Shalom KJ - Winter Edition

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KJYD

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Israel Happenings

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Classes/events

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Zmanim

January & February 2024

Winter issue • tevet & shvat Volume XCV, Issue No 3

winter edition

tu bishvat It’s a holiday of optimism.

Tu B’Shvat, is the new year for trees. In the agricultural cycle, new fruits begin to grow, ever so slowly right now, after we have finished most of the winter season. For this reason, it becomes the “tax” year-end for tithing fruit; last year’s crop is complete at this point, and now begins the crop of the coming year. All fruits after this point are tithed for the coming year.

This day has only taken a role of prominence in the last century and a half. It was embraced by Kabbalists who saw in it something more than the prosaic. Even though Tu B’Shvat is in the winter, we can start to see a glimpse of Spring; and for Chassidic thinkers who wanted to inspire hope in long-suffering communities, Tu B’Shvat offered a vision of optimism.

In the beginning of the 20th century, early Zionists embraced this holiday because of its connection to agriculture. The holiday Tu B’Shvat also emphasizes roots; and these pioneers wanted to return to their roots, to the land in which their roots are found. But for these early pioneers, there is more than a hint of optimism in this holiday; they were dreaming of a day when Jews "will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken." (Micha 4:4.)

So this holiday about fruit is about much more than fruit.

It is a reminder to be optimistic, even at difficult times.

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When we feel that we are stuck in a bitter winter, when all that is left is a cold,

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dark landscape, we need to remember that this is not the end.

Tu B’Shvat reminds us that even on the bleakest winter day, there is a sweet future awaiting us.

- Rabbi Steinmetz

Mother Rachel, Please Advocate For Us

By Rabbi Meyer Laniado

How could You tear a bride from her husband’s lap and send her into exile?

How could You shoo the nesting mother without caring for the fledglings?

How could You abandon Your sheep among devouring lions?

(Hakham Yehuda Fetayah)

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Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz

These lines penned in 1940 could have been written today.

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Newlywed widows were taken captive Orphaned children torn from their beds, and towns consumed, blackened.

Many of us have been asking ourselves and each other -

How?!

As our matriarch Rachel asks God ‘How?!’ in the above excerpt entitled Zekhut Rahel, ‘The Merit of Rachel.’

Few figures in Jewish history evoke as profound an emotional resonance as Rachel Imenu - our mother, Rachel. She exemplifies an unbreakable bond between a mother and her children, transcending time and space. Rachel stands out as the eternal mother of Israel, standing up for and protecting us through her prayer and merit. This paradigm is rooted in Yirmiyahu (Ch. 31), where the prophet depicts Rachel crying for the entirety of Benei Yisrael. ‫ָה ֥​ִּ֥כ � י ֵאֵיֶֽנ�ּֽנו‬ ָ ‫ֵ֥ח֥ ם ַע ַל־ָּבֶּ֖נ֖ � י‬ � ּ‫ֲא ֛​ָ֛נ� ה ְלְִהִָּנ‬ ֲ ‫ֵמ‬ ֵ ‫ָה‬ ָ ‫ַב ֣​ָּ֣כ � ה ַע ַל־ָּבֶּ֑נ �֑ י‬ ַ ‫ְמ‬ ְ ‫ֵ֖ח֖ ל‬ � ָ‫ָר‬ "Rachel weeps for her children she refuses to be comforted for her children because they are gone."

In the context of Yirmiyahu, baneha refers to the Jewish nation in exile, not solely Yoseph and Binyamin, her biological children. She is seen as determined and inconsolable, refusing to be comforted until her children, all of the children of Israel, are brought back from captivity and exile.

According to the Midrash, Rachel's empathy and selflessness are first manifested when she allows her sister to marry her betrothed. She chooses Leah's dignity over her own happiness, transcending personal desire, and making real sacrifices in her personal life on behalf of her own flesh and blood.

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rabbi Rabbimeyer Chaim Steinmetz laniado

In the end, as Yirmiyahu notes, Rachel’s cries are heard, and her children are returned home.

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an impassioned, painful cry and ending with a hopeful, high note. ‫ֲח מֹול ַע ַל ַע ַם ִנְִפְָע ָם‬ ֲ ‫ חּוס ָנ ָא‬/ ‫ְתַחַַּנ ּן‬ ְ ֶ‫ְבֶּכ ּה ֶאְֶזְַע ַק ְוְֶא‬ ְ ֶ‫ֶא‬ I will cry, I will scream, and I will beg. Save, please, have mercy on the startled people. ‫ָחָדָׁש ָּתִּׂשׂיׂש ָרָ ֵחֵל‬ ָ ‫ְבִׁשׁיר‬ ְ ‫ ּו‬/ ‫ְהַמַּה לֹו ֲאֲַיֵַחֵל‬ ְ ‫ַמ‬ ַ ‫ְת‬ ְ ִ ‫ִאִם ִי‬

‫ֵתְ֙ך֙ ְנ ְ ֻ​ֻא ם־ה’ ְוְָׁ֖ש� ֖ בּו ֵמֵֶ֥א�ֶ֥רֶ ץ אֹוֵֽי �ֽב׃ ְוְֵיֵׁש־‬ ֵ ּ‫ֻע ָּל‬ ֻ ְ‫ָׂש ֤​ָ֤כ � ר ִלְִפ‬ ׂ ‫ִּכּ֩י֩ ֵ֨י �ׁ֨ש‬ ‫ָב ֖​ִ֖נ �ים ִלְִג ְבּוָֽל�ֽם׃‬ ָ ‫ָׁ֥ש בּו‬ � ֥ ְ ‫ֵ֖תְ֖ך ְנ ְ ֻ​ֻא ם־ה’ ְו‬ � ‫ֲח ִרִי‬ ֲ ַ‫ִּת ְ​ְקָ֥ו�֥ה ְלְַא‬ ּ

Even if He is delayed, I will have hope/ And with a new song Rachel will be gladdened.

"…there is a reward for your efforts, says God, and they shall return from the enemy’s land. And there is hope for your future, says God, and your children shall return to their border."

Rachel's enduring presence in our prayers underscores her role as a constant source of strength and inspiration.

Rachel’s resilience continues to inspire me.

These famous words of Yirmiyahu have given me hope for the fate of our brothers and sisters in captivity – those taken hostage by Hamas just three months ago on October 7th, 2023, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

In this article, I will highlight two particularly poignant poems: the first composed by the 18thcentury Jewish-Italian poet Rachel LuzzattoMorpurgo and the second in 1940 by the Iraqi kabbalist Hakham Yehuda Fetayah excerpted above.

Rachel Morpurgo is said to be the first modern Hebrew female poet. In Morpurgo’s poem, we hear the voice of our Mother Rachel, in deep pain and sorrow, pleading relentlessly for the protection and salvation of her children, the nation of Israel.

In Morpurgo’s portrayal, Rachel's voice is not merely a cry of sorrow but a testament to the strength of maternal love, transcending the boundaries of time and space.

Morpurgo’s poem, ‫קול ברמה נשמע‬, referencing Yirmiyahu, draws on the imagery of Rachel's direct plea to God. It follows this arc of longing to reconnect with her children, ensure their safety, and their eventual return home, beginning with

Hakham Yehuda Fetayah, too, turned to our Matriarch, Rachel, with an incredibly bold prayer in 1940. Hakham Yehuda Fetayah is my wife’s great-great-grandfather, making his poem and its history even more meaningful and personal to me.

Hakham Fetayah was born in Baghdad in 1859 and finally successfully settled in Israel in 1933.

His works, especially his commentary on the Kabbalistic work of Isaac Luria, are held in high esteem. His teachings are still revered today; many believe his amulets carry protective powers.

In December 1939, Hakham Fetayah awoke from a nightmare that shook him to his core. He was trembling in fear, restless, and terrified at what he understood would be the great disaster unfolding in Europe, which eventually culminated in the Holocaust.

He composed special prayers in a pamphlet called asirei hatiqvah, Bound By Hope, with the intention of public gatherings for prayer and supplication. Leading up to the final prayer are three units: one for Sarah, one for Rebecca, and one for Leah. Each of these is between 5 and 9 lines. The final, Zekhut Rahel, ‘The Merit of Rachel,’ is astounding in its comparative length of 54 lines and its emotive power.

In his introduction to these prayers, he wrote:

"... Compelled by these circumstances, we published this work to ensure its accessibility to all, uniting us in a singular heart.

Together, we fervently pray and supplicate before the Divine, harboring the hope that He will extend His mercy to the remnants of His flock, preventing their blood from being shed like water..."

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Rabbi meyer Chaim Steinmetz laniado

Throughout Jerusalem, people gathered under his guidance to recite these special prayers, along with a specific set of practices, including fasting and sitting on the floor, as well as sounding seven shofars and two trumpets that were to be sounded by kohanim.

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Through the voice of Rachel, Hakham Yehuda Fetayah’s broken, anguished, and pained voice bursts forth with tears and an emotional plea to finally bring redemption and save Am Yisrael, the nation of Israel, from its enemies.

Rachel, in his poem, brazenly challenges God: "‫ָבִחִים‬ ָ ְ ‫ֵמֶהֶם ְז‬ ֵ ‫"ֵאֵיְך ִּתּ​ּדֹום ִלְִבְֵנ ֵי ֱאֱ דֹום ַהַַּמְּקְִרִיִבִים‬ "How can You remain quiet while the People of Edom [Germany] turn them into sacrifices?"

Hakham Fetayah's voice, as he personally recited Zekhut Rahel, was a heart-wrenching cry that echoed the collective pain of the people. The prayer itself is a journey through the pleas of Rachel, who, unlike the forefathers in the midrash, refuses to relent and is forceful in her defense of her children.

The prayer recounts Rachel's conversations with biblical figures, each being passive in their responses to her inquiries about her children's fate. She moves from one patriarch to another until she breaches the heavens with her powerful plea.

The imagery is heartrending and poignant: Rachel, at the ruins of the Temple, sees no priests, Levites, or sacred artifacts. Her response is one of wrenching grief—tearing her clothes, wearing sackcloth, and wailing in agony. She then leaps to the heavens and addresses God Himself directly, challenging Him as a mother who would fight for her beloved children. Continuing beyond the lines we opened with, Rachel demands: Were they not punished enough? Were they not engulfed by vicious waters?

Are a thousand years not enough for You? The sun is already setting on the second millennium, and the pain is not letting.

Where is the miraculous sign?

When is the Time of Times?

When will you have mercy?

When will you console us?

Rachel is not only a historical or religious personality – she is an active protester, demanding for God to end their suffering and bring them home now. God then responds, underscoring the impact of her words, and He promises: I shall not rest until I revenge the spilled blood of my servants, And shortly I will sever and destroy the wicked.

I will cut the stone, smash the idol, breaking it to shards.

I will open the sealed coffers and release the swallowed souls.

Rise up, shake away your sorrow, and wear your precious clothes Her prayers are not left unanswered.

God allays her with soothing words and also declares his commitment to bring justice and rectification for His people.

As Yirmiyahu noted, Rachel’s faith was in that she refused to be comforted, me’anah lehinahem, for her children that were missing, al baneha ki einenu, until they were returned. The Jews did return and then rebuilt the second Temple.

You keep putting us away, day after day!

We will not be silent. We will continue to pray. Our cries and our advocacy, like our mother Rachel’s, will be rewarded.

Almighty God, redeem us already!

(Translation of ‘The Merit of Rachel’ from the

Do not soothe us with words!

original Hebrew by Rabbi Haim Ovadia)

Keeping Ourselves Awake by rabbi roy feldman Adapted from a sermon delivered at kj on december 30th 2023

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RABBI ROY FELDMAN Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz

One of the hallmarks of being human is our adaptability.

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We adapt ourselves to our surroundings, change our speech patterns, take on new hobbies, and grow into roles that we take on. William James, father of American psychology, remarked in a 1906 speech at Columbia University, “It is evident that our organism has storedup reserves of energy that are ordinarily not called upon, but that may be called upon,” and when those energies are needed, “The organism adapts itself and augments correspondingly.” Yosef and Yehuda displayed exceptional adaptability, exceeding their limits. Yehuda embraced his role as a leader, and Yosef adeptly navigated his position as Egypt's viceroy. While these examples highlight the positive side of adaptability, it's important to acknowledge its multifaceted nature.

As Yaakov approached the end of his life, he expressed his final wish to be laid to rest alongside his forebears in Me’arat HaMachpelah. Speaking to Yosef, he requested not to be buried in Egypt but rather to rest with his ancestors.

Later, addressing his other sons, Yaakov instructed them to bury him in the field of Efron, where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah were interred. Upon Yaakov's passing, Yosef, after a period of mourning, approached Pharaoh's court to seek permission to fulfill his father's wishes.

Pharaoh granted the request, and with an impressive entourage, including Egyptian officials and dignitaries, Yosef and all the brothers set out to bury their father in Canaan.

The Talmud in Tractate Sotah (13a) recounts a midrashic tale of Eisav confronting the burial party at Me'arat HaMachpelah. He sought to prevent the burial. Eisav claimed the remaining space was rightfully his because Yaakov had buried Leah in his own designated spot. The brothers countered by reminding Eisav of the birthright he had sold to Yaakov. Eisav argued that while he had sold his birthright, it did not include his burial plot. A heated debate ensued, leading the brothers to send Naftali back to Egypt to retrieve the deed proving Yaakov's right to the land.

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rabbi roy feldman articles

rabbi roy feldman

During this delay, Chushim the son of Dan, who was hard of hearing, learned of the dispute. Outraged by the delay and the reason behind it, he exclaimed that his grandfather would not lie in degradation until the deed was brought. Taking matters into his own hands, Hushim promptly struck Eisav's head with a stick, and they proceeded to bury Yaakov without further impediment.

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In his discourses, Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz (d. 1979; head of the Mir Yeshiva) raised a thought-provoking question that transcends the immediate circumstances. Were not all the brothers righteous individuals, well-versed in the Jewish value of honoring the deceased (k’vod hameit), and eager to bury their father promptly in his rightful place? What set Chushim apart that caused his anger specifically?

Rav Chaim offered a profound insight into the human condition. Amid the back-and-forth with Eisav, the brothers, in their engagement, became desensitized to the degradation of Yaakov's honor. Their focus on the argument diminished their awareness of the surroundings. In contrast, Chushim's impairment shielded him from being drawn into the debate, allowing him to act promptly and untainted by the compromise.

Rav Chaim highlighted the human capacity of “histaglut,” the gift of adaptability. This adaptive quality enables us to navigate life’s opportunities and challenges, fostering growth and resilience. However, Rav Chaim cautions against the potential negative outcome — the dangerous complacency that arises when we become accustomed to the unacceptable. His insights serve as a reminder to critically evaluate the consequences of adaptation in our lives.

We are confronted with a world in which antisemitism persists, seeping into campuses and cities in our country and around the world. We cannot afford to adapt to this status quo. We may not take the perspective, “Nu, this is the reality of these college campuses.” We must be vigilant, like Chushim, refusing to accept degradation and standing up for our people and our place in American society. And as we think about Israel, which we are doing constantly, we recognize that it has been forced to adapt to conflict as a norm. But the state of war is not normal.

While our Israeli family intimately understands this reality, it is our responsibility from 6,000 miles away to ensure that we, too, do not adapt and revert to life as usual.

Living at a distance requires us to stay vigilant, our attention fixed on the news, our connections with family and friends sustained through regular calls, and our support extended through meaningful donations to essential causes. Our recitation of Avinu Malkenu and other special prayers should not become mere routine elements of the siddur; instead, they must serve as poignant reminders that these moments are deviations from the norm, underscoring our commitment to never becoming desensitized to the horrors of war. Sometimes adaptation can be positive. Like Chushim ben Dan, however, we may not adapt to negative situations, but keep pinching ourselves to remind us of the abnormality we must not accept. In the words of Henry David Thoreau, “We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake. of war. Sometimes adaptation can be positive. Like Chushim ben Dan, however, we may not adapt to negative situations, but keep pinching ourselves to remind us of the abnormality we must not accept. In the words of Henry David Thoreau, “We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake."

The New New Normal

By Ruthie hollander

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RUTHIE HOLLANDER

Despair might be the easiest response right now.

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For many of our children, “normal” has lost all of its meaning. In less than five years, they have experienced a pandemic and all of its ill effects — increased rates of depression and anxiety, reliance on electronic devices, social disconnect, educational and extracurricular disruption, as well as the possibility of traumatic loss — and they now face an overflow of devastating news, images of hostages and dead soldiers, and antisemitic propaganda going mainstream as we reach the three-month mark of the October 7th attack on Israel. We as parents and educators face the challenge of modeling how to react to all of this, as we try to cope with it ourselves.

Despair might be the easiest response right now, but it’s the wrong one.

Continually, just as our new normal reaches equilibrium, we will be beset by a new normal. With our increasingly globalized world and ever-shifting news cycle, it is more reasonable to expect our world to change than to remain the same.

“You cannot step into the same river twice,” expresses ancient philosopher Heraclitus. It is not only that the river has changed — we have, too.

We must find new ways to respond to new normals, rather than submitting to them in panic and despondency. That is especially true for how we relate to our children as the world around us mutates. Children learn from how we respond to circumstances. Wendy Mogel, who authored best-selling parenting book The Blessing of a Skinned Knee, expresses something we intuitively know as true: “If a child is distressed and sees Mom react with panic, he knows he should wail; if she’s compassionate but calm, he tends to recover quickly.”

Our children learn how to respond by observing us — so we must avoid despair when we inevitably experience change. Our readjustment to “normal” is the model our children use as they reorient themselves.

If we spend our time scrolling hopelessly through social media and expressing ourselves in outbursts of overwhelm and hysteria, our children will add these coping mechanisms to their toolboxes.

After surviving the Holocaust, philosopher Emil Fackenheim wrote that the Jewish people must add an additional commandment to the traditional 613.

This 614th commandment demands that the Jewish people survive and remember those they have lost. Perhap even more poignantly, it forbids the Jew to “deny or despair of God… [or] of the world.” Fackenheim is expressing a Jewish value that is shared generation after generation, the same value attributed to Rabbi Nachman of Breslov: “Men tor zich nisht m’ya’esh zayn — it is forbidden to despair!”

On a spiritual level, we cannot allow this new new normal to bring us to despondency. The 614th commandment is not an invalidation of the emotional pain and grief so many of us carry with us daily. It is instead a recognition of the Jewish mandate Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks describes: “to be an agent of hope in a world

serially threatened by despair.”

We can tell our children the truth: this is challenging; this is difficult; this could break our hearts; but our Jewish legacy is to brace ourselves as we encounter “[the] sustained struggle, the greatest ever known, against the world that is, in the name of the world that could be, should be, but is not yet.”

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RUTHIE RabbiHOLLANDER Roy Feldman

When twentieth-century poet Edmond Fleg wrote about his identity, he articulated it with great clarity.

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“Je suis juif parce qu'en tous temps où crie une désespérance, le juif espère — I am a Jew because in every age when the cry of despair is heard the Jew hopes.”

Despair might be easiest, but it’s not what our ancestors chose.

Despair might be easiest,

but we — Jews — we hope.

ZINE

LAUGH: CLAY COMICS

JOIN: EPIC EVENTS

UPDATES: FOR THE PARENTS

DVAR TORAH: FOR THE KIDS

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Rabbi Roy Feldman

‫דבר תורה עדכונים לצחוק לבוא‬

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EMAIL RUTHIE@CKJ.ORG FOR A CHANCE TO BE FEATURED IN THE NEXT KJYD ZINE. GET INVOLVED BY:

• Scheduling a one on one Dvar Torah writing session with Ruthie. Torah comes with candy!

• Sharing an idea for the next Simon Clay comic

We are excited to roll out some updates to our KJ Shabbat Youth Programming!

‫עדכונים‬

Pickup for ALL GROUPS is by 12 PM. Whichever service you may be attending, please pick up your children from groups by 12 PM at the latest (start heading up around 11:50). We have stretched groups a little longer to allow all services to end and for parents to enjoy some kiddush, but please be respectful of our group leaders’ time and commitment by picking your children up on time.

Introducing “Kidzush” — a kiddush for kids!

11:30 AM - 12 PM each week. Your kids will eat light kid-friendly snacks including fruit and vegetables, chicken nuggets, mini hotdogs, and more.

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Rabbi Roy Feldman

If your child is in Nursery through Kindergarten, Kidzush is in their classrooms, and they can be picked up where you dropped them off that morning.

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If your child is in 1st through 4th grade, they will be brought to one big Kidzush in the Movement Room adjacent to the gym on the 8th floor.

Please pick your child up from the Movement Room by 12 PM.

5th to 7th graders now meet weekly in the Middle School Gym. 10:00 - 11:30 AM. Our Middle Schoolers will first have Tefilah in the new “KJYD Minyan” and they may then play in the gym until 11:30. We hope this will allow them to transition naturally to Teen Minyan which is for grades 8-12. Children in this group will be walked across the street by Security Guards at 11:30 to join the main kiddush, and can be accompanied by KJ Security at any time throughout the morning if they would like to leave early (i.e. to join services in the sanctuary).

We tha n k you fo r you co o p eratio n as we m a ke these K JYD u pd ates , which we b el ieve wi l l en h a nce b oth you r K J S ha b bat exp erience a n d you r chi l d ren’s !

* Please help us cultivate an attitude of gratitude at KJYD by thanking your group leaders weekly. We are deeply grateful to our teen leaders and morahs, who contribute tremendously to the success of our program each week. * Parent-supervised tot play will continue in the Movement Room.

Tot Parents: Please help us clean up the toys by 11:15 so that the room can be set up for Kidzush.

KOL HA’NEARIM: OUR CHILDREN SPEAK

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

by Benjamin Lewittes 5th Grader at Ramaz

We are reading the parshiyot about Moshe and the Jews in Egypt. I learned a little bit about how Moshe’s life went, when he was a baby, and when he grew older and had to run away from his adopted father’s threats. Moshe is really interesting because he’s very strong, and it feels like he can deal with anything that comes his way.

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Rabbi Roy Feldman

One of the ideas I found unique is from Rashi on the word “amatah,” which is usually translated as maidservant. The daughter of Pharaoh, when she saw baby Moshe on the Nile River, is said to have sent her “amatah” to get Moshe.

Rashi wrote the following:

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“Amatah” means her handmaid. Our Rabbis, however, explained it in the sense of hand — and the reason why they explained ‫את‬ ‫ אמתה‬to mean ‫“ את ידה‬she stretched forth her hand” is because they hold that Scripture intentionally uses this term to indicate that her hand increased in length several cubits (‫אמה‬, a cubit) in order that she might more easily reach the cradle.

Rabbi Fohrman adds that when we believe something is in reach and we work hard to achieve it, Hashem will help us. Technically,

Moshe was out of reach to Pharaoh’s daughter, because he was far away physically. But also, imagine the daughter of Egypt’s Pharaoh raising a Jewish child. It just wouldn’t be possible. Hashem made her able to reach the child, and so with Hashem, it was in her reach.

This was a sign from Hashem that He would help her and make it within her reach.

The lesson to me is that nothing is impossible and everything is in our reach. We can change our realities by trying for things and believing we can get them. For example, I bet if we asked most of the people at KJ if they would be able or willing to skydive, they would say no. But in 2023, a 94-year-old successfully skydived.

There are even pictures as proof!

The war in Israel is still going on. Even though we are right here, and it might seem impossible to save a Jewish person’s life, we can still help.

Donate money, write letters, talk to political leaders. This is how we can stretch out our hands. It might sound beyond our reach, but as we learn in these parshiyot, anything is possible.

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To be featured in next month’s Adventures of Simon Clay, or to share an idea for the next comic, email ruthie@ckj.org!

Rabbi Roy Feldman

All KJYD flyers & Simon Clay comics created by Ruthie Hollander for KJYD

The New Year For Trees: With Simon Clay

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‫לצחוק‬

Rabbi Roy Feldman articles 14

Weekly Shabbat Schedule Cocoa Club @ 9-10 & Groups @ 10 - 11:30 AM ‫לבוא‬

‫לצחוק‬

‫דבר תורה עדכונים‬

LAUGH: CLAY COMICS

JOIN: EPIC EVENTS

KJYD PROGRAM M ING UPDATES: FOR THE PARENTS

‫לבוא‬

DVAR TORAH: FOR THE KIDS

THINGS YOU CAN DO: JOIN THE KJ ISRAEL ACTION COMMITTEE We are galvanized to action by the war in Israel and our responsibility to be proactive in supporting our fellow Jews under attack. Join the WhatsApp group in formation by visiting bit. ly/498r5Ja, and look for regular email bulletins containing action items. Contact KJIsraelAction@ gmail.com to share worthy initiatives and information about becoming effective advocates for the Jewish Homeland, Israel.

CONTACT - ckj.org/appevents.

Donate to KJ's Benevolent Fund Israel Campaign We are not putting ourselves physically on the line; the best we can do is give aid that will help our brothers and sisters in Israel get what they need. There are families that have lost everything and have been displaced, those who have lost their primary breadwinner, children who have been orphaned, and so many more financial needs.

NEW WEBSITE PAGE FOR RESOURCES AND INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Click Benevolent Fund-Israel Emergency at www.ckj.org/pay.

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classes & events

Rabbi Roy Feldman

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Introducing Spiritually Caffeinated, a fresh monthly program curated

by Rabbi Daniel and Rachel Kraus for parents of Ramaz ECC students. This Shabbat morning initiative invites both men and women who might not typically attend services to come together and infuse their Saturdays with energy and connection. Engage in lively discussions exploring the layers of prayer, the essence of Shabbat, and their connections to parenting— all accompanied by crafted cold brew and fresh juice.

Parents are encouraged to indulge in this self-care hour while their children enjoy the fantastic KJYD groups. This initiative is just one among various programs spearheaded by the Krauses for the Ramaz parent community.

Inspired by the success of the KJB program, our goal is to fortify the bond between school and home, anchored in the principles of Jewish life and practice. For any questions or suggestions, reach out to rdk@ckj.org.

Parents are encouraged to join us in creating meaningful connections and enhancing your Shabbat experience!

Men's kiddush club discussion

Shabbat / Following Kiddush

All are welcome (Men and Women) to the Men's Club Kiddush Discussion which sponsers various cultural speakers Gila Rockman Co Founder of Jerusalem Civilian Command Center, Director of the Department of Service and Citizenship at Shalem College - “The Day after is Now: Healing a Nation in Trauma.”

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Shahar

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Cybersecurity Executive, IDF Special Forces Commmander on reserves, who was a first responder on October 7th, helping to save civilians and capture Hamas terrorists.

After getting injured and suffering a personal loss of a family member, Shahar returned to his unit and has spent the last few months serving in and out of Gaza.

As a combat soldier who has been in Gaza for the second time, he’s experienced the loss and injuries of friends. But showing the true face of Israel while humanizing the IDF has become a crucial part of this war, so he’s leaving Gaza again to fight on this front.

He tells the story of the war through his first-hand experience in a unique, personal, moving and motivating way.

1/20 COMING UP: 2/10 Jennifer Sutton: Executive Director of Council for a Secure America

Weekly Classes

ckj.org/weeklyclasses

Wednesdays @ 12 PM Lunch & Learn for Seniors

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS Dr. William Major Memorial Advanced Shiur in Talmud Continuing our study of Masekhet Brachot with its classical commentaries.

Exploring Jewish Thought What is the foundation of ethics? How did Orthodox Jews understand the Holocaust? Dive deeply into questions of Jewish philosophy and wrestle with challenging ideas. Appropriate for intellectually curious students of any background. Translated texts provided.

classes & events

Reading the Prophets: The Book of Samuel

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Read Sefer Shmuel closely and explore the literary and philosophical aspects of this book.

Back to Basics Understand Prayer Take a deep dive into the amida.

Kitzur Shulchan Aruch A classic, concise work of halacha that covers the complete spectrum of Jewish law. The class is a text based class and open to all.

The Weekly Parsha Class A textual analysis of the parasha with the help of classical commentaries and modern Biblical exegesis.

Beginners Hebrew For those who want to start building a foundation in Hebrew to help them read Jewish Prayer.

Intermediate Hebrew This popular class enables those with no previous background in Hebrew to learn to read Hebrew in just a short time.

Advanced Hebrew Designed for those with some ability to read Hebrew, students practice reading skills using the siddur and other Jewish texts.

Meaningful Jewish Living A comprehensive yearlong course covering major themes in Jewish law, practice and thought. Explore how a 5,000 year old religion is more relevant today than ever before.

Bnei Mitzvah Phoebe Hiltzik

Bayla Litzenblatt

Mazal Tov to Aviva Preminger & Alan Kestenbaum and David Hiltzik upon the Bat Mitzvah of Phoebe at a Chanukah Women’s Tefillah on Friday morning, December 8, at which time she read from Parashat Nasso and led the Tefillah including Hallel and delivered a Dvar Torah. Phoebe is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.

Mazal Tov to Amy and Seth Litzenblatt upon the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Bayla, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on Shabbat Shira, January 27, at which time she will read Shirat HaYam and deliver a D’var Torah related to Parashat Beshalach. Bayla is a sixth-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.

Sawyer Edell

Nate Ottensoser

community

Mazal Tov to Deborah and Eric Edell upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Sawyer, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on Shabbat, January 20, at which time he will read Parashat Bo. Sawyer is a seventhgrade student at the Ramaz Middle School. Mazal Tov as well to KJ grandmother Mira Levenson.l.

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Mazel Tov to Judith and Daniel Ottensoser upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son Nate. Nate celebrated his Hanachat Tefillin in Israel at the end of December and will be reading Parashat Yitro in New York. Nate is a seventh-grade student at Park East Day School.

Within Our Family Mazal Tov to – BIRTHS KJ Yoetzet Halacha Ellin Cooper & her husband, Jeremy, upon the birth of a daughter, Lielle.

Fran Margolin and Robert Finkelstein upon the birth of a grandson, Jordan Samson (Shmuel Yichil), born to their children Ariel and Seth Finkelstein.

Welcome!

Rosie and Dr. Mark Friedman of Forest Hills, upon the engagement of their first grandchild, Eleora P. Fine, to Matthew Ganchrow, son of Banji and Ari Ganchrow of Teaneck. Mazal Tov as well to Ariela (Ramaz ’97) and Rabbi Jeremy Fine, Michal, Shmuel, Yitzchak and Asher Fine of Woodmere.

Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun warmly welcomes the following new members who joined the Congregation between the printing of the last Bulletin on September 21, and this Bulletin, which went to press on November 17th:

Randy and Mitch Krevat upon the engagement of their daughter, Julia, to Levi Shlyankevich, son of Julia & Sasha Shlyankevich of Newton, MA.

Natalie and Max Fruchter

Raquel Safdie and Elliot Delamare Linda Goldman Susan Rosenbaum and Adrian Iosifescu

Diane and Mickey Markovitz upon the engagement of their daughter, Samantha Sharon, to Jonathan Adler, son of Dina and Jerry Adler of Toronto. Mazal Tov to the overjoyed KJ grandparents, KJ Members Fran and Arnold Lederman.

Mazal Tov to Rhonda & Jeffrey Luxenberg upon the birth of a granddaughter, Maya Jeri (Dvora Miriam) born to their children, Rachel & Matthew Luxenberg.

Robin Muss on the engagement of her son Jordan Abada to Temima Feder daughter of Rabbi Yankie and Raízel Feder of Lawrence, NY.

Lauren and Ronnie Simhon

Lauren & Mitchell Presser upon the engagement of their son, DJ, to Danya Gewurz, daughter of Risa & Zev Gewurz from Boston.

Flavia and Chaim Theil

Dr. Nadine Rosenthal, daughter of KJ member Brigitte and the late Thomas Rosenthal, upon her engagement to Dr. Theodore Curtis. Both are alumni of Ramaz.

Dr. Chaviva Levin and Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Wieder upon the upcoming wedding of their son Noam to Tzippi Eisenberg, daughter of Shana and Noam Eisenberg of Modi'in. Tzippi is the great-great granddaughter of the late Rabbi Aaron Charney, who was a beloved member of the KJ community.

Teri Szulc and Vivian & Bernard Falk upon the birth of a granddaughter, Chiara Aurelia (Ayelet Shachar), born to their children, Dr. Alessandra ('04) and Colin Falk ('95).

Mazal Tov to Rosie & Charles Zami upon the occasion of the birth of their first son, Morris, brother to Sarah and Juliette.

May these children grow up in the finest tradition of Torah, chupah, & maasim tovim.

Bnei Mitzvah

community

Nava and Dan Bettinger upon the engagement of their son, Yoni, to Illeana Cohen, daughter of MB and Dr. Larry Cohen of Englewood, NJ.

Caren & Sam Kohl and Mindy & Jay Cinnamon upon the birth of a granddaughter, Charlotte Sara (Ashira Sarah), daughter of Amanda & Aaron Kohl. Mazal Tov as well to overjoyed great grandparents, Audrey & Rabbi Haskel Lookstein.

Rochelle and Eugene Major upon the birth of a grandson, Ezra Avraham, born to their children Talia Berday Sacks and Sam Major in Philadelphia. Mazal Tov, as well, to the KJ great grandmother, Gabriella Major.

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ENGAGEMENTS

Sarah Berman and Nathaniel Berman upon the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Anna. Mazal Tov, as well, to the proud grandparents Debra and Arthur Skaroff and William and Batzion Berman.

Rosie and Dr. Mark Friedman upon the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Yitzchak Eliyahu Fine on Shabbat Parashat Vayeshev. Mazal Tov to the proud parents, former Ramaz Middle School Morah Ariela (Ramaz ‘97) and Rabbi Jeremy Fine, of Woodmere.

Shelley and Martin Kaufman upon the upcoming Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter, Madeline Herbst, daughter of Danielle and Steven Herbst and great-granddaughter of Hannah Low.

Adrian and KJ Executive Director Leonard Silverman upon the engagement of their son, Gabriel (Ramaz ’16) to Judith Wechter, the daughter of Devorah and Pinny Wechter of Teaneck. Mazal Tov as well to Gabe’s proud KJ grandparents, Donna and Arthur Silverman.

Shera Aranoff Tuchman and Alan Tuchman upon the engagement of their son, Andy, (Ramaz 2005) to Jamie Kitzes, daughter of Anna and Ethan Kitzes of Plainview, New York.

May their weddings take place in happiness and blessing.

MARRIAGES Deborah and Barry Berg upon the marriage of their son, Michael, to Hadley Rosen, daughter of Anne and Harry Rosen of Potomac, Maryland. Mazal Tov, as well, to the overjoyed KJ grandmother, Lili Goldberg.

Diane and Ashley Joffe upon the marriage of their daughter, Talia, to Austen Rabbie, son of Verna and Ronnie Rabbie of Roslyn.

Katie Lomuto and Benjamin Leizman upon their marriage.

Danielle Sassoon and Adam Katz Katie Lomuto and Benjamin Leizman Karen Rosenthal Mellissa Shafton

May the newlywed couples be blessed to build homes faithful to the traditions of the Jewish people.

COMMUNAL NEWS & HONORS Congratulations to: Jamie Lassner, head of “Accessibility Accelerator” charity, who was just named one of the 75 Unsung Heroes in honor of the 75th Anniversary of Israel. As Founder/Executive Director, Jamie is hastening society’s embrace of individuals with disabilities by accelerating the pace of access-enhancing improvements such as ramps, elevators and hands-free interfaces.

academic achievementS Diane and Ashley Joffe upon the graduation of their son, Adam, from Cornell University, with a Masters Degree in Management and Hospitality.

CONDOLENCES

In Memoriam

Robyn Barsky upon the passing of her mother, Corinne Barsky.

Leon Wildes

Arielle Vogelstein Bauman upon the passing of her brother, Tobias Vogelstein.

Leon came to our congregation, after a very active congregational life in Queens, together with his late wife Ruth,

Howard Jacobson upon the passing of his brother of Ken Jacobson.

who predeceased him. He married our

David Kanbar upon the passing of his father, Elliot Kanbar.

member Alice Goldberg, and he joined KJ where he and Alice enjoyed many happy

Cathy Lasry upon the passing of her father, Irwin B. Cohen.

years of friendship in our community and an active and involved congregational life.

Jeffrey Luxenberg upon the passing of his father, Gerald Luxenberg.

An outstanding lawyer who specialized

Samy Mahfar upon the passing of his father, Siyoun Mahfar.

in immigration law, Leon is the father of our former Assistant Rabbi, Mark Wildes,

Debbie Rochlin upon the passing of her father, Norman Meskin.

who left KJ to found and direct MJE – the Manhattan Jewish Experience, an outreach

Jody Storch upon the passing of her mother, Marilyn Spiera.

organization which has transformed many

May they be comforted among all those who mourn for Zion and Jerusalem.

Jewish lives on the West and East Sides of Manhattan and beyond. His other son, Michael, joined Leon in his law practice

community

and has been very active in political life in Englewood, New Jersey, where he serves as Mayor.

Leon was known to all of us as a sterling, Jewish gentleman, devoted to family, to community to Torah and to God. He leaves 30

behind him a glorious Jewish legacy.

Chevra Kadisha Join a dedicated group of men and women performing the sacred mitzvah of preparing the recently deceased for proper, dignigied burial in accordance with Jewish Tradition and law. Contact Riva Alper for the women’s Chevra Kadisha at riva@ckj.org and contact Isaac Pollak for the men’s Chevra Kadisha at isaac@lgpltd.com.

Synagogue Memorial Plaques Visit ckj.org/plaques to order plaques for deceased loved ones (or to reserve for yourself after 120 years of health and blessing).

Community Resources Yoetzet Halakhah Ellin Cooper serves as the KJ Yoetzet Halakhah. This position of great responsibility falls to a woman with recognized expertise in the field of Taharat Hamishpacha and women's health issues who can advise women on topics such as niddah, fertility problems, and sex education for teens. Contact Ellin at 646-598-1080 or nycyoetzet@gmail.com.

Community Mikvehs The Jacques and Hanna Schwalbe Mikvah 419 East 77th Street (1st & York Ave); 212-359-2020 The Rennert Mikvah at 5th Ave Synagogue: 5 East 62nd Street (Fifth Avenue) 212-753-6058 The West Side Mikvah 234 West 74th Street (Broadway and West End Avenue) 212-579-2011

community

Bikur Cholim

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JYC - The Hebrew School with HEART

Mitzvah Toy Campaign

The Jewish Youth Connection (JYC) is the Sunday morning Hebrew school founded by KJ members Susan and Scott Shay with the goal of providing a meaningful Jewish education to unaffiliated families. A total reinvention of the Hebrew School experience, its focus is to help foster a quality connection to Judaism for students and families alike.

This heartfelt program encourages children from Nursery School through Grade 8 to donate one or more of their birthday presents to children in need.

For information contact volunteer coordinator Joanna Kleinhaus at JoannaKleinhaus@gmail.com.

No synagogue membership is required to attend JYC or participate in any of the school programming, and JYC families are invited to take advantage of congregational offerings. Visit jyc.info to learn more.

A grassroots organization created to meet the needs of widows. To learn more about the KJ/Ramaz chapter, contact 212-879-4783 or Gabriella Major at gabriellamaj@gmail.com.

KJ Caring Initiative

Career Network

At KJ you are not alone. Homebound? Isolated?

Ailing? Our helpful volunteers are available to visit, call, and give emotional support. All interactions are strictly confidential. If you know someone who might benefit from our attention, or if you would like to be called, please contact Leah Modlin at 212-7226575 or leahm23@gmail.com.

Hatzolah

For over 35 years, a dedicated group of KJ members have been visiting patients at Memorial SloanKettering Hospital. For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Karen Lerman at lerman. karenj@gmail.com.

The Upper East Side Division volunteers volunteer EMTs and provides immediate response and the highest quality emergency medical and life-saving services to our community, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 212-410-9796 for information. For emergencies, dial 212-230-1000.

Judaica Shop

Shabbat Hospitality

Judaica Classics by Doina is at 1248 Lexington Avenue, between 84th and 85th Streets. The store has a great selection of Judaica for all gift and holiday needs, including exquisite silver, embroidery, ceramics and all manner of artistic expression.

Business hours: Sunday 10 am–5 pm, MondayThursday 10 am–6 pm, Friday 10 am–2 pm, and by appointment. Call Doina Bryskin at 212-722-4271 or email doina@judaicaclassics.com.

Let’s build a warm and welcoming KJ community!

Are you new to the community? Do you still feel like you’re new to the community or not sufficiently connected? If you’re interested in meeting new people, hosting members, or being hosted, please contact yael@ckj.org.

Manhattan Eruv The Manhattan Eruv includes an expanding number of neighborhoods in the city. Please call the hotline to check on the weekly status of the Eruv at 212-874-6100 x 452.

W Connection

Dorot Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Dorot has distinguished itself as a bastion of support for the frail elderly. We encourage our community to participate in their many volunteer initiatives–both holiday related and year-round–that forge bonds between the generations. See dorotusa.org for volunteer opportunities.

The KJ/Ramaz Career Network endeavors to help members find jobs, or fill a vacancy with a qualified shul member. Contact Larry Kassman at KasTrade@ aol.com.

UJA @ KJ UJA @ KJ is a partnership between KJ members and UJA-Federation of New York that facilitates KJ Members receiving unique opportunities to utilize the resources of UJA-Federation. With an assortment of causes and agencies in need of our support, UJA @ KJ enables KJ Members to become involved in and exposed to the important work of UJA-Federation in New York, Israel and around the world. For more information or to register, contact Atara Burian at 212-836-1267.

KJ Food Pantry One of the few kosher food pantries in Manhattan, it provides weekly (every Monday) staples as well as fresh fruit and vegetables to those in need in our community. For more information or to volunteer, contact Bernice Kahn at bernice.berman@gmail. com.

Cemetery Plots on Paramus, NJ KJ Grounds To purchase burial plots at Beth El cemetery in NJ, visit ckj.org/burialplots. If you would like to speak with someone about this opportunity, please contact Sy Yanofsky in the synagogue office at 212-774-5620 or sy@ckj.org.

DAtes to remember Thursday, January 11 Rosh Chodesh Shevat 7:00 AM Morning Services Monday, January 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 8:30 AM Morning Services Thursday, January 25 Tu b’Shevat 7:15 AM Morning Services

Date

Weekly Parasha

Candle Lighting

Friday Mincha

Shabbat Mincha

Shabbat Ends

Jan 12 - 13 Jan 19-20 Jan 26-27 Feb 2-3 Feb 9-10 Feb 16-17 Feb 23-24 Mar 1-2 Mar 8-9 March 15-16

Vaera Bo Beshalach Mevarchim / Yitro Mishpatim Terumah Tetzaveh Ki Tisa Mevarchim / Shekalim / Vayakhel Pekudei

4:31 pm 4:39 pm 4:47 pm 4:56 pm 5:05 pm 5:13 pm 5:21 pm 5:29 pm 5:37 pm 6:45 pm

4:40 pm 4:50 pm 5:00 pm 5:05 pm 5:15 pm 5:25 pm 5:30 pm 5:40 pm 5:50 pm 6:45 pm

4:25 pm 4:30 pm 4:40 pm 4:50 pm 4:55 pm 5:05 pm 5:15 pm 5:20 pm 5:30 pm 6:35 pm

5:31 pm 5:38 pm 5:46 pm 5:54 pm 6:02 pm 6:10 pm 6:18 pm 6:26 pm 6:33 pm 7:41 pm

DAILY EVENING SERVICES

Feb 11 - Feb 15

5:20 PM

Jan 14 - Jan 18

4:45 PM

Feb 18 - Feb 22

5:30 PM

Jan 21 - Jan 25

4:55 PM

Feb 25 - Feb 29

5:40 PM

Jan 28 - Feb 1

5:05 PM

Mar 3 - Mar 7

5:45 PM

Feb 4 - Feb 8

5:10 PM

Mar 10 - Mar 14

6:45 PM

Creative Direction

by Esther Feierman, Custom Art & Graphics by Rebecca Silverman Read online at ckj.org/shalomkj.

Friday, February 9 – Shabbat, February 10 Rosh Chodesh Adar I 7:00 AM Friday Morning Services 9:00 AM Shabbat Morning Services Monday, February 19 Presidents Day 8:30 AM Morning Services Sunday, March 10 – Monday, March 11 Rosh Chodesh Adar II 8:30 AM Sunday Morning Services 7:00 AM Monday Morning Services