From the Pulpit |
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As we commemorate the miracles of Chanuka, let us focus on the message that these events are trying to teach us. There is a basic question concerning the miracle of the pure oil that lasted for eight days. The halacha is that a communal sacrifice including the lighting of the menorah in the Beis Hamikdash supercedes the restrictions of impurity. If there had been pure oil, the lighting of the menorah would have taken place with impure oil. It would appear that the miracle of the oil was unnecessary according to the halacha. If so, why do we celebrate a miracle that was seemingly superfluous?
A possible answer to this question may be found by understanding the mitzvah of lighting Chanuka candles as practiced today. The basic mitzvah can be fulfilled by the lighting of one candle for an entire family on each night of Chanuka. Lighting an additional candle each night and each family member lighting his own menorah are considered to be a hiddur mitzvah - beautification of the mitzvah, but not technically required. It is unheard of today for any family to merely light one candle each night. The mitzvah of Chanuka candles is always performed in the most beautiful fashion. Why is everyone so careful to perform hiddur mitzvah on Chanuka above and beyond hiddur mitzvah of other mitzvos?
Technically the miracle of Chanuka was unnecessary. The menorah in the Beis Hamikdash could have been lit with impure oil. Although impure oil is acceptable, the proper, most beautiful way of lighting the menorah in the Beis Hamikdash is with pure oil. Hashem performed a miracle for us to enable us to fulfill a mitzvah in the most beautiful way. To commemorate this we are extra careful to perform our mitzvah of lighting Chanuka candles with the greatest amount of hiddur mitzvah.
If Hashem performs miracles to enable us to fulfill hiddur mitzvah, this should indicate to us how crucial hiddur mitzvah is in our avodas Hashem. Let us perfect ourselves in our performance of mitzvos to see that they are always done in the most beautiful fashion. May we always try to incorporate this message of Chanuka into our own daily avodas Hashem.
R' ZS
Local News Reporter |
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The year 5760 has brought about many changes to KAJ, but none more significant than the succession of Rav Zvi Sobolofsky as the new Morah D'Asro of the kehillah. The community has become far more vitalized because of the Rov and Efrat. The Sobolofsky's sponsored and hosted a Simchas Bais Hashoeiva during Chol Hamoed . A wonderful time was had by all. A special thanks goes out to Shmuel Harpaz , Rafi Gasner and Steve Gasner for providing a spirited musical accompaniment. For an encore, the Rov and Efrat hosted a scrumptious brunch following Shacharis on Shimini Atzeres for the entire community. May all the brochos given during Matnas Yad befall the community and the Rov.
More importantly, the ruchnias and the limud Hatorah in the community has increased dramatically. The Rov's Sunday and Wednesday shiurim are very well attended. Indeed, people from outside Paramus have been coming to hear the shiurim. The Sunday morning shiur revolves around Hilchos Shabbos, while Wednesday evening's shiur covers topics in Orach Chaim. The current topic is Hilchos Tzizis.
Another new initiation has been a weekly Seudah Shilishis. The regular post Mincha shiur is now accompanied by food and song. This new addition to our routine is welcomed and enjoyed by all. A Yasher Koach to all those who have sponsored one to date. In addition, a special thank you to Naphtoli Nussbaum for being our purchasing agent and to all those who are involved with setting and cleaning up.
Our thanks to Teddy Levi for being our Baal Tefillah for the Yomim Noroim and for agreeing to be a Baal Koreh during the year. We appreciate the many hours of preparation that goes into each week's leining. Teddy also honored us with his agreeing to be Chosen Bereishis. May Hashem reward him and his entire family.
In addition, we wish to thank David Samit for all his efforts in being our other Baal Tefillah over Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. In fact we want to thank the entire Samit family for helping make our Simchas Torah so very leibidig.
The Sisterhood will be sponsoring a Chanuka get together on Motzei Shabbos, December 4th. Please keep the time available.
The installation dinner for Rav Sobolofsky will IY"H take place in January. Details will be announced in the near future. Jay Fink has graciously agreed to spearhead the event.
A family profile form will be given out sometime soon. The purpose will be for the Gabbai to be aware of important events in each family's life so that the appropriate Kibbudim can be given out. Everyone's cooperation is appreciated.
We hope to print this newsletter three times during the year. Please advise the Board with any comments you may have.
From the Rabbi's Desk |
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In order to maintain the standards of kashrus of the shul, all food products that are brought to shul functions should be previously shown to the Rabbi. Some of the hashgochas that are acceptable include O, KAJ, Star - K. All dairy products should be Cholov - Yisroel. Please refrain from bringing home made food. Feel free to consult with the rabbi about any questions in this area.
To enhance Kavod HaTefillah,the shaliach tzibbur and those who receive aliyos are requested to wear a jacket and a hat or a talis over their head.
R' ZS
Mazel Tov Wishes |
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Mr. & Mrs. Jay Fink on the marriage of their son Jonah.
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Blumental on becoming grandparents of a son born to Yoel & Gili
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Suiskind on the Bar Mitzvah of their son Yossi.
Rabbi & Mrs. Boruch Lanner on the engagement of their son Chaim.
Mr. & Mrs. George Stiefel on the engagement of their grandson Chaim Lanner.
Thank You - Weekly Seudah Shlishis Sponsors |
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Fink Family
Gans Family
Gasner Family
Suiskind Family
Berlinger Family
Lemberger Family