December 18 10

YOUNG ISRAEL OF WEST HARTFORD
2240 ALBANY AVENUE

WEST HARTFORD, CT 06117
SHABBAT PARSHAT VAYECHI
(860) 233-3084 December 18, 2010  11 Tevet 5771
Web Site: http://www.youngisraelwh.org Kiddush this Shabbat
Is sponsored by
Rabbi’s Corner
Betty & Irving Wizenfeld
YOUNG ISRAEL OF WEST HARTFORD
This week Steven Bernstein and I traveled to Wes-

ton, Florida to participate in the Yeshiva University Execu- On the occasion of the
tive Rabbinic Seminar, "A Roadmap for Synagogue Entre- Yahrzeit of
preneurial Success". The seminar brought together a select Betty’s mother,
group of rabbi and lay leader pairs from around the coun- Esther Spira
try to a conference facilitated by management and busi- ‫אסתר בת דוד הכהן‬
ness consultants and professionals. This program was run
by Yeshiva University's Center for the Jewish Future as part TEEN GAME NIGHT & CHULENT
of the Legacy Heritage Fund Distinguished Rabbinic Fellow- For Teens in Grades 9 - 12
ship of which I am a fellow. Friday night at 8:00 PM at the home of
This was a wonderful opportunity to hear from Carolyn & Andrew Ganeles, 83 Brewster Road.
other rabbis and lay leaders about what they do to make
their shuls successful, what works and what doesn’t, and CONGRATULATIONS
how we can help each other by sharing ideas and re- To Evelyn Hessing on passing her American Board
sources. of Pediatrics 2010 General Pediatrics
The team of professionals who taught exposed us Certifying Examination!
to some of the latest management theories and techniques ‫מזל טוב‬
that are being used in the business world today. We spoke ‫ מזל טוב‬to Nathaniel Cohen on his engagement to
a lot about the entrepreneurial spirit and what it takes to
Adeena Schlussel. ‫ מזל טוב‬to Anita & Tsion;
get ahead in this world. They even helped us to develop
Tzippy, Daniel, Orli, Adam & Lily; Michal, Moshe,
profile on communication style that can help us to under-
Jacob, Maytal & Keira Abehsera; and Naomi & Noah
stand how to reach people and work together in the most
Moss. ‫ מזל טוב‬to Adeena’s parents Sara & Richard
effective way. They taught us about image, perception,
Schlussel and the entire Schlussel family.
and portrayal of ourselves to the world around us.
The conference mainly focused on how to develop ‫ מזל טוב‬to Rabbi Mordechai & Dvorah Weiss on the
a mission and a vision for our shul that can be broken down birth of a granddaughter, born to Sarah & Levi Cooper
in to realistic and attainable goals and strategies. We were of Tzur Hadassah, Israel. ‫ מזל טוב‬to the entire
given a lot of valuable information on how to structure our Weiss family!
board and our board meetings and about how to develop ‫ מזל טוב‬to Howie & Rachayl Wizenfeld on the birth
proper roles and protocols for the various positions of of their daughter Eliana Chava. ‫ מזל טוב‬to new
leadership within our shul structure. This is all cutting edge grandparents Betty & Irving, and to Charlie & Michelle
theory that shuls all around the country are starting to en- and Joey Wizenfeld.
gage in.
‫ מזל טוב‬to Great Grandmother Margot Jeremias &
I was really proud that when going around the ta-
Grandmother Paulette Korn, on the birth of a baby
ble and sharing where our shuls are on the spectrum of
boy to Jerald & Lauren Korn of Newton, MA. ‫מזל טוב‬
development that we at YIWH are doing so well. We have
to Great Aunt & Uncle Helen & Les Loew!
been right on target in what we have been trying to ac-
complish in the governance of our shul. From the structure ‫רפואה שלמה‬
of our board, to the focus group, to the technology we ‫ רפואה שלמה‬to Rabbi Mordechai Weiss and Hillel
use, to the effort we have started to develop our goals and Lindenberg!
priorities and so much more…We have already begun the
process of engaging in most of the strategies that they pre-
Rabbi’s corner continued on Page 2
Editor: Judie Patel Rabbi Brahm Weinberg 860-233-3084 or

E-mail: bulletin @youngisraelwh.org rabbi@youngisraelwh.org
Editors Emeritus: Sam Leichtberg & Moish Trencher
Judith Hessing, Coordinator 860-233-6042 or
Web Site: http://www.YoungIsraelWH.org judith.hessing@gmail.com
Affiliate of the National Council of Young Israel Synagogues, Member of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, Sponsor
of West Hartford NCSY, National Conference of Synagogue Youth, Kashrut Commission of Greater Hartford,
Mikveh Bess Israel of Greater Hartford, Eruv of West Hartford (Hotline - 860-232-6417)
Page 2
SAVE THE DATES Rabbi’s Corner, Continued...
UPCOMING YIWH & COMMUNITY EVENTS sented to us. This conference helped us to sharpen
how to go about them and how to ensure the success
TAKE 15 WITH THE RABBI
of these endeavors.
Short recorded Shiurim by Rabbi Weinberg will be sent
We are right on track and slated for great suc-
by e-mail every Monday on the Topic of Tefilla.
cess if we can garner your support and your efforts to
They can also be downloaded or listened to on our
take our shul to the next level.
Website: www.youngisraelwh.org
As I mentioned last week, the program includ-
ELISHA ROSENSWEIG’S CLASS ing all of our transportation costs , hotel, and food
TUESDAY, December 21st, at 8:00 PM were all covered by the Legacy Heritage Fund and Ye-
We are studying the opening parshiot of Sefer Bereishit shiva University’s Center for the Jewish Future. It was
At the home of Judy Brenner, 103 Steele Road so generous of them and both Steven and I are so
CHINESE-JEWISH FUSION SHABBAT LUNCH grateful for giving been afforded this opportunity.
Shabbat, January 1st After Davening Feel free to approach Steven or me to ask us
Followed by a talk by more about the conference. We will be planning a
Vera Schwarcz more formal session to share our findings with you.
“When Ai Met Ricci: How Torah Trumped Pork in Beijing On another note: I was so happy to see over
(and Beyond)” TWENTY people at morning minyan this past Wednes-
Babysitting available. day morning. It was inspiring, it was very special, and I
$18.00 per adult/$8.00per child under 10 hope it can continue. Thanks to all those who have
$54.00 Family cap been making an extra effort to come. We still need
RSVP by December 24th your help, each and every one of you, any time you can
To Steven Bernstein 860-263-7669, 161 Mohawk Drive make it.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Weinberg
ROSH CHODESH TEHILLIM GROUP
Wednesday, January 5th at 7:30 PM UPCOMING SCHEDULE OF YOUTH EVENTS
At the home of 12/17/10 - FRIDAY NIGHT TEEN NIGHT & CHULENT
(Grades 9 - 12)
BOOK CLUB 1/15/11 - Shabbat Luncheon & Program (Grades 5 - 8)
New Book ~ The Finkler Question 1/15/11 - Youth Department Hockey Game Outing
By Howard Jacobson The Whale vs. The Bruins
1/16/11 - Tu B’Shvat Seder & Dessert Party
Do you knit, crochet, embroider, needlepoint, bead or weave??
(Preschool - 4th Grade)
WHATEVER, think about joining our “craft circle.”
2/11/11 - Teen led Minyan & Friday Night Dinner (Grades 9-12)
We meet informally usually on Monday eve’s for an hour or so
3/13/11 - Pre-Purim Bonanza & Carnival
to work on whatever projects are in the works, a little conversa-
4/9/11 - Pre-Pesach Chametz in the Park
tion, hot drink…
For more information, contact Zvi Goldfischer
Please e-mail Debbie Luger (deluge613@sbcglobal.net)
At 860-906-1111 or the Youth Department via email at
If you’re interested in joining us or if
yiwhyouth1@gmail.com
you have comments/suggestions…
TRADING SPACES KEEP THE DONATIONS COMING FOR
COMING SOON! MY SISTER’S PLACE
Watch for more information! In memory of Judith Harris
Until Sunday morning.
Either at YIWH or 18 Grenhart Street
BUY SCRIP! BUY SCRIP! Rabbi Weinberg, Bob & Evelyn Harris, Judith Hessing,
BIG Y SCRIP AVAILABLE NOW! Josh Glahn, & Tova Goldfischer will hand deliver all the
Don’t forget Crown & Stop n Shop too! donations! All are welcome to join! Contact Judith...
It costs nothing additional to you - yet it helps the Thanks to everyone who contributed and may the
Shul. It is the most cost effective way to donate to the Shul! memory of Judith Harris be blessed!
Remember, if you can not come and get the cards we
can bring it to you! Let's support our Shul by buying scrip ! GRAND OPENING
Every dollar counts! SHUMAN KOSHER DELI & BAKERY
Contact: Judith Hessing (860-233-6042), Is now Open ~ 12 Mountain Ave., Bloomfield
at 18 Grenhart Street 860.242.0697
Minor Fast, Major Decision by Rabbi Benjamin Yudin
Page 3
The Navi Zechariah (8:19) promises that four fast days will in the future be transformed to holidays.
The fast of the tenth month, namely Asarah B’ Teves, the day which commemorates the siege that Nebuchadnezzar,
king of Babylonia lay to Jerusalem (586 BCE), which marked the beginning of the end of the first Bais HaMikdash, will in
the future become a day of celebration.
The Avudraham in his commentary on the siddur writes a fascinating halacha. He says that the Navi Yechezkel
(24:2), who instructed the Jewish community in Bavel where he was exiled from Eretz Yisrael, to write “b’etzem hayom
hazeh”- to note with precision and surety that on this day- the Tenth of Teves- the siege was placed around Jerusalem.
Because the Navi uses this expression several times we are to learn the importance of fasting precisely on that day. It
is for this reason that Asarah B’Teves is the only fast that can fall on a Friday and indeed we fast on Erev Shabbos. The
remarkable teaching of the Avudraham is that were this fast to occur on a Shabbos, we would fast on Shabbos as well.
At first glance this seems rather startling. True, the Rabbis orchestrated the calendar that the tenth of Teves cannot
occur on a Shabbos. But what is it about this day, wherein lies its significance that it would join Yom Kippur which is the
only fast that the Jewish people fast on Shabbos?
The Chasam Sofer zt”l in his commentary on the slichos for Asarah B’Teves provides an insightful explanation of
the Avudraham. He reminds us that what transpires here on earth is a reflection of what is transpiring in heaven. The
siege of Bavel was indeed to serve as a wake-up call to the Jewish nation to reflect upon the possibility that they might
lose the Bais HaMikdash. On high, the Heavenly Court was called into session to determine if the Bais HaMikdash would
indeed be destroyed. Moreover, annually, writes the Chasam Sofer zt”l, on every Asarah B’Teves the Bais Din Shel
Maalah is convened to decide if the third Bais HaMikdash will be built this year or Heaven Forbid postponed.
There are two models of mourning. The first is called aveilus yeshana- a mourning for a historical phenomenon
that affected us adversely in the past. Tisha B’Av is just such an occurrence. For an aveilus yeshana we do not fast on
Shabbos. Thus when Tisha B’Av falls on Shabbos we fast on Sunday. Those who have the practice of fasting on a yahr-
zeit do not fast on a Shabbos, as that too is commemorating an aveilus yeshana.
However, there is also a model of aveilus chadasha, meaning a present or contemporary mourning. If one has a
chalom rah (a disturbing dream) on Friday night, the halacha (Orach Chaim 220:5) allows the individual to fast on Shab-
bos since for them there is an immediate crisis and fasting would often be a greater personal oneg (pleasure) than par-
taking of the Shabbos meals. Similarly, with the insight of the Chasam Sofer, the Heavenly Deliberations on Asarah
B’Teves designates this fast as not only historical and commemorative, but creating a national crisis, inspiring us to
storm the Heavenly Court with our fasting and prayers.
The urgency and immediacy of Asarah B’Teves may further be gleaned from the teaching of the Yerushalmi
(Yuma 1:1) that “any generation that did not build the Bais HaMikdash in its day- it is as if it were destroyed in its genera-
tion”. The Sfas Emes explains that there have been many generations of righteous individuals such as Tanaiim and
Amoraim, the chachamim of the Talmud and still the Temple has not been built. He explains, based upon Tehillim
(147:2) “boneh Yerushalayim Hashem - Hashem builds Jerusalem”, meaning it is a process and every generation must
contribute its share of building the third Bais HaMikdash by proving its worthiness of the Divine dwelling literally in its
midst. Asarah B’Teves is our appearance before the Heavenly Court, hence we would fast on a Shabbos.
Finally, the Seder Hadoros sees Nebuchadnezzar as the gilgul and direct descendant of Nimrod. Nimrod led the
construction of migdal Bavel, which is understood by Chazal (Tanchuma Noach 24) as a direct attack on G-d. The goal
was (Beraishis 11:4) “let us make a name for ourselves”, i.e. place man at the center of the universe, not any Divine Be-
ing. He attempts to dominate the public mindset by casting Avraham, his vocal opponent, into the fire. Avraham, as
we know, is miraculously saved.
Nimrod’s direct descendant, Nebuchadnezzar, likewise wishes to destroy the Bais HaMikdash. The daily func-
tioning of the Temple accompanied by the ten miracles (as found in Avos 5:7) proclaimed to the world the existence
and directorship of Hashem over all. G-d was recognized as the center of the world. Like Nimrod, this was challenged
by Nebuchadnezar. He too cast Chananya, Mishael and Azariah into the furnace and they too, loyal descendants of
Avraham, were miraculously saved. He too wanted to place man at the center of the universe.
Asarah B’ Teves thus invites all proud descendants of Avraham, and the many myriads throughout Jewish his-
tory who sacrificed their lives for the sake of Hashem, to bolster their living a life of Kiddush Hashem- sanctifying G-d’s
name , thereby contributing their share to the building of the Third Temple. Perhaps in contrast to the length of the
fast, a day fast as opposed to 25 hours, Asarah B’Teves is called a minor fast, but in reality we know better.
DOR L’ DOR
12/18 at 7:00 pm at Chabad House; 1/8 at 7:00 pm at Chabad House
For further information contact Rabbi Jaffee: 860-888-2017
YIWH Schedule of Services IT IS EASY TO SPONSOR A KIDDUSH
December 17th - 24th, 2010 OR
Shabbat Parshat Vayechi SEUDAH SHLISHIT
FRIDAY, December 17th - Asara B’Tevet Shul handles set up & Clean up!
Alot Hashachar - Dawn - Fast Begins 6:00 a.m. Contact Judie Patel at 236-4178
Shacharit 6:30 a.m. or judiep@gmail.com to
Chatzot - Midday 11:47 a.m. check the availability of the date
Mincha/Maariv 3:50 p.m. you need & to make the
Candle Lighting 4:03 p.m. arrangements for the type of
Fast Ends 5:00 p.m. Kiddush you want to sponsor.
Checks need to be received
SHABBAT, December 18th
8:00 a.m. the Sunday prior to your
Rabbi Sheinkopf’s Mishna Brura Class
8:45 a.m. Kiddush date.
Shacharit
9:29 a.m. Send to David Cohen at
Sof Zman Kriat Shma
10:00 a.m. 19 Mansfield Avenue.
Shabbat Morning Youth Groups
3:45 p.m. There are three types
Mincha Followed by Seudah Shlishit sponsored by
of Kiddushim:
Nitzchi & Avi Polate in memory of Levana Polate
5:04 p.m. Standard for $150,
Shabbat Ends & Maariv
Semi-Deluxe for $250
SUNDAY, December 19th - THURSDAY, December 23rd & Deluxe for $350
Earliest Tallit & Tefillin 6:16 a.m. With supplements available.
Shacharit...Sunday 8:15 a.m.
Followed by Rabbi Weinberg’s Gemara Shiur & Breakfast 9:00 a.m. For Seudah Shlishit contact
Studying Masechet Makot Stan Rutstein at 232-3369
Shacharit...Monday - Thursday 6:45 a.m.
Mincha/Maariv @ Agudas Achim 4:05 p.m. KIDDUSH SCHEDULE
12/25 Weinberg
FRIDAY, December 24th
Shacharit 6:45 a.m.
Candle Lighting 4:06 p.m.
Mincha/Maariv 4:11 p.m.
Check out the weekly Schedule on the YIWH Website www.youngisraelwh.org/Times from: www.ou.org/holidays/calendar
Ner La’Maor Pat La’Orchim
Lights Challah rolls for Seudah Shlishit
Judy & Sam Leichtberg and Batsheva Goldfischer Fran & Gene Wittenberg
in memory of in memory of
their parents and grandparents, Fran’s father, Tzvi ben Yitzchak Meir HaCohen
Israel Weiss ‫ישראל בן דוד‬ ‫צבי בן יצחק מאיר הכהן‬
Frida Weiss ‫טויבא פרידה בת שמואל‬ & Gene’s father, Binyamin ben Moshe
Abraham Leichtberg ‫אברהם בן שמואל‬ ‫בנימין בן משה‬
Kiddush Supplement
Yayin l’ Kiddush Ve'Havdalah
Jeremy & Ann Pava
Wine for Kiddush & Havdallah
In memory of Ann’s father, Harvey Baidack
‫צבי הרשל יעקב‬
in memory of
Betty’s Parents, Tobias & Esther Spira Seudah Shlishit Supplement
‫טוביה בן צבי אלימלך‬ In Memory of Al Weisel
‫אסתר בת דוד הכהן‬
Irv ‘s father, Sam Wizenfeld 5770 Candy Man:
‫שמואל מאיר בן יצחק הכהן‬ Gil Fried
Want to join the Listserve?
If you are interested in subscribing to the yiwhevents listserve, send an e-mail to webmaster@youngisraelwh.org and he will
add your name. If you are a member of the group, you can send an e-mail to the entire group by addressing your e-mail to
yiwhevents@yahoogroups.com
December 24th - 31st, 2010 OR
Shabbat Parshat Sh'mot SEUDAH SHLISHIT
FRIDAY, December 24th Shul handles set up & Clean up!

Shacharit 6:45 a.m. Contact Judie Patel at 236-4178
Mincha/Maariv 4:06 p.m. or judiep@gmail.com to
Candle Lighting 4:11 p.m. check the availability of the date
you need & to make the
SHABBAT, December 25th
8:00 a.m. arrangements for the type of
8:45 a.m. Kiddush you want to sponsor.
Shacharit
9:33 a.m. Checks need to be received
Sof Zman Kriat Shma
3:50 p.m. Kiddush date.
Mincha Followed by Seudah Shlishit
5:07 p.m. Send to David Cohen at
19 Mansfield Avenue.
SUNDAY, December 26th - THURSDAY, December 30th There are three types
Earliest Tallit & Tefillin 6:20 a.m. of Kiddushim:
Shacharit...Sunday 8:15 a.m. Standard for $150,
Followed by Rabbi Weinberg’s Gemara Shiur & Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Semi-Deluxe for $250
Studying Masechet Makot & Deluxe for $350
Shacharit...Monday - Thursday 6:45 a.m. With supplements available.
Mincha/Maariv @ Agudas Achim 4:10 p.m.
For Seudah Shlishit contact
FRIDAY, December 31st Stan Rutstein at 232-3369
Shacharit 6:45 a.m.
KIDDUSH SCHEDULE
12/25 Weinberg

Kiddush Supplement
Jeremy & Ann Pava
in memory of
December 31st, 2010 - January 7th, 2011 OR
Shabbat Mevorchim Parshat Va’era SEUDAH SHLISHIT
FRIDAY, December 31st Shul handles set up & Clean up!

Shacharit 6:45 a.m. Contact Judie Patel at 236-4178
Mincha/Maariv 4:11 p.m. or judiep@gmail.com to
Candle Lighting 4:16 p.m. check the availability of the date
you need & to make the
SHABBAT, January 1st
8:00 a.m. arrangements for the type of
8:45 a.m. Kiddush you want to sponsor.
Shacharit
9:36 a.m. Checks need to be received
Sof Zman Kriat Shma
3:55 p.m. Kiddush date.
Mincha Followed by Seudah Shlishit
5:12 p.m. Send to David Cohen at
19 Mansfield Avenue.
SUNDAY, January 2nd - THURSDAY, January 6th There are three types
Earliest Tallit & Tefillin 6:22 a.m. of Kiddushim:
Shacharit...Sunday 8:15 a.m. Standard for $150,
Followed by Rabbi Weinberg’s Gemara Shiur & Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Semi-Deluxe for $250
Studying Masechet Makot & Deluxe for $350
Shacharit...Monday - Wednesday 6:45 a.m. With supplements available.
Shacharit...Thursday - Rosh Chodesh Shvat 6:30 a.m.
Mincha/Maariv @ Agudas Achim 4:15 p.m. For Seudah Shlishit contact
Stan Rutstein at 232-3369
FRIDAY, January 7th
Shacharit 6:45 a.m.
KIDDUSH SCHEDULE

Kiddush Supplement
Jeremy & Ann Pava
in memory of

December 18 10

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YOUNG ISRAEL OF WEST HARTFORD

2240 ALBANY AVENUE

This week Steven Bernstein and I traveled to Wes-

Editor: Judie Patel Rabbi Brahm Weinberg 860-233-3084 or

FRIDAY, December 24th Shul handles set up & Clean up!

Ner La’Maor Pat La’Orchim

FRIDAY, December 31st Shul handles set up & Clean up!

Ner La’Maor Pat La’Orchim

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