Friday, September 26, 2008

Rosh Hashanah message

For those of you who missed it the first time in the most recent newsletter, here is my Rosh Hashanah message.

Good Shabbos

Kesiva V'Chasima Tova

Rabbi Davidovich

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Rabbi's Message

 

All human beings build their lives on habit.  This is not a bad thing. Without the force of habit, every day would be a confusing mystery.  Our mental and spiritual states are built upon our expectations of ourselves and of the world around us.  People would go insane if they had to decide anew every morning what they planned to do, with no path to guide them.  The text of one of the morning Brochos reads "She-Targileinu B'Sorasecha", -Accustom us to Your Torah…

 

However, a life of habit alone has its dangers.  A life of Mitzvos performed because of habit alone becomes tasteless, like dry toast.  A life of habit allows the mistakes that creep into our lives to go on unexamined.  Therefore the opportunity to reexamine our lives seriously, at least once a year, allows us to adjust our course without rejecting the benefits that consistency offers us year-round.

 

Our shul needs the same regular evaluation.  What should our community stand for?  How do we break out of the rut of the regular programming of davening and classes? On what regel achas, single great principle, does our shul stand? 

 

Our answer might be found in an obscure line from Pirkei Avos, (2:11). Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai is listing the best qualities of his leading disciples.  Of his student Rabbi Yehoshua he says, "Ashrei Yoladeto", Praiseworthy is she who bore him.  What does that have to do with him? 

 

The point is that Rabbi Yehoshua's whole life, including all the Torah he learned and all the leadership he provided to the Jewish nation, was one of constant Kiddush Hashem, Sanctification of G-d's Name.  Kiddush Hashem is more than good PR.  It is about living a life so sterling, so admirable, that everything that ever touched or saw you is enhanced and sanctified as a result. 

 

Our shul has so much to be proud of.  We are a community full of mentch'n, scrupulous in our Mitzvos, devoted to our learning, open, kind and tolerant towards others, soft-spoken to all.  All who choose to daven with us, learn with us and join us or contribute to our Kehilla demonstrate their distinction and join the ranks of this city's group of individuals about whom it can be said "Praiseworthy is she who bore him"  Now is the time to ensure that these traits are not taken for granted.  Now is the time to share our wealth and distinction.  And now is the time to ask "What's next for our great Kehilla?" 

 

Deena and I wish you all a Kesiva V'Chasima Tovah.

 

Rabbi Raphael Davidovich




--
RD

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HJC Schedule - Nitzavim and Rosh Hashanah

  • Mazel Tov to Stuart and Jennifer Mintz on the birth of a grandson, born to Mendy and Becky Gecovich. 
  • The Office will be open this Sunday from 8:30am to 12:30pm for Seat and babysitting reservations as well as Lulav-and-Esrog orders.
  • If you know anyone who needs to hear Shofar on Rosh Hashanah and cannot make it to a shul, please contact Fred Bolotin at fbolotin@yahoo.com
  • If you know anyone who knows how to blow Shofar and would be willing to visit housebound people on Rosh Hashanah, please contact Fred. 

Good Shabbos
Kesiva V'Chasima Tova
Rabbi Davidovich

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Friday evening, September 26   
   
    Mincha    7:00 PM
    Candle lighting      6:58 PM

Saturday, September 27 (Nitzavim)       
    Parsha class    8:30 AM
    Shacharis    9:00 AM
    Navi class    6:20 PM
    Mincha-Shalosh Seudos-Ma'ariv    6:50 PM
    Shabbos ends    8:04 PM

Sunday, September 28       
    Selichos-Shacharis    8:00 AM
    Mincha-Ma'ariv-Rambam    6:55 PM

Monday, September 29 (Erev Rosh Hashana)       
    Selichos-Shacharis    6:00 AM
    Candle lighting    6:53 PM
    Mincha-Ma'ariv    6:55 PM

Tuesday, September 30 (Rosh Hashana)  
     
    Shacharis    8:00 AM
    Mincha-Tashlich-Ma'ariv    6:20 PM
    Candle lighting    7:59 PM

Wednesday, October 1 (Rosh Hashana)   
   
    Shacharis    8:00 AM
    Mincha-Ma'ariv    6:50 PM
    Yom Tov ends    7:57 PM

Thursday, October 2 (Tzom Gedaliah)       
    Fast begins    6:12 AM
    Selichos-Shacharis    6:10 AM
    Mincha-Ma'ariv    6:30 PM
    Fast ends    7:55 PM

Friday, October 3       
    Gemara class    Cancelled
    Selichos-Shacharis    6:10 AM
       
Friday evening, October 3       
    Mincha    6:45 PM
    Candle lighting    6:46 PM

Saturday, October 4 (Vayelech/Shuva)       
    Parsha class    8:30 AM
    Shacharis    9:00 AM
    Shabbos Shuva Drasha    5:30 PM
    Mincha-Shalosh Seudos-Ma'ariv    6:35 PM
    Shabbos ends    7:52 PM

Sunday, October 5       
    Selichos-Shacharis    8:00 AM
    Mincha-Ma'ariv-Rambam    6:45 PM

Monday-Tuesday, October 6-7  
     
    Selichos-Shacharis    6:10 AM
    Mincha-Ma'ariv-Rambam    6:45 PM

Wednesday, October 8 (Erev Yom Kippur)       
    Selichos-Shacharis    6:30 AM
    Mincha    3:00 PM
    Late Mincha    6:25 PM
    Candle lighting    6:38 PM
    Kol Nidre    6:40 PM
    Fast begins    6:56 PM

Thursday, October 9 (Yom Kippur)       
    Shacharis    9:00 AM
    Yizkor after    11:30 AM
    Mincha    4:45 PM
    Fast ends    7:44 PM


--
RD

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Monday, September 22, 2008

Chai Lifeline - Message from Yocheved Wylen

PS I don't usually make my emailing services available, but I decided to forward this email for Shaul and Yocheved as a one-time thing.

RD



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Dear Family and Friends,

 

            As many of you already know, I have started to train to run a 13.1 mile marathon this winter to help raise money for Chai Lifeline.  

           

            Chai Lifeline is an international organization that provides year-round emotional, social, and financial support to more than 3,000 children and their families every year. Chai Lifeline's goal is to bring joy to children and hope to their families, enabling them to live full and happy lives despite the presence of illness.

           

            I will be running the half marathon in memory of Shaul's mother, Deanna Wylen (Chana Zelda) who lost her life to cancer in October 2002.  Unfortunately I never had the chance to meet my mother in law but I know she was an outstanding example of constant giving to everyone she knew.  I would like to use this opportunity to give back a bit of what she gave to me. 

           

            I've pledged to raise a minimum of $5,000.00 to this unique organization, and I hope you will be able to help me reach this goal. Please contribute, either by visiting my personal web page at the Team Lifeline website at http://www.teamlifeline.org/mypage.php?myid=55351 or by sending a check to my home, at 2175 Kerwin Road, Apt 506 , Cleveland Ohio , 44118 , made payable to Chai Lifeline. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.

           

            I will definitely keep you posted with my progress as a developing marathon runner!

 

Fondly,

 

Yocheved Wylen

 

P.S. Please feel free to forward this to anyone who might be interested in supporting Chai Lifeline



--
RD

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Friday, September 19, 2008

HJC News - Ki Savo- Cholent

  • Mazel Tov to Mr and Mrs Alex Schnittlinger on the birth of a grandson, born to Rabbi and Mrs Shmuel Abramowitz.  The Sholom Zochor will be held tonight at the Abramowitz home, 2150 Milton, 5th floor.

  • Mazel Tov to the Altshulers on Holly's upcoming marriage to Gedalia Corbett this Sunday.

  • Gedalia's Aufruf is being held this Shabbos at the shul. Cholent Kiddush is being sponsored by the Altshulers and Corbetts in honor (honour) of the Aufruf.
  • Holly Altshuler's Shabbos Kallah will be held at the Fine home, 4511 University Parkway, at 6pm.
  • Shalosh Seudos is sponsored this week by Mr and Mrs Avner Cohen in commemoration of Avner's father's upcoming yohrtzeit.
  • Selichos begin this Motzoei Shabbos.  The pre-Selichos drosho will be held at 12:50am and Selichos begin at 1:20am. 
  • Rebbetzin Schur will be giving her women's class on "Reading and Understanding the Machzor" at her home on Bromley Rd, Sunday at 7pm.
  • I will be giving my second class on Preparing for the Yomim Tovim this Wednesday at 8pm at the shul. 
  • The office is still taking reservations for seats and babysitting for Yom Tov.  Please note that when it comes to the Rosh Hashana/Yom Kippur babysitting, prior reservations are mandatory, with no exceptions. 

Good Shabbos

Rabbi Davidovich

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Friday evening, September 19       

    Mincha    6:55 PM
    Candle lighting late    7:10 PM

Saturday, September 20 (Ki-Savo)       

    Parsha class    8:30 AM
    Shacharis    9:00 AM
    Navi class    6:30 PM
    Mincha-Shalosh Seudos-Ma'ariv    7:00 PM
    Shabbos ends    8:16 PM
    Selichos drasha    12:50 AM
    Selichos services    1:20 AM

Sunday, September 21       

    Shacharis    8:00 AM
    Mincha-Ma'ariv-Rambam    7:00 PM

Monday-Thursday, September 22-25       

    Gemara class    Cancelled
    Selichos-Shacharis    6:20 AM
    Mincha-Ma'ariv-Rambam    7 PM  (Mon, Tues, Thurs)
    Mincha-Ma'ariv    7 PM  (Wed)
    Pre-Holiday Special Class   8 PM  (Wed)     

Friday, September 26       

    Gemara class    Cancelled
    Selichos-Shacharis    6:20 AM

--
RD

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Wednesday, September 17, 2008

HJC - Yom Tov Shiur TONIGHT at 8 PM



Seat: Reserved.
Esrog: Ordered
Menus: Prepared

 

but are you really prepared for Yom Tov?? 
 
 

Join Rabbi Raphael Davidovich as he explores the hashkafos

of the Yomim Noraim and Succos,

as well as some necessary yet neglected Hilchos Yom Tov. 
 

Heights Jewish Center Synagogue

14270 Cedar Road

8 PM 
 

Tonight

Forgotten Hilchos Yom Tov


Wednesday, September 24

Tefillos and Themes of the Yomim Tovim


These sessions are free and open to men and women in the community.

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Monday, September 15, 2008

HJC - Yom Tov Shiur this Wednesday and next at 8 PM

Seat: Reserved.
Esrog: Ordered
Menus: Prepared


but are you really prepared for Yom Tov??


Join Rabbi Raphael Davidovich as he explores the hashkafos

of the Yomim Noraim and Succos,

as well as some necessary yet neglected Hilchos Yom Tov.

Heights Jewish Center Synagogue

14270 Cedar Road

8 PM

Wednesday, September 17

Forgotten Hilchos Yom Tov


Wednesday, September 24

Tefillos and Themes of the Yomim Tovim


These sessions are free and open to men and women in the community.


No comments:

HJC Rosh Hashana - Yom Kippur Opportunity

The Mishna Berura (Ch. 584:S.K.8) quotes the great compendium on all Yomim Noraim matters, the Mateh Ephraim, as follows: 

"It is appropriate for every G-d fearing man to make an effort to get an Aliyah on the Yomim Noraim (Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur). Even in places where the Aliyos are usually auctioned off [to the wealthy], one should "purchase" an Aliya for that time of year for as much as his means allow. 

"[And lest one think that there is something degrading about purchasing an Aliya at such a holy time of year, the truth is] just the opposite: There is greater spiritual advantage in a Mitzvah that comes one's way through monetary expenditure than in a Mitzvah that has come one's way free of charge."

In the coming week, representatives of the shul will be offering some of you the opportunity to "purchase" an aliya for the upcoming Yomim Tovim.  They will not be able to contact everyone.  If you are interested in taking the initiative in acquiring this merit for yourself or someone else and investing in our Kehilla at the same time, please call the office (216-382-1958), or contact Martin Lipman at Martin.Lipman@infores.com, or Gershon Ireland at gershon7@aol.com

Tizku L'Mitzvos
Rabbi Davidovich

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Friday, September 12, 2008

HJC Announcements - Ki Seitzei

  • Condolences to Rivah Schlesinger on the passing of her father.  Go to http://lzechernishmas.com/signup.php?id=396 to sign up to learn Mishnayos in his memory if you are able to do so. 

  • Rebbetzin Schur will be giving a class for women at her home on Bromley Road this Sunday evening at 7PM on the Machzor and High Holiday davening.

  • This Wednesday Sept. 17 and next Wednesday Sept. 24 at 8 PM, I will be giving a class on the Halachos and Themes of the upcoming Yomim Tovim.  The class is encouraged for both men and women.

Good Shabbos
Rabbi Davidovich

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Friday evening, September 12       

    Mincha    7:05 PM
    Candle lighting late    7:22 PM

Saturday, September 13 (Ki-Setze)       

    Parsha class    8:30 AM
    Shacharis    9:00 AM
    Navi class    6:50 PM
    Mincha-Shalosh Seudos-Ma'ariv    7:10 PM
    Shabbos ends    8:28 PM

Sunday, September 14       

    Shacharis    8:00 AM
    Mincha-Ma'ariv-Rambam    7:15 PM

Monday-Thursday, September 15-18       

    Shacharis    6:45 AM
    Mincha-Ma'ariv-Rambam    7:15 PM  (Mon, Tues, Thurs)
    Mincha-Ma'ariv    7:15 PM  (Wed)
    Pre-Holiday Special Class   8 PM  (Wed)     

Friday, September 19       

    Shacharis    6:45 AM
       

Friday evening, September 19       

    Mincha    6:55 PM
    Candle lighting late    7:10 PM

--
RD

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Friday, September 5, 2008

HJC News - Parshas Shoftim

  • Please note that Mincha this evening is at 7:10 PM, earlier than candle-lighting. 
  • Don't forget to make a reservation for the Shul's Steak Dinner next Sunday September 14.

  • Don't forget to reserve your seats for Rosh Hashana-Yom Kippur.

  • Shalosh Seudos is sponsored by Harold and Fayge Males in commemoration of Harold's sister's Yohrtzeit this past week.
Have a Good Shabbos
Rabbi Davidovich

---------------------------------------------------

Friday evening, September 5       

    Mincha    7:10 PM
    Candle lighting late    7:34 PM

Saturday, September 6 (Shoftim)       

    Parsha class    8:30 AM
    Shacharis    9:00 AM
    Navi class    6:55 PM
    Mincha-Shalosh Seudos-Ma'ariv    7:25 PM
    Shabbos ends    8:40 PM

Sunday, September 7        

    Shacharis    8:00 AM
    Mincha-Ma'ariv-Rambam    7:30 PM

Monday-Thursday, September 8-11       

    Gemara class    Postponed until after Yom-Tov
    Shacharis    6:45 AM
    Mincha-Ma'ariv-Rambam    7:30 PM

Friday, September 12       

    Gemara class    Postponed until after Yom-Tov
    Shacharis    6:45 AM
       

Friday evening, September 12       

    Mincha    7:05 PM
    Candle lighting late    7:22 PM

Saturday, September 13 (Ki-Setze)       

    Parsha class    8:30 AM
    Shacharis    9:00 AM
    Navi class    6:50 PM
    Mincha-Shalosh Seudos-Ma'ariv    7:10 PM
    Shabbos ends    8:28 PM

--
RD

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