Shabbat Announcements, July 18, 2009

Parshat Matot-Masei Torah Artscroll, 900 Hertz, 702 Haftorah Artscroll, 1193 Hertz, 725 Mevorchim Chodesh Av Rosh Chodesh Wednesday Molad:Wednesday 9:19:5 am

Times Candle Lighting

8:05 pm

Mincha

7:00 pm

Hashkama

8:00 am

Youth

8:30 am

Main Minyan

9:00 am

Beit Midrash

9:15 am

Gemorah Shiur

6:55 pm

Mincha

7:55 pm

Shabbat Ends Sunday

9:13 pm 7:30 /8:30 am

Mon., Thurs.,

6:35 am

Wed. Rosh Chodesh

6:30 am

Tues., ., Fri.,

6:45 am

Second Shacharit Minyan (Daily)

7:45 am

Mincha (week of July 19)

8:05 pm

Latest times for Shema/Shmoneh Esrei July 18

9:19/10:33 am

July 25

9:23/10:35 am

Next Shabbat –Devarim Candle lighting

8:00 pm

Mincha

7:00 pm

July 18, 2009 26 Tamuz 5769

Rabbi Frand: Thoughts on the Parsha "The assembly shall rescue the killer from the hand of the avenger of the blood, and the assembly shall return him to the city of refuge where he had fled; he shall dwell in it until the death of the Kohen Gadol whom he had anointed with the sacred oil." (35:25) A person who kills someone unintentionally is required to flee to an ir miklat (city of refuge), and remain there until the Kohen Gadol dies. If he leaves the ir miklat, a relative of the victim can avenge the death by taking the life of the murderer. The pasuk tells us that the killer must remain within the ir miklat until the death of the Kohen Gadol "asher mashach oso b'shemen hakodesh — whom he had anointed with the sacred oil." Who is "he"? Contextually understood, the pronoun "he" in this pasuk is referring to the killer. Did the killer anoint the Kohen Gadol? The Talmud explains that the pasuk was worded this way to teach us a halachah. Not every killer is worthy

of refuge in the arei miklat. Beis din is required to judge whether or not the killer is a candidate for the arei miklat. What happens if the killing occurred while the Kohen Gadol was alive, but Beis Din only decided the case after that Kohen Gadol died and another Kohen Gadol was anointed? Does the killer go free immediately? The Talmud tells us that the killer does not go free until the demise of the second Kohen Gadol. This is written implicitly in the pasuk we are discussing, explains the Talmud. This pasuk is referring to Beis Din sending a person whom they deemed worthy of refuge to the arei miklat. When does he go free? Upon the death of the Kohen Gadol "asher mashach oso" — i.e., the Kohen Gadol who was anointed at the time that the Beis Din determined the killer worthy of refuge, not the one who was serving when the actual killing took place. In Meshech Chochmah, Rav Meir Simchah of Dvinsk elaborates on this point to enable us to read the pasuk more literally. Torah justice differs

Kiddush is sponsored By Michelle & Norman Rutta in memory of his father Abraham Rutta And by Beth & Marc Gottlieb In memory of his mother Rachel Gottlieb

significantly from today's legal systems. Modern justice attempts to go beyond the actual crime, into the mind of the criminal, to determine why he committed the crime. Was he abused as a youngster? Perhaps the discrimination suffered by people of his race caused him to commit the crime? Was he fully coherent when he committed the crime? Maybe he was insane at the time …. Hundreds of criminals are freed each year because the jury or judge trying their case felt that they were able to evaluate the motives of the criminal, and based on their evaluation, the criminal should not be punished for his crime. Truthfully, however, we mortals have no way of determining most people's motives. In the Torah justice system, the dayanim (judges) are required to rule cases based on cool, calculated examination of the evidence, with absolutely no leniency for what they might consider to be extenuating circumstances. In cases of uni ntentional manslaughter, there are specific parameters by which Beis Din is required to send a person to an ir miklat. For how long? Beis Din does not set the killer's sentence. The killer must stay there until the Kohen Gadol dies. A modern

Seudah Shlishit is Sponsored By Hedva & Edmund Kessler Marking the end of shloshim for his mother Lillie Kessler

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

justice system would set standard sentences, depending on the perceived motive of the crime and the level of recklessness displayed by the killer. That seems very logical. Is the Torah system fair? Is it fair to punish killers equally no matter what their motives were? Actually, the Torah system is the fairest system of all, says the Meshech Chochmah, because it is literally Divine. In the Torah's system, a person will remain in the ir miklat for the precise amount of time that it takes for him to atone for his actions. HaKadosh Baruch Hu evaluates the motives of each killer sent to the arei miklat, and determines the term of the Kohen Gadol based on how long each killer is supposed to remain there. For instance, Reuven ina dvertently kills someone, and based on the level of his negligence and other extenuating conditions, he should be in the ir miklat for 20 years. Now, if ten years before the killing, two candidates were being considered for Kohen Gadol, one of whom is destined to live another 15 years and one of whom is destined to live for 30, Hashem will arrange for the Kohen destined to live for 30 years to be anointed, to ensure that Reuven serves out his sentence. If Shimon also killed someone, but based on his motives and actions he should only have to take refuge for 10 days, Hashem will make sure that the Kohen Gadol serving in Shimon's days is one who is meant to die ten days after Shimon walks into the ir miklat. This is why the pasuk states, "asher mashach oso," says the Meshech Chochmah. Since Hashem chooses the Kohen Gadol based on the terms of penance needed by the various killers in the arei miklat, it is as if the killers anoint the Kohen Gadol of their generat ion! Considering the number of people in the arei miklat at any given time, the combinations and permutations necessary to determine who should be the Kohen Gadol are obviously beyond the scope of human calculation. Hashem, however, is a Keil emunah ve'ein avel — a God of faith without iniquity (Devarim 32:4). Hashem will not allow a person who is only supposed to serve a ten-day sentence to remain in the ir miklat for eleven days, and he will not allow a person who requires 20 years of penance to leave one day earlier. This insight leads us to a startling conclusion. We view the world through human logic, and explain everything we see based on our understanding of the circumstances. Great Neck Synagogue Shabbat Activities Program

Dale Polakoff, Rabbi Shalom Axelrod, Assistant Rabbi 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

Shabbat Announcements Parshat Matos-Masei, 5769

If we heard that an 83-year-old Kohen Gadol died, we would understand his death. No one lives forever, right? Human logic dictates that old people die. If a 40-year-old Kohen Gadol dies suddenly, however, we would wonder why he died. And if we heard that he had a heart attack, we might think, "Was there any family history of heart disease? Did he smoke?" The Meshech Chochmah teaches us something amazing. What we view as causation is not the actual causation. The Kohen Gadol's death is not based on old age, heart disease, or any other illness. The Kohen Gadol's death is determined by the need of the killers in the arei miklat to go free. The same concept applies to all other events in life. What we consider to be the reasons for our health, wealth, success, or lack thereof, are usually not the real reasons. Causation is very confusing. Only Hashem, the God of faith without iniquity, knows the true reasons for the events in our lives.

GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK * Pull the shades - Closing your blinds on your house can make a world of difference during the day. Furthermore, having insulated windows and blinds helps keep the cold air out in the winter, but it also helps keep out the heat in the summer. * Air it out - Open those windows at night when it cools down outside. It will help vent the air that has been in the house all day. A cool evening breeze will help you cool things down without the AC. However, if it is too humid out, it is recommended that you use the AC. Too much humidity can cause mold to grow inside your house. * Seal it up - Have your windows and doors properly sealed to cut down on air leakage. It's also a good idea to insulate the duct work in your home. If it's in the attic, heavily insulate it. If possible, run duct work through cooler parts of the house, such as the basement. * Fan it out - Turn on the ceiling fans or a free-standing fan. Fans are great for moving the air and can generally make a house feel cooler by producing a breeze. * Lighten it up - Switch out those standard incandescent bulbs for compact florescent bulbs (CFL). Not only will this save you energy, but CFL's burn cooler, helping you keep the temperature in the house down. Another great way to reduce heat in the house is to turn off your computers. * Add some shade - Another great way to cut down on the heat is to add some shade. Plant some trees on the side of your house that receives the most sun. It may take some time, but when these trees grow up, they will provide shade for your house during the summertime, which will cut down on energy costs. * Go digital - If you can, put in a digital thermostat. It's a better way to manage your household temperature. You can set the house for a higher temperature when you are not home and a lower temperature when you arrive home from work. Don't set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.

great neck synagogue ROSH HASHANA IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!! Although there are still many days of summer left, Rosh HaShana will be here before we know it. Order your New Year’s Greeting for the High Holy Days issue of SCOPE now.

Greetings are priced as follows: SCOPE SPONSORSHIP*

$36.00 One line greeting

$180.00 for Quarter page

If you enjoy reading SCOPE, please become a SCOPE sponsor. Your name will appear in each edition that you sponsor. You may sponsor in honor or in memory of a loved one.

$275.00 for Half page

$36 per issue___ $100 for one year (3 issues)____

$100.00 for Business card size

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$400 for Full page

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$100 for one year sponsorship*

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Deadline: August 3, 2009 Make checks payable to: Great Neck Synagogue, 26 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, N.Y. 11023

Please fill out and return to office: Name_______________________ Address_____________________ Ad Size_____________________

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ANNOUNCEMENTS TEFILLA DIGEST by RABBI BRAHM WEINBERG The book that was dedicated by Diane & David Rein of Rabbi Weinberg’s Tefilla Digest articles that was given out this past Shabbat is available in the Shul office. There are a limited number still available. MEN’S CLUB EVENTS Bus Trip to NYC Sun., July 26th 10am, to the NYC Eldridge Street Synagogue and Center for Jewish History on 16th Street. Visiting four museums in one, docents will accompany our group. Cost including lunch is $60 per person. Call Dave Wagner 487-9795, Hilly Milun 5970320, or Al Leiderman at 482-0628. Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv vs New York Knicks at MSG Sun. Oct 18th, at 1pm. All proceeds are donated to Migdal Ohr. Mid-court tickets at $105 each. Tickets are now available on a first come basis. For tickets call Steve Blumner 487-3859, Hilly Milun 504-0320, or Paul Brody 466-5412 SCOPE MAGAZINE The deadline for the Rosh Hashanah Scope Magazine is Monday, August 3rd for all advertisements, articles, photos and New Year Greetings. We strongly encourage you to be a Scope Sponsor in honor or in memory of a loved one for $36 an issue or $100 for 3 issues (Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah, and Pesach) Please email all submissions to [email protected]. HIGH SCHOOL PIRKEI AVOS CLASS There will be a Pirkei Avos shiur for High School students every shabbos afternoon approx. 40 minutes before mincha given by Cary Schwechter in the GNS Youth Center.

Great Neck Synagogue Summer Learning Program

WITHIN OUR FAMILY Mazal Tov to Sonia & Sam Movsas on the engagement of their grandson Jack L. Newhouse, son of Sharon Movsas to Carly Leff of Riverdale. Mazal Tov to Eva and Frank Bachrach on the birth of a grandson, Jordan David , born to their children Nina and Paul Wright and little brother to Gabriella and Adam. SAM AHARONOFF MEMORIAL SHIVTEI TORAH CAMPAIGN The Siyum will take place on Sun., Nov. 22nd, the Yarzheit weekend of Sam Aharonoff z”l. All proceeds will support the Sam Aharonoff Memorial Scholarship Fund to help offset tuition costs for dozens of needy students. To participate in the campaign or for more info: www.shivteitorah.org, or call Arnie Flatow 487-8687 ext 2.

SAT TRAINING July and August, 6-7:30pm at GNS given by David Rabinowitz. Mondays: Math, Tuesdays: Verbal, Wednesdays: Writing, Thursdays: Misc. review of material from the previous three days. For more info call 998-6621. E-MAIL INFORMATION To be put on the shul’s e-mail list please send your e-mail address to [email protected]. There are many important notices and reminders that are sent only this way.

Jimmy Frisch and family would like to thank Rabbi Polakoff, Rabbi Axelrod, Cantor Kron and the Great Neck community for their support and guidance following the passing of his mother, Rozsa Sokol. The Kessler family would like to thank Rabbi Polakoff, Rabbi Axelrod, Cantor Kron and the entire community for their outpouring of sympathy and support following the passing of his mother Lillie Kessler

Roshei Yeshiva Lecture Series July 15, 2009 (following Maariv) Rabbi Daniel Feldman “Lying for the sake of Peace” July 22, 2009 (following Maariv) Rabbi Shmuel Maybruch “The Wait-Conscious Diet: Waiting Between Meat and Milk”

Jewish Professional Lecture Series August 12, 2009 at 8:15 pm (following Mincha at 7:45 pm) Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman “When Man Creates Man: Medical Halacha Update 5769” August 19, 2009 at 8:00 pm (following Mincha at 7:35 pm) Rabbi Dr. Aaron Levine “Preventing the Next Great Depression: A Jewish Law Perspective”

To sponsor please call the Synagogue office

Y A H R Z E I T

Saturday, 26 Tamuz Sunday, 27 Tamuz Eliot Heisler for Sharon Sokol Heisler Deborah Hollander for Sharon Sokol Heisler Leo Mindick for Joseph Mindick Leo Mindick for Shimshon Mindick Joseph Sokol for Sharon Sokol Heisler Judith & Martin Sokol for Sharon Sokol Heisler Annabelle Zackheim for Lester Zackheim Monday, 28 Tamuz Regina Ajodan for Maurice Tizabi Tuesday, 29 Tamuz Adam Zalta for Maurice Zalta Wednesday, 1 Av Rose Baim for Malka Baim Ivan Seidle for Hymie Seidle Thursday, 2 Av Gladys Moslin for Seymour Moslin Michael Moslin for Seymour Moslin Osnass Shein for Joseph Shein Ruvan Shein for Joseph Shein Friday, 3 Av Madeline Belonsky for Monty Wine Sheila Ebrahimian for Devorah Aminoff Herbert Eckstein for Harris Eckstein Zoltan Justin for Herman Juskovic Gloria Wang Miller for Frank Saltzman Alex Weiss for Ignatz Weiss Michael Weiss for Ignatz Weiss Annabelle Zackheim for Marvin Atlas