9/8/2016 This Week from Our Jerusalem ­ Parashat Parashat Shoftim / פרשת ×©× ×¤× × ×

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Parashat Shoftim / שופטים פרשת Candle Lighting in Jerusalem 6:12 PM, Sept 09, 2016, 2016 6 Elul 5776

Jerusalem Divrei TorahThe centrality of Jerusalem to the Jewish People is indisputable and is thecore of our mission. Our Divrei Torah by Rabbi Yosef Bronstein focus onJerusalem and its connection to the weekly Torah portion. For a pdf todiscuss at the Shabbat table, please click here. To sponsor a Dvar Torahplease click here

The Double Meaning of Shelom Yerushalaim

Before the Jewish people go to war they are commanded to first “callout to [the city]” in peace.”[1] It is only after the opposing city refuses thepeace overtures that they are allowed to be attacked and conquered. Themidrash[2] comments that this requirement of a peace overture teaches us of thegreatness of peace. The idolatrous inhabitants of the opposing city areHashem’s enemies and one would think that He would be quick to fight againstthem. The requirement of a peace overture truly reflects the significance ofpeace in the eyes of Hashem.

The midrash then teaches of the greatness of peace from the oppositeperspective:Beloved is peace that Hashem gave it to Zion, as the verse states “Request thewelfare (shelom) of Jerusalem; may those who love you enjoy tranquility”[3]

Here, the significance of peace is drawn not from its application to the lowest ofthe low, but the fact that it is associated with Hashem’s most precious city –Yerushalayim.

However, this stage of the midrash seems difficult to parse. If themidrash is trying to prove the greatness of peace, meaning to say a lack of warbetween nations, then how can this be proven from the verse about theimportance of the welfare of Yerushalayim’s inhabitants? This verse does notseem to be connected to war and peace but to the general wellbeing and affairsof the city’s population?

Perhaps this midrash teaches us an important lesson that is particularlyrelevant for our relationship to Yerushalayim. We might think that the greatnessof peace is reserved for those who negotiate truces in the geopolitical realm andreceive Nobel Peace prizes. However, in truth, just asking about the welfare ofa friend is part of the category of “beloved is peace.” The very fact that I careenough to ask a friend about his welfare will increase the positive feelings thatwe have for each other and raise our level of connection. That theseinterpersonal relationships are the true building block for the world peace isbeautifully encapsulated in the Hebrew language by the fact the word “Shalom”means both “peace” and “welfare.” This teaching has tremendous ramifications for our relationship toYerushalayim. The peace of Yerushalayim, as in the security of its inhabitantsfrom wars and attacks, is linked with the other meaning of Shalom. Many of usare not involved in politics or well­versed enough in issues of national security tohave a meaningful contribution as to how to increase “peace” in Yerushalayim.

SECURITY CAMERASNEEDED ASAP

The Police of the Old City approached Ateret Cohanimrequesting 12 cameras on very strategic rooftops in order forthe Police to have “eyes” over the rooftops.

Many attacks by local Arabs have been from these rooftopsand not the alleyways. In the Old City having these cameras isa life saver.

4 static cameras required at $3000 each3 moveable­rotating cameras required at $8500 each

More attacks in Kfar Hateimanim. Don't be complacent. Weare one people and one family. Please help us today

9/8/2016 This Week from Our Jerusalem ­ Parashat Parashat Shoftim / פרשת ×©× ×¤× × ×

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But what we can do is show that we care about “the welfare of Yerushalayim” ­that we are interested in the general wellbeing of the city and its inhabitants. Calling a friend who lives in the city, reading the news, funding projects in thecity are but a few of the myriads of ways we can get involved in the “ShelomYerushalayim.” In the merit of our interest in the welfare of Yerushalayim mayHashem bring everlasting peace to His holy city.

[1]Devarim 20:10[2]Devarim Rabbah 5:15.[3]Tehillim 122:6.

WITTENBERG PLAY CENTERoffering a safe environment so kids can be kids

Opening of playcenter year.First activity in new apartment in Beit Dolgin.

Puppet theatre about the magical healing pomegranate. PINAT CHAMFirst ever PINAT CHAM in the Old City for all securitypersonnel and Policemen.Help us establish a critically needed this most needed rest andrefreshment spot at the entrance to Beit Wittenberg.. Theyprotect us. Let’s show them our appreciation. (projectedcost $42,000)

Serving 100 security personnel8 hour scheduleFree food, coffee and a restroom which will accomodate100 security personnel working an 8 hour shift.Outside of Beit Wittenberg on the spot where RabbiNechemia Lavi HY"D was murdered last September.

SCENIC OVERLOOK The most spectacular scenic view of Jerusalem (from theSouth) overlooking the Temple Mount, the City of David, theKings Garden and the Mount of Olives, is from Beit Rachel inthe old Yemenite Village.

Help us establish the scenic outlook with all­weather model ofhistorical Jerusalem.. Naming rights available.(projected cost $35,000)

As always, your generous supportis greatly appreciated

SILVER LININGSa movie produced byAmerican Friends ofAteret Cohanim to understand ourunique connection toJerusalem

You can still donate tothis fundraisingendeavor on behalf ofthe children of Our

Jerusalem ­ Click here)

See All of Our Videos on You Tube

9/8/2016 This Week from Our Jerusalem ­ Parashat Parashat Shoftim / פרשת ×©× ×¤× × ×

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"May it be the year of "The City ­ Jerusalem תשע"ו ­ 5776­ May G­d's City ('ויושביה') .and her residents,(עיר)Yerushalayim, be rebuilt and restored to its previous gloryfor the Jewish People. Next year in a united Jerusalem witha flourishing Jewish life centred around religiouseducational institutes.

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