From the Pulpit |
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" Today you are leaving Egypt during the month of spring."
As the Jewish People begin their exodus from Egypt they are reminded that they are leaving specifically during the spring. Rashi comments that it was critical to mention the season of the Exodus to emphasize that it occurred when the weather was pleasant. This interpretation of Rashi appears difficult. Did it really matter to the Jewish People that the sun was shining on the day of their redemption? After being enslaved for hundreds of years would their joy have been diminished if it would have rained as they left Eygpt? In this seemingly insignificant detail of the weather on the first Pesach lies a fundamental principle concerning gratitude. Although we may express our appreciation for extraordinary acts of kindness shown to us, we tend to overlook the smaller ones. It was specifically at this time when the Jewish people were being showered with abundant acts of kindness from Hashem that the Torah reminds them of the "trivial" fact that Hashem was concerned that even the weather should be nice. Gratitude has to be expressed whether in response to a redemption from slavery or from a sunny day.
A primary theme of Pesach is gratitude, as the entire Haggada focuses on retelling the acts of kindness Hashem preformed for us. This lesson of Pesach should remain with us the entire year. We must never overlook even the smallest acts of kindness Hashem constantly bestows upon each of us.
This lesson is critical in our relationship with each other. We should never overlook even the smallest chesed a friend or a family member performs for us. Our Rabbis teach us that one who does not express gratitude to a fellow man will inevitably overlook the kindness of Hashem.
As we approach the Yom Tov Of Pesach, our family wishes to express our gratitude to Hashem for all His acts of kindness towards us. We also want to take this opportunity to thank the entire KAJP community for all it has done to make our first year here so enjoyable.
R' ZS
Local News Reporter |
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There has been much activity in the community since our last edition was printed. The entire congregation enjoyed a Chanuka / Melave Malka. The Sisterhood prepared games for the children and delicious refreshments for all to enjoy. Our thanks to the ladies who put in the time to plan and prepare. Rabbi Sobolofsky gave an inspiring Dvar Torah.
The long anticipated Installation Dinner for the Rav and Rebbitzen took place on February 19th. A sumptuous dinner, catered by Petak's, was held in the social hall of Congregation Bnei Yeshurun in Teaneck. Beautiful center pieces were donated by Debby Levi which brightened the hall. Approximately 200 people attended from as far away as California. Yosef Wartelsky provided splendid entertainment with his beautiful voice. Very inspiring speeches were presented by Rabbis Avrahom Kanarek, Herschel Schachter, Benjamin Yudin and Mordechai Willig. Rabbi Sobolofsky concluded the evening's program with his heartfelt words. A special thanks goes to Efrat for putting so much time and energy into making the evening as special as it was, as well as to Rochelle Gans, Debby Levi, Robin Gasner, Rivka Fink, Shari Cohnen and Jay Fink.
An open house for prospective new congregants was held Sunday, February 27th in the Sobolofsky home. Over 75 people representing 46 families attended. Our appreciation goes to the Gans family who spent scores of hours in preparing for the event. We look forward to welcoming some of them into our Congregation.
The Mikvah project is well underway. Plans were submitted to the town for approval. A very generous donation was received from Dr. Herbert Katzenstein who requested that the Mikvah be named after his late wife Claire Katzenstein A'H. The Shul showed it's appreciation to Herb at a kiddush Shabbos morning Parshas Shimini. Rabbi Sobolofsky noted in his Shabbos morning drasha that in her merit, many people will be able to fulfill the laws of Tahara for generations to come.
Special Announcements |
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Mazel Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Lanner on their recent marriage. Mazel Tov to the parents, Rabbi Boruch Lanner and Mrs. Bobbie Lanner and to the Grandparents Mr. & Mrs. George Stiefel.
Mazel Tov to Rabbi Shmuel Fried upon his engagement to Miss Yochana Wollach.
Welcome to Dr. Andrew and Mrs. Rivka Fink who have become our newest members. We wish them all the best in their new home and in our community.
Welcome to Dr. Eli Zokaim & Family who have just moved to Paramus. We wish them much success in their new home. Elizabeth Zokaim (3 yrs old) will be attending our preschool in September.
Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. David Lemberger for lending us their personal Sefer Torah. May they grow from strength to strength.
Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Bernie Cohnen for donating a new pair of Tefillin to the Shul. They are kept below the Beema.
Thank you to all those who have donated seforim and tapes to the Shul's ever growing library.
The weekly Seudah Shlishis has been well accepted. We feel honored that every single week was sponsored and that no Shul funds were expended. A special hakoras hatov to all sponsors. Thanks once again to Naftoli Nussbaum who shopped every week for this function and another thank you to Steve, Chani, Rafi, Michael, Yitzchok, Shmarya and Jeffrey for setting up and cleaning up. Seudah Shlishis will resume IY"H on Shabbos Bereishis. Please inform the Gabbai a week in advance if you wish to be a sponsor.
A revised Friday night timetable for davening appears on the following page. Rabbi Sobolofsky recently explained to us the halachic preference of davening Mincha and Maariv in separate 'halachic' time periods. Depending on the week, we will be davening Mincha either before Shkia or before Plag Hamincha.
Revised Friday Night Summer Schedule |
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Rabbi Sobolofsky recently explained to us the halachic preference of davening Mincha and Maariv in separate 'halachic' time periods. Depending on the week, we will be davening Mincha either before Shkia or before Plag Hamincha. Please update your shul calendar.
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Mincha
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Candle Lighting
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| 4/28 | Acharay Mos |
7:20
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7:30
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| 5/5 | Kedoshim |
7:25
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7:35
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| 5/12 | Emor |
7:30
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7:45
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| 5/19 | Behar |
6:30
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6:45
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| 5/26 | Bechukosai |
6:35
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6:50
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| 6/3 | Bamidbar |
6:40
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6:55
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| 6/8 | Shavuos |
8:15
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8:08
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| 6/9 | Shabbos Shavuos |
6:40
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7:00
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| 6/16 | Naso |
6:45
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7:00
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| 6/23 | Behalosecha |
6:50
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7:05
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| 6/30 | Shelach |
6:50
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7:05
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| 7/7 | Korach |
6:50
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7:05
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| 7/14 | Chukas/Balak |
6:45
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7:00
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| 7/21 | Pinchas |
6:40
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6:55
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| 7/29 | Matos/Masay |
6:35
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6:50
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| 8/4 | Devorim |
6:30
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6:45
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| 8/11 | Voeschanan |
7:30
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7:42
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| 8/18 | Aykev |
7:20
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7:35
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