23 Years in Skokie! 150 Years Serving Chicagoland!

THE BETH HAMEDROSH HAGODOL

KESSER MAARIV ANSHE LUKNIK NEWSLETTER
AV / ELUL 5777 / TISHREI 5778
JULY / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017 www.KesserMaariv.org
Stay Updated on Facebook @KesserMaariv Twitter @Kesser Maariv Shiurim at KesserMaariv.pododmatic.com

UPCOMING EVENTS & DATES TO REMEMBER

Ad Book & Culminating Event
Sunday August 27 at 5:00 pm at the Shul!
Please join us for a a Culinary Trip Around the World. High Holidays 5778 & Membership Information
Couvert is $100 per person. We are pleased to announce We recite Selichot on
the honorees for our very special event this year are: Saturday evening, September
Joel & Gail Scher, 16th. Please join us for
longtime friends and refreshments at 10:00 pm, a
Minyanaire of the Shul. shiur at 10:40 pm, and
Joel grew up in East Rogers Selichot at 11:00 pm.
Park and attended KMs
Montefiore Hebrew School.
Rosh Hashana begins Wednesday night,
Harold and Floyd Ruben. Everyone knows Floyd who September 20th.
unlocks the shul for minyan and loves giving lollipops to
the children. His Bar Mitzvah was at KM in East Rogers
Park in 1963, and he next Rabbi Juzints Nechamas Meyer
read his Haftorah here in Get authentic Slabodka Mussar
Skokie 49 years later! His explanations on the weekly Parsha
father, Harold, celebrated his (Breishis & Shemos) by Rabbi
Bar Mitzvah at BHH on the Meyer Juzint zl, a teacher of Rabbi
West Side in 1940. Rabbi Louis Lazovsky and a friend of
Wein, landsman from Europe, Kesser Maariv! Purchase from the
found Harolds fathers office and on our website for $25.
apartment and knocked on the door to bring him to shul. The introduction is a special
Joe & Marguita Zaretsky. companion to The Chain of
Joe was the first Bar Mitzvah Miracles, also available from the
celebrant at the new building office for $20, which describes how
on Greenview in 1955. By Rabbi Juzint was saved by Divine
1967 he was Treasurer, and Providence many times during the Holocaust. We
he later served as President especially would like to thank the sponsors of the project
and Chairman of the Board. whose generosity allowed the publication of these books,
When the Shul was forced to and to Rabbi Ben Zion Lazovsky for all his managing and
move from East Rogers Park, Joe remained faithfully participating in all parts of the translating, editing, layout,
involved in Shul activities and was Dinner Chairman in artwork, printing, and marketing of these books.
1995 - our second dinner after we moved to Skokie! The Tisha BAv
sons of Joe and Marguita read Torah and were, with their The fast to commemorate the destruction of the first and
sister, active participants at KM on Greenview while they second Bait Hamikdash begins on Monday evening July
were growing up. An ad blank is enclosed! 31st. You should finish your pre-fast meal no later than 8:00
Kesser Maariv 150 Years pm. Mincha begins at 8:00 pm.
Hamodia's Inyan Magazine (March 1 issue) We will daven Maariv and read Eicha at 8:30 pm.
featured our special Aron Kodesh! On Tisha BAv we observe the chameshet inuyim,
JUF News featured Kesser Maariv on our 150th which are the same five prohibitions that are observed on
anniversary in their March issue. These articles may Yom Kippur for the entire Tisha Bav. The prohibitions
be viewed on our Facebook and Twitter pages. include: no eating or drinking, no annointing oils, lotions or
Special historical artifacts, and interesting historical facts perfumes, no wearing leather shoes, no bathing or washing
about the shul will be included in a special presentation even part of your body, and no marital relations. As an
at the Dinner on August 27! additional sign of mourning, we do not exchange greetings,
engage in levity or transact business. We also are not Tallit or Tefillin until the afternoon. At the conclusion of
permitted to learn joyous passages of Torah. Instead we davening, we recite the entire Kinot service. Rabbis Louis
learn those passages from the Talmud that deal with the & Ben Zion Lazovsky will give commentary on the Kinnot.
destruction of the Temple or laws of mourning. We may We do not get up to sit on regular chairs until after mid-
also learn those sections from the Prophets dealing with the day, which is at 12:56.
destruction of the Temple provided that we skip those Mincha will begin at 7:45 pm. We put on the Tallit and
sections that speak of redemption. Tefillin and recite those sections of the davening that were
omitted in the morning. We also take out the Torah and
TISHA BAV SCHEDULE read a Haftarah.
MONDAY, JULY 31, 2017 Mincha at 8:00 pm. Maariv will begin at 8:25 pm and will be followed by
Finish your pre-fast meal by 8:00 pm. Kiddush Levanah, the sanctification of the moon.
Maariv & Eicha will The fast will end at 8:51 pm.
begin at 8:30 pm. At Thanks to a On the merit of our sincere prayers and mourning
this time we will generous donor, for Jerusalem and for the destruction of the Bait
remove the parochet we have new Hamikdash, may the Almighty hear our prayers. May He
from the Ark, dim the Koren Tisha Bav have mercy on us and send the Mashiach to redeem us from
lights and sit on the Kinnot Books the four corners of the earth to a rebuilt Eretz Yisrael and
ground or low stools (Mesorat Harav) Bait Hamikdash. Early Shabbat
or benches. Eicha for use. As the summer continues we daven Mincha every Friday at
and the evening 7:00 pm. If you will be starting Shabbat early with us, light
Kinot will be read. candles at about 7:20 pm, and repeat Kriat Sh'ma after
nightfall.
TUESDAY AUGUST 1, 2017 Skokie First Responders Kiddush
Shacharit will begin at 6:00 am. There is Torah reading Members of the Fire and
and a Haftarah. As a sign of mourning, we do not don the Police Departments will
join us on Shabbat July 29
at a Kiddush honoring our
First Responders. Last
year about 15 firefighters,
Congregation B.H.H. Kesser Maariv A.L.
p o li ce officers a n d
4341 W. Golf detectives joined us! If you would like to sponsor, please
Skokie, IL 60076 Fb.me/KesserMaariv contact the office or Barbara Pomper at (847) 256-1198.
(847) 679-9800 twitter.com/KesserMaariv New Year Greetings
fax (847) 679-5041 KesserMaariv.podomatic.com Be part of the Kesser Maariv Family's
e-mail: bhhkmal@yahoo.com New Year greeting card. For only $26,
www.KesserMaariv.org your name will be included on a poster
in the Shul's front lobby. It's a great way
Rabbi Louis A. Lazovsky to extend your good wishes! Call Sheryl
Steven D. Goldrich, President Greenstein at (847) 967-7408 or email
Rabbi Ben Zion Lazovsky, oogiah@aol.com by Thursday, Sept.
Associate Rabbi & Executive Director
13th to have your name included.
Sandy Miretzky, Nasrin Kheradyar & Saretta Lazovsky,
Co-Presidents, Adele Goldblum Womens Council Lulav and Etrog Sets
Committee Contact Information: The shul will once again sell top quality Lulav sets from
Israel. Please order your set from the office by September
Happy Day Cards Saretta Lazovsky 28th. Cost per set is $50 for members or $55 for non-
(847) 676-0556 or lazovsky@juno.com members Upgraded sets available. Please call Rabbi Benzie
Chesed Fund Anne Elovic (847) 673-2904 at (847) 679-9800 or email bhhkmal@yahoo.com . Sets
will be available for pick-up after Yom Kippur. Order
Donate Books & Siddurim Office Form is later in this newsletter.
(847) 679-9800 or bhhkmal@yahoo.com Shabbat Shuva Shiur
Endowment Rabbi Louis Lazovsky On Shabbat September 23rd Rabbi Louis Lazovsky will
deliver his annual special Shabbat Shuva shiur in lieu of the
Pushke Aron Lavon (773) 418-2766 Shabbat afternoon class at 4:50 pm.
Kiddush & Seudat Shlisheet Judy Whisler Hakafot on Simchat Torah
Membership 8/677-2281 j5awhisler@aol.com Hakafot will be held on Thursday evening and Friday
morning, October 12th and 13th.
 Yizkor
We recite Yizkor on Yom Kippur, Shabbat, September 30th
at about 11:30 am, and on Shmini Atzeret, Thursday
October 12th at about 10:30 am.
For information about ordering Yahrzeit plaques, please
call the office at (847) 679-9800.
Stop By the Shul to...
Pick up a Kesser Maariv Pushke (Tzedaka Box). If you
have a full Kesser Maariv Pushke, please call or text Aron
Lavon at 773-418-2766, and he will pick it up. Pushkes
are available from the office during the week.
Borrow books from our Lending Library, located on the
south side of the Social Hall (for members only).
Borrow Shiurim from the Tape Lending Library
Study from books in the Malamud Reference Library and
the Max Katz Memorial Library.
E-mail List
To receive our emails, please send an e-mail to
bhhkmal@yahoo.com indicating that you wish to be placed
on the e-mail list. We are happy to have more than one e-
mail address per family.
Parsha Podcasts / Social Media
Rabbi Louis Lazovsky's morning Vorts on the Parsha are
available as podcasts at KesserMaariv.podomatic.com (a
link is on our homepage, www.KesserMaariv.org).
Facebook: Fb.me/Kesser Maariv Twitter: @KesserMaariv
Misheberach List
If you have names for a misheberach, please send them to
the shul office or e-mail to bhhkmal@yahoo.com.
Happy Day Cards & Standings
Beautiful All-Occasion Cards (designed
by Wendy Hartz zl) are available for
purchase from the office for $1.50 each
or 13 cards for $18. If you would like
us to send a card for you for $2, or join
the standings, please contact the office
at (847) 679-9800.
Rent the Shul for
Your Simcha
For information
regarding renting
the Social Hall for
your event, please
call Ben Zion
Lazovsky at the
Shul office at
(847) 679-9800.
Also, book you childs Bar/Bat Mitzvah in the Shul
calendar! Contact Judy Whisler at j5awhisler@aol.com
PAST EVENTS
Film - On Sunday, April 30th, we showed the film Our
Boys, about the kidnap and murder of three Israeli teens
by Hamas terrorists, and the aftermath. Produced by
Moriah Films, the Simon Wiesenthal Centers documentary
film division, and their representative Stephen Klabar led
a discussion following the film...Graduation and Yom
Yerushalayim Kiddush Luncheon was held on Shabbat
May 20. Avi Bornstein spoke on the connection between
his hometown, Yishuv Moreshet, and
Yerushalayim...Community Shloshim for Rabbi Josh
Hoffman - cRc Av Beis Din Rabbi Reis and Rabbi Moshe
Soloveichik delivered eulogies, which can be veiwed at
http://bit.ly/2tYydV4 ... Shavuot Mishmar and Women's
Mishmar. Dr. Steve Steinberg spoke on "Revelation: What
REALLY Happened," Rabbi Benzie spoke on "Toiling in
Torah." Thank you to Marty and Sandy Miretzky for the
delicious food for the Mishmar break.
ADELE GOLDBLUM WOMENS COUNCIL
Upcoming Events
Book discussion on the book: "The 28th of
Iyar: The dramatic, day-by day journal of an
American family in Israel during the Six Day
War." Led by Saretta Lazovsky on Sunday
July 30 at 6:30 pm at the Shul.
Swim at Iris Pool on Wednesday, August 9.
Call Saretta for more details.
Serve Dinner at Caf ARK on August 9.
Contact Cookie Goldrich at (847) 673-8149 to participate.
The next Womens Seudat Shlisheet will most likely be
held on Shabbat, August 19th. More details will be
forthcoming.
Past Events
July Womens Seudat Shlisheet featured speaker Shana
Greenstein Lipsky on What Exactly We Lost in the
Destruction, and was sponsored by Cookie Goldrich on
the yahrzeit of her mother Mindl Zomlefer.
Leebeynu luncheon was held on Shabbat July 8th.
Summer Bonfire was on June 27th at Emily Oaks Nature
Center and featured Musician Miriam Suffrin.
June Women's Seudat Shlisheet featured speaker Melissa
Hart on "Working with Faith: Providing Spiritual Care
in Multiple Settings," and was sponsored by Dinah
Rubinoff on the yahrzeit of her mother, Malka (Molly)
Feder.
Game Night at the Robineau - Thanks to Brenda
Kahn, Cookie Goldrich, Sandy Miretzky, Felicia
Bolotin and Melissa Hart for participating.
April Women's Seudat Shlisheet featured Faye
Levinson who presented "One Family's Holocaust
Story." Thanks to sponsors Sandy Miretzky, in
memory of her father, and Saretta Lazovsky, wishing
all who need a refuah shlayma.
Shavuot Mitzvah Plants were delivered to residents of the
Robineau and Lieberman and to ARK clients. Thanks to
coordinators Brenda Kahn and Natalie Meerovich.
GOOD & WELFARE
Thanks to our Kiddush Sponsors: Lazovsky Family;
Miretzky Family; Nasrin Kheradyar; Jeff & Mila Zaretsky;
Wishner family; Steve & Susan Goldrich; Joel and Gail
Scher; the Greenstein family; Channah & Rabbi Benzie
Lazovsky; Drs. David & Rinat Kheradyar; The Kevin &
Myron Kirshenbaum families; and anonymous sponsors.
Thanks to our Seudat Shlisheet Sponsors: Aron Lavon;
Mike Wishner; Lazovsky Family; Dr. Joel & Sally Feder;
Drs. Steve & Teri Steinberg; Faith & Dan Harris; and
anonymous sponsors.
Mazal Tov to: Dan & Faith Harris on the
birth of a granddaughter, Ariel Golda, born
to Talia & Chen Meiri in Israel...Sanford &
Shelley Schwartz on the marriage of their
granddaughter in Israel, and on the birth of
a great-grandson...Cookie Goldrich on the
marriage of her grandson and birth of great
grandson Zalman...Dan & Faith Harris and
Rabbi Moshe & Debra Soloveichik on the
birth of a granddaughter, Bat Sheva Bracha, born to Rachel
& Shmuli Soloveichik...Dr. David & Guila Zuckerman on
the birth of a son.
Special Good Wishes to Dr. Joel and Sally Feder on their
move to Florida.
Mazal Tov to our Graduates! David
Levi Steinberg Pharm D, J.D; College
graduates: Jacob Weinger, Avital
Pressburger, Marlee Moos, Jake
Goldrich, Solomon Lowenstein; High
School graduates: Yosef Boruch
Orloff, Leeya Pressburger, Simcha
Allswang, Neeli Fagan, Josh Goldrich;
8th Grade: Asher Pressburger, Kelila Allswang; middle
school grad: Penina Pomper and others: Shmuel Yitzchak
Ben-Ari, Yosef Shalom Ben-Ari.
Thank you to the additional sponsors in honor of Yom
Yerushalayim: Simona Cheskis and family; Susan and
Steve Goldrich; Marion and Ed Lezak; Sandy and Marty
Miretzky; Ann and Alan Herbach; Natalie and Oleg
Meerovich; Judy and Jeff Whisler.
Refua Shleima to: Alvin J. Goodman, Alan Slodki, Joe
Zaretsky.
Condolences to: Evelyn Bloom on the passing of her
husband Charles "Chuck" Bloom...Shelley Schwartz
on the passing of her sister, Noreen
Kirshenbaum...The Allswang & Lazovsky families on
the passing of their sister-in-law, aunt and great-aunt,
Adeline Katz...The family and caretakers of Rabbi
Joshua Hoffman.
DVAR TORAH
THE THREE WEEKS AND THE NINE DAYS
Bain Hametzariim - Between the Narrows, is how our
sages refer to the three week period between the fast of
Shiva Asar BTamuz - The seventeenth of Tammuz, and
between the fast of Tisha Bav - The ninth day of Av.
This year the fast of the seventeenth day of Tammuz was
observed on Tuesday, July 11th . The period is one of
profound sadness and bad luck when the Jewish people
commemorate the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem
which eventually led to the destruction of the second
Temple. In fact, both Temples were destroyed on Tisha
Bav.
As this is a period of bad luck and mourning, we
avoid going to civil court or entering into business deals
that are other than routine. We also refrain from
pleasurable activities such as live performances, plays,
operas, musicals, movies or listening to music. We also do
not cut our hair or nails. The Nine Days begin on Sunday
night, July 23rd. Ashkenazic Jews do not eat meat, drink
wine, swim or bathe in hot water from then until after
Tisha Bav. As we do not have public displays of
mourning on Shabbat, we eat meat and drink wine on
Shabbat even during the nine days.
Tisha Bav begins at sundown on Monday
evening, July 31st, and concludes 42 minutes after sundown
on Tuesday evening, August 1st. The Fast of The 9th of Av,
or Tisha Bav, was originally to be the day of greatest joy
for the Jewish people. It was on that day that the Jewish
people were to enter Israel after their exodus from Egypt.
However, when the spies that Moses had sent to explore
Israel returned on the night of Tisha Bav, they brought
back a false report so evil that the people rejected the land
and G-d. As a result of this sin, the Almighty issued a
decree against the Jewish people: they would wander 40
years in the desert and all males age 20 and over would die
in the wilderness, never to enter the promised land. The
Almighty further decreed that as a result of the false tears
shed by the Jewish People, the day would permanently be
one of travail. Indeed, both Temples were destroyed on the
9th of Av with the subsequent exiles of the Jewish people;
the Spanish Inquisition began on this day in 1492, and
approximately 425 years later, World War I was declared
on Tisha Bav. 11 years ago, the expulsion of Jews living
in Gaza began the day after Tisha Bav.
The solemnity of Tisha Bav requires that a major
fast begin the evening before and last approximately 25
hours. During evening services we read the Book of Eicha
Lamentations, which deals with the misery of our people
during the time of Churban destruction of the Temples.
In the morning we read the Kinot services, which recount
the sorrow and suffering of the Jewish people throughout
the ages. It is a day of reflection; the Jewish people repent
their past misdeeds to bring themselves closer to the
Almighty and prepare for the Days of Awe. It is also a day
of hope; tradition teaches us that the Mashiach Messiah
will be born or will arrive on this day with Elijah the
prophet informing us of our redemption.
Tu Bav - The 15th day of Av corresponding to
Monday, August 7 - Tu meaning 15 in Gematria - is a
minor holiday on which we do not fast, say eulogies or say
Tachanun. Several reasons are given for the holiday. One
is that by that day, the summer is half over, leaving us more
time to learn Torah at night. Another reason has to do with
drying wood to be used on the Mizbeiach (Altar) in the
Temple. The Maharal says that while the Jews were in the
desert, they only married members of their own tribe. After
they entered the Land of Israel, they began to marry
members of other tribes on the 15th of Av. Because these
marriages strengthen ties between families in different
tribes, it is a cause for a minor holiday. Contemporarily,
this last reason is the most oft-cited, and therefore it is
common to celebrate weddings on this day.
Rosh Chodesh Elul - Tuesday & Wednesday
August 22-23 - When Moshe Rabbeinu ascended Mt. Sinai
to receive the second set of Luchot (Tablets), he went up on
this day. The month of Elul also initiates a 40-day period
of repentance. Within those forty days are the Aseret
Yemay Teshuva - Ten Days of Repentance that begin with
Rosh Hashana and conclude with Yom Kippur. The Shofar
is blown every morning during Elul to awaken our sleeping
hearts to return to Hashem. We also recite the penitential
Psalm LDovid Ohrie (Psalm 27).
Selichot, prayers of forgiveness and atonement, are recited
at midnight. Ashkenazic Jews recite them for at least four
days prior to Rosh Hashana this year, we will begin
Selichot on Motzai Shabbat, September 16, 2017. In our
time, because being up at midnight for so many nights is
difficult, many only recite the first Selichot service in the
middle of the night. Sephardic Jews say Selichot the entire
month of Elul.
The focal point of Selichot prayers is the recitation
of the 13 attributes of G-d. Tradition teaches us that
reciting these attributes evokes Divine mercy. G-d Himself
bestowed this tradition to Moshe Rabbenu when he
ascended to the heavens to receive the Ten
Commandments, Torah and Oral traditions.
Rosh Hashana will begin Wednesday night
September 20, and Yom Kippur will be Friday evening and
Shabbat September 29th and 30th.
We will recite Yizkor on Yom Kippur, Shabbat,
September 30th, and on Shmini Atzeret, Thursday, October
12th.
Rosh Hashana - October 2-4. On Sunday evening
October 2nd we begin the Jewish New Year of
5777. We also begin the period known as the
Aseret Yemay Teshuva, Ten Days of
Repentance. A most solemn time, Rosh
Hashana commemorates the anniversary of
mankinds creation after the creation of the
world six days earlier. During the two days of Rosh
Hashana, G-d judges the entire world and inscribes the fate
of all life. As Jews, we recite various prayers to express
our aspirations, and we eat many symbolic foods in hopes
of bringing special blessings. During Rosh Hashanah, we
observe the custom of Tashlich (this year on the first day of
Rosh Hashana), in which we go to living bodies of water
and recite prayers, thus symbolically casting off our sins, as
well as to seek merit for the deeds of our forefather
Abraham who, according to the Midrash, was forced to
cross a sea in order to fulfill G-ds command to bring his
son Isaac to Mount Moriah.
A major focus of Rosh Hashana is the blowing of
the shofar. One hundred kolot, or notes, blown during
various portions of the service remind us of the Almightys
coronation as King of the Universe, awaken our sleeping
hearts from their lethargy to return to the Almighty and
help us recount the story of Abraham sacrificing a ram in
place of his son. We pray for forgiveness for the previous
years transgressions and implore the Creator for a year
where we will perform Mitzvot unstintingly, a year of good
health, peace and prosperity on the merit of our teshuva -
repentance.
Tzom Gedaliah - Wednesday, October 5. The fast
day of Tzom Gedaliah is usually on the day after Rosh
Hashana and commemorates the murder of Gedaliah ben
Achikam, who was a Jewish leader appointed by our
conquerors after the destruction of the First Temple in 586
B.C.E. With his assassination by one of his countrymen,
Jews lost their stake in self-rule even in the Diaspora. The
fast begins at 5:30 am and ends at 6:55 pm.
Yom Kippur - October 11-
12. Yom Kippur is the unique day of
the year dedicated to forgiveness,
mercy and conciliation between G-d
and the Jewish people. This year it
begins on Tuesday evening, October
11, with the ceremony of Kol Nidre, a
prayer to annul any unfulfilled oaths
or vows. Speech is the attribute that distinguishes man
from the rest of the animal kingdom. Accordingly, we are
very concerned with the punishments that may occur for
deliberate or accidental transgressions concerning our
speech. The holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur,
commemorates G-ds forgiveness of the Israelites, whose
sin was the worship of the golden calf after they received
the Ten Commandments. It is a day when we are
commanded to shed our earthly limitations and aspire to
emulate the angels. Accordingly, we abstain from eating,
drinking, wearing leather shoes, using lotions, washing and
marital relations. By observing these prohibitions, we
transcend our physical existence and are elevated to a
higher spiritual state, so we are better able to pray for
ourselves, our loved ones, our families and for all of Israel.
On Yom Kippur, G-d evaluates our actions during the Ten
Days of Repentance and determines whether our actions
were sincere or empty. On the merit of repentance, prayer
and charity, we are able to avert the severe decree that may
have been ordained during Rosh Hashanah.
Sukkot begins Sunday evening, October 16, and
continues through October 23. It commemorates the time
when G-d took the Jewish people out of Egypt and housed
them in the Annanei Hakavod - Clouds of Glory that
protected the Jewish people; therefore we dwell in sukkot,
or temporary huts.The first two days of Sukkot are known
as yom tov (holidays) where most melechah (creative
activity) is prohibited. They are followed by Chol
Hamoed (Intermediate Days), which are hybrid, in that
they have aspects of both holidays and regular week days.
When eating in the Sukkah, we invite seven Ushpizin or
guests, essential leaders of the Jewish people: Abraham,
Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron and King David who
each represents one of the seven spiritual attributes needed
to perfect our souls in service of the Creator.
Every day of Sukkot, with the exception of
Shabbat, when they are not touched, one blessing is recited
over the four species - the Etrog, Lulav, Hadasim and
Aravot. The first time we take them on the holiday, we
also recite Shehechiyanu. On the last of the intermediate
days, known as Hoshanah Rabbah, we make seven circuits
around the Bimah, after which willows are beaten on the
floor to symbolize the end of the high holiday period of
judgement.
Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah October 23-25 At
Sukkots end, Jews immediately celebrate the holidays of
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. The Midrash, or Bible
A Little Bit About Kesser Maariv
Welcome to Kesser Maariv. Our full name is
Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Kesser Maariv Anshe
Luknik. We have a long name reflective of our
long history. Our first minyan took place in
Chicago in 1862, and Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol
officially opened in 1867 in downtown Chicago.
Eventually the Shul moved to the West Side, and
we have several congregants who celebrated
their Bar Mitzvah at that site. After several
mergers, in the 1950s BHH moved to East Rogers Park
when it merged with Kesser Maariv. Due to shifting
demographics, Kesser Maariv sold their building in East
Rogers Park in 1989, determined to continue in a new
neighborhood. In the following years, High Holiday
services were held in West Rogers Park.
In 1993, we held High Holiday services in Skokie, and we
were able to purchase our current property in Skokie.
Regular minyanim began in an existing farmhouse on
December 31, 1993. In autumn 1999 the first phase of our
building was completed, consisting of the Social Hall and
kitchens. The second phase of the Main
Sanctuary and Bais Midrash were
completed in 2004.
Leadership
Rabbi Louis Lazovsky has been Rabbi of
Kesser Maariv since 1984, when he
succeeded Rabbi Zev Wein, who retired.
Rabbi Lazovsky has served the Jewish
community in many capacities for over 40
years, including leading educational
programs and organizations to benefit
Brief Laws of the Month of Tishrei - 2017 / 5778
We make an Eruv Tavshillin before candle lighting on
September 20, October 4 and 11. This allows us to cook food
on Yom Tov for Shabbat, which begins immediately after
Yom Tov. A special bracha is made over two rolls or matzot
and a cooked food, commonly a piece of fish or chicken. The
Bracha is Baruch Ata Ad-nai (G-ds Name) El-heinu melech
haolam asher kidishanu bmitzvotav vitzivanu al mitzvat
eruv. The accompanying Bdin Eruvah declaration (see
commentary, teaches that on Sukkot we are concerned with
all humanity because in the Temple we offered 70
sacrifices during Sukkot, corresponding to the 70 nations of
the world. However, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah
is a holiday just for the Almighty and the Jewish people.
The holidays remind us that material needs and wants are
fleeting illusions; the realm of the spirit is the only true and
permanent domain. We recite the Yizkor, memorial
prayer, during Shemini Atzeret to remember those who
have gone before us and set out paths for us to follow. On
Simchat Torah, Jews dance and rejoice with their entire
being as we conclude the reading of the Torah, and then,
immediately begin reading the Torah once again. In spite
of tremendous adversity, oppression and exile, we have
been promised that the Torah will always guard and protect
us. Even if all else is taken away from the Jewish people,
the Torah will always remain.
immigrants and the underprivileged.
In January 2011 the Board of Directors
a p p o i n t e d R a b b i
Ben Zion Lazovsky to serve as Associate
R a b b i i n a d d i t i o n
to serving as Executive Director.
Our Davening
For the High Holidays, we use the
A r t S c r o l l M a c h z o r .
Thanks to the generosity of Bob & Sheryl
G r e e n s t e i n , w e
have many Machzorim available for use.
We have a live auction of aliyas on Rosh Hashana, Yom
Kippur and Simchas Torah. This practice is mentioned in
the Shulchan Aruch, the Code of Jewish Law. The auction
is conducted immediately prior to taking
out the Torah.
Yizkor Appeal
There is an ancient custom, mentioned in
t he T a l mu d , t h a t eve n t h o s e wh o h a ve
pasfssed away need atonement. How can
those souls, who are no longer on this
e a r t h , a c h i e ve ato n e me nt ? T h e T al mu d
says that charity should be given on their
behalf. Accordingly, Kesser Maariv has
a live Yizkor Appeal. If you would like to have your
pledge announced at the beginning of the appeal, please
contact Rabbi Ben Zion before Yom Tov and make your
pledge before Yom Tov. For those who would like to make
a private pledge, see Rabbis Ben Zion or Eli to make a
matan bseser.
ArtScroll Siddur p. 654) should also be recited. This food is
set aside and eaten on Shabbat.
On Rosh Hashana night after we come home from
shul we make Kiddush with Shehechiyanu. After hamotzi,
many have the custom to eat an apple dipped in honey, as
well as other symbolic foods. Please note that despite what
the Machzor says, it is proper to make the bracha Ha'eitz on
dates (or pomegranates if you don't eat dates) and eat them
before eating the apple dipped in honey.
As Rosh Hashana is the beginning of our Judgement,
In the morning we read in the Torah about G-d
remembering Sarah and in the haftorah how He
remembered Chana (mother of the prophet Samuel)
hoping that G-d will remember us for good. We blow
the Shofar, which is the special mitzvah of Rosh
Hashana, and the special Mussaf we mention Biblical
verses accepting G-d as King, about G-d remembering
people for good, and about Shofar blasts. After Shul
we have Yom Tov meals at home. Some have the
custom to say Tashlich at a body of water.
Thursday afternoon we daven Mincha and
Maariv. Candle lighting is not before 7:31 pm, which
is the earliest time to prepare and warm food for that night's
meal. We do recite Shehicyanu at candle lighting and
kiddush (some have a custom to have a new fruit for the
second night). The second day is like the first, except we
read about the Binding of Yitzchak (Akeidah). After Rosh
Hashana Shabbat starts immediately, with candle lighting at
6:28. All preparation (like putting food on a blech) must be
completed before that time, just like any Friday afternoon.
During the 10 Days of Repentance culminating with
Yom Kippur we repent for our actions from the previous year,
commit to not repeating them, and do as many good deeds
and give as much Tzedaka as possible. We also make several
changes to Shmone Esray.
On Erev Yom Kippur we have a mitzvah to eat, in
order to strengthen ourselves for the fast. We daven Mincha
early with the Viduy confession, as Rambam says one may
choke while eating out of the fear and dread of Yom Kippur.
We gather at Shul before sunset for Kol Nidrei. On Yom
Kippur we abstain from eating, drinking, wearing leather
shoes, using lotions, creams, ointments or perfumes, washing
past the knuckle and marital relations. After Yom Kippur we
make Havdala over wine, candle and the last bracha of
Havdala.
After breaking our fast there is a custom to
immediately do more mitzvot, so some begin building their
Sukkah, or at least gathering its the pieces.
Sukkot has two special mitzvot associated with it -
the Four species (Lulav, Etrog, Hadas, Arava) and eating in
the Sukkah. The Lulav is the tallest of the species; we hold
it with its spine (the darker green vertical line) towards us,
with the three hadasim on the right (as we look at the lulav)
and the two aravot on the left.
On the first night of Sukkot, (Make Eruv
Tavshillin!) we make Kiddush, The bracha Leisheiv
Basukkah, then Shehichaynu. While we are exepmt from
eating in a Sukkah in the rain, on the first night there is a
special mitzvah to eat in the Sukkah and if it rains we wait
out the storm, even until midnight. (Remember Yaaleh
Veyavo in Birkat Hamazon.)
The first day we make kiddush, leisheiv basukah,
wash, hamotzi and eat a Yom Tov meal. During Sukkot
whenever we eat any mezonos or hamotzi food in the Sukkah
we make the Brach Leishev Basukkah.
The second night we may not light candles or prepare
for that night's meal before 7:07 pm. We make Kiddush, then
shehechiyanu, then Leisheiv Basukah (different than last
night) and have a Yom Tov meal. Shabbat beings
immediaely as Yom Tov ends. (See underlined information
above)
During Sukkot G-d decides how much rain we will
have for the year (which will water the crops, ensuring our
food needs are met). In the Beit Hamikdash, there was a
special water-drawing ceremony called the Simchat Beit
Hasho'eivah, which was the most joyous ceremony all year in
the Beit Hamikdash. In our community we find some
Simchat Beit Hashoeivas with music and dancing to
commemorate that.
(Many books with the Laws of Yom Tov [like
cooking] and Chol Hamoed, and the Lulav may be found in
the Malamud Reference Library.)
The last day of Sukkot is Hoshana Rabbah, which is
important day according to the Kabbalah, as in the Beit
Hamikdash they performed a special, lengthy ceremony, and
our prayers that day, as well as beating the Hoshana bundle,
are to commemorate that special service.
Wednesday night October 11 begins Shmini
Atzeret, (Make Eruv Tavshillin!) a distinct holiday from
Sukkot, and therefore we do make Shehechiyanu at candle
lighting and in Kiddush. However, outside Israel we are
required to eat in the Sukkah on Shmini Atzeret but we do
not make the bracha Leishev Basukkah. On Thursday
morning we recite Yizkor. Later in the afternoon, before
Mincha, we make a special prayer when we leave the Sukkah
after eating in it for the final time.
The final day is called Simchat
Torah. It is the day we complete the
annual cycle of reading the Torah, and
begin it again. Rabbi Moshe
Soloveichik's grandfather taught that our
joy comes from starting the Torah again
with new depth and insight, not from
finishing the Torah. On Thursday night
we have seven Hakafot (circling the Bimah) where we dance
joyfully with the Torahs which we repeat the next morning,
along with all males above Bar Mitzva receiving an aliya, and
we have a special aliya for all children. We finish the Torah,
begin it again, and finish davening. Shabbat beings
immediately as Yom Tov ends.
 SHABBAT & HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Please Note: We will be welcoming Shabbat early and will begin davening Mincha on Friday nights at 7:00 pm.
Therefore, for the next few months, it is important that you remember to: 1) light Shabbat candles early, at about 7:20
pm, and 2) repeat Kriat Sh'ma of Maariv after nightfall.
Date Candle Lighting Erev Mincha Shacharit Pirkei Avot Shiur Mincha
Matot-Masei 7/21-7/22 8:00 pm 7:00 pm 8:45 am 6:50 pm 7:50 pm
Devarim - Chazon 7/28-7/29 7:54 pm 7:00 pm 8:45 am 6:45 pm 7:45 pm
Vaetchanan - 8/4-8/5 7:46 pm 7:00 pm 8:45 am 6:35 pm 7:35 pm
Nachamu
Eikev 8/11-8/12 7:37 pm 7:00 pm 8:45 am 6:25 pm 7:25 pm
Reeh 8/18-8/19 7:22 pm 7:00 pm 8:45 am 6:15 pm 7:15 pm
Shoftim 8/25-8/26 7:16 pm 7:00 pm 8:45 am 6:05 pm 7:05 pm
Ki Teitzei 9/1-9/2 7:04 pm 7:00 pm 8:45 am 5:50 pm 6:50 pm
Ki Tavo 9/8-9/9 6:52 pm 6:55 pm 8:45 am 5:40 pm 6:40 pm
Nitzavim-Vayeilech 9/15-9/16 6:40 pm 6:45 pm 8:45 am 5:30 pm 6:30 pm
1 st Day Rosh Hashana 9/20-9/21 6:31 pm * 6:35 pm 8:30 am no shiur 6:35 pm
2 nd Day Rosh Hashana 9/21-9/22 7:31 pm 6:35 pm 8:30 am no shiur 6:35 pm
Haazinu (Shuva) 9/22-9/23 6:28 pm 6:35 pm 8:45 am Drasha 4:50 pm 6:20 pm
Yom Kippur 9/29-9/30 6:16 pm Mincha 2:30 8:00 am during break 4:55 pm
Kol Nidrei 6:15 Yizkor Neila 6:05
1st Day Sukkot 10/4-10/5 6:07 pm * 6:10 pm 8:45 am no shiur 6:10 pm
* Make Eruv Tavshillin before Candle Lighting (see ArtScroll Siddur page 654)
If you have a chiyuv (to daven or for an aliya), please inform Rabbis Benzie or Eli Lazovsky in person or at (847) 676-
0556 before Shabbat.
To sponsor a kiddush or shalashudos, please call Judy Whisler at (847) 677-2281 or j5awhisler@aol.com.

WEEKDAY SCHEDULE - Minyanim meet in the Kaufman Bais Midrash

Minyan Times Classes Tisha Bav - Monday 7/31

Shacharit
Sunday: 8:00 am
Monday-Friday: 6:00 am
Mincha-Maariv
Sunday-Thursday: 10
minutes before sundown
Sunday Morning at 9:15 am: Parsha Class
Given by Rabbi Moshe Soloveichik
Wednesday evenings before Mincha - Gemara
Brachos. Given by Rabbi Ben Zion Lazovsky
Shabbat Afternoon
2 hours before Mincha - Parsha by Rabbi Eli
1 hour before Mincha: Pirkei Avot
Given by Rabbi Louis Lazovsky
Finish eating by 8:00 pm
Mincha 8:00 , Maariv 8:30 pm
Tuesday 8/1 Shacharit 6:00 am
Mincha 7:45 pm, fast ends at 8:51
Selichot - September 16th at 11 pm
refreshments at 10:00 pm,
a shiur at 10:40 pm

Malamud Reference Library

Come and Learn from any of the hundreds of titles in our library, located in the Kaufman Bais Midrash.
Lending Library - Members may borrow books from our Lending Library, located on the south side of the Social Hall.
For hours of operation, more details or to donate books, please call the office.
Tape Lending Library
We have tapes and digital audio files on many topics including Chumash, Talmud and Mussar.
 MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
KM NEW YEAR GREETING ORDER FORM
LULAV SET ORDER FORM

On behalf of the Board of Directors, President Steven Goldrich and Rabbi Louis Lazovsky, we are proud to invite
you to join us for our High Holiday 5778 Services this year, beginning with Selichot on Saturday evening,
September 16th. Rosh Hashana begins Wednesday night, September 20th. Chazzanim Rabbi Ben Zion Lazovsky
(who also blows the Shofar), Dr. Ed Kaplan and Rabbi Eli Lazovsky will lead the davening.

Membership & Ticket Rates Family (2 tickets) Single (1 ticket) Additional Seat Dependent Child
Membership $1,000 $525 $200 $75
First Time Good Neighbor Tickets $475 $265 $200 $75
Tickets Only, no membership $525 $200
Friend of Kesser Maariv (no tickets or membership) $200
To serve you better, we accept payments of $500 and above by Visa, Master Card, Discover, and American Express.

Rabbi Ben Zion Lazovsky at (847) 679-9800 bhhkmal@yahoo.com or Judy Whisler at (847) 677-2281
j5awhisler@aol.com will be happy to help accommodate you and give more information about membership.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

G My membership is enclosed.
Number of Men's Seats: ________ Number of Women's Seats: _______

Number of Boys Seats: ________ Number of Girls Seats: _________

G I would like to order _____ Lulav sets sets at $50/member or $55/non-member

G Please include us on the KM New Year greeting card. $26 per family.

Please sign our name as follows: ________________________________

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________

City, State & Zip Code: _________________________________________ Phone : __________________

E-mail: _______________________________________ and __________________________________________

---------------------------- For Credit Card Payments: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name on Card_______________________ Amount to be charged: ________________

Card # _________-_________-_________-_________ Exp: ____ ____ 3-digit Security Code:__________

 CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF SERVING CHICAGOLAND
CULMINATING EVENT & AD JOURNAL
Sunday, August 27, 2017
at 5:00 pm at the Synagogue
Honoring
Joel & Dr. Gail Scher
Harold Ruben & Floyd Ruben
Joseph & Marguita Zaretsky AD CONTRACT
Rededicating the Sol Katz Memorial Board
as the Sol & Adeline Katz Memorial Board
Memorial Tributes will be listed on a separate
page in the ad journal. Please check the names
of those you wish to memorialize.
_____ All of the Memorials
Individual Memorials
_____ Charles "Chuck" Bloom
(Husband of Evelyn Bloom)
_____ Rabbi Nathan Gordon
(Past Rabbi of Kesser Maariv)
_____ Adeline Katz
(Aunt of Rebbetzin Saretta Lazovsky)
_____ Evelyn Kaplan
(Mother of Judy Kaplan-Weinger)
_____ Dr. Tammy Kaplan
_____ Youssef Parvia Kashizadeh
(Brother of Nasrin Kheradyar)
_____ Noreen Kirshenbaum
(Sister of Shelley Schwartz)
_____ Leah Malamud
(Mother of Lance Malamud)
_____ Jerome B. Mann
_____ David Pomper
(Brother of Howard Pomper)
_____ Pearl Rubenstein
(Wife of Nate Rubenstein)
_____ Simie Scher
(Mother of Sandy Miretzky)
Your ad may be a tax deductible expense or charitable
contribution. Please check with your tax advisor.
CONGREGATION BETH HAMEDROSH HAGODOL
KESSER MAARIV ANSHE LUKNIK
4341 W. Golf Road * Skokie, IL 60076
(847) 679-9800 Fax (847) 679-5041
bhhkmal@yahoo.com * KesserMaariv.org/Ads
You are hereby authorized to insert our ____
page ad for $_______ in the 2017 Ad Book.
PRINT AD COPY BELOW:
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
$72
$10 each ____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Advertiser:______________________
Address: ________________________
City:_____________State:_________ Zip_____
Phone: (____)________________
Solicited by: _____________________
We accept Visa, MC, AMEX and Discover
Number: _______-________-_______-______
Expiration: ____________ CVV2:__________
Amount: $_____________
Name on Card: _________________________
Billing Address:________________________
______________________________________
RATES
Foundation (Gold) (INCLUDES 16 MEALS) $18,000
Builder (Gold) (INCLUDES 12 MEALS) $10,000
Pillar (Gold) (INCLUDES 8 MEALS) $5,000
Guardian (Gold) (INCLUDES 6 MEALS) $1,800
Benefactor (Gold) (INCLUDES 4 MEALS) $1,000
Patron (Gold) (INCLUDES 2 MEALS) $500
Sponsor (Silver) (INCLUDES 1 MEAL) $300
Friend (Silver) $225
Full Page $150
Half Page $100
Quarter Page (4 line limit please) $75
Camera Ready Art: Not to exceed:
Gold, Silver, Full: 6.25"x4.25"
Half: 3.25"x4.25"; Quarter: 1.55"x4.25"
Gold & Silver pages will be printed in full color
Dinner Couvert: $100 per person
Jewels will be listed on a special section of
the ad journal. Please list the childrens
names in the space below. $5 each
Please note: Payment must accompany ad copy
Please make checks payable to Kesser Maariv
For further information, please contact
Rabbi Ben Zion Lazovsky at (847) 679-9800
Ads may be emailed to bhhkmal@yahoo.com
or visit www.KesserMaariv.org/Ads