Parshat Mishpatim-Shekalim February 21, 2009 27 Shevat, 5769

Torah GNS TEFILLA DIGEST:

A Weekly Discussion about the Fundamentals of Jewish Prayer By Rabbi Brahm Weinberg – Rabbinic Intern
Artscroll, 416
Hertz, 306 This inspiring article about deduce different details about
that is paid to his tenure there.
Maftir tefillah is sponsored by his opinion from the various
You can still visit his grave in the
Artscroll, 484 David and Diane Rein in places that he speaks about it
Jewish cemetery and visit the
Hertz, 352 memory of Diane’s mother, and the reasons why he Altneuschule – the Old New
Haftorah Helene M. Fink z”l. mentions it in each of his Synagogue where he was the
Artscroll, 1212 writings. rabbi. The Maharal wrote many
Issue # 33 – Kriat Shma works on different on halacha and
Hertz, 992 (Part XII) In terms of his view of the
mitzvah of “ahavat Hashem,” Jewish philosophy including his
Mevorchim commentaries on the aggadic
Chodesh Adar
Over the last two weeks we we have outlined three basic
Tues 2/24 and have been discussing the aspects of how one reaches a sections of the Talmud and his
Wednesday 2/25 first verse of the shma and love of G-d: Contemplation of super-commentary on Rashi’s
Molad Tuesday 2/24 the commandment of loving the cosmos and the greatness of commentary on the Torah. The
5:39pm
G-d: “V’Ahavta et Hashem creation (Hil. Yisodei Hatorah Maharal was an original and
Times Elokecha,” “And you shall 2:2), a greater level innovative thinker who not only
Candle lighting 5:18 pm
love the Lord your G-d.” philosophical understanding of was involved in academic study
G-d (Hil. Teshuva 10:6), and but had new ideas about
Mincha 5:20 pm We have mainly focused
finally, studying the Torah community and about Jewish
our discussion of the love
Hashkama Minyan 8:00 am (Sefer Hamitzvoth: Positive education as well. He has
of G-d on the Rambam’s
Commandment #3). influenced some of the most
Parsha Shiur 8:30 am view of the mitzvah. The
serious of Jewish thinkers and
Youth 8:30 am Rambam is one of the most Many others have expressed
streams of Judaism up until today
major of medieval sources opinions about what it means to including the Vilna Gaon and
Main Minyan 9:00 am
and was a great codifier of love G-d, about how it is
Beit Midrash 9:15 am Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Hakohen
the halacha. Thus, it possible to love G-d, and how Kook]
Gemorah Shiur 4:15 pm follows that he would have one goes about acquiring this
much to say about every love. The Maharal’s book called
Mincha 5:10 pm Netivot Olam deals primarily with
mitzvah including this one.
Shabbat Ends 6:27 pm Furthermore, because the The Maharal, Rabbi Yehudah ethics as well as an elaboration of
Rambam wrote different Loewy of Prague was one of the most essential aspects of
Sunday, 7:30 am those rabbis who wrote
February 22, 8:30 am works both of halacha and Jewish life. He devotes an entire
philosophy examining his prolifically on the subject. section Netiv Ahavat Hashem –
Mon., Thurs., 6:35 am
position on any one issue [The Maharal was born in The Path of Loving G-d – to
Tues., & Wed., 6:30 am can be rich and deep Poland in the 16th century to a discuss the mitzvah of ahavat
Friday 6:45 am because it can be viewed rabbinic family. He later Hashem.
Second Shacharit
from different perspectives became the rabbi of an area of One of the things you might have
Minyan (Daily) 7:45 am depending where he speaks Moravia and ultimately settled been wondering about over the
about it. We can in Prague. If any of you have last few weeks is how the theme
Mincha (week of 5:30 pm
February 22) sometimes, as with this visited Prague you will of ahavat Hashem is connected to
mitzvah of loving G-d, remember the great attention the rest of the shma.
Late Ma’ariv 8:15 pm
Mon., - Thurs.,
Kiddush is sponsored by Seudah Shlishit
Latest times for
Shema/Shmoneh Esrei Sharona & Ben Ohebshalom Is sponsored by
February 21 9:24/10:19 am
in honor of the Anne & Harvey
February 28 9:18/10:14 am
2nd birthday Brenner
Next Shabbat - Terumah In memory of his
of their daughter father
Candle lighting 5:26 pm
Mincha 5:30 pm
rachel Joseph Brenner
26 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023 (516) 487-6100
Last week we saw the Sefer Hachinuch’s explanation of
how loving G-d is connected to the rest of the first passage
of the shma which is essentially about studying Torah and
keeping the commandments. He claims that one must
study the Torah to love G-d and one must love G-d to
properly fulfill the commandments!
What still remains to be explained is how loving G-d is
connected to the verse that precedes it in the Torah, “Shma
Yisrael Hashem Elokenu Hashem Echad,” “Hear O Israel
the Lord our G-d the Lord is One,” whose theme is the
Oneness of G-d.
One of the most original aspects of Maharal’s thought on
this subject is how he connects the mitzvah of ahavat
Hashem which is the first verse of the first paragraph of the
shma and the essence of the shma which is it’s opening
line, the verse that directly precedes it in the Torah which
speaks of the Oneness of G-d.
The Maharal says that:
“Man comes from G-d and man returns to Him,
just as everything must return to Him. There is
nothing other than G-d; He is one, and there is
nothing else…From this point of view we can
understand love. This is why it is said, “the Lord
our G-d, the Lord is One” (and immediately
thereafter) “You shall love the Lord your G-d” etc.
Because He is one, there is nothing in existence in
the world that is separate from Him, for all
depends upon and is attached to Him, for He is the
foundation of all. And that is why love is relevant
to G-d” (Netivot Olam: Ahavat Hashem Ch.1).
Everything exists because of G-d since He is the creator
and sustainer of all existence. If G-d is really one unified
whole unique and with no divisibility then all of existence
if part of that whole and so are we. It, therefore, makes
sense that we would be able to and be inclined to love G-d
if we are part of G-d and sustained by Him. Reality ties us
to G-d as our creator and we would not be alive or be
complete without G-d. This understanding is part of the
process that leads us to love G-d. Loving ourselves, our
lives, our station in life, and any part of our existence is
also a part of loving G-d because we and all that exists are
part of G-d and stem from Him. In addition, even if we
don’t feel any love for ourselves or our life, we still might
Great Neck Synagogue
Shabbat Activities Program
Dale Polakoff, Rabbi
Shalom Axelrod, Assistant Rabbi
Brahm Weinberg, Rabbinic Intern
Dr. Ephraim Wolf ,z”l, Rabbi Emeritus
Zeev Kron, Cantor
Eleazer Schulman, z”l, Cantor Emeritus
Mark Twersky, Executive Director
Howard Silberstein, President
Harold Domnitch, Chairman of the Board
Shabbat Announcements, Mishpatim-Shekalim 5769
gain a feeling of love simply by understanding that we owe our
lives to G-d.
The Divine Oneness and Unity that is described by the first
verse of the shma leads directly to the next verse in the Torah
which contains the mitzvah of loving G-d.
Thought to Ponder
Think of another reason why the theme of ahavat Hashem,
love of G-d is connected to the essence of the shma:
Oneness of G-d.
GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK
Tu B’Shevat honors Recycling
Tu B'Shvat, our Jewish Earth Day, foretells the
coming of spring and presents us an opportunity
to honor the cycles and recycling of nature.
From this Chag Ha'Ilanot, we may develop a
clearer understanding that the well being of
trees is intimately connected to the
well being of all creation.
Unfortunately due to the widespread
deforestation that is taking place across the world
to feed our paper addiction, we are losing that
delicate ecological balance in our planet that affects
our climate, animals, and water supply.
We are using up more trees that we can plant, and
must ultimately reduce our use of paper goods. The
paper products that we use everyday in our
homes—like toilet paper, tissue paper, towels and
napkins are made from what's called virgin tree
fibers, which come from forests. As more forests are
destroyed, we have fewer trees to help keep our soil
and water clean, provide habitat for wildlife, and
soak up carbon dioxide that causes global warming.
Switch to recycled paper goods. We would
collectively save close to 1.5million trees! Buy paper
goods with at least 50% post-consumer recycled
content. The higher the post-consumer content,
the greater the amount of materials that have
been through the entire recycling process -
and the greater the savings of precious
natural resources and energy.
SUNDAY, Feb.22, 10am
Men’s Club
Great Neck Synagogue
presents
“The DNA Connection -
Modern Jews
and the Ancient Hebrews”
power-point slide presentation with
Rabbi Yaakov Kleiman
Author of ‘DNA & Tradition’
The Center for Kohanim, Jerusalem, www.Cohen-Levi.org
DNA & Tradition
The Genetic Link to the Ancient Hebrews

Sisterhood Couples Night Out:

Saturday Evening, February 21, 8 pm
Sisterhood of Great Neck Synagogue
will be holding a Couples Night Out
on Saturday evening, February 21, 2009
at CUE BAR,
located at the corner of
Bell Blvd. and Northern Blvd. in Bayside.
The evening will feature
a dairy meal, games and live music.
The cost per couple will be $54.00 prepaid.
Price at the door will be $64.00

For reservations please call the

Synagogue office: 516-487-6100.
Checks are to be made out to GNS Sisterhood.
For information please contact event chairs.
Farla Frumkin, wfrumkin@optonline.net
Cindy Ludwig, ludwigs@optonline.net
or Sara Feldschreiber (487-1468)
 ANNOUNCEMENTS
RABBI REISMAN SATURDAY NIGHT TELECAST
In the Weinstein Torah & Technology Center Sat., 8pm www.gnstorah.org
SUNDAY BREAKFAST
Sunday Breakfast is sponsored by The Rabinowitz Family in memory
of Lea Rabinowitz, z”l. A siyum will take place at that time.
GNS PARSHA DISCUSSION GROUP
GNS has created a google group where members can post their
questions about the parsha and participate in a discussion with the
Rabbis and other members about the weekly Torah reading. In order
to join the group, send an email to rabbigns@gmail.com.
SISTERHOOD COUPLES NIGHT OUT
Feb. 21st, 8pm at Cue Bar, located on the corner of Bell Blvd. and
Northern Blvd. in Bayside. The evening will feature a dairy meal,
games, and live music. Cost per couple is $54. RSVP 487-6100
SHALOM BAYIT
UJA-Federation of NY’s Long Island Women’s Philanthropy invites you
to: One Thousand Hearts-One Voice Shalom Bayit: Sun., Feb. 22 at
10:30am-12pm. This event is for women only, a light dairy brunch will
be served. Hosted by Joan Katz at her home, Please RSVP with Galit
Reichlin at 677-1826.
SCOPE
The deadline for all articles and advertisements for the Pesach Scope
is Mon., Feb. 23rd. We urge our synagogue members to become a
scope sponsor in honor, or in memory of a loved one for $36. Submit
all Scope material to the office, or email it to drein@verizon.net.
SAVE THE DATE
The Sisterhood is proud to present a “Shabbat Kitchen” lecture by
Ruchie Axelrod, Tues. Feb. 24th at 8pm, at the home of Jessica
Shusterman, 14 Essex Road. Thank you to Lisa Stein for organizing
this event. Mark your calendars!
UPCOMING MEN’S CLUB EVENTS
Feb. 22– Talk by Rabbi Yaakov Kleiman on: “The DNA Connection–
Modern Jews and the Ancient Hebrews” with power-point slide
presentation.
March 17– Talk by Dr. Stu Greenstein (Professor of Surgery, Albert
Einstein College of Medicine) on the “Medical and Halachic side of
Kidney Transplants” with donors and recipients in attendance.
March 22– The annual Rabbi Dialogue, held at Temple Israel.
March 26- Avi Hoffman, actor-writer-comedian celebrates Jewish
culture in “A Mensch and his Musical” Tickets $36 in advance, email
gnsmensclub@optonline.net to reserve, or call 487-6100, checks made
out to GNS Men’s Club.
May 6– Talk by Michael Tuchfeld, Commentator and correspondent
Israel TV2 News—The Knesset Channel 99, co-sponsored by JPEF,
publisher of the Jewish Political Chronicle.
DOS YIDDUSH VORT MEETING
Dos Yiddush Vort celebrates Purim with the story of “A Fahrblondgete
Shalach Manot”. Wed., March 4th at 1:30pm in the Chalfin Room.
Enjoy a schmaychel, a glayzele tay, and some hamentaschen. All
welcome! For more info call Roz Wagner 487-9795.
AM HASEFER
Sally & Seymour Olshin Adult Ed Program is pleased to present a
discussion of the second volume of David Birnbaum’s Summa
Metaphysica series, “Summa Metaphysica II: God and Good” at the
Fischer home, 65 Bayview Ave. on Sat., March 21st at 9pm.
AMIT NEEDS DELIVERY PEOPLE
This year’s AMIT Mishloach Manot project has been a wonderful
success. Be a part of a community wide tzedakah project and help
deliver baskets on Purim, March 10th. Please contact Sara Shapiro
at 829-4390 or ilovered@optonline.net if you would like to help.
GMACH
Due to space limitations, we are now only accepting donations of
Wedding Gowns in excellent condition, vintage or new, so we can help
others less fortunate to make this special time in their life easier and
even more joyful! For more information please contact Cindy Gold at
482-9064 or chanarjc@gmail.com.
SAVE THE DATE
The 57th Annual Combined Sisterhood of Great Neck Ladies, Temple
Beth El, Thurs. April 30th at 6pm.
WITHIN OUR FAMILY
Mazal Tov to Ruth & Mel Klapper on the upcoming marriage of their
grandson Elliot Klapper, son of Carla & Josh Klapper to Ilisa Stein.
Mazal Tov to Zahava & Alf Slonim on the birth of a granddaughter,
born to their children Efrat Slonim & Johny Balcombe in Philadelphia.
NSHA HIGH SCHOOL PLAY
NSHAHS presents Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” this Saturday at 8:30pm
and Sunday at 7pm, at the GN North Middle School. For discounted
tickets please call Steven Blumner at 639-8941.
NSHAHS ADULT EDUCATIONAL SERIES
Monday, Feb. 23rd, 8pm at NSHAHS, “Fatah-Hamas: The Palestinian Civil
War and Israel’s Security” presented by Jonathan Schanzer.
SHOP DELIGHT DISCOUNT CARDS
The Sisterhood of GNS is selling VIP Shop Delight Cards for $10. The VIP
cards give you 5% off all purchases at Shop Delight, and do not have an
expiration date. Contact Diane Rein at drein@verizon.net to purchase.
SAVE THE DATE
Drora & Paul Brody have been selected as the Eretz Yisrael Awardees
at the 7th Annual Journal Dinner of Manhigut Yehudit (New Jewish
Leadership) to be held on Sushan Purim, Wed. March 11th, at the
Sands of Atlantic Beach. For more info please call 516-295-3222.
HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR COOKBOOK FOR SALE
The Sisterhood Gift Shop is now selling the Holocaust Survivor Cookbook
for $30. It includes 250 kosher family recipes, and 129 amazing and
miraculous stories of courage, survival, and hope.
SAVE THE DATE
The NSHA Annual Scholarship Dinner, celebrating its 54th year, is on Sun.
March 22nd at 5pm at the Woodbury Jewish Center honoring “our
children.” To RSVP and contribute to the schools’ scholarship fund please
call Mr. Arnie Flatow, Executive Director at 487-8687 ext 133.
DOCUMENTARY
Devorah Wang Etzion has produced a documentary film on the life of
her father, Samuel H. Wang, z”l that will be shown on Sunday, March
22nd, 11am at North Shore Towers Cinema. To attend RSVP by March
11th to Devorah at 516-721-2851.
Saturday, 27 Shevat
Sharon Herman for Joseph Adler
Gerald Marcus for Harry Marcus
Uri Rosin for Miriam Aldouby
Morris Seidman for Mala Seidman
Sunday, 28 Shevat
Frank Bachrach for Ludwig Bachrach
Oded Daskal for Dov Daskal
Y Shulamid Gavronsky for Israel Kopelowitz
Howard Lorber for Ronald Lorber
A Monday, 29 Shevat
Murray Rabinowitz for Lea Rabinowitz
H Stephen Rabinowitz for Lea Rabinowitz
R Judith Weinstein for Fanny Weisman
Tuesday, 30 Shevat
Z Kenneth Magida for Abraham Bilsky
Hilda Schulman for Cantor Oscar Trainer
E George Schuman for Bernard Schuman
I Wednesday, 1 Adar
Pnina Aronowitz for Rafael Asor
T Ronald Braun for Emil Braun
Harvey Brenner for Joseph Brenner
Paul Brody for Rabbi Abraham Brown
Paul Brody for David Brody
Joyce Dacher for Marvin Wolfman
Herbert Eckstein for Gerard Eckstein
Irving Forman for Frances Deresh
Hindi Lunzer for Ruchel Mermelstein
Lili Weiss for Zeev Krendal
Thursday, 2 Adar
Michele Wolf for Philip Berman
Friday, 3 Adar
Henry Dicker for Max Dicker
Milton Mitzner for Pearl Ducker