“

YOUNG ISRAEL OF HOLLYWOOD-FT. LAUDERDALE

Rabbi Yosef Weinstock

Rabbi Edward Davis, Rabbi Emeritus

Dr. P.J. Goldberg, President

3291 Stirling Road, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312

954-966-7877 email: info@yih.org www.yih.org

SHABBAT SHALOM

WE WELCOME ALL NEWCOMERS, VISITORS AND GUESTS

PARSHAT VAYEIRA 15 CHESHVAN 5778 NOVEMBER 4, 2017

TORAH READING Breishit 18:1 HAFTORAH KINGS II 4:1

Nach Yomi : I Chronicles 12 Daf Yomi : Sanhedrin 111

Table of Contents

Shabbat .......................................................................... 2-4

Weekday Davening Times, ................................................ 2

OUR YIH FAMILY ............................................................... 3

D’var Torah Rabbi Weinstock .............................................. 5

Reminders, Weekday Learning ........................................... 6

This Week at YIH, Upcoming Events .................................. 7

Refuah Shleimah, Community News, AIPAC................ 8-10

Brotherhood ....................................................................... 11

Youth Department ....................................................... 12-18

Event flyers .................................................................. 19-20

Friday Night

6:19 p.m. Candle Lighting

6:25 p.m. Minchah/Ma’ariv, Main Sanctuary

6:25 p.m. Minchah/Ma’ariv Sephardic Minyan, Library

6:25 p.m. Minchah/Ma’ariv , house across the street

Shabbat Afternoon

5:30 p.m. Rabbi Weinstock’s Class: Bikur Cholim (Visiting the Sick)

6:15 p.m. Minchah, Main Sanctuary. Seudah Shlishit after Minchah.

Speaker at Seudah Shlishit: Dr. Allan Jacob (see page 4)

7:15 p.m. Ma’ariv, Main Sanctuary

7:15 p.m. Shabbat Ends

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SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES

7:00 a.m. Shacharit Minyan, Main Sanctuary

8:00 a.m. Shacharit Minyan, Upstairs Rooms 1 & 2

8:45 a.m. Sephardic Minyan, Library

8:45 a.m. Minyan, House across the street

9:00 a.m. Shacharit Minyan, Main Sanctuary.

9:00 a.m. Youth Minyan is joining Aryeh Ohayon’s Bar Mitzvah in the Main

Sanctuary.

9:30 a.m. Teen Minyan, Upstairs Room 5

- For Weekday Daily Minyanim see below -

SHABBAT SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

8:15 a.m., Parsha Shiur.

Parsha classes with Rabbi Yitzchak Salid: 9:15 a.m. in Rm. 6, 10:15 a.m. in

Kiddush room in house across the street (access through glass door on north

side of house).

After 8:00 a.m. Minyan, Social Hall: The Rest of the Story: Understanding the

Haftarah, Rabbi Yitzi Marmorstein.

10:45 a.m., Beit Midrash following the Minyan: Open individual & group learning,

as well as Shiur in Sefer Hamitzvot with Rabbi Moshe Parnes.

11:15 a.m. Shiur Boker for Teens with Rabbi Moshe Nachbar, Room 5.

5:00 p.m. Gemara Class (Hebrew) Tractate Gittin.

5:15 p.m., Library: Daf Yomi.

5:30 p.m. Advanced Gemara Chabura with Rabbi Natan Brownstein (BMA

Rebbe) for Middle School Students in Room 5.

After Minchah Shiur & Seudah Shlishit with Rabbi Grossman for Youth 5th-7th

Grade in rooms 3 & 4.

After Minchah Modern Halacha Shiur & Seudah Shlishit with Rabbi Nachbar for

8th-12th Grade in rooms 1 & 2.

Between Minchah & Ma’ariv, in Beit Midrash: Class with Rabbi Jonathan Hirsch.

11th & 12th graders are invited to attend.

Weekday Daily Minyanim—Nov. 5-10

Daylight Savings Time ends Saturday after midnight

Turn your clocks back one hour

Minchah/Ma’ariv: 5:20pm

Shacharit: Sun. 7:15, 8:00, 9:00am, Mon. & Thurs. 6:15, 7:15,

8:00am, Tues., Wed. & Fri. 6:15, 7:30, 8:00am.

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OUR YIH FAMILY….

Mazel Tov:

Aryeh Ohayon upon today's celebration of his Bar Mitzvah. Mazel Tov to

Aryeh's parents Kevin & Rebecca Ohayon, sisters Talia and Avigail,

grandparents David & Janet Rosenzweig and Gabriel & Esther Ohayon.

Rebecca & Seth Kinzbrunner on the birth of their daughter, Kayla Ahuva

Rachel, and to grandparents Meryl & Norman Palgon, and great uncle & aunt

Neil & Karen Lyman.

Jay & Debbie Wasserman on the birth of their granddaughter, Blair, born to

Rachel & Shane Decker.

Marty & Marsha Schenker on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Moshe

Schenker in Passaic, NJ. Mazel Tov to uncle & aunt Rabbi Yosef & Rebecca

Weinstock and family.

Izzy & Claire Rand on their grandson Dovid Rand passing his Bar Exam, and

his employment at Cahill, Gordon & Reindel in N.Y. Mazel Tov to parents

Drs. Jeffrey & Susan Rand.

Condolences:

Ellen Rotterdam on the loss of her father Henry Goldberg. The funeral was

Wednesday. Shiva will be observed at the Rotterdam home through Tuesday

morning.

Raisy Gittler on the loss of her father Manny Koegel. The burial was in Israel.

Raisy will be sitting shiva at her home next week, Tuesday and Wednesday,

8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 3:00-9:00 p.m.

The family of our member Dr. Alvin Fensterheim, and to Ricky Rothstein on

the loss of her uncle.

Welcome New Members:

Dr. & Mrs. Joshua & Roberta Miller, Drs. Shlomo & Shlomzion (Aumann)

Yellinek

SHABBAT SAFETY & SECURITY

“Safety & Security is everyone’s responsibility. If You See Something Say

Something!” Talk to the President, Rabbis, or Executive Director.

Safety Announcement Stirling Road at SW 33rd Avenue: Please cross

Stirling Road in the crosswalk after all traffic has stopped. Crossing elsewhere is

dangerous and illegal. Police officer controls the light on Friday 6:00-10:00pm and

Shabbat 7:45am-2:30pm & 4:30-8:00pm. A custodian will manually change the

light between 6:50 & 7:10am.

Shmira is in need of men and women to serve as Shomrim for 1 hour on

Shabbat every 2-3 months. To volunteer contact shmirafl@gmail.com

AED (Automated External Defibrillator) along with other first aid equipment in

closet next to Social Hall.

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This Shabbat, November 4th, find out about Teach Florida’s efforts to solve

the Tuition Crisis Solutions with Dr. Allan Jacob, Chair of Teach Florida.

Friday evening 9:00 pm: Dessert Reception at the home of Phil & Lisa Baratz.

Seudah Shlishit at Young Israel: Dr. Jacob will discuss: “Will Government Funding

Solve the Tuition Crisis?”

=========================

Next Month—Sunday, December 10th, 2017

LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST with our elected officials who are making a

difference. 9:00AM-10:30AM.

Lavan Catering and Events 3861 Stirling Road, Hollywood, 33312

=========================

Teach Florida is bringing Jewish schools, families and community together for

safer, stronger and more affordable Jewish schools.

For more information email teachflorida@ou.org

THANK YOU TO OUR SHABBAT SPONSORS

8:00 a.m. Minyan Kiddush: Drs. Dale & Leonard Pianko in memory of the 10th

yahrzeit of their beloved father Rabbi Jack Pianko, a”h.

Beit Midrash Minyan Kiddush: Sidney Shapiro to commemorate the yahrzeit of

his father-in-law Dov Ber Rozencwaig.

9:00 a.m. Minyan Kiddush: Kevin & Rebecca Ohayon, Talia and Avigail in honor

of Aryeh’s Bar Mitzvah.

Torah Dialogue: Kevin & Rebecca Ohayon, Talia and Avigail in honor of Aryeh’s

Bar Mitzvah.

Pulpit Flowers: Kevin & Rebecca Ohayon, Talia and Avigail in honor of Aryeh’s

Bar Mitzvah.

Shabbat Announcements: Kevin & Rebecca Ohayon, Talia and Avigail in honor

of Aryeh’s Bar Mitzvah.

WATCH YOUR MAIL! THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO YOUNG ISRAEL OF

HOLLYWOOD-FT. LAUDERDALE HAS BEEN MAILED AND IS ALSO ON OUR WEBSITE.

THIS PUBLICATION GOES TO THE PRINTER ON WEDNESDAYS. ALL SUBMISSIONS

MUST BE IN THE SHUL OFFICE BY WEDNESDAYS AT NOON. THIS INCLUDES EVENTS,

SPONSORSHIPS, NAMES FOR THE REFUAH SHLEIMAH LIST.

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D’var Torah : Rabbi Yosef Weinstock

Hampton Station, a popular (non-kosher) restaurant in Tampa, has banned all

children, angering many neighborhood residents. The Tampa Bay Times reports the

restaurant's new "No Children" policy began Oct. 24 with a simple sign posted on the

front door that reads "No Children." The owner of Hampton Station says he made the

decision because parents were unable to keep their kids under control and feared he

would be held liable in an accident.

I feel for the restaurant owners. Unsupervised children has long been an issue at

our shul. I applaud our Youth Department, under the direction of Rav James, for

greatly improving the situation. I find it surprising that in today’s day and age with so

much concern for the safety and security of our children, parents still allow their

children to be on our synagogue campus unsupervised.

We pride ourselves in being a multi-generational synagogue. This means that

adults and children of all ages are welcome to come and participate in our programs.

We offer babysitting for children ages 18 months-Nursery 3, youth groups for Pre-K-4

grade, not to mention our highly acclaimed Youth & Teen Minyanim.

What about bringing children to a “regular” adult minyan? Rabbis have debated this

throughout the ages. The Shelah (quoted in the Mishna Berura 98:3) strongly

criticized parents who bring their young children into shul. However, many other

sources are encouraging of bringing children to shul. The Gemara (Chagiga 3a)

writes that the reason why children were also supposed to assemble at Hakhel was

to ‘bring reward to those who brought them’. Tosafot comments that this is the source

for bringing children to shul. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 124:7) writes that one should

teach his young children to answer Amen. One way is to bring our children to shul.

I believe that parents should be welcome to bring their children with them to shul

for an age-appropriate amount of time. One of the great ways for children to get used

to shul and prayer is by sitting next to a parent. If/when the child begins to be

disruptive (as is normal and natural for young kids), parents need to take

responsibility and take their child out of the minyan. At the same time, the rest of us

need to show tolerance, patience and forbearance towards the presence of children

in our Sanctuary. After all, young families and young children are the future of the

Jewish People.

Bringing kids to shul is only a worthy endeavor if we train them to act

appropriately, and if we serve as role models how to act during davening-with respect

and decorum. This was the greatness of Avraham Avinu. In Parshat Vayera we read

how God decides to tell Avraham about His plan to destroy Sodom. His reason is:

“For I have known him because he commands his sons and his household after him,

that they should keep the way of the Lord to perform righteousness and justice, in

order that the Lord bring upon Abraham that which He spoke concerning him." Here

God emphasizes that Avraham was the ultimate role model. He preached what he

practiced. One who does the right thing and instructs his children to do the same, is

deserving of a special relationship with the Almighty. Through the way we raise the

next generation to love and respect shul and tefila, may we too be worthy of such a

status.

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Synagogue Reminders

Please return all Siddurim, Chumashim and Sefarim to their original location at the

conclusion of each minyan or class. Kindly fold and return borrowed Talleisim to

the Tallis rack in the lobby.

Please respect the property of the neighbors of Young Israel of Hollywood. Be

mindful of your children. Use waste receptacles at shul. Don’t park on their grass

Do not bring food or drink into the Sanctuary, Library or Modular.

To maintain proper decorum, the entry doors to the Main Sanctuary will be locked

while the Torah is being read, while the Rabbi(s) are speaking, during Mussaf

Kedusha, and during the announcements prior to the conclusion of the service.

Please plan your exit/entry accordingly.

Please contact Gerald Mayerhoff glmcpa@bellsouth.net or David Lasko

davidlasko@yahoo.com for an aliyah or kibbud at any of the minyanim to mark a

yahrzeit or special occasion.

Weekday Learning

Daf Yomi in the Library. Weekdays: 5:30am & 8:00pm. Shabbat: 1 hour

before Minchah. Sundays: 6:30am.

Morning Learning Program with Rabbi Yossi Jankovits. Sun. (8-9am),

Mon.-Fri. (7-8am). Daily in the Beit Midrash 15 min. Mussar (Duties of the

Heart: Shaar Bitachon), 15 min. Chumash with Rashi (Parashah HaShavua),

30 min. Gemara (Taanit).

U’Vkumecha “And When You Awaken” with Rabbi Yitzi Marmorstein

Mon.-Fri. 30 minutes before the second Shacharit Minyan

Sundays:

9:45am Chidon HaTanach for Middle School with Rav James in Beit Midrash

9:45am High School Sunday Mishmar joint with YHS in the Beit Midrash with

Rabbi Nachbar

Mondays:

7:30pm Middle School Girls Mishmar in Beit Midrash

8:30pm High School Learning in conjunction with Bnei Akiva & NCSY in Beit

Midrash

8:30pm The Book of Devarim, Tobi Wolf for women, Room 5

8:30pm Talmud Tractate Brachot, Rabbi Yitzchak Salid, at YIH.

Tuesdays:

11:00am Women’s TaNaCh class, Lisa Baratz, Library

New! 8:00pm Chaburah Night in the SOCIAL HALL coordinated by Rabbi Adam

& Sara Frieberg with multiple speakers and learning opportunities.

Wednesdays:

New! 8:15pm “Practical Jewish Living for Beginners” with Sara Frieberg,

upstairs classroom.

New! 5-part monthly series with Rabbi Yosef Weinstock to begin November 15th

at 8:00pm: Founding Fathers of Religious Zionism.

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THIS WEEK AT YIH

Sunday Family Breakfast following 9:00 a.m. Shacharit, Social Hall. Sponsored

by Rabbi Jonathan & Emma Hirsch in honor of their son Zev’s Hachnat Tefilin.

Tuesday, 8:00 p.m. in the SOCIAL HALL, Chaburah Night coordinated by

Rabbi Adam & Sara Frieberg with multiple speakers and learning opportunities.

Wednesday 8:15 p.m. new class with Sara Frieberg “Practical Jewish Living for

Beginners” upstairs classroom.

Thursday 7:30 p.m. Kristallnacht Commemorative Lecture, From Testimony to

Testament: Elie Wiesel’s Legacy with Dr. Oren Stier. See flyer.

UPCOMING EVENTS & REMINDERS

Postponed! AIPAC/YIH Shabbaton scheduled for next Shabbat.

Next Shabbat November 10-11: Guest Speaker Rav Doron Podlashuk,

Director, Manhigut Toranit Program at Eretz Hemdah Institute in Israel.

Sisterhood New Members’ Tea, Shabbat afternoon, November 11th, 3:45

p.m. at the home of Sheryl Dennis. The women of the community are invited to

join us in welcoming our newest members.

Founding Fathers of Religious Zionism, new 5-part monthly series with Rabbi

Weinstock to begin Wednesday, November 15th at 8:00 p.m. The first class is on

Rabbi Yehuda Alkalai.

Teichman-Rosenblatt Shabbat Mevorchim lecture, Shabbat afternoon,

November 18th at 4:00 p.m. at the home of Jay & Chani Dennis, with guest

speaker Lisa Baratz, sponsored by Chani & Jay Dennis, Nancy & Harold Zombek,

Sharon & Jerry Ness—see flyer on Page 10.

The next planning meeting for the "Empty Nesters" will take place on Sunday,

November 19th at 12:30 p.m. at the home of Yitz & Shelly Tuchman, 4901 N. 35

Street. RSVP to shellyshs@yahoo.com or 646-337-0762.

Miami Dolphins Tailgate Party November 19th, at Hard Rock Stadium. Sign

up at https://www.yih.org/tailgate

Bikur Cholim Blood Drive: November 19th at YIH.

Adult Education—Save the Dates: December 8-9 Rav Gav Freedman.

December 22-23 Leket Israel Shabbaton with founder Joseph Gitler.

Bikur Cholim Melave Malka Kickoff Event, Saturday night, December 9th at

8:00 p.m. at the Sossin home.

Collegiates: Please provide the shul office with information on your

students, whether studying at home or abroad. Complete the form on our website

https://www.yih.org/college-students-info-form.html

PATCH Free Tutoring Program for YIH Middle School and High School

students. If your child needs help, contact Larry Reiss 954-662-3128.

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Bahor ben Merhai (Boris Yusupov-Roman Yusupov’s father), Baruch Zvi ben Rivka Batya (Rabbi Dr. Brian Galbut-Daniel Galbut’s cousin), Binyamin ben Chemla (Binyamin Israel), David HaKohen ben Esther (Lev Kandinov’s father), Eliezer HaLevi ben Chana (Leon Brauser-Joel Brauser’s father), Harav Yehuda ben Rivka Leah (Rivka Ginsparg’s father), Solomon ben Solika (Solomon Perez-Ilana Melnitsky’s father), Yaakov ben Mira (Jacques Vogel-Michel Vogel’s father), Yehuda Arieh ben Mindla (Philippe Leiberman’s father), Yitzchak Chanoch

ben Chana (Vanessa Shamah’s nephew).

Bracha Etl bat Chana Nehorah (Ettie Langer), Chaya Mariam bat Blima (Harriet Bloom-Wendy Goldsmith’s mother), Devora bat Sheina Baila, Elka bat Tova (Leona Brauser-Joel Brauser’s mother), Feiga Necha bat Pessel (Fay Lerner), Masha bat Ruth (Marcia Chonchol-Craig Barany’s mother), Sara Leah bat Rochel (Cynthia Lynn Haber-Cheryl Hamburg’s sister), Sara Leah bat Bracha (Stacey Deutsch), Shira Raizel Esther bat Mina Zosha (Ruth Messer’s granddaughter), Tzirel Libah bat Frimed Mindel (Sylvia Lieberman-Philippe Lieberman’s mother), Vickia

bat Fruma (Vivian Honig-Susan Chusid’s mother), Yocheved bat Tzril (Joan Niad)

If you know of a shul member in the hospital or who might appreciate a home visit, please let the Rabbis know by contacting the shul office. Please contact the office if someone on this list has, Baruch Hashem, recovered.

REFUAH SHLEIMAH

COMMUNITY NEWS

YIH Late Ma’ariv 9:30 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. and Early Minchah 2:00 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.

at Hollywood Community Kollel, at Bnei Sephardim, 3670 Stirling Rd. Entry

through the back of the building.

Sharsheret’s Pies for Prevention Thanksgiving Bake Sale—first time in

Hollywood. Buy delicious pies and support a great cause, go to

http://www.sharsheret.org/pies-for-prevention/hollywoodfl Pickup on Wednesday,

November 22nd at the home of Risa Chopp & Hersh Taubenfeld. All pies are

pareve and baked by YIH community members. Please note that this project is

not under the rabbinic supervision of the shul.

Open House, Wednesday, November 8th, 8:30 p.m. at the home of Barry & Jillian

Galitzer for Camp Naim Summer Adventure in Costa Rica, (boys 12-18, girls 12-

16), run by Rabbi Hochner from Hebrew Academy.

2017 JNF National Conference, November 10-12, 2017, The Diplomat Resort

and Spa. Contact Roni Raab at JNF: 561-447-9733 or rraab@jnf.org

Annual Lawrence, NY Shabbaton for Singles 40-55 November 17-18. To register

contact Baila Sebrow 516-849-5863 or bsebrow@aol.com

Hebrew classes at YIH: Monday nights from 7:00-8:30 p.m., Contact Morah

Penina to register 305-469-8684.

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United States to Hamas: Recognize Israel and Disarm Terrorists

On Oct. 19, U.S. Special Representative for International Negotiations Jason Greenblatt released a statement regarding Hamas’ role in the Palestinian unity government following the reconciliation agreement reached between rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas. Greenblatt affirmed that Hamas must recognize Israel and disarm in order to participate in any Palestinian government. “All parties agree that it is essential that the Palestinian Authority be able to assume full, genuine, and unhindered civil and security responsibilities in Gaza and that we work together to improve the humanitarian situation for Palestinians living there,” said the Special Representative. “The United States reiterates the importance of adherence to the Quartet principles: any Palestinian government must unambiguously and explicitly commit to nonviolence, recognize the State of Israel, accept previous agreements and obligations between the parties – including to disarm terrorists – and commit to peaceful negotiations. If Hamas is to play any role in a Palestinian government, it must accept these basic requirements.” Following the release of the statement, Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar dismissed the U.S. requests, stating, “Over is the time Hamas spent discussing recognizing Israel. Now Hamas will discuss when we will wipe out Israel.”

Our synagogue partners with AIPAC, America’s pro-Israel lobby, in educating our

community on issues affecting the U.S.-Israel relationship. We encourage you to learn

more by contacting AIPAC at (202) 639-5200 or by visiting www.aipac.org

AIPAC Policy Conference 2018: March 4-6, 2018. Join Rabbi Weinstock, YIH members, and

over 18,000 pro-Israel citizen activists for 3 of the most important days for exploring and

strengthening the US-Israel relationship. Register at www.aipac.org/pc.

We have a block of registrations that may be purchased directly from the shul. A few more

seats are available. Please contact the shul office if you would like to join the YIH

delegation.

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11

BROTHERHOOD PARENTING TIP

The Parenting Parsha

וירא

Give Them a Chance!

“And G-d said: “Should I conceal from Avraham what I am doing?!” (Genesis

18:17)

G-d had already decreed Sodom’s fate, yet He gave Avraham a chance to

“convince Him” otherwise. Why the exercise in futility? Perhaps this is a lesson in

how to help others develop good habits and noble character traits: Give them a

chance to practice! G-d wanted Avraham to stand up to perceived injustice

because that is the type of person G-d wanted him to be! You want your child to be

giving? Give him a chance to give, then notice, applaud and reinforce when he

does. You want your child to be a hard worker? Provide her with a challenge, then

notice, praise and reinforce when she steps up to it (even if she fails). Scolding

your child for being mean will NOT encourage him to act nicely next time. Noticing

and praising his next act of kindness will.

Rabbi Bloom is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a private practice in Hollywood.

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2-2 2-2

2-2 3-1

2-2 0-4

3-1

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Time Program Age/Grade Location

Shabbat

9:00am Game Room Pre K - 4th Grade Room 3&4

9:00am Babysitting 18months - Nursery 3 House

9:00am Youth Minyan Joining the

Ohayon Family

5th - 7th Grade Main Sanctuary

9:30am Teen Minyan 8th-12th Grade Room 5

10:00am Shabbat Groups Pre K - 2nd Grade Rooms 2-4 &6

10:00am Minyanaires 3rd & 4th Grade Room 1

4:00pm Bnei Akiva 2nd-8th Grade Rooms 1-6

5:30pm Advanced Gemara

Chebura with Rabbi Natan

Brownstein

Middle School Room 5

6:15pm Teen Mincha Chapel

6:45pm Youth Seuda Shlishit and

Shiur with Rabbi Gross-

man

5th-7th Grade Room 3-4

6:45pm Teen Seuda Shlishit and

Modern Halacha Shiur with

Rabbi Nachbar

8th-12th Grade Room 1-2

7:15pm Teen Maariv Chapel

Shabbat Vayeira

Sunday

9:30am Chidon HaTanach Study Group

High School Sunday Mishmar joint with YHS in the Beit Midrash with Rabbi Nachbar

Monday

7:30pm Middle School Mishmar—girls only

8:30pm High School Monday Learning with Bnei Akiva & NCSY

Wednesday

6:15pm Cub Scouts

6:15pm Girl Scouts

7:30pm Boy Scouts

8:00pm Bnei Akiva Tzevet Meeting

Weekly Youth Shiurim & Programs

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Happening This Week

Veterans Day Program for EC-2nd Grade

November 5, 2017, 11:00am-12:00pm in Rooms 1-2

Bnei Akiva Zach Canoe & BBQ

November 5, 2017 at West Lake Park

Family Mishmar with Akiva Gersh of JNF/AMHSI

November 6, 2017, 7:30-8:30pm in Beit Midrash

High School Council

November 7, 2017, 7:30-8:30pm - location TBA

Parsha Quiz

Mazal Tov to last week’s winner—Eitan Lasry

The first person to email parshaquiz@yih.org on Motzi Shabbat with the correct answer to

the following question will win a prize!

Elementary School

What might we find strange about the meal he served his guests?

Middle School

Why does the Torah use the masculine when it describes Lot’s wife looking back

at the destruction of Sedom – ACHARAV?

15

16

D’var Torah : Rav James

Albert Einstein is quoted as having said "whoever undertakes to set himself up as the judge of truth and

knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of gods."

What is laughter? How do we define it? What makes people laugh?

People laugh all the time, whether at a funny joke, unusual name, upon seeing something ridiculous or

because of many other reasons. However, it appears that we are the only life form on Earth that laughs

in this manner. People don't only laugh in a positive way, we have laughs for all nature of things, even to

show our pessimism at the thought of the unbelievable.

This brings us to Avraham and Sarah, who at this point in the story have accomplished major feats, may-

be the greatest they presume possible in their lifetime. They have established a home in Eretz Yisrael,

built a society based on the ideal of Monotheism, spreading the knowledge of Hashem wherever they

go. However it seems that one part of their Brit has not come to fruition. They are unable to fully ac-

complish their endgame. They still are without an inheritor, the person destined to carry on the mission

and build the nation Hashem promised. They still are childless; maybe on the surface this would not

appear so bad except for the fact they are 90 and 100 years old respectively. Most of us, upon reaching

that age would have given up hope of giving birth to a child. Even the simple thought of it would make

any of us laugh.

There is so much laughter surrounding Yitzchak's birth. Both Avraham and Sarah laugh upon hearing the

news that they are to have a son. Upon his birth, Sarah worries that someone hearing the news of the

birth will laugh in disbelief or maybe out of joy for her. As Yitzchak grows older even his own half-

brother Yishmael laughs at him. From the very moment we hear of the impending pregnancy we are

aware of Hashem's command to name him Yitzchak, meaning "we will laugh".

We must ask why is there so much laughter surrounding the birth of the second Patriarch? Why is the

aspect of laughter so significant that Hashem Himself commands his name be Yitzchak? Maybe it has

something to do with the mission.

Avraham and Sarah set out on a life mission which gets passed on to their descendants. A mission to

teach the world to see a new reality, life through a new lens. They "call out in the name of Hashem" and

offer the world a new opportunity. An opportunity to view our existence as out of the box. Instead of

merely seeing nature, rather seeing the world and nature through the lens of G-dliness. They teach us to

see that all things are created with a unique and Divine purpose. They show us to see that every natural

phenomenon is in fact an incredible miracle and not to be taken for granted.

The message behind all of this is that every moment of life is filled with extraordinary excitement and

unbelievable potential. We have the ability to transform our interactions with every person into one of

immense significance. Avraham and Sarah show us this by teaching us the correct way to laugh at the

miracle which is life. By leading us to understand the natural extension of Avraham and Sarah's life is

the legacy of laughter. The ability to step out of the box, to reflect on our life and see it always with new

and refreshing perspective. A perspective enhanced by love and joy.

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V’Shinantam Starts

November 11 2017, 7:00-8:00pm in Beit Midrash

Motzi Shabbat Maddness

November 11 2017, 8:00-9:30pm in Social Hall

Global Day of Learning Brunch

November 12, 2017, 10:00-11:30am in Social Hall

JNF Youth Conference

November 12, 2017, 1:00-6:00pm in Diplomat Hotel

NCSY Emtza Program

November 12, 2017 speak to Jason Segalbaum for details

5th Grade Oneg

November 17, 2017, 8:30-10:00pm at the Eichenholz home

5th Grade Youth Minyan Takeover

November 18, 2017, 9:30-11:00am, in the Modular

Chai Lifeline Channuka Gift Drive Launch

November 19, 2017 drop box in Young Israel

Middle School Youth Council

November 28, 2017, 7:30-8:30pm in Room 1-2

Upcoming Events

NEW LEARNING PROGRAM

High School Chabura Night

Open Beit Midrah Learning

& Chabura Learning

Every Monday Night

8:30-9:30pm

In The YIH Beit Midrash

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