14 THE WHAT & WHY OF ERUV TAVSHILIN BY R’ YM SCHATOWITZ AWAKENINGS MAGAZINE TABLE OF
11 RABBI’S MESSAGE ROSH HASHANA 5785
12
SHABBATON GETAWAY SAVE THE DATE
13
SOBER SOULS A TALE OF FAITH AND FEAR BY YAAKOV KLEIN
20 WOMEN’S LUNCH N’ LEARN
3-PART YOMIM NORAIM SERIES ON FORGIVNESS
22 ETHICAL DILEMMAS POINTS TO PONDER ON FORGIVENESS.
23 REFLECTIONS
POEM BY ELLEN ROMANOFF
25 A PERSONAL SEUDAH BY RABBI YY FEIGANBAUM
27 AHAVAS SHOLOM A HISTORY BY ELLEN ROMENOFF
29
5784 YEAR IN REVIEW BY DR. PHILIP WEINERMAN
30 Y”K EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT BY A ROMAN JOURNALIST
32 A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN BY DAVID GRASHIN
WED OCT 2, ELUL 29
EREV ROSH HASHANA
5:45am Selichos/Shacharis /Hataras Nedarim
Don’t forget Eruv Tavshilin
6:53 pm Candle Lighting
6:55 pm Mincha
7:25 pm Maariv
THUR OCT 3, TISHREI 1
ROSH HASHANA DAY 1
8:00 am Shacharis
8:40 am HaMelech
9:45 am Kids Program
10:00 am Sermon/Shofar
Tashlich Afternoon TBD
6:40 pm Mincha
7:20 pm Maariv
7:50 pm Candle Lighting after
FRI OCT 4, TISHREI 2
ROSH HASHANA DAY 2
8:00 am Shacharis
8:40 am HaMelech
9:45 am Kids Program
10:00 am Sermon/Shofar
6:45 pm Mincha
6:50 pm Candle Lighting
7:20 pm Maariv
SAT OCT 5, TISHREI 3
SHABBOS SHUVA HA’AZINU
9:00 am Shacharis followed by Kiddush Luncheon
9:30 am Kids Program
5:50 pm Shabbos Shuva Drasha followed by Mincha
7:47 pm Havdalah
SUN OCT 6, TISHREI 4 FAST OF GEDALIA
6:21 am Fast Begins
8:15 am Shacharis
6:35 pm Mincha
7:20 pm Maariv
7:45 pm Fast Ends
MON-THURS OCT 7-10, TISHREI 5 - 8
6:25 am Selichos/Shacharis
6:45 pm Mincha/Maariv
FRI OCT 11, TISHREI 9
EREV YOM KIPPUR
6:30am Selichos, Shacharis Kapparos
3:30 pm Mincha
Seudas Hamafsekes
6:30 pm Kol Nidrei
6:39 pm Candle Lighting (With extra yahrzeit candle that will burn throughout YK)
SAT OCT 12, TISHREI 10
YOM KIPPUR YIZKOR
8:30 am Shacharis
9:10 am HaMelech
10:45 am Yizkor
4:40 pm Mincha
6:00 pm Sermon/Neilah
7:36 pm Shofar/Havdalah
WED OCT 16
TISHREI 14
EREV SUCCOS
6:50 am Shacharis
6:32 pm Candle Lighting Eruv Tavshillin
6:35 pm Mincha
7:05 pm Maariv
7:30 pm Kiddush in the Succah not before
HIGH
SCHEDULE
THURS OCT 17
TISHREI 15
SUCCOS DAY 1
9:00 am Shacharis with Lulav & Esrog followed by Ice-Cream Kiddush
4:00 pm Succah Hop
6:30 pm Mincha
7:00 pm Maariv
7:29 pm Candle lighting & preparation not before
FRI OCT 18
TISHREI 16
SUCCOS DAY 2
9:00 am Shacharis with Lulav & Esrog
6:29 pm Candle Lighting
6:30 pm Mincha/Maariv
SAT OCT 19
TISHREI 17
SHABBOS CHOL HAMOED DAY 1
9:00 am Shacharis
5:45 pm Pre-Mincha class
6:15 pm Mincha followed by Shalosh Seudos
7:26 pm Havdalah
SUN OCT 20
TISHREI 18
CHOL HAMOED DAY 2
8:15 am Shacharis
5:30 pm Pizza in the Hut
6:25 pm Mincha/Maariv
7:00 pm Simchas Beis Hashoeva
MON OCT 21 - 22
TISHREI 19
CHOL HAMOED DAY 3 & 4
7:00 am Shacharis
6:25 pm Mincha/Maariv
3
TUES OCT 23
TISHREI 21
HOSHANA RABAH
7:00 am Shacharis
6:22 pm Candle Lighting Eruv Tavshillin
6:25 pm Mincha
6:55 pm Maariv
7:21 pm Kiddush not before
WED OCT 24
TISHREI 22
SHMINI ATZERES YIZKOR
9:00 am Shacharis
10:30 am Yizkor
5:50 pm Tot Hakaos and meal with Torah Tours
6:20 pm Mincha, Simchas Torah Auction
7:19 pm Maariv, Hakafos, Yom Tov Meal, Candle lighting & preparation not before
THURS OCT 25
TISHREI 23
SIMCHAS TORAH
9:00 am Shacharis
10:30 am Light Kiddush & Hakofos
1:30 pm Luncheon
6:19 pm Candle Lighting
6:20 pm Mincha/Maariv
FRI OCT 26
TISHREI 24
SHABBOS MEVARCHIM BERESHIS
9:00 am Shacharis
5:45 pm Pre-Mincha class
6:05 pm Mincha
7:17 pm Havdalah
EVENTS
OCT 7TH MEMORIAL
When: Oct 7th
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: JCC
SHABBOS SHUVA LUNCH
When: Oct 5th after Davening
Where: Ahavas
Sholom Social Hall
AT
AHAVAS
SIMCHAS BEIS HASHOEVA
When: Oct 20th
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Ahavas Social Hall
SIMCHAS TORAH BROTHERHOOD DINNER & LUNCH
When: Oct 24-25
Where: Ahavas Sholom RSVP: www.ahavas-sholom.org
KIDS EVENTS
ROSH HASHANA KIDS PROGRAM
When: Oct 3th-4th
Time: 9:45am-1:15pm
Where: @ahavas
YOM KIPPUR KIDS PROGRAM
When: Oct 3th-4th
Time: 9:45am-1:15pm
Where: @ahavas
ROSH HASHANA KIDS PROGRAM
When: Oct 3th-4th
Time: 9:45am-1:15pm
Where: @ahavas
PIZZA IN THE HUT
When: Oct 20th
Time: 5pm
Where: @ahavas
Followed by Simchat Bet Hosheva
When: Oct 17th
Time: 4pm
Where: Starting at Sam and Ariella Nutis Home
SUKKAH HOP
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Friends,
What a whirlwind of a year it’s been! Time truly does fly.
We are thrilled to officially welcome Rabbi Shlomo Menachem Gabay, Rachel, and their family, who are approaching their one-year mark with us. This Yomim Noraim will be their first at Ahavas, and they’ve already infused the shul with a new sense of energy and vibrancy. Rabbi Gabay’s passion and dedication have set an inspiring tone for all of us. B”H, our Minyanim have grown stronger. The Rabbi is a true Talmid Chacham, an exceptional teacher who connects with everyone, no matter their level of knowledge. On top of that, he genuinely enjoys being with people, and it’s clear the feeling is mutual. We’re beyond fortunate to have him as our Rabbi.
Ahavas Sholom has always been a community filled with warmth, and our
members deeply care for one another and for the greater Columbus Jewish community. The fresh energy that Rabbi and Rachel bring has already started to shape the future of our congregation, and we’re excited to see what’s next.
If you haven’t had the chance yet, I encourage you to check out our newly refreshed sanctuary, With updated carpet, fresh paint, and new chairs, it’s a whole new look. You won’t miss the 1970s dark paneling, I promise.
Our social hall has also gotten a facelift, with new paint making it brighter and more inviting. The toddler room has been completely revamped too, with fresh paint, new carpets, furniture, and toys. While there’s more to do, we’re really proud of the progress so far.
A huge thank you goes out to all those involved in the renovations—especially Patrick Wiesel, Chezy Levi, Billy Schottenstein, Phil Weinerman, and Rabbi
and Rachel Gabay—for all their hard work and dedication.
We also want to extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to our spring campaign and annual Gala. Your support helps make all of this possible, including sustaining Rabbi Gabay’s important role in our community.
This year has been filled with many Simchas, and for that, we say Mazel Tov! We’re always happy to have a reason to come together for a kiddush, and when there’s a lull, we create our own—anyone up for a Shabbos Mevarchim deluxe kiddush lunch?
Wishing you all a Kesiva Vechasima Tova. May we continue to grow and go from strength to strength.
Dotan Herszage
RABBI’S MESSAGE
Dear Ahavas Sholom Famiy,
The widespread custom on both nights of Rosh Hashanah is to eat various foods as a symbolic good omen for the new year. Among these traditions, the most wellknown is dipping an apple in honey. But what makes this gesture so significant? Is it just about wishing for “a sweet new year”? Or do the apple and honey carry a deeper meaning?
If you asked someone where an apple comes from, the answer would likely be an apple tree. A more technical answer might mention an apple seed. But what makes the apple tree grow and bear fruit? The answer is simple: a bee. The bee transfers pollen to the tree, enabling it to blossom and produce the apples we eat.
Have you ever observed the un’bee’lievable honey extraction process? The Queen and worker bees work together, creating perfect, intricately designed hexagonal patterned honeycombs from the nectar of flowers collected by the bees, broken down into simple sugars stored inside the honeycomb. The constant fanning of
the bees’ wings causes evaporation, creating pure, sweet liquid honey, often with different honey flavors and colors that vary based on the nectar collected by the bees. It is then extracted from the combs, sieved, and put in jars ready to be eaten. The intricate design of the honeycomb, combined with the natural process of honey-making, reflects the awe-inspiring details that are testimony to the greatness and awesomeness of nature that G-d created.
When we dip the apple into the honey, we acknowledge something beyond the surface. While we don’t always see the complex process behind the fruit we eat, we recognize and appreciate it. That’s why we dip the apple in the honey rather than just drizzling honey on top of the apple. It reminds us that the apple’s growth originates from the very honey we dip it into.
Interestingly, the Hebrew word for honey, devash, has a numerical value of 306, which equals Av Harachamim—Father of Compassion. On Rosh Hashanah, we acknowledge G-d, our compassionate
Father, who, although we cannot see, grants us life and sustains us, providing us with all that we need.
Dipping the apple in the honey is a lesson in hakarat hatov—gratitude. It reminds us to appreciate the true source of all the good in our lives—our loving Father in heaven, whose love for us is so powerful and potently sweet like honey.
As we close the challenging and historic year 5784 and usher in the new year of 5785, Rachel & I want to express our sincere gratitude to our president, Dotan (& Shari), Chairman, Phil (& Julie), the Board of Directors, Committee members, volunteers, and each and every one of you who have welcomed us with such kindness, positivity, and warmth, you have truly made us feel at home.
Wishing you a Ketiva VeChatima Tova, may we be inscribed together with our brothers and sisters in Israel in the Book of Life for a year of good health, prosperity, nachas, and peace.
Shana Tova Umetuka, Rabbi Shlomo Gabay
SOBER SOULS
A TALE OF FAITH AND FEAR
BY YAAKOV KLEIN
But for the Jew, standing before G-d is not about fear but love, trust, and spiritual elevation.
One year, on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the revered Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov (1740–1809) quietly entered the shul. Known for his late arrival and grand entrances, he caught everyone’s attention. Without explanation, he bent down and began searching under the benches, putting on a bit of a show for those present. Once satisfied, he made his way to his shtender, raised his eyes toward heaven, and declared, “Master of the universe! The gentiles celebrate their new year by getting drunk and rolling on the floor. But your people— none of them have touched a drop, and not one is inebriated as they prepare to stand before You.”
While this story may seem lighthearted and heartwarming, it carries a deeper message. It highlights the distinct relationship Jews have with the Creator. A Jew, knowing he will soon stand in
judgment before G-d, is filled with a sense of divine kindness and love. This awareness is part of a spiritual legacy embedded within every Jew, turning the experience of judgment into an opportunity for growth in a loving relationship with G-d.
In contrast, some non-Jewish perspectives, particularly within certain Christian views, paint a much darker picture of God’s relationship with man. In this view, G-d’s attitude is one of punishment and death, as though humanity exists only to be condemned and cast aside. Such a fearful outlook may indeed drive one to seek comfort in a bottle of whiskey!
But for the Jew, standing before G-d is not about fear but love, trust, and spiritual elevation.
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ERUV TAVSHILLIN
Reason for the mitzvah: On Yom Tov, one may only cook food for that day and not for the next day. When Yom Tov falls on Friday, the Rabbis instituted “Eruv tavshilin” to mix and connect Shabbos to Yom Tov. This allows one to cook on Yom Tov in preparation for Shabbos, as it shows clearly that even for Shabbos, it would be forbidden if not for this rabbinical process. This mechanism prevents people from making the mistake of thinking that it’s permitted to cook on Yom Tov in preparation for a weekday (or the second day of Yom Tov.)
[See Aruch Hashulchan 527:1-5, also see Shel”a by Sukkah who comments on the beauty of this mitzvah that honors Shabbos and promotes Emunah in Hashem].
Basic process: Take a cooked food (for example, meat, fish, or hard-boiled egg) and a baked item like bread or matza. Then recite the following blessing:
BY R’ YM SHUCHATOWITZ
Then recite the following: “Through this, it shall be permissible for us to bake, cook, preserve the heat of a container of food, kindle a light, prepare and do all that is necessary on Yom Tov for Shabbos, for us (and for all the Jews who dwell in this city).”
Those who understand Aramaic, recite in the original:
lechatchila but Magen Avraham holds it is assur medeoraisa, he says beshaas hadechak its mutar, however Aruch Hashulchan seems to say the minhag is always to be meikel].
Blessed … Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning the mitzvah of eiruv.
Make sure not to lose or eat the eruv until Shabbos starts. This will allow you to cook from a pre-existing flame on Friday for Shabbos. However, this will not allow cooking before nightfall on Thursday night, as that is not Erev Shabbos. Additionally, one eruv covers everyone in the household.
Cooking late in the day: According to some poskim it is only allowed if the food will be fully ready to eat before Shabbos, it is appropriate to follow this opinion. Others hold that even if it’s not ready before Shabbos, it is okay as long as you finish putting it up before Shabbos. For example, it is better not to put up a pot of cholent that will not be ready until Shabbos morning. Yet, if it’s a great necessity, baseline halacha permits it. [See Biur halacha 527:1 that Shulchan Aruch and Rambam are matir
If you won’t be cooking on Yom Tov: If someone has all Shabbos food ready before Yom Tov or plans on eating out all Shabbos meals, and as a result, will not cook for Shabbos, it is still necessary to do the mitzvah of eruv tavshilin if they will be lighting candles for Shabbos. However, a Rav should be consulted as to whether a blessing should be recited. [Teshuvos vehanhagos vol. 7 sim. 122 says a brocha should be said as it is essentially a mitzvah; however, see Igros Moshe Orach Chaim, 5:20:26, 5:37:9. He writes that a bracha should not be recited in such a case of a person staying in a hotel. It’s possible that when someone is in his own home and may need to cook, it may be different than a hotel].
If one did not make an eruv: If one forgot about it due to a lack of knowledge of the halacha or being legitimately very busy, one can rely on the Rav of the city (who has everyone in mind). However, if he was negligent about doing this mitzvah, the Shulchan Aruch says he cannot rely on someone else. Therefore, a Rav should be consulted for practical guidance. [See Aruch Hashulchan 527:18].
Women’s Lunch N’ Learn
Pre-Yamim Noraim 3-Part Series
Thursday 12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Presenter Rabbi Shlomo Gabay
Sep 19
“Forgiving the Unforgivable”
Are there limits to forgiveness in Halacha? Sep 26
“Let Bygones be Bygones”
Is there an obligation to Forgive and Forget? Oct 10
“Jewish Guilt, Is it really Jewish?”
Are we supposed to be feeling guilty?
ETHICAL DILEMMAS ON FORGIVENESS
POINTS TO PONDER
ARE THERE LIMITS TO FORGIVENESS IN HALACHA?
DOES ONE HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO FORGIVE & FORGET?
WHAT IF THE APOLOGY IS NOT APPEALING BUT APPALLING? WHAT IF THE OFFENDER HASN’T ASKED FOR FORGIVENESS?
In 1943, at the height of World War II and the Holocaust, a group of laborers from the Lemberg concentration camp were sent to a converted army hospital to clear medical waste. Simon Wiesenthal was summoned from this work detail by a nurse to the bedside of a dying Nazi soldier, Karl Seidl. The soldier tells him he is seeking “a Jew’s” forgiveness for a crime that has haunted Seidl since it was committed one year prior. Over several hours, Seidl tells Wiesenthal his life story, including joining the Hitler Youth and his experiences in the SS. He then confesses to having participated in the destruction, by fire and armaments, of a house full of 300 Jews. He states that as the Jews tried to leap out of windows to escape the burning building, he and the other soldiers gunned them down.
After Seidl finishes his story, he asks Wiesenthal to forgive him, and Wiesenthal leaves the room without saying anything. The next day, the nurse informs Wiesenthal that the soldier has died. Wiesenthal ruminates on whether or not he should have forgiven Seidl through the rest of his experiences in the concentration camp system. After the War, he wrote the book The Sunflower - On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness, posing the ethical dilemma of whether or not he should have forgiven Seidl to the reader. The second half of the book is a symposium of fifty-three responses given by various people, including other survivors, religious leaders, and former Nazis.
POEM BY ELLEN ROMANOFF
REFLECTIONS
As we approach the New Year and the month of Tishrei, We have many events to reflect upon from the last year,
As a people we must be united in our hearts and as we pray, Knowing full well that through our actions and words we can make it very clear,
That we must strive to be the best individuals we can be, As role models for our children, grandchildren, and the gentile world to see,
That Hashem placed us in this world to show others that with complete faith we understand.
Our obligation is to be a “light unto the nations”, it is our sacred command.,
We cannot allow the horrors and challenges of the past year to cause us to lose hope,
B’H we in the Ahavas Sholom Family have a special Rav and Rebbetzin to help us cope,
Remember we have the DNA of our Avos and Imahos to to help us thrive,
And with them behind us along with our emunah, we pray that we will be victorious in our land and the hostages will survive,
So may the blasts of the shofar and the words of theUnsaneh Tokef bring each of us a year filled with peace, inner strength, and success,
Ushering in for all of us a year that is blessed!
A PERSONAL SEUDAH WITH HASHEM
BY R’ YY FEIGENBAUM
Eating a plate of vegetables together with a loved one in the kitchen or dining at a candlelit dinner consisting of the finest that NY Kosher restaurants have to offer. What should be your choice?
The Torah tells us: the former.
The Medrash explains the reason we bring only a small, personal korban on Shemini Atzeres is because we are similar to a King who asks his beloved son who is visiting him to stay one extraday so they can enjoy one more small intimate meal after the big party the day before.
A similar Medrash explains slightly differently, comparing it to inviting a guest. The first time you have him over,
you serve him dishes made from your most expensive meats. The second time he visits, you only serve him fine meat. This pattern continues until you simply serve him a plate of veggies.
The Torah is teaching us a lesson in relationships. A relationship inherently starts on a very shallow, external level. As the level of connection grows and starts to inhabit a more internal space, there’s more room to omit the shallow externals and simply enjoy the connection that already exists. This is true of all relationships — parent-child, spousal, friends — and also our own personal relationship with Hashem.
Shemini Atzeres is the climax of a very special time in our relationship with Hashem. We are coming off the High Holy Days of Awe, in which we crown Hashem as our King (by reaccepting His Kingship over us), we are forgiven for our sins, and then we go out to live in His House. Can there be a more connecting series of events than that?
Shemini Atzeres marks the final leg of the journey. The ultimate relationship is when the connection is so strong that we need almost no external stimuli to enhance it.
What are you doing to enhance your relationship with Hashem?
How are you going to be celebrating Shemini Atzeres this year?
CONGREGATION AHAVAS
SHOLOM
A HISTORY
Congregation Ahavas Sholom began as a “break-off” shul from the Agudas Achim Synagogue (the obgerisener meaning they pulled themselves away), and in almost 100 years, it has become a significant part of the Jewish community, more specifically the Orthodox community. In 1910 a dispute took place over the type of worship.
Many of the members were eastern European Jews who wanted to adhere to the custom of davening nusach sefard, while Agudas Achim insisted on continuing with nusach Ashkenaz, so several families withdrew and formed Congregation Ahavas Sholom. Rabbi Isaac Werne, who received his education in Germany, left Agudas Achim to become the first spiritual leader of Ahavas Sholom for five years. Rabbi Pelcovits was also connected with the new congregation for many years. It officially became a shul in 1913 at 460 South Washington Avenue, right next door to Agudas Achim, at Washington and Donaldson.
The shul’s first location was a brick house, which was originally a stable, and for 26 years it remained the home of this new little congregation. In 1936 members got rid of this structure and moved to a new one at 878 South Ohio Avenue, where improvements were made to increase the capacity to 350 people. It was ready for the High Holidays and was dedicated in 1938. This new location, which was further east, enabled many to attend services, who
BY ELLEN ROMANOFF
otherwise found it difficult to walk long distances to the old neighborhood. It was considered a great achievement for such a small congregation, which concerned itself more with the spirit, rather than with the form of the institution. Mr. Nathan Danziger was chairman of the building committee and was the driving force behind its establishment. Rabbi Jacob Baker served the congregation during World War 2, as both spiritual leader and chazan as well as, a mohel in the community.
Presidents prior to the move into Bexley: 1938-40 Morris Jonas 1948-50 Barney Ringer 1940-44 Harry Beckman 1950-52 Harry Beckman 1944-46 George Goodman 1952-55 Barney Ringer 1946-48 William Givets 1955 until about 1975 Sol Rising In the years that followed the leadership of Rabbi Jacob Baker, Rabbi Rabinowitz served the people of Ahavas Sholom from 1954 to 55 and Rabbi Finkel from 1955 to 59, along with Beryl Schottenstein as chazan.
The Jewish community began to move further east with some families remaining around the Ohio Avenue shul, while others made their move into Bexley. With these changes in mind, the Ahavas Sholom Building Committee was successful in raising the necessary funds required to purchase a piece of property on the corner of East Broad Street and Ardmore Road (2568 East Broad Street). Sol Rising,
the president of the congregation was proud to announce that they had acquired the title to a 19-room mansion. Some light remodeling was done, and in September 1958, services took place for the High Holidays. What was truly amazing and accommodating was the fact that services continued at the Ohio Avenue location as well, for about a year after the
AHAVAS SHOLOM HAS OFFERED A LOT OF INSPIRATION TO MANY JEWS WITH GREAT PRIDE IN ITS HISTORY.
Bexley location opened, allowing those who lived in the older neighborhood to attend services led by Rabbi Finkel and Chazan Beryl Schottenstein.
Meanwhile, a new duo came on the scene, Rabbi Julius Baker, brother of the previous Rabbi Jacob Baker, and Rabbi, Doctor Marvin Fox. Despite the fact that they came from two different worlds, they complimented each other, and developed a relationship filled with love and mutual respect. Rabbi Julius Baker was born in Yedwabne, Poland where he eventually received ordination from the great Yeshiva of Lomz. In 1932 the rabbi came to Columbus and was then
appointed spiritual leader of the Bnai Israel Congregation in Lancaster, where he remained for 25 years. During those 25 years he was also involved with activities in Columbus at the Ahavas Sholom, participating in services as chazan and baal tokea, when his brother, Rabbi Jacob Baker was spiritual leader. In the 1950s, near the end of his tenure in Lancaster, Rabbi Julius Baker and another brother, Hershel, went into the construction business in Columbus. Along with his great business acumen, he was fortunate enough to be quite a talmid chacham.
Rabbi, Doctor Marvin Fox was a man of great intellect who was American-born, having graduated with his PhD from the University of Chicago. He received his semicha (ordination) from Beis Medrash L’Torah in Chicago and had moved to Columbus where he was appointed a professor of philosophy at the Ohio State University in 1948. In the 1950s he moved to the Bexley area on North Gould where he and his wife started their family. It was no surprise that these two great minds, Rabbi Baker and Rabbi Doctor Fox, saw eye to eye on one thing. It was the importance of spreading Torah Judaism in Columbus.
In 1958, when Ahavas Sholom was about to make its move to Bexley, Rabbi Baker and Rabbi Dr. Fox, came forward to offer their services as joint spiritual leaders of the new shul, providing that it would maintain the highest standard of orthodoxy. So a shidduch occurred between the two men. While services continued at the Ohio Avenue branch of Ahavas Sholom under the leadership of Rabbi Finkel and Cantor Beryl Schottenstein, Rabbis Baker and Fox ran the Broad Street branch in Bexley. The Ohio Avenue branch closed about a year later. Rabbi Baker was officially installed
as spiritual leader of the congregation in 1962, but he consistently refused a salary, as did Dr. Fox. However, once a year at the shul’s annual dinner, Dr. Fox would pay him one dollar, so that he could consider him his own personal rabbi.
Rabbi Baker endeavored to improve the facilities of Congregation Ahavas Sholom, and so his construction company took on the task of building another structure that would connect to the mansion at 2568 East Broad Street. The ground-breaking took place on Sunday, September 15, 1963. Irving Baker, chairman of the building committee described what the new structure would look like. The target date for completion of the new synagogue was Spring, 1964. The dedication weekend took place on January 6, 7, and 8, 1967. Dr. Marvin Fox served as chairman of that special weekend, and at the Chanukas Habayis at which time the new building was dedicated, Irving Baker, presented the new synagogue to the congregation. The highlight of the weekend was the presence of the world famous, Cantor Shabtai Ackerman, originally from Roumania. Rabbi Baker, as builder of the new shul, had a dream that there would one day be a shul which would be modest, but lovely, in which each of the members could know and be known by all the others. It would be a place filled with the warmth and informality reminiscent of the houses of prayer and study in Europe. It would be a place where the most honored congregants would be the children in a completely traditional synagogue, where all Jews would be welcomed. His dreams were realized with the support, encouragement, and dedication of the officers and members of Congregation Ahavas Sholom. Part of that dream came true with the support of
Donald Zeldin, who served as shammas of the shul during the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Not only did he perform the typical duties of a shammas, but he was also a warm, loving man who had a special connection with all the shul’s members. Rabbi Baker served the shul as spiritual leader from 1960 until 1971, shortly before he moved to Israel.
Dr. David Portman. Dr. Phil Weinerman and David Schwartz have done repeat performances,taking us to the present time.
The next rabbi to serve at Ahavas Sholom was Rabbi Joseph Vilenski, who was born and educated in England, but moved to Canada in 1963. He officially became
With the eventual passing of Sol Rising, other dedicated men served as the congregation’s president. They were: Pearson Press, Mitch Cohen, Mel Freedberg, Farrell Shar, Dr. Sam Portman, Dr. Phil Weinerman, Sonny Romanoff, Charles Libicki, PhD, David Schwartz, Hezi Levi, Dr. Warren Sobol, and,
spiritual leader of the congregation in March of 1972. He held rabbinical degrees from the London Beth Din and the Chief Rabbi Dayan Abramsky. Rabbi Marvin Possick was a young man who received his ordination from Yeshiva University. He served the congregation from 1977 to 1983 until he and his family moved to Israel. His wife was very active in the
sisterhood and their home was always open to members. It was during Rabbi Possick’s leadership that David Weisfogel became the chazzan of Ahavas Sholom.
Upon Rabbi Possick’s departure, the synagogue enjoyed the arrival of Rabbi Hirsh Michel Chinn who had received his semicha from Rav Avraham Pam of Yeshiva Torah Vodaas. Rabbi Chinn served with love and a great passion for Yiddishkeit from September 1983 until 1992. During his time in Columbus he also taught at the Columbus Torah Academy where his youthful zest for Yiddishkeit was infectious and his students adored him. Cantor Weisfogel continued his passionate davening for the shul during this time, remaining an integral part of the service until 1995. It was also at this time that Michael Berenstein became the shul’s shammas. His presence lights up the shul, and he also has a unique relationship with congregants and their children.
Following Rabbi Chinn’s exit from Columbus, Ahavas Sholom was fortunate to gain the services of Rabbi Jonathan Rosenberg from 1992 until 2007. He was certainly a talmid chacham, having received semicha from Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore and worked under the guidance of Rabbi Yochanan Zweig in Florida. What made Rabbi Rosenberg unique was the fact that he was a hometown boy who had attended the Columbus Torah Academy and had grown up in Ahavas Sholom. He was an excellent speaker whose drashas were outstanding. Rabbi Rosenberg then moved on to a congregation in California.
It was during Rabbi Rosenberg’s years at Ahavas Sholom that Ira Nutis stepped up to the plate and created a fabulous teen
minyan, which was attended by children who were members of our shul as well as other students from CTA. Not only were the children given the attention they needed to prosper as young Jewish men and women, but they were also taken on special trips all over by Ira for their regular attendance and participation in services.
At the same time, in the mid 1990s, Dr. Phil Weinerman was chairman of the Building Campaign, along with Sonny Romanoff, then president of the shul. Dr. Bernard and Shirley Abrams stepped forward as generous benefactors after Dr. Phil Weinerman found out about a new type of mechitza created by Richard Axelbaum of St. Louis. Dr. Abrams did research on this innovative mechitza, and as soon as it was okayed, Dr. Abrams and his wife, financed its construction. The remainder of the sanctuary was remodeled with a beautiful bima, lined with Jerusalem stone, after Dr. Phil Weinerman led a successful building campaign. Dr. Abrams also encouraged another fundraiser – the designing of stained glass windows that could be sold to individuals and would beautify the shul commemorating the holidays and Shabbos. He and his wife were the first to purchase the Shabbos window.
Next came Rabbi Avraham Feldman from Atlanta who served the shul well with his wife Temima, from September 2007 until August 2008.
Beginning in August 2009, Rabbi Chaim Yosef Ackerman joined the illustrious ranks of the rabbis who have served the shul. He, his wife Menucha, and their family moved to Columbus from Toronto where he was well liked and served the BAYT as assistant rabbi. Rabbi Ackerman is also truly a talmid chacham, having received his semicha from the Chofetz Chaim Yeshiva. He offers several classes
and shares great warmth and caring for the members of his shul.
Ahavas Sholom completed its new building which housed classrooms, a wonderful new Beis Medrash and a phenomenal social hall. Members continued the great learning, and great programming for adult and youth members alike. Without the support of its members, the Ahavas Sholom Building Committee including Patrick Wiesel, and the dedication of its past president, Dr. David Portman, none of this would have been possible.
Our shul has been fortunate to enjoy the spiritual presence of many special Rabbeim. Rabbi Ackerman and his family eventually moved to New York and as fortune would have it, there was a fine, well educated Rav in the Columbus Community Kollel who took on the rabbinate of Ahavas Sholom after the departure of the Ackermans. Rabbi David Claman, his lovely wife Shira, and their sweet kinderlach, joined the ranks of the amazing spiritual leaders that our shul has enjoyed. Rabbi Claman enjoyed giving classes for women and he and his wife opened their home to guests regularly. In 2022 after a number of years serving our kehila, the Clamans moved on to Hollywood, Florida.
It was during Rabbi Claman’s time at Ahavas Sholom that Avi Benmoshe initiated a campaign to raise money for the construction of a keilim mikvah, because until then people in the Jewish community would toivel their keilim in the one mikvah used by men and women. He enlisted the help of Sonny Romanoff to work on its construction, and Sonny saw it through till its completion, asking advice from Rabbi Heineman on visits to Baltimore. Ira Nutis donated the cement.
The mikvah is located by the back of Ahavas Sholom on the alley and has been enjoyed since it became a reality. Sonny oversees it on almost a daily basis, making sure the water is as clean as possible and not frozen in the winter. Historically, it was the first keilim mikvah in Columbus, and continues to be enjoyed by the entire community.
In the midst of Chanukah 2023, we welcomed Rabbi Shlomo and Rachel Gabay to lead our shul, along with their sweet daughters. The Rabbi and his wife originated from London, joining us in Columbus after serving as a Rav in Vancouver. The Gabays have brought a new era of warmth and inspiration to Ahavas Sholom, which includes great programming for our shul and the greater Jewish community.
From Washington Avenue in 1910 and Ohio Avenue in 1938 to East Broad Street in 1958, Congregation Ahavas Sholom has come a long way. Through the dedication of the men and sisterhood members as well as, the officers, Ahavas Sholom has offered a lot of inspiration to many Jews with great pride in its history. Our building has gone through several renovations including those that were recently completed under the guidance of our Rav, Rabbi Shlomo Gabay, Billy Schottenstein, Hezi Levi, Patrick Wiesel and Phil Weinerman. Ahavas Sholom is now in its 111th year. As we enter 5785, we, the members of the Ahavas Sholom family are looking forward to a promising future under Rabbi Gabay as we continue to be a beacon of Torah inspiration in the Columbus Jewish Community.
AHAVAS SHOLOM HAS MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR THIS PAST YEAR, BH, TEMPERED BY THE EVENTS IN ISRAEL.
A YEAR
#AHAVAS IN REVIEW
BY DR. PHIL WEINERMAN
RABBI GABAY
Rabbi Gabay and his family visited for Shabbos, and on Sunday September 10, 2023 our members chose him to become the spiritual head of our shul. What a great Shidduch. Since his start in December 2023, the community has experienced his warm, caring and welcoming nature. Rabbi and Rachel Gabay love people, and people love them.
Rabbi Gabay has brought new energy and excitement to the shul with new programs, classes, and leadership.
ISRAEL
The October 7th catastrophe in Israel has impacted all of us. One response is that our minyanim are the strongest in years. Rabbi Gabay leads Tehilim at every service. Prayers are said daily for Israel, the hostages, and the IDF.
Many of our members have donated time and funds for Israel, and some have children serving in the IDF.
CLASSES AND LEARNING
Rabbi Gabay is not only a real Talmud Chachim, but a great teacher. The SCP Semichas Chaver Class on practical Halacha an hour before Mincha on Shabbos afternoon is well-attended, enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Rabbi Gabay’s daily Dvar Torah between Mincha and Maariv is exceptional. The mini kollel with four Lakewood young men was fun. The new Thursday women’s lunch and learn has been very well received. The Men’s Senior Chabura Wednesday lunch and learn with Rabbi Steinberg is growing in attendance.
AVOS U’BANIM
Parents and children enjoyed the Motzei Shabbos learning, one of the best years for this program. Learning, prizes, pizza, and games, what is there not to like?
BUILDING RENOVATION
Ahavas Sholom thanks every one of you who donated to our very successful Spring Campaign, with some of the funds being used to renovate almost every room in our building.
We are very grateful to all who helped design and arrange the renovation. In the sanctuary, new carpet was installed, the dark wall paneling was removed, and the walls were painted a
light off-white. The chairs were painted grey. The entire room looks brighter, more spacious, and more modern. Bookcases have been ordered for the back of the sanctuary.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
We thank Rabbi and Rachel Gabay, and the youth committee, who spent the past few months planning programs for this coming year.
New carpeting and furniture in the toddler classroom and painting of all the classrooms were done to create a clean, safe, and nurturing space for our children on Shabbos and Yom Tov.
SPRING CAMPAIGN AND 111TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
Congregation Ahavas Sholom had a very successful spring fundraising campaign, for the building renovation and to support Rabbi Gabay and his programs. The 111th Anniversary Gala raised additional funds for this coming new year. It also celebrated our past and shared visions for the future while giving Kavod to special honorees.
We are grateful to you, our members and friends, for your continued generous support.
EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS
BH there were many social, holiday, and personal simchas to celebrate this year. The Yov Tov and Shabbos mevarchim lunches were greatly enjoyed, with plenty of delicious food and good company, but no photos! Enjoy the above photos of some of our other events.
SHABBATON GETAWAY
Save the date, January 24/25, for a Shabbaton retreat at Cherry Valley Lodge for an unforgettable uplifting and inspiring Shabbos. A fun family experience with an incredible children’s program.
SOURDOUGH WORKSHOP & CHALLAH BAKING WORKSHOP
Yael Levi led a sold-out sourdough workshop and, with her children Nadav, Nitzan, and Avigayil, a sold-out challah baking workshop for Young professionals in partnership with YJP.
SECURITY
Ahavas Sholom has joined the Community Security Service to train members to assist in securing our shul. If you would like to join as a CSS volunteer or more information, please let us know.
The shul was approved for a State of Ohio grant for over $80,000, which will pay all police expenses through September 2025 and improve physical security with additional cameras, monitors, door access controls, and more.
EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT
FROM A ROMAN JOURNALIST
RABBI YAAKOV EMDEN INCLUDES IN HIS SIDDUR (AFTER THE TASHLICH PRAYER) THE FOLLOWING ACCOUNT AUTHORED BY A ROMAN CITIZEN WHO WITNESSED THE PROCEDURE IN WHICH THE KOHEN GADOL WAS TAKEN TO THE BAIS HAMIKDASH SEVEN DAYS BEFORE YOM KIPPUR.
The second service is the coming of the Kohen Gadol to the Bais Hamikdash. They did not tell me how he served in the Bais Hamikdash, but they told me about his going in and of his departing from the Bais Hamikdash. I saw some of it with my own eyes and was astonished. I then said: “Blessed is the One who shared His honor with these people.” Seven days before the (special) day called Yom Kippur (which is the most honorable of al days for the Jewish people), they prepared in the Kohain Gadol’s house seats for the head of the Beis Din, the Kohen Gadol, the deputy to the Kohen Gadol and the King. Aside from these, seventy chairs of silver were prepared for the seventy members of the Sanhedrin.
An old sage of the Kohanim would stand up and say to the Kohen Gadol words of admonishment. He said: “Be aware before Whom you are entering. Consider that if you don’t perform as intended, you will fall and die. Consequently, the forgiveness of all of Yisrael will be lost. Behold, the eyes of the entire nation of Yisrael are turned towards you. Scrutinize your ways lest you have even a small sin, for sometimes one sin can outweigh many Mitzvos. The balance is known only to Hashem, the Lord of all thoughts. Also, inquire of the Kohanim, your brothers, and purify them. Pay heed that you are coming before the King of Kings who sits on a throne of judgment and seeks out with His eyes, all evil. How can you come if the enemy is with you?”
The Kohen Gadol then answered that he had already scrutinized himself and repented from anything which seemed a sin. The sage also gathered his brothers the Kohanim in the Azarah of the Bais Hamikdash and made them swear in the Name of the One who dwells in the Bais Hamikdash that everyone should report whatever wrong he sees in his friend or whatever fault he himself has. The sage would assign to each of them the method
to achieve the proper atonement.
The King encouraged the Kohen Gadol and assured him of honor upon his peaceful departure from this holy place. After this, they would announce in which direction the Kohen Gadol would go to his special room in the Bais Hamikdash. Then all the people would go out to accompany him. They walked in a certain order. This is the order in which I saw them walk before him:
First went descendants from the Kings of Yisrael, because those closer to the Kohain in the procession are more important.
After them went members of the royal family of Dovid, all in a proper order, one after the other. A crier went before them and proclaimed: “Give honor to the royalty of the House of Dovid.”
After them came the House of Levi, and the crier proclaimed: “Give honor to the House of Levi.” They numbered thirty-six thousand. Their deputies wore blue silk clothing. The Kohanim wore white silk. These numbered twenty-four thousand.
Then came those Leviim who sang in the Bais Hamikdash, followed by musicians, trumpet blowers, the keepers of the gates, the makers of the perfumes for the incense, the makers of the Paroches, guards, officers and a group called Cratophilus. They were followed by anyone who worked in the Bais Hamikdash, the Sanhedrin of seventy, and one hundred police who held silver rods in order to make a path. After them walked the Kohen Gadol. He was followed by the elders of the Kehunah who walked in pairs. At the entrance to each street the Roshei Yeshiva rose saying: “Master, Kohen Gadol, may you come in peace. Pray to our Creator that He should sustain us in order that we should be able to learn Torah.”
When the procession reached the gate of the Har Habayis, they first prayed that the Kingdom of Dovid should continue and then they prayed for the welfare of the Kohanim and for the Bais Hamikdash. The sound of the multitudes was so powerful that when they answered “Amein,”
flying birds fell to the ground. Then the Kohen Gadol bowed towards the people and turned away in tears and awe. Two deputies of the Kehunah walked him to his room where he was separated from all his brothers the Kohanim.
This took place when he entered. However, when he left, the honor he received was double as much, for all the people in Yerushalayim passed before him. Most of them had torches of flaming white wax. Al wore white clothes. All the windows were decorated with embroidery and full of lights.
The Kohanim told me that many years the Kohen Gadol couldn’t reach his House before midnight because of the great numbers of people who came and the great congestion. Even though the people were all fasting, they would not go to their houses till they tried to reach and kiss the hand of the Kohen Gadol.
The following day, the Kohen Gadol hosted a great feast. He invited his friends and relatives and made a day of festivity to celebrate his safe emergence from the Kodesh Hakodashim. Afterwards, he would have a craftsman make a golden tablet and engrave it to read: “I, So-andSo, the Kohen Gadol, the son of So-and-So, the Kohen Gadol, served as Kohain Gadol in the great and holy House, in the service of the One who dwells there, in Such-andSuch a year after creation. May the One who granted me the merit of this service also grant the merit to my children after me to stand in the service of Hashem.”
THIS IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE ACCOUNT. MAY IT SERVE AS A REMINDER OF WHAT WE HAVE LOST AND MAY WE BE INSPIRED TO IMPLORE HASHEM THAT HE GATHER IN OUR EXILES AND RESTORE THE AVODAH OF THE BAIS HAMIKDASH AS IT ONCE WAS.
INTRODUCING THE
AHAVAS SHOLOM AGSF
Our son, Ari, passed away 22 years ago at age 16, the first day of Chol Hamoed Sukkot, or September 23, 2002. Although unabashedly biased, we think Ari was a pretty special kid who had a spiritual impact on so many. (As a small example, there are 19 families (that we know of) who have named their child after Ari!). I took to writing about him a lot during his sickness and for many years thereafter; mostly about what one individual’s impact can have on the world. The story below, that I wrote back in 2005, is just one example of the influence he had on two very special people in our lives. We hope you enjoy it. It is our great pleasure to share this little piece of our lives with you, our new Columbus family, who have welcomed the Grashins so warmly to this beautiful community.
A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN 3/7/05
I should wait until this one comes out as a movie. But then you’d say that I made these things up. That couldn’t have happened. But in this case, truth is stranger...MUCH STRANGER, and more beautiful, then fiction.
BY: DAVID GRASHIN
I know that Ari (A”H) has been described as having possessed many qualities: courage, a sense of humor, leader, peacemaker, good sport and a great smile. The list goes on and on. But no one to date had ever described him as a shadchan (a matchmaker).
So let me set up the story. The Grashins have a friend named “Vivi”. Vivi is the famous Vivianni Miriam Montenegro Torres from Recife, Brazil (which was the first Jewish settlement established in the “New World”)! After finishing a research project in NY-where she was living in a dormitory of Nuns (or “Nunnery”, as Vivi would call it; but not that strange given that her aunt is a nun), she came to Seattle for another research project at the University of Washington. And who, you ask, is Vivianni Miriam Montenegro Torres? She was our little Brazilian angel who was introduced to Ari by our mutual friend Steve (more on that guy below!), shortly after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor; and she immediately fell in love with him, like a big sister, and us with her. No obstacle to their friendship that she was twice his age, an MD/PHD, catholic. She would bring him Brazilian
soccer jerseys, read to him, tell funny stories etc. She simply became part of the family and, after her research project was completed, even lived with us during the Yomim Na’araim, which were the last few weeks of Ari’s life; spending time and helping us with Ari.
What I failed to mention was that because she began spending so much time with us at our Shabbat and Yom Tov table, she casually asked us for books to read about what was going on. So, I gave her a book from one of my Rebbies at Yeshiva University (Rabbi Benjamin Blech) called “The Idiots Guide to Judaism”, which after getting over the fact that I was not calling her an idiot, she, I believe, literally began memorizing it (did I mention she became an MD/PHD at age 19!).
Actually, I lied. Her name is not Viviani Miriam Montenegro Torres. At least it’s not anymore. What I didn’t know was that the morning Ari passed away-she was in the room with him when he passedshe concluded then and there that she wanted to be part of who Ari was and who his people were. And guess what; as of January, she became Chaya Miriam. How
is that you ask? What, she did a name change? Yes…that and more. After intense studies, in January she went in front of a Bet Din headed by...yes, you guessed it, Rabbi Benyamin Blech, the author of the first book on Judaism we gave her. What a story, huh!
You might also recall a very important person in Ari and our lives: that guy Steve I mentioned above. Steve Bunin. He was Ari’s basketball coach, who became his constant companion as Ari’s health deteriorated. He practically lived with us and spent nearly every day reading, talking, watching ESPN, and just laughing with him. He took him to the Superbowl (with tickets donated by Chai Lifeline) and when he got a job in Kalamazoo, MI, he commuted between Kalamazoo and Seattle EVERY week just to be with Ari. (Many members of our beautiful community donated their airline miles to make it happen). Obviously, Ari came to love Steve and Vivi (excuse me, Chaya Miriam) like they were
a couple more older siblings, and he would always say, ‘Steve, if she was Jewish… that’s your bashert’ (“divine chosen one”). Steve would change the subject of course, and Vivi would always say in her Brazilian accent, “Ari, that’s not kosher”! But that didn’t stop Ari…or obviously HaShem!
Well, guess where we are traveling this week (Debbie, Zach (Ari’s little brother) & I)? To Recife, Brazil for STEVE and VIVI’s wedding, the first kosher function in Recife since the 1700s…all thanks to Vivi’s preparation and hard work!!! And there is little question who the matchmaker is. I thought that this is a story that had to be told. Do good things happen to good people – Steve & Vivi? I believe so from the bottom of my heart. We all loved both of them so much, but couldn’t figure a “kosher” way to get them together. We couldn’t, but obviously, Ari could…and DID!
So, think about what one person can do to literally change the world, for now and for generations to come. So, as they say in Brazil, Beijos to you all. Mazel Tov to the entire mishpacha.
David & Debbie
P.S. If your skin isn’t already tingling, try this one; after they got engaged, Vivi’s mother checked the family records, and, on BOTH sides, they were “conversos” (which they had not known until a few months ago…AFTER Vivi’s conversion). Does that make the wedding glatt kosher???!!! That’s what Vivi would say! J
…ARI WOULD ALWAYS SAY, “STEVE, IF SHE WAS JEWISH…THAT’S YOUR BASHERT (“DIVINE CHOSEN ONE”)
2024 POSTSCRIPT:
Steve and Vivi (Chaya Miriam) have now
been married for almost 20 years. They have a lovely daughter named GAbRIella and a beautiful Jewish home in Seattle. The Bunins have continued to keep Ari’s memory alive by organizing a week of learning at NW Yeshiva High School and a basketball tournament at the Ari Grashin Memorial gym every year.
FINAL WORDS:
Dear Ahavas Sholom Community,
As we approach the High Holidays, we are blessed to embark on a new chapter with Rabbi Shlomo and Rachel Gabay. This time of reflection and renewal offers us the opportunity for incredible growth, both personally and as a community. With their leadership and guidance, we look forward to deepening our connection to Torah, mitzvot, and each other.
In this spirit of growth, we are excited to announce the launch of the Ari Grashin Speakers Fund (the AGSF) in memory of our son, Ari Grashin, a”h. This fund will allow us to bring dynamic and inspiring speakers to our synagogue, covering a wide range of Jewish topics, that will enrich our minds and spirits. Ari was always one to bring people together; people from all walks of life. It is our hope that this initiative will continue Ari’s legacy and inspire our community for years to come. We hope that those of you that would like to bring such speakers to Columbus will help up with this undertaking.
But most importantly, we would again like to thank you for so warmly welcoming us into this beautiful community, and we both wish you all a sweet, peaceful and meaningful New Year.
