” power-point slide presentation with

Rabbi Yaakov Kleiman Author of ‘DNA & Tradition’ The Center for Kohanim, Jerusalem, www.Cohen-Levi.org

DNA & Tradition The Genetic Link to the Ancient Hebrews

Sisterhood Couples Night Out: Saturday Evening, February 21, 8 pm Sisterhood of Great Neck Synagogue will be holding a Couples Night Out on Saturday evening, February 21, 2009 at CUE BAR, located at the corner of Bell Blvd. and Northern Blvd. in Bayside. The evening will feature a dairy meal, games and live music. The cost per couple will be $54.00 prepaid. Price at the door will be $64.00 For reservations please call the Synagogue office: 516-487-6100. Checks are to be made out to GNS Sisterhood. For information please contact event chairs. Farla Frumkin, [email protected] Cindy Ludwig, [email protected] or Sara Feldschreiber (487-1468)

ANNOUNCEMENTS RABBI REISMAN SATURDAY NIGHT TELECAST In the Weinstein Torah & Technology Center Sat., 8pm www.gnstorah.org SUNDAY BREAKFAST Sunday Breakfast is sponsored by The Rabinowitz Family in memory of Lea Rabinowitz, z”l. A siyum will take place at that time. GNS PARSHA DISCUSSION GROUP GNS has created a google group where members can post their questions about the parsha and participate in a discussion with the Rabbis and other members about the weekly Torah reading. In order to join the group, send an email to [email protected]. SISTERHOOD COUPLES NIGHT OUT Feb. 21st, 8pm at Cue Bar, located on the corner of Bell Blvd. and Northern Blvd. in Bayside. The evening will feature a dairy meal, games, and live music. Cost per couple is $54. RSVP 487-6100 SHALOM BAYIT UJA-Federation of NY’s Long Island Women’s Philanthropy invites you to: One Thousand Hearts-One Voice Shalom Bayit: Sun., Feb. 22 at 10:30am-12pm. This event is for women only, a light dairy brunch will be served. Hosted by Joan Katz at her home, Please RSVP with Galit Reichlin at 677-1826. SCOPE The deadline for all articles and advertisements for the Pesach Scope is Mon., Feb. 23rd. We urge our synagogue members to become a scope sponsor in honor, or in memory of a loved one for $36. Submit all Scope material to the office, or email it to [email protected]. SAVE THE DATE The Sisterhood is proud to present a “Shabbat Kitchen” lecture by Ruchie Axelrod, Tues. Feb. 24th at 8pm, at the home of Jessica Shusterman, 14 Essex Road. Thank you to Lisa Stein for organizing this event. Mark your calendars! UPCOMING MEN’S CLUB EVENTS Feb. 22– Talk by Rabbi Yaakov Kleiman on: “The DNA Connection– Modern Jews and the Ancient Hebrews” with power-point slide presentation. March 17– Talk by Dr. Stu Greenstein (Professor of Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine) on the “Medical and Halachic side of Kidney Transplants” with donors and recipients in attendance. March 22– The annual Rabbi Dialogue, held at Temple Israel. March 26- Avi Hoffman, actor-writer-comedian celebrates Jewish culture in “A Mensch and his Musical” Tickets $36 in advance, email [email protected] to reserve, or call 487-6100, checks made out to GNS Men’s Club. May 6– Talk by Michael Tuchfeld, Commentator and correspondent Israel TV2 News—The Knesset Channel 99, co-sponsored by JPEF, publisher of the Jewish Political Chronicle. DOS YIDDUSH VORT MEETING Dos Yiddush Vort celebrates Purim with the story of “A Fahrblondgete Shalach Manot”. Wed., March 4th at 1:30pm in the Chalfin Room. Enjoy a schmaychel, a glayzele tay, and some hamentaschen. All welcome! For more info call Roz Wagner 487-9795. AM HASEFER Sally & Seymour Olshin Adult Ed Program is pleased to present a discussion of the second volume of David Birnbaum’s Summa Metaphysica series, “Summa Metaphysica II: God and Good” at the Fischer home, 65 Bayview Ave. on Sat., March 21st at 9pm. AMIT NEEDS DELIVERY PEOPLE This year’s AMIT Mishloach Manot project has been a wonderful success. Be a part of a community wide tzedakah project and help deliver baskets on Purim, March 10th. Please contact Sara Shapiro at 829-4390 or [email protected] if you would like to help. GMACH Due to space limitations, we are now only accepting donations of Wedding Gowns in excellent condition, vintage or new, so we can help others less fortunate to make this special time in their life easier and even more joyful! For more information please contact Cindy Gold at 482-9064 or [email protected]. SAVE THE DATE The 57th Annual Combined Sisterhood of Great Neck Ladies, Temple Beth El, Thurs. April 30th at 6pm.

WITHIN OUR FAMILY Mazal Tov to Ruth & Mel Klapper on the upcoming marriage of their grandson Elliot Klapper, son of Carla & Josh Klapper to Ilisa Stein. Mazal Tov to Zahava & Alf Slonim on the birth of a granddaughter, born to their children Efrat Slonim & Johny Balcombe in Philadelphia. NSHA HIGH SCHOOL PLAY NSHAHS presents Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” this Saturday at 8:30pm and Sunday at 7pm, at the GN North Middle School. For discounted tickets please call Steven Blumner at 639-8941. NSHAHS ADULT EDUCATIONAL SERIES Monday, Feb. 23rd, 8pm at NSHAHS, “Fatah-Hamas: The Palestinian Civil War and Israel’s Security” presented by Jonathan Schanzer. SHOP DELIGHT DISCOUNT CARDS The Sisterhood of GNS is selling VIP Shop Delight Cards for $10. The VIP cards give you 5% off all purchases at Shop Delight, and do not have an expiration date. Contact Diane Rein at [email protected] to purchase. SAVE THE DATE Drora & Paul Brody have been selected as the Eretz Yisrael Awardees at the 7th Annual Journal Dinner of Manhigut Yehudit (New Jewish Leadership) to be held on Sushan Purim, Wed. March 11th, at the Sands of Atlantic Beach. For more info please call 516-295-3222. HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR COOKBOOK FOR SALE The Sisterhood Gift Shop is now selling the Holocaust Survivor Cookbook for $30. It includes 250 kosher family recipes, and 129 amazing and miraculous stories of courage, survival, and hope. SAVE THE DATE The NSHA Annual Scholarship Dinner, celebrating its 54th year, is on Sun. March 22nd at 5pm at the Woodbury Jewish Center honoring “our children.” To RSVP and contribute to the schools’ scholarship fund please call Mr. Arnie Flatow, Executive Director at 487-8687 ext 133. DOCUMENTARY Devorah Wang Etzion has produced a documentary film on the life of her father, Samuel H. Wang, z”l that will be shown on Sunday, March 22nd, 11am at North Shore Towers Cinema. To attend RSVP by March 11th to Devorah at 516-721-2851.

Y A H R Z E I T

Saturday, 27 Shevat Sharon Herman for Joseph Adler Gerald Marcus for Harry Marcus Uri Rosin for Miriam Aldouby Morris Seidman for Mala Seidman Sunday, 28 Shevat Frank Bachrach for Ludwig Bachrach Oded Daskal for Dov Daskal Shulamid Gavronsky for Israel Kopelowitz Howard Lorber for Ronald Lorber Monday, 29 Shevat Murray Rabinowitz for Lea Rabinowitz Stephen Rabinowitz for Lea Rabinowitz Judith Weinstein for Fanny Weisman Tuesday, 30 Shevat Kenneth Magida for Abraham Bilsky Hilda Schulman for Cantor Oscar Trainer George Schuman for Bernard Schuman Wednesday, 1 Adar Pnina Aronowitz for Rafael Asor Ronald Braun for Emil Braun Harvey Brenner for Joseph Brenner Paul Brody for Rabbi Abraham Brown Paul Brody for David Brody Joyce Dacher for Marvin Wolfman Herbert Eckstein for Gerard Eckstein Irving Forman for Frances Deresh Hindi Lunzer for Ruchel Mermelstein Lili Weiss for Zeev Krendal Thursday, 2 Adar Michele Wolf for Philip Berman Friday, 3 Adar Henry Dicker for Max Dicker Milton Mitzner for Pearl Ducker