ב״ה
Wellsprings Summer 2016/ Shavuot 5776
ALL ABOUT
SHAVUOT
CELEBRATE THE GIVING OF THE TORAH
got kids? Then we’ve got something for you!
WANTED: Self-Centered
Childish People
WHAT ABOUT VACCINES?
DEVORAH’S RECIPE CORNER A Little Nosh for the Soul Compliments of Chabad of the Lehigh Valley
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NOTE FROM THE RABBI
Wellsprings Magazine
Dear Friend,
Dedicated to the Love and Inspiration of the Lubavitcher Rebbe OB”M
You know those holidays that take over the town? They’re in the news and in stores; public offices close and public officials make celebratory statements. But what about a special day on your personal calendar? It could be a private anniversary or the day you overcame a secret struggle. You look forward to the day, your heart swells with joy and pride, yet to the world it’s just another day on the calendar.
Wellsprings
The Jewish people have such a day. In fact, it is the day on which we became a people. The day is Shavuot, on which, 3,328 years ago, G-d came down onto Mount Sinai and gave us His holiest gift, the Torah. He spoke to us. Those around us may not understand why we regard it with such anticipation and awe, but we know. He had chosen us as His people, and on this day showed us. On the two days of Shavuot, we commemorate and celebrate our special connection. We make sure to include our children, in whose merit we received the Torah. And this year especially, the Year of Hakhel-Unity, we make sure to gather with family and friends to hear the Ten Commandments read and thank G-d for giving us the chance to “understand” Him through His precious Torah. Wishing you a Happy Shavuot,
Editorial Rabbi Yaacov Halperin
Contributing Writers
Sincerly, Rabbi Yaacov Halperin
Rabbi Naftali Silberberg, Devorah Halperin, Sara Esther Crispe, Aron Berger, Alyssa Rachel Gross, Rabbi Yehuda Shurpin
Design
Sara Bressler Rutz
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You’re Making Me Bald!
Little Bits of
R
av Ami and Rav Asi were with Rabbi Yitzchak the smith. One of them said to him, “Could the master please tell us a matter of Jewish law?” and the other said to him, “Could the rabbi please share a homiletic teaching?”
The Two Watchmen
A
ntoninus said to Rabbi Judah HaNassi: The body and the soul can each absolve themselves from judgment. The body can say: “It is the soul who has sinned. Why, from the day it left me, I lie like a dumb stone in the grave!” And the soul can say: “It’s the body who transgressed. From the day I departed from it, I fly about in the air like a bird!”
He began to tell a homily, and the first student wouldn’t let him continue, so he began to talk about a matter of Jewish law, but the other man stopped him. So he said, “Let me tell you an analogy. What is this like? It’s like a man who has two wives, one old and one young. The young one plucks his gray hairs so that he looks young; the old one plucks his black hairs so that he looks old—and in the end he’s left bald from here and from there!”
Babylonian Talmud, Bava Kamma 60b
Said Rabbi Judah: I will tell you a parable. Once there was a king who had a beautiful orchard with splendid figs. He appointed two watchmen for his orchard. One watchman was lame, and the other one was blind.
Wisdom
One day the lame man said to the blind man: “I see beautiful figs in the orchard. Come, I will ride on your shoulders, and we’ll take them and eat them.” So the lame man rode on the shoulders of the blind man, and they took the fruits and ate them. Some time after, the owner of the orchard came and inquired of them, “Where are those beautiful figs?” The lame man replied, “Have I feet to walk with?” The blind man replied, “Have I eyes to see with?” What did the king do? He placed the lame watchman on the shoulders of the blind watchman, and judged them together.
TALMUD, SANHEDRIN 91A–B
The Boat
A
group of people were travelling in a boat. One of them took a drill and began to drill a hole beneath himself. His companions said to him: “Why are you doing this?” Replied the man: “What concern is it of yours? Am I not drilling under my own place?” Said they to him: “But you will flood the boat for us all!” (Quoted in Midrash Rabbah, Vayikra 4:6).
ALL ABOUT
Shavuot
On this day G-d swore eternal devotion to us, and we pledged everlasting loyalty to Him. The Torah was given by G-d to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai more than 3300 years ago. Every year on the holiday of Shavuot we renew our acceptance of G-d’s gift, and He “regives” us the Torah.
THE ROLE OF CHILDREN There is also special significance to bringing children, even the youngest of infants, to hear the Ten Commandments. Before G‑d gave the Torah to the Jewish people, He demanded guarantors. The Jews made a number of suggestions, all rejected by G‑d, until they declared, “Our children will be our guarantors that we will cherish and observe the Torah.” G‑d immediately accepted them and agreed to give the Torah. Let us make sure to bring along all our “guarantors” to the synagogue on the first day of Shavuot.
WHAT IS THE TORAH The Torah is composed of two parts: the Written Law and the Oral Law. The written Torah contains the Five Books of Moses, the Prophets and the Writings. Together with the Written Torah, Moses was also given the Oral Law, which explains and clarifies the Written Law. It was transmitted orally from generation to generation.
EATING DAIRY It is customary to eat dairy foods on the first day of Shavuot. There are a number of reasons for this custom. Here are a few: With the giving of the Torah, the Jews became obligated to observe the kosher laws. As the Torah was given on Shabbat, no cattle could be slaughtered nor could utensils be koshered, and thus on that day they ate dairy. The Torah is likened to nourishing milk. Also, the Hebrew word for milk is chalav, and when the numerical values of each of the letters in the word chalav are added together—8 + 30 + 2—the total is forty. Forty is the number of days Moses spent on Mount Sinai when receiving the Torah. LEARNING ON SHAVUOT NIGHT On the first night of Shavuot (this year, Saturday night, May 23, 2015), Jews throughout the world observe the centuries-old custom of conducting an allnight vigil dedicated to Torah learning and preparation for receiving the Torah anew the next morning. One explanation for this tradition is that the Jewish people did not rise early on the day G‑d gave the Torah, and it was necessary for G‑d Himself to awaken them. To compensate for their behavior, Jews have accepted upon themselves the custom of remaining awake all night.
ADORNING THE HOME WITH GREENERY & FLOWERS Since Shavuot is also called the “Harvest Festival,” it is customary to adorn the home and synagogue with fruits, flowers and greens. Furthermore, our Sages relate that although Mount Sinai was situated in a desert, when the Torah was given the mountain bloomed and sprouted flowers.
THE BOOK OF RUTH The Book of Ruth is recited as part of the program of study for Shavuot night. Additionally, in many synagogues it is read publicly on the second day of Shavuot. There are several reasons for this custom: Shavuot is the birthday and yahrtzeit (anniversary of passing) of King David, and the Book of Ruth records his ancestry. Ruth and her husband Boaz were King David’s great-grandparents. The scenes of harvesting described in the book of Ruth are appropriate to the Festival of Harvest. Ruth was a sincere convert who embraced Judaism with all her heart. On Shavuot all Jews were converts— having accepted the Torah and all of its precepts.
WHAT IS YOM TOV Just as there are sacred places, portals in space through which a certain transcendence shines, so too there are sacred times, luminescent points in the yearly cycle Shabbat is the day on which the weekly cycle transcends itself. Then there is Yom Tov, literally, “a good day,” each Yom Tov the highest point in the year, with its particular meaning, message and flavor. Another difference between Shabbat and Yom Tov. On Shabbat, we are required to honor the day and enjoy it. On Yom Tov, also celebrate with joy, as the Torah says, “And you shall rejoice in your festival . . . and you shall only be happy.
TEN COMMANDMENTS On the holiday of Shavuot, the entire Jewish nation heard from G‑d the Ten Commandments. The next day Moses went up to Mount Sinai, where he was taught by G‑d the rest of the Torah—both the Written and Oral Laws—which he then transmitted to the entire nation.
Candle Lighting Times and Services Friday, June 10, 2016 Light Candles at 8:15 pm Say Blessing 1 All-Night Learnathon Saturday, June 11, 2016 Morning Services: 10:00 am Light Candles* after 9:23 pm Say Blessings 2 & 3 Sunday, June 12, 2016 Morning Services: 10:00 am
Blessings Blessing for Shabbat candle lighting 1) Baruch a-ta A-do-nay Elo-hei-nu me-lech ha-o-lam a-sher kidee-sha-nu bi-mitz-vo-tav vi-tzi-va-noo li-had-leek ner shel Sha-bat Ko-desh. Translation: Blessed are you, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of the Holy Shabbat
Blessings for the Festivals of Shavuot 2) Bo-ruch a-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu me-lech ho-olom a-sher kide-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-sov ve-tzi-vo-nu le-had-lik ner shel Yom Tov. Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the light of the Festival Day.The Shehecheyonu blessing: 3) Bo-ruch a-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu me-lech ho-olom she-heche-ya-nu vi-kee-yi-ma-nu vi-hi-gee-an-u liz-man ha-zeh. Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has kept us alive and sustained us and let us reach this time.
Reading of the Ten Commandments 5:00 pm Followed by a dairy buffet Light Candles* after 9:24 pm Say Blessings 2 & 3 Monday, June 13, 2016 Morning Services: 10:00 am Yizkor Memorial Services: 11:30 am Holiday Ends: 9:24 pm *Light only from a pre-existing flame.
Devorah’s
Recipe Corner S H AV U OT
Mushroom & Cream Pasta
30in-4ut0es mPREP TIME
A savory dish with that is sure to be a meal you’ll make more than once, even after Shavuot is over. SHOPPING LIST
•
10 Ounces Penne Pasta
•
1lb Fresh Mushrooms, Sliced
•
1 Tsp Salt
•
5 Tbsp. Butter or Margarine
•
2 Tbsp. All-Purpose Flour
•
1/2 Tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
•
1 Medium Onion, Peeled & Finely
•
3 Tbsp. Dry White Wine
•
Dash of Nutmeg
Chopped
•
1 Pint Heavy Cream
•
3 Tbsp. Milk
DIRECTIONS
1.
Cook and drain Pasta. Toss with 1 Tbsp. of butter or margarine, return it to the pot and keep warm.
2.
Melt the remaining 4 Tbsp. of butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion until translucent, add
mushrooms and continue to fry until soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. 3.
Sprinkly flour over the contents in the skillet, 1 tsp at a time, stirring after each addition. Then gradually pour the wine,
then the cream into the skillet, stirring continuously until smooth. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg, simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened. Pour milk into the skillet and mix. If the sauce is too thick, add another Tbsp. of milk. 4.
Spoon pasta into individual bowls or plates and cover with mushroom sauce. Voilà!
Rabbi Meir said: When the Jews stood before Sinai to receive the Torah, G‑d said to them: “I swear, I will not give you the Torah unless you provide worthy guarantors who will assure that you will observe its laws.”… The Jews declared, “Our children will serve as our guarantors!” “They truly are worthy guarantors,” G‑d replied. “Because of them I will give the Torah.”
WANTED:
Self-Centered,
Short-Sighted, Childish Peoplze
By Rabbi Naftali Silberberg
“Yesterday” is code word for “completely irrelevant past”; “tomorrow” is code word for “utterly irrelevant future”…
O
f the many childish qualities which set apart the “maturity challenged” youth from their adult counterparts, two are very stark and blatant. 1) A child’s entire focus is on the here and now. The past is a non-existent bygone, and the future—an even more non-existent dream. The younger the child, the more non-existent is all but the present. For example: On Sunday morning, the average adult wakes up and thinks about his goals for the day ahead—be they taking care of responsibilities or chores, or indulging some desires and hobbies which are reserved for weekends. Only after
creating some semblance of a plan does the day begin in earnest. A child, on the other hand, wakes up and his first thought is: “What do I do now? Do I jump on Mom’s head to wake her up? Or can I more wisely utilize Mom’s sleep time by climbing the china closet to purloin some of the sweets she’s hidden there?” The day ahead is completely irrelevant; all that matters is living in the moment. This is also why every child-raising book speaks of the importance of immediate consequences – positive or negative – for youngsters’ actions. This is for two reasons: a) the warning of a future [i.e. non-existent] reward or punishment will not impact what the child will do in the [very real] present. b) If the consequence is delayed, the child can’t comprehend why he’s receiving a very real punishment/reward for an abstract act which has been relegated to the annals of immaterial history. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that young children refer to any prior date as “yesterday,” and anything which will occur in the future, no matter how distant, is part of “tomorrow.” How far in the past or future is unimportant; “yesterday” is code word for “completely irrelevant past”, and “tomorrow” is code word for “utterly irrelevant future”… 2) Every child considers himself to be the very cog around which the world revolves; the sole purpose of every G‑d-created being is to serve him. Every game and latest gadget was invented with him in mind, and how dare Mom and Dad – who were also put on Earth to serve him – deny him his birthright! And when they do capitulate to his whimpering and moaning and buy the toy, the nerve of them to suggest that he share it with a sibling!
Every game and latest gadget was invented with him in mind, and how dare Mom and Dad – who were also put on Earth to serve him – deny him his birthright! And when they do capitulate to his whimpering and moaning and buy the toy, the nerve of them to suggest that he share it with a sibling!
The importance of global upheavals and momentous scientific discoveries pale in comparison to a lollypop. If it doesn’t affect him, it just doesn’t matter. This is why children must be trained to feel and express gratitude. Not because they are naturally unappreciative, but because they fail to understand why, for example, they must be grateful to parents who are just performing their duty. Thanks is due to a creature who has a life and aspirations of its own who selflessly chooses to forgo his own benefit to help another. This certainly does not apply to the parent whose life’s purpose is to cater to his every wish. Thanking a parent is akin to showing appreciation to the school bus which transports him to school! These two childish qualities clearly have serious downsides. Thankfully, people mature—for living in a world wherein people remained exclusively focused on themselves without consideration for others would be unimaginable. And the human would still be living in caves if he lacked the capacity to plan for the future. However, there is much to be learned from the child’s perspective.
“Do n o t s a y ‘When I will have free time I will study,’ for perhaps you will never have free time” (Ethics 2:4). How much more would each of us accom- plish if we were childishly eager to utilize the present moment to its utmost, instead of delaying important goals for an imaginary future? Furthermore, how many people’s ambitions are hampered because they dwell in the non-existent past—frightened into inaction by past failures, or lacking motivation because they rest on the laurels of prior achievements? “Every person is obligated to say, ‘The world was creat-
ed for me’” (Sanhedrin 37a). You are not an insignificant cosmic speck; you are the reason why the world was created. G‑d Himself waits for you to fulfill the purpose of creation by studying some more Torah and observing yet another mitzvah. Perhaps this is why G‑d enthusiastically accepted the children as guarantors for the Torah. The message is plain: Torah is intended for “childish” people who realize that 1. there’s no time like the present, and 2. you are the one chosen to do it!
Rabbi Naftali Silberberg is a writer, editor and director of the curriculum department at the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute. Rabbi Silberberg resides in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife, Chaya Mushka, and their three children. Rreprinted Courtesy of: www.chabadlehighvalley.com
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Talk Like an
Egyptian By: Sara Esther Crispe
A
nochi. Meaning “I.” First word our Creator says to us in those big Ten Commandments that we are given. Anochi. Not a Hebrew word, but an Egyptian one. How cool is that? Egyptian! And no, I don’t mean because it is foreign and unique. It’s cool because He spoke to us in the language we had been listening to for the last 200
years. The language we were familiar with. The one we would respond to. The one we would get. We had just left slavery. We
So when it came time for us to receive the Torah, to commit to this marriage with the One who chose us as His people, He began the conversation in the way we
One can speak without actively connecting or relating to anyone. But if you are really listening, it requires intense focus and concentration, and you cannot listen alone. were free people. But freedom is not automatic. It is something that needs to be learned, integrated and experienced. And if you have never been free, you may not know how to do it.
would feel most comfortable. He spoke to us in the language of our slavery, even though we were struggling to learn how to be free. On so many levels, I think, this is the key to healthy
and happy relationships. We need to speak the same language. We need to speak in a way that our words will penetrate and be understood and felt. We often are so eager to speak that we don’t bother figuring out if anyone is interested or ready to listen. When I teach my class on communication, which I title “Did You Hear What I Meant to Say?” I always start by asking the audience a question: Is a speaker a passive or active role? Everyone responds that it is active. Then I ask if a listener is a passive or active role. Most respond that it is passive.
“If you have never been free, you may not know how to do it” Wrong. Oh so wrong. A listener is an incredibly active role. The listener, in many ways, is more active than the speaker. One can speak without actively connecting or relating to anyone. But if you are really listening, it requires intense focus and concentration, and you cannot listen alone. A speaker can have a one-way conversation. A listener cannot. By definition, listening means that someone else is being heard. We could not receive the Ten Commandments immediately upon leaving Egypt. Because to truly receive, one first must become a receptacle, and that takes work, especially for a nation of slaves that had had little time for self-reflection. So for 49 days we prepared to receive the Torah. Each day we strove to refine a different aspect of our emotional characteristics. Each day we worked on developing and improving ourselves. And then, when we had done that work from the inside out, and had made ourselves vessels, He began his communication. And how did He ensure that we were ready and eager
to listen? His first word was Egyptian. He acknowledged where we were coming from; He acknowledged what we had been through, and He began with the word that we would most relate to. As we prepare ourselves to receive the Torah once again this Shavuot, let’s look deep inside and see if there is space to receive what He is waiting to give. Now is the time to let go of what holds us back, and honestly assess what we can improve and fix. There is no question that He is speaking to us, always. We just need to figure out if we are listening. And once we are, we can be sure He will be speaking our language.
Sara Esther Crispe, a writer, inspirational speaker and mother of four, is the co-director of Interinclusion, a nonprofit multi-layered educational initiative celebrating the convergence between contemporary arts and sciences and timeless Jewish wisdom. Prior to that she was the editor of TheJewishWoman.org, and wrote the popular weekly blog Musing for Meaning. Rreprinted Courtesy of: www.chabadlehighvalley.com
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The Best Opportunity I Ever Had By Aron Berger
At that time my wife was 20 weeks pregnant with our first child. Her and I talked about our options: whether I should start looking for a new job, or consider being a stay at home parent.
F
our years ago my position as a community center manager was eliminated due to departmental restructuring. At that time my wife was 20 weeks pregnant with our first child. Her and I talked about our options: whether I should start looking for a new job, or consider being a stay at home parent. I chose to stay at home because the opportunity for our daughter to have a full time parent was a blessing. I could not have been more accurate with my choice; since being a stay at home with now two daughters (Hannah age 3, and Norah 17 months), we learn so much from each other. We learn to appreciate the joys of being Jewish. My daughters attend school at Chabad of the Lehigh Valley a few days a week, during which time I attempt to accomplish chores around our home. Since their experience at Chabad, we have made it a point to dress up in different costumes during Purim. On Passover Hannah makes sure we hide the Afikomen so her and her sister can look for it after we read the Hagadah. She also makes sure we leave the glass out for Elijah. We make sure to celebrate Shabbat each week whether it be going to synagogue and/ or lighting candles at home, and make sure we sing the necessary songs and prayers together as a family. At school the girls make
challah every Friday to bring home for us to all share, and again remind my wife and I we have to say the Hamotzee before we can eat it. Throughout the day together we are often singing songs such as the Hebrew alphabet or Shabbat Shalom; recently Norah has been able to hum the tunes to both of them. I truly thank Hashem for reminding me of these fun experiences I had when I was my daughters’ age.
Love is also somethin daughters express
Seeing my daughters practing the values we have attempted to teach them at home is also a blessing. Kindness is a strong one for both my wife and I, and wherever we go Hannah and Norah both say hello to almost everyone they meet and often make friends easily. Love is also something my daughters express not only with me and my wife, but luckily with each other:they often hug one another and sing to each other in their bedroom, and share those affections with our extended family. If I should forget to kiss one of them good-bye or good night, Hannah definitely lectures me about it, explaining how I need to remember next time. They both are beginning to understand the value of helping others. Often my daughters find loose change in various places around the house, and they make an effort to put it into the sedakah boxes in our
I truly than
ng my
kitchen. I have explained to them that the sedakah helps those in need. If Hannah sees someone sad or trying to put a puzzle together, she never hesitates to ask if they would like a hug or assistance finding which puzzle piece goes where. We had to work for a while on getting her to ask someone first before giving them a hug.
We make sure to celebrate Shabbat each week whether it be going to synagogue and/or lighting candles at home, and make sure we sing the necessary songs and prayers together as a family.
I think they are learning how to respect themselves, as well as respect my wife and I. Both girls seem very happy with who they are, and very rarely do they give me a hard time. Hannah has been doing gymnastics, and both girls have been taking swimming lessons and attend-
As time continues I know there will be many more moments to capture, reminisce about, and treasure. In the fall Hannah will be going to school full time and Norah will likely be going to school more often during the week. Certainly I am excited for them to grow up, but sad as well because my hours as a stay at home parent will be cut shorter ing to music class for a while now. than what they are now. Their courage, determination, and Going back to work is on my agentheir desire to learn amazes me. For example, when Hannah first start- da, but nothing in my mind can be as ed gymnastics she had no interest in wonderful as the position I am blessjumping or climbing by herself, now ed to have right now. she performs without any hesitation. Hannah also had no desire to leave the pool steps at her swim class, now she does not even need me in the water with her. Norah kicks and splashes away when she is in her swim class, and dances to the music- definitely expressing her frustration when it is turned off.
nk Hashem for reminding me of these fun experiences I had when I was my daughters’ age.
It’s all about good fellowship, good times and good living. We understand. So do our residents. We offer a full range of lifestyle options on a vibrant campus. Our residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, social hours and fitness classes all week, Jewish study sessions on Fridays, Shabbat services each month and life every day. Call today to learn more, or to schedule a tour and a complimentary lunch in our gourmet Bistro cafÊ.
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Gan Israel is part of the largest and fastest growing network of Jewish day camps in the world. Gan Israel enjoys a well-earned reputation as a trendsetter with innovative ideas, creative programs and new activities. Many a child has been known to wait all year to come back to Gan Israel! From Mini Gan Izzy (Preschool Camp) to our oldest bunk, campers enjoy a wide range of exciting activities and field trips in a warm and vivacious atmosphere.
Ages 2-13
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Love for Israel Top Notch Counselors Daily Lunches Exciting Trips
With a true love for every camper, our counselors treat your child like family. CGI: A fun, safe and uplifting Jewish day camp experience.
Never A Dull ! t n e m o M
Monday
Tuesday
Kids N’ The Kitchen Sports & Swim 6/27
Welcome to Camp! Let’s Get to Know You!
6/28
Grims Orchard & Farm
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Entertainment & Swim
Entertainment & Swim
Arts & Crafts Shabbos Party Swim
6/29
6/30
Wacky Water Game Day
Swimming 7/04
7/05
Happy Independence Day! No camp!
7/11
ball Basket ss! Madne
Let’s Make Sushi!
Swimming
7/06
Bowling
Emoji Craft! Don’t Forget to Wear Socks!
7/13
Mad Science Show
Tie dye time!
Friday! Friend Games, Crafts, & More!
7/19
Bring a Friend!
7/14
Relay Races Twin Day!
7/20
7/21
Baseball Showdown!
Cupcake Decorating
Funny Hat Day!
Swimming 7/25
Kickball Tournament! Let’s Cook 4 a Wedding!
Swimming
7/26
8/02
Sports Clinic
Rascal’s Arcade Making Rice Crispies! Bunk Spirit
Swimming
7/27
Iron Pigs Game
Day!
Pajama 7/22 Day!
Martial Arts
Let’s Make a Movie! 7/28
Mock Wedding!
8/01
Jewlry 7/15 Making
Show & Tell
The Little Mermaid
7/18
Backwards Clothing Day!
7/07 Friendship 7/08
Water Balloon Wars!
DeSales 7/12 Theater
7/01
Glow Painting!
7/29
Balloon Animal Workshop Wacky & Tacky Clothing Day!
8/03
8/04
Music and Movement
Goodbye Party
8/05
After Camp Wear Your Favorite Ever Camp Shirt
*Join Us Saturday June 23rd 10am, for Shabbat Services and a special Kiddush with Camp Counselors @ Chabad!
Camp Gan Israel 2016
Ages 1-3 We aim to provide children with a positive, meaningful experience of Jewish values and traditions, with a focus on fostering emotional intelligence, critical thinking, self-understanding, collaboration, giving, and an appreciation of the inner goodness of all people. • Warm and Caring Environment • Instill a Love of Learning • Develop play and social skills
• Learn Judaics through songs, play, & more • Encouragment Philosophy • Weekly Music Classes
Imagine a Hebrew School where kids don’t want to miss a day. Walking through the halls, you can hear the sounds of lively discussion, of singing, laughter and prayer. Imagine a child who feels the warmth and spirit of Judaism. Imagine the pride of his/her parents. • • • •
For Children of all levels of obervance No Membership Required Engaging Programming and Workshops Innovative Aleph Champ Curriculum
Learn More About these Programs at www.chabadlehighvalley.com
Ages 3-13
Ages 11-13 Geared towards Jewish girls of all backgrounds. Through relevant hands-on lessons, girls explore the invaluable role of a Jewish woman.
• Meaningful Discussions • Awesome Activities
Bar Mitzvah Lessons
• Fun Crafts • Build Confidence
. s d e e D Good . s d n e i r Good F . s e m i T Good
From preparatory lessons to crafting the perfect speech, we’ll walk you through the process, step by step, and provide you with everything you need to create a successful and meaningful bar mitzvah experience.
No Membership Required
• One on One Classes • More than Just Memorization • Add Meaning to an Important Milestone
Ages 11-13
offering friendship and acceptance to children, teens, and young adults with special needs regardless of their disability while empowering teenage and young adult volunteers by building their leadership skills as we foster the values of altruism and volunteerism. • Make a difference in your community and the life of a special needs child. • Earn rewards.
• Exciting programming.
Visit Us at www.friendshipcirclelv.com
Ages 14-18
CTeen harnesses the incredible potential of teenagers with awesome programs that bring teens together to give back to their communities and the environment. CTeen events, including community service activities, debate sessions, trips and Shabbatons, are a great opportunity to have fun with friends and have a Jewish educational experience, while feeling good about making this world a better place.
grades 9-12
Coming soon. Pre-Enroll now! 610.351.6511 For Boys & Girls
• Meet fellow teens with common interests. • Take part in making this world a better place while chilling with your friends!
I
t felt like any other summer day in Midwood, Brooklyn. I was strolling along in the blazing 90-degree weather when I saw a few children wearing kipot quickly run to the curb as their ball rolled right into the street. Being the Good Neighbor, I crossed the street, picked up the ball and threw it back to the kids with a smile and kudos for not walking into the street on their own. Just as I began walking away, a young man in his twenties wished me a vibrant “Good Shabbos.” I was shocked. I looked around to see if there were any other Jews around. To whom was he talking? Perhaps he was talking to the woman down the block, I thought, but she was so far ahead of us. Either way, I brushed off this incident as a funny coincidence.
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kept mulling it over: There must be something about me that looks Jewish. Is it my face? My demeanor? How did they know that I was Jewish in both instances?
”
A few weeks later I was walking outside my apartment building when I spotted a Chabad-looking couple, which was not very surprising, as I have a Chabad center on my block just a few doors down. As we crossed paths, the woman, with her hair covering and fancy Shabbat outfit, smiled, looked me directly in the eye and wished me a “Good Shabbos.” I smiled back, barely choking out the words “Good Shabbos.” Was I on a prank show? Again I looked around. There was not another person in sight. Okay, I thought, she must have been talking to me! What’s the big deal? Where is the big shocker? Jews have been wishing each other a good Shabbat for a very long time in communities all over the world.
For me, though, it was a huge deal. In both instances I was wearing pants, carrying a purse and listening to music on my phone, with no outward signs that I was Jewish. Yet, here I was, on the holy day, being greeted as a Jew. In both instances, though my mouth was initially agape, my lips turned upward into a huge smile. I felt that my inner essence must have been shining for the world to see, if it was so blatant that I was a fellow traveler, despite my outward appearance. Each time I was welcomed with a “Good Shabbos,” it felt like I was being seen. The impact of those two simple words was tremendous. I was being ushered into the Shabbat day as a member of my community, although I looked and behaved differently. The resulting feeling was unconditional love and acceptance. I kept mulling it over: There must be something about me that looks Jewish. Is it my face? My demeanor? How did they know that I was Jewish in both instances? To this day, I don’t really have an answer. But I think from now on I am going to start saying “Good Shabbos” to more people. Worst-case scenario, the person has no clue what I am saying to him or her. Best-case scenario, I touch the heart of another Jew, just as others did for me. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Alyssa is a thirsty soul looking to connect to spirituality and the larger Jewish community. She invites you to come along. Rreprinted Courtesy of: www.chabadlehighvalley.com
LIBERTY ENGINEERING, INC. CIVIL ENGINEERING/SITE DEVELOPMENT LIBERTY ENGINEERING, INC. provides complete planning, layout, design, and investment services to developers, architects, industries, and municipalities for residential subdivisions, industrial parks, shopping malls, institutional complexes, manufacturing sites, schools, and more.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
LIBERTY ENGINEERING, INC. provides full-service mechanical engineering, including HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection. Our extensive experience in designbuild and plan-spec markets allows us to produce cost-effective, energy efficient design eliminating the need for value engineering. Our project experience includes institutional, educational, commercial, industrial, and residential work.
7150 Windsor Drive, Suite 5 Allentown, PA 18106
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
484-223-1761 484-223-1768 fax www.libertyengr.com PROUD TO BE PART OF THE BUILDING EXPANSION PROJECT OF
Our main work product consists of developing construction drawings and specifications that have been engineered for the land development and construction of various types of structures such as warehousing, manufacturing, offices, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Your
Lehigh Valley
Bitter Herb Faces!
We love our yearly Chocolate Seder Plate!
Preperations for Pesach were in full swing! We baked our own matzah and had a chocolate model Seder at Chabad Hebrew School & The Friendship Circle. The FC finished up their 2015-2016 season with a fantastic party! Bar Mitzvahs, Seders, Parties and more, it’s been a busy and great time.
FC Karate Time!
Making Matzah With Friends!
At Gan Yeladim Music Mondays and Shabbas Party Fridays are the best.!
Time to make challah!
Your
Lehigh Valley
On Campus Making good friends over good food, Chabad Serving Muhlenberg provides a home away from home for students, and a place to reconnect and relax in stressful times.
OUR CALENDAR
HAVE
YOUR DAY
IN OUR CALENDAR ABOUT OUR COMPANY A great way to show your loved ones that you are thinking of them on their special day and dedicate a date to them in our 5777 calendar! Here at the Chabad of the Lehigh Valley, we have begun working on our annual Jewish Community Calendar. This beautiful calendar with extensive information about upcoming Jewish holidays and occasions, has earned its place as Lehigh Valley’s premier Jewish calendar. Households throughout the area enjoy the large boxes, which have ample room for recording family appointments. Many turn to the Jewish Community Calendar for Shabbat and holid holiday candle lighting times, which are calculated for our area, and as their first source for information. This year we are giving friends the opportunity to place listings in honor of birthdays, anniversaries, yahrtzeits and other special occasions in the calendar for the modest donation of $36.00 per listing. There is nothing nicer than seeing oneʼs birthday or anniversary, or the yahrtzeit of a loved one in the calendar, on the dates when they occur. There are other greeting or advertising options as well.
A great way to show your loved ones that you are thinking of them on their special day! Only $36 Per listing. 610.351.6511
office @chabadlehighvalley.com
Our personalized calendar features local businesses, holiday and Shabbat times, and local events. It’s directly mailed to households throughout the Lehigh Valley compliments of Chabad of the Lehigh Valley, one of a kind in the area.
www.chabadlehighvalley.com
What About Vaccinations? By Rabbi Yehuda Shurpin
The Halachic Mandate to Take Precautions
G
uarding your own health doesn’t only make sense, it’s actually a mitzvah. That means that even if you don’t want to do it, for whatever reason, you are still obligated to do so. The Torah is teaching us that our body is a gift from G‑d, and we are therefore not the owners of it and we can’t cause it any damage. It is not enough to deal with health issues as they arise; we must take precautions to avoid danger. The final chapter of the Code of Jewish Law emphasizes that “just as there is a positive commandment to build a guardrail around the perimeter of a rooftop lest someone fall, so too are we obligated to guard ourselves from anything that would endanger our lives. As an example of this ruling, Rabbi Moshe Isserles writes that when a plague breaks out in a city, the inhabitants of that city should not wait for the plague to spread. Rather, they (with some exceptions) are obli-
One must do whatever is in their power to save oneself, one’s children .
gated to try and flee the city at the onset of the outbreak. When there is an epidemic, not only is it your obligation to flee, but as a parent you have the obligation to secure the safety of your children. Rabbi Yeshayah ha-Levi Horowitz, writes that any parent who doesn’t move his children out of a city plagued by an epidemic is held responsible for their fate.
We have established that one must do whatever is in their power to save oneself, one’s children, and others as well from possible life-threatening dangers. and it would seem that there is no difference between vaccinating and having to flee a city when there is an epidemic. However, the question of general vaccinations when there is no current epidemic seems to be a bit more complex.
Vaccinations The directives found in the Code of Jewish Law for avoiding danger don’t really carry any risks of their own. Vaccinations, however, may have certain risks, however minuscule they may be. Thus presenting us with the question of whether one may take a small risk now in order to perhaps avoid a bigger risk later.
“What we are left with is two opposing risks, and the Talmudic dictum of shev v’al taaseh adif—“in some cases of doubt, better to sit and do nothing”—applies, and one shouldn’t vaccinate.” In grappling with this issue, one of the leading authorities at the time of the discovery of the smallpox vaccine during the 19th century, Rabbi Yisroel Lipschutz ruled that despite the risk of death from the smallpox vaccine (at that time 1/1000), one should still get vaccinated. What we are left with is two opposing risks, and the Talmudic dictum of shev v’al taaseh adif—“in some cases of doubt, better to sit and do nothing”— applies, and one shouldn’t vaccinate. When the polio vaccine was being implemented in Israel, there were those who turned to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, for his opinion. The
following is a sampling of his replies. In the winter of 1957 the Rebbe wrote a reply, pointing out that he was hurrying to do so because of the prime importance of the issue at hand: . . Regarding your question about inoculations against disease: I am surprised by your question, since so many individuals from the Land of Israel have asked me about this and I have answered them in the affirmative, since the overwhelming majority of individuals do so here [in the United States] successfully. Understandably, if there are inoculations that are produced by multiple pharmaceutical companies, you should
use the ones whose product has been safely tried and proven. Even as the polio vaccine effectively eliminated the dreaded disease, there were instances where faulty shots actually brought about illness. In a letter from the winter of 1957, the Rebbe addressed this issue: . . The event that occurred in the United States was at the beginning of the use of these vaccines, before the [exact] medical compound was definitively established. This is not the case at present, after months of experience with the vaccine. Therefore, once a vaccine’s reliability is firmly established, there is no worry. To the contrary . . .
The question then is: do we compromise the health of some immuno-deficient people with whom one may come in contact, for the greater good? In a similar vein, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach rules that if one has reasonable concern of the dangers of not being vaccinated, and the only chance to be immunized is on Shabbat (or the person would have to wait 4 or 5 years for the next chance to be immunized), then immunization would be permitted on Shabbat.
Food for Thought Having discussed the Torah’s approach to vaccines in a general, it should be noted that not all vaccines are necessarily equal, and some pose unique questions of their own. For example, the polio vaccine. Strains of polio have been found in parts of Israel which can affect unvaccinated people. To remedy this, there is a campaign to introduce a weakened live strain of the virus into children who have already been inoculated but can still transmit the virus to others. Having
received the live virus, the child will not get sick, but will fight the virus and not be a carrier, thus helping to eradicate the virus completely. However, at the same time, this child cannot come into close contact with immune-deficient people, who will contract the disease even from a weakened live virus. The question then is: do we compromise the health of some immuno-deficient people with whom one may come in contact, for the greater good? In summary, as with many other issues in Jewish law, open and educat-
ed debate based on Torah principles and the opinions of our sages is vital to reaching a consensus. As the Rebbe writes, it is with regards to matters such as these that the axiom “Do not set yourself apart from the community� applies.
Vaccination as a Life Lesson Let’s conclude with the following incident related by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. A Jew visited me recently, and we discussed education. He told me that statistics have shown that a bad education harms only 5 percent of children. I asked him if he vaccinated his children for measles, polio, etc. He replied: “Of course! We are parents!” “Do you know what percentage of children who do not receive the vaccine actually contract the disease?” I asked. He happened to know the statistic—less than 3 or 4 percent. In other words, even for a possibility of 4 percent, and especially
in these countries where these diseases are even more rare, it is still worthwhile to vaccinate, with all of the pain, etc., that it causes. Why? “Who cares about those minor inconveniences, as compared to what possibly could happen without vaccinating?” he responded. I said to him: “If for a doubt of 4 percent it is worth causing the child pain, enduring the child’s screaming and all the other effects of the vaccination, just to avoid the disease— even though for the most part there is not even a possibility of any life danger, but rather just severe discomfort for some time—how much more so is it worthwhile to ensure the health of the child’s soul, where the doubt is 5 percent, and where the vaccine does not cause any pain. All that is required is to sign the child up for studies in a Torah-true educational facility! This action will affect his entire life!”
Rabbi Yehuda Shurpin responds to questions for Chabad. org’s Ask the Rabbi service. Rreprinted Courtesy of: www.chabadlehighvalley.com
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