7/20/07

A Word From the Rabbi

As we stand during the 9 days of mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temples, it’s befitting to reflect on the teaching of our sages, “Gedola tzedaka shemikareves es hageulah,” the power of giving charity is great as it hastens the redemption and the rebuilding of the third Beit Hamikdosh. What better time than now to increase our acts of charity, as we utilize this time period to focus on how we can bring about the future redemption. We have a unique giving opportunity for you that will yield results to greatly benefit our congregants during the High Holidays.  As we warm up for the New Year and the High Holiday season at Chabad, we’ve set a goal to purchase 700 sets of new machzorim, High Holiday prayer books.  This new, updated version of the traditional machzor features new clear typeset and easy to follow instructions. Some of the features include: instructions for sitting, standing, and other customs; transliterated essentials like Kaddish and Borchu, appear as needed - no page flipping necessary; headings identify major prayer sections, and many more helpful user-friendly additions - all this in a clear new English and Hebrew typesetting! In order to meet our goal which will immeasurably enhance the High Holiday services, we need your help!  We were lucky enough to receive a generous pledge to cover 100 sets of prayer books, at $44.00 per set.  We still need sponsors for 600 sets and we’re counting on your to make this undertaking a reality!  I'm sure you recognize that the holiest prayers of the year are recited on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur and you can dedicate these prayer books in honor or in memory of a family member or friend.  Visit www.chabad5towns.com/machzor for sponsorship opportunities, where you can indicate the text for the dedication label to appear inside each set you sponsor.   I’m counting on you, and I look forward to receiving your response. Best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Zalman Wolowik

This Monday night and Tuesday, we observe the fast of Tisha B'Av, mourning the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem. The Temples' destruction represents the greatest tragedy in Jewish history, for it marks our descent into Galut - the state of physical exile and spiritual displacement in which we still find ourselves today. Thus the Destruction in mourned as a tragedy that affects our lives today, 2,000 years later, no less than the very generation that experienced it first hand.

Yet the Ninth of Av is also a day of hope. The Talmud relates that Moshiach (the Messiah), was born at the very moment that the Temple was set aflame and the Galut began. Our hearts are filled with hope and prayer for the rebuilding of the third Beit Hamikdosh. The following is our Tisha B’av schedule:

TISHA B'AV SCHEDULE OF SERVICES:

MONDAY, JULY 23: 8:18 pm Fast Begins • 8:45 pm Maariv, followed by Eicha
TUESDAY, JULY 24: 6:15 am Shacharit, (without Tallit and Tefillin)
7:30 pm Mincha (with Tallit and Tefillin, Reading of the Torah)
followed by Maariv • 8:52 pm Fast Ends

	Upcoming Events

Kiddush
The Kiddush at Chabad this week is available for sponsorship. If you'd like to sponsor a future kiddush in honor or in memory of a family member or friend, please contact Dr. Muller at 516-569-0169.

Monday, July 30 • Mom’s Night Out
Chabad's Friendship Circle presents a special night for all moms of children with special needs. Join together with other mothers for a relaxing night and to learn the art of sushi making. 8:00 pm at the home of Mrs. Yaffa Goldsmith, 464 West Broadway in Cedarhurst. $5.00 per mom. Call Batsheva to RSVP, 516-295-2478, ext. 13.

Monday, July 30 • Farbrengen
All men are invited to join us in celebrating the 15th of Av, 8:15 pm at Chabad.

Monday, August 6 • Art & Soul
Please join us for an evening of elegance and entertainment under the stars: Art Show & Auction with world renowned Artist, Michoel Muchnik. The Art & Soul evening will be held at the home of Andrew & Elyse Goldstein, 99 Willow Road, Woodsburgh, New York; 7:30 pm. $18 Covert • Sushi Bar & Drinks. A sale and exhibit of the artist's array of awe-inspiring masterpieces will benefit the Jean Fischman Chabad Center of the Five Towns. To RSVP and for more information please call 516-295-2478 or visit www.ChabadFiveTowns.com. Look out in the mail for our invitation this week.