24 Years in Skokie! 151 Years Serving Chicagoland!

THE BETH HAMEDROSH HAGODOL

KESSER MAARIV ANSHE LUKNIK NEWSLETTER
SHEVAT / ADAR 5778
JANUARY / FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
www.KesserMaariv.org
Stay Updated on Facebook @KesserMaariv Twitter@Kesser Maariv*Shiurim at KesserMaariv.pododmatic.com áñØã
UPCOMING EVENTS & DATES TO REMEMBER
Scholar-in-Residence & Melave Malka
February 2-3, 2018 In this issue:
Please join us on on Shabbat Parshat Scholar-in-Residence & Melave Malka
Yitro with Rabbi Menachem Tree of Life Sale Partners in Torah
Goldberger, rabbi of Congregation ARK Food Drive Happy Day Cards
Fast of Esther Shiurim
Tiferes Yisroel in Baltimore, a warm,
Purim Rabbi Juzint’s Books
Chasidishe shul. He is a native of Dvar Torah
Denver, graduated from Ida Crown
Jewish Academy (Class of ‘76), and is a
disciple of Rabbi Shloime Twerski. located in the shul lobby. Questions or for a pick-up
On Friday night we will hear call Larry Weinger at (847) 677-2198. We will be
some of the niggunim he composed at an Oneg collecting donations through February 19th.
Shabbat at 8:00 pm at the home of Lily & Gene Fast of Esther
Cherny, 9321 Lowell. Rabbi Goldberger will speak on The Fast of Esther will take place on Wednesday,
Shabbat morning. Rebbetzin Bracha Goldberger will February 28. The fast begins at 5:05 am, and ends
give a shiur for women at the Shul at 3:15 pm on after we read Megillah.
“Tomer Devorah - 13 Pathways to Compassion.” After On Wednesday afternoon February 28, we will
Shabbat please join us for a dairy Melave Malka at the daven Mincha at 5:20 pm (we have a custom to give
Shul at 8:00 pm where Rabbi Goldberger will discuss $1.50 as the Half-Shekel) and Maariv at about 5:50 with
“Be Holy, Be Human: Reflections on Kabbolas Megilla starting at 6:00 pm (don’t be late!)
Hatorah. Please make Melave Malka reservations to On Thursday March 1st Shacharit begins at 5:40
the office. See the enclosed flyer for more am and Megilla at about 6:05 am. Last Chance Megillah
information. reading will be at 4:40 pm, and enjoy a Purim Seudah
Etty Rubinow Tree of Life Sale (reservations required to the office) at 5:15 pm with
During the month of Shevat, which begins on entertainment by mentalist Jeff Bibik. See the enclosed
Wednesday January 17th through Thursday February flyer for details on the Purim Seudah.
15th, save 10% on all Etty Rubinow Tree of Life Please make reservations to Larry & Judy
plaques. Leaves are $90, Acorns are $450 and Weinger (847) 677-2198 or weinger@sbcglobal.net by
Foundation Stones are $900. February 21.
Contact the office at (847) 679-9800, email Seven Decades of Medinat Yisrael - Rabbi Benzie
bhhkmal@yahoo.com or use the online order form at will give a special d’var Torah on the Sanctity of Eretz
http://kessermaariv.org/tree%20of%20life.html Yisrael at Seudat Shlisheet on January 13th as part of a
ARK Food and Toiletry Drive citywide celebration.
Our annual ARK Food and Toiletry Drive is now Misheberach List
underway. Non-Perishable Kosher Food Items Needed: If you have names for a misheberach, please send them
Canned vegetables & fruits, boxed meals, rice, beans, to the shul office or e-mail to bhhkmal@yahoo.com.
pasta, cereals; condiments; baby formula & baby Happy Day Cards & Standings
foods; cake mixes; instant mixes like potatoes, gravies Thank you to all who have re-joined the “Standings!”
and sauces; canned tuna, salmon; Toiletries Needed: For only $50 a year, your name will automatically be
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, included whenever a card is sent from our shul to
deodorant, plastic bags, diapers, baby products, fellow members for a refua shlayma, condolence or
toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss. mazal tov. To join the standings, please contact the
Please drop off food donations in the blue bin office at (847) 679-9800 or bhhkmal@yahoo.com.
Also, cards 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, please contact the
office. Parsha Podcasts
Rabbi Louis Lazovsky's morning Vorts on the Parsha
are available as podcasts online at
KesserMaariv.podomatic.com (a link is on our
homepage, www.KesserMaariv.org). On the
Podomatic page you can subscribe via iTunes. The
previous page, Kmvort.podomatic.com has old vorts, but a
Podomatic glitch does not allow us to update it anymore.
Rabbi Meyer Juzint’s Nechamas Meyer - Mussar
on Parsha and The Chain of Miracles
These books - Mussar on Parsha and an amazing
Holocaust memoir written by a teacher of Rabbi Louis
Lazovsky and a friend of Kesser Maariv, are available
for purchase from the office, and from
www.kessermaariv.org and Amazon. Nechamas
Meyer is $25 and Chain of Miracles is $20.
Partners in Torah
Kesser Maariv is proud to host “Partners” on Mondays
from 8-9:00pm. Men and women are invited to come
learn Torah with a partner, and hear short inspirational
remarks at the end. Refreshments are served.
Questions? Contact Jeff Greenspan.
Congregation B.H.H. Kesser Maariv A.L.
4341 W. Golf
Skokie, IL 60076 Fb.me/KesserMaariv
(847) 679-9800 twitter.com/KesserMaariv
fax (847) 679-5041 KesserMaariv.podomatic.com
e-mail: bhhkmal@yahoo.com
www.KesserMaariv.org
Rabbi Louis A. Lazovsky
Steven D. Goldrich, President
Rabbi Ben Zion Lazovsky,
Associate Rabbi & Executive Director
Sandy Miretzky, Nasrin Kheradyar & Saretta Lazovsky,
Co-Presidents, Adele Goldblum Women’s Council
Committee Contact Information:
Happy Day Cards Saretta Lazovsky
(847) 676-0556 or lazovsky@juno.com
Chesed Fund Anne Elovic (847) 673-2904
Donate Books & Siddurim Office
(847) 679-9800 or bhhkmal@yahoo.com
Endowment Rabbi Louis Lazovsky
Kiddush & Seudat Shlisheet Judy Whisler
Membership 8/677-2281 j5awhisler@aol.com
Social Hall Rental Office
Tree of Life bhhkmal@yahoo.com
Yahrzeit Plaques (847) 679-9800
Daily Minyan
We have daily Shacharit which is alternating between
6:00 am and 6:10 am depending on sunrise. After
March 12th (Daylight Savings Time) minyan will begin
after 6:00 am, due to sunrise being so late.
Sunday, Mincha-Maariv 10 minutes before sunset.
Monday–Thursday, Maariv only at 7:00 pm.
Daily Mincha-Maariv will resume on March 13!
! Pick up a Kesser Maariv Pushke (Tzedaka Box). If
you have a full Pushke, please call Aron Lavon
at 773-418-2766, who will pick it up.
! Members may borrow books from our Lending
Library, located on the south side of the Social Hall.
Rabbi Soloveichik’s Sunday Parsha Shiur
Rabbi Moshe Soloveichik’s Sunday morning Parsha
shiur meets at 9:15 am. All are welcome to attend this
fascinating shiur.
Rabbi Benzie’s Gemara Shiur
We finished the 5th chapter in November and have
begun the 6th chapter which discusses the proper
blessings over different foods. This class is open to
everyone. JVS Chicago scholarships
Please visit http://jvschicago.org/scholarship/ for
college scholarchip opportunities.
Send-a-Kid-to-Israel-Partnership
Kesser Maariv is a proud partner in the SKIP program,
where parents, the Shul and the Jewish United Fund
contribute money towards an Israel Experience for our
youngsters. Next enrollment will be in November
2018. See Rabbi Benzie for details.
ADELE GOLDBLUM WOMEN’S COUNCIL
UPCOMING EVENTS
"Talking Statues." Travel virtually with Beth Sair
through the Chicagoland area to hear "Talking Statues"
tell their own compelling stories. Hear stories of
statues including Haym Salomon, Jane Addams and
many more. This will be held on Tuesday evening
January 23rd at 7:15 at the Shul.
Past Events - The Women's Council membership
event was a great start to the year. Many thanks to Sue
Goldrich for hosting the event and to the event
sponsors....We had a nice dinner with the women of
Libenu at Emma’s... Thank you to all of the women
who have become members of the Women's Council
this year. It is not too late! You can still send in $30
to become a member for the 2017-2018 year. Stay
tuned for upcoming programs.
Wendy Hartz Memorial Lecture - Ariela Davis
of Charleston, SC spoke on “One Life to Live: Making
it Meaningful.” The video of it is available on our
Facebook and Twitter pages.
 GOOD & WELFARE
Mazel Tov to: Michael Hartz on the engagement of
his daughter Rebeccah to Ron Schrag...Drs. Dinora
Ingberman & Larry Biel on the engagement of his
daughter Ariel, and on the upcoming marriage of her
son Dr. Jacob Valabov to TrudyAnn Edwards...Brenda
Kahn on the arrival of a granddaughter, Brianna Alise
Jocie, and Mazel Tov to great-grandmother Evelyne
Sternfeld...Chana Rifka Meyer on her Bat Mitzvah...
Ann Lavon and Aron Lavon on the birth of a grandson
in Israel to David & Rachael...Herb & Rita Lowenstein
on the birth of a grandson, Theodore Kalev, to David
Max & Kay in Oregon.
Celebrate your simcha on the Etty Rubinow Tree of Life!
Leaves are ON SALE DURING SHEVAT. See the flyer
enclosed or print the order form off of our website.
Welcome to Skokie: Bob Barsky
Refua Shleima to: Rabbi William Fertig, Bella Perlman
& all who need one.
Glad You’re Feeling Better: Rabbi Neil Brill, Rebetzin
Saretta Lazovsky.
Condolences to: Leonard Fensterheim on the passing of
his father Dr. Alvin, a beloved member of our Shul.
For information about ordering Yahrzeit plaques, please
call the office at (847) 679-9800.
Thank you to our recent Kiddush Sponsors: Sally Aaron,
Bob & Sheryl Greenstein, Gene & Lily Cherny, Drs.
Steve & Teri Steinberg, and anonymous sponsors.
Thanks to the Kats, Cherny, Zaretsky, Kipnis, Schwartz
& Meerovich families for sponsoring Kiddush in honor
of Yerushalayim.
Thank you to our recent Seudat Shlisheet Sponsors:
Judy & Larry Weinger, Ed & Marika Nissan, Jeff &
Eleanor Greenspan, Dan & Faith Harris, Steve & Sue
Goldrich, Gilda Allswang, Sandy & Marty Miretzky,
Rabbi Louis & Saretta Lazovsky, Mike Wishner.
DVAR TORAH
Tu B’Shevat - Wednesday January 31st. The “Jewish
New Year of Trees” has Halachik significance in the
Land of Israel, where the “Year” determines which tithes
are separated. Outside Israel, we emphasize our bonds
to Israel on Tu B’Shevat. Tu B’Shevat is nowadays also
celebrated as “Jewish Arbor Day” with large-scale
plantings in Israel.
Shabbat Shira - Friday January 26th. There is a custom
to feed the birds (putting out breadcrumbs) before we
light candles. The reason is because that Shabbat we
read about the Manna falling, and it did not fall on
Shabbat. Accordingly a double portion fell on Friday.
Agitators Datan and Aviram put out their Friday Manna
on Shabbat morning and told people that Moshe lied that
the Manna would not fall on Shabbat. However, before
people could see it, the birds ate the Manna, and there
was no desecration of G-d’s command, so we feed the
birds with gratitude.
The Four Parshiot - Before Rosh Chodesh Adar we
begin a series of four special Torah readings and
haftarot. Parshat Shekalim is on Shabbat, February 10.
It commemorates the annual required donation of a
one-half shekel coin that every Jew made to maintain the
Temple, to purchase the daily sacrifices and to conduct
a census of the Jewish people.
Parshat Zachor, Shabbat, February 24, is always read
on the Shabbat before Purim. All of us, even children,
are obligated to hear every word of the special maftir of
Parshat Zachor which discusses our obligation to destroy
Amalek. The Jewish people have been commanded to
wage a never-ending battle against evil. This special
Shabbat reminds us how and why.
Parshat Parah - Shabbat, March 10. In the time of the
Temple, everyone had to eat from the Paschal Lamb
(korban Pesach) on Passover. We read about the parah
adumah to remind everyone to ritually purify themselves
with the ashes of the Red Heifer (Parah Adumah) to be
able to eat the sacrifice. This reading should be heard by
everyone, even children.
Shabbat, March 17 is Parshat Hachodesh. The
additional reading discusses laws pertaining to the
Passover sacrifice and the importance of time, which is
the defining characteristic of the Jewish people. The
Almighty promised that the Jewish empire will be one
over time, as our sages expressed: “The nations of the
world are like the sun and the Jewish nation is like the
moon;” despite waning, always regenerating.
Fast of Esther (Wednesday February 28) – The day
before Purim is a fast day, commemorating the gathering
of the Jewish people for prayer before they defended
themselves against their attackers.
Purim (Wednesday night February 28 & Thursday
March 1)
As Megillat Esther teaches, Jews were hated in
every one of the 127 countries known in the ancient
world. Haman, a former stable worker who was
originally a slave to Mordechai, became the richest man
in the world. He bribed Achashverosh, King of Persia
and emperor of the ancient world, for permission to
annihilate the Jews. Once permission was granted,
Haman drew lots, or “Purim,” to select the day to
implement the final solution. Queen Esther prayed and
fasted for three days prior to her request of King
Achashverosh that the Jews should not be killed. The
original fast began the night of the first Passover seder.
Esther was only partially successful in that three-day
fast; it led the King to issue a proclamation permitting
the Jews to protect themselves, but the King’s original
order for the extermination of the Jews was not
rescinded. As a result, we prepared for a defensive war
on Purim. As during all times of danger, we did teshuva,
prayed and fasted for Hashem’s help. This second fast,
a communal fast, was held the day before Purim and
eventually became known as Taanit Esther to
commemorate Hashem’s answering the prayers of Esther
and Am Yisrael.
Four Mitzvot were ordained especially for Purim.
They are: 1) Reading or listening to the reading of the
Megillah at night and on the day of Purim to remind
ourselves of the hidden but ever-present hand of the
Almighty; 2) Mishloach Manot, or giving at least two
gifts of food to at least one person; 3) Matanot
Le'evyonim – giving two gifts of charity to at least two
poor people; and finally, 4) Purim Seuda, or eating the
festive Purim feast where we break bread together with
family, friends and strangers on Purim day. These
mitzvot help promote fellowship and love among Jews
and are as valid now as they were then.
Pesach & The First Seder begin on Friday
night, March 30, 2018!

SHABBAT SCHEDULE
Date Candle Lighting Friday Mincha Shacharit Shiur Mincha
Va’eira 1/12-1/13 4:21 pm 4:25 pm 8:45 am 3:10 pm 4:10 pm
Bo 1/19-1/20 4:29 pm 4:35 pm 8:45 am 3:20 pm 4:20 pm
Beshalach 1/26-1/27 4:38 pm 4:40 pm 8:45 am 3:30 pm 4:30 pm
Feed the Birds
Yitro 2/2-2/3 4:47 pm 4:50 pm 8:45 am 3:40 pm 4:40 pm
Mishpatim (Shkalim) 2/9-2/10 4:56 pm 5:00 pm 8:45 am 3:45 pm 4:45 pm
Terumah 2/16-2/17 5:05 pm 5:10 pm 8:45 am 3:55 pm 4:55 pm
Tetzaveh (Zachor) 2/23-2/24 5:14 pm 5:15 pm 8:45 am 4:05 pm 5:05 pm
Ki Tisa 3/2-3/3 5:22 pm 5:25 pm 8:45 am 4:15 pm 5:15 pm
Vayakhel Pikudei 3/9-3/10 5:31 pm 5:35 pm 8:45 am 4:20 pm 5:20 pm
(Parah)
Vayikra (Hachodesh) 3/16-3/17 6:39 pm 6:40 pm 8:45 am 5:30 pm 6:30 pm
If you have a chiyuv - obligation to daven or require an Aliya, please inform Rabbi Lazovsky before Shabbat.
To sponsor a kiddush or shalashudos, please call Judy Whisler at (847) 677-2281.

WEEKDAY SCHEDULE
Minyan Times Classes
Minyanim meet in the Kaufman Bais Midrash
Shacharit
Sunday: 8:00 am
Monday-Friday: 6:00 am
When sunrise is after 7:07 am (after 3/12),
Shacharit will begin after 6:00 am
Mincha-Maariv
Sunday: 10 minutes before sundown
Monday-Thursday Maariv at 7:00 pm
Daily Mincha-Maariv resumes on Mon 3/13
Sunday Morning at 9:15 am: Parsha Class in the
Weekly Sedra.
Given by Rabbi Moshe Soloveichik
Wednesdays at 7:15 pm (after Maariv): Talmud
Shiur studying Gemara Brachot (6th Chapter, Laws of Blessings on
Food) given by Rabbi Ben Zion.
Shabbat afternoon, 1 hour before Mincha: Parsha Class, given by
Rabbi Louis Lazovsky
For more learning opportunities, contact Rabbis B. or E. Lazovsky

Malamud Reference Library

Come and Learn from any of the hundreds of titles in our library.
Lending Library
Members may borrow books from our Lending Library, located on the south side of the Social Hall.
Tape Lending Library
We have tapes and digital audio files on many topics including Chumash, Talmud and Mussar.
 áñØã
CONGREGATION BETH HAMEDROSH HAGODOL
KESSER MAARIV ANSHE LUKNIK
4341 W EST GOLF ROAD # SKOKIE, ILLINOIS 60076 # (847) 679-9800

SERVING CHICAGOLAND FOR 151 YEARS

“TREE”MENDOUS SAVINGS
ON OUR TREE OF LIFE
* Honor a relative or friend
* Mark a special occasion
* Memorialize a loved one

During the month of Shevat (January 17 - February 15, 2018) you will
save 10% on all leaves, acorns and foundation stones on our Etty
Rubinow Tree of Life (ordered and paid for).
Wording can be in English, Hebrew or a combination of both.

Leaves are available for $100 $90 During Shevat

Acorns are available for $500 $450 During Shevat
Foundation Stones are available for $1,000 $900 During Shevat

Questions? Call the office at (847) 679-9800, or e-mail

bhhkmal@yahoo.com.

Tree of Life Order Form

Please check one: Text of Plaque
[ ] Leaf
[ ] Acorn ______________________________________
[ ] Foundation Stone

Name: _________________________________ ______________________________________

Phone Number: __________________________ ______________________________________

______________________________________
Email: _________________________________
__________________

Amount Enclosed: ____________ Please limit each Leaf to 4 lines plus the date

www.KesserMaariv.org # bhhkmal@yahoo.com # fax (847) 679-5041

 Purim 5778 at Kesser Maariv
Seudah
It is a Mitzvah to have a
festive meal on Purim.

Please join us on
Thursday, March 1, 5:15
pm, for a delicious
dinner from Taboun,
featuring beef and
chicken pitas
(Vegetarian by special
order).

Cost: $25 per adult

$12 children under 13
Sponsors-
Scepter $36
Congregation Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Crown $72
Kesser Maariv Anshe Luknik Palace $126
King $250
Parshat Zachor: Shabbat morning February 24, 2018 - Queen $360

Reservations Required:
Everyone is obligated to hear the special Maftir read on Please RSVP
Parshat Zachor which deals with the eradication of Amalek. by February 21 to
____________________________________________________________ Judy and Larry Weinger at
Tannit Esther – Fast of Esther: Wednesday February 28, 2018 - (847) 677-2198 or
weinger@sbcglobal.net
Fast begins 5:05 am
Shacharit- 5:50 am With Special
Mincha - 5:20 pm
Entertainment
Popular Mentalist,
Megillah reading - 6:00 pm Magician and Comedy
____________________________________________________________ Entertainer
PURIM DAY: Thursday March 1, 2018 -

Shacharit - 5:40 am
Last chance Megillah reading - 4:40 pm
Seudah – 5:15 pm (reservations required)

c
 Rabbi Menachem Goldberger
of Baltimore will be the

Scholar-in-Residence
At Congregation Kesser Maariv
4341 Golf in Skokie
Parshas Yisro, February 2-3, 2018

Dairy Melave Malka

(Yoshon and Cholov Yisroel)
February 3, 2018 at 8:00 pm
"Be Holy, Be Human: Reflections
on Kabbolas HaTorah." With Chassidishe niggunim!
$25 per person
Sponsorships Available: Silver $54, Gold $100,
Platinum $180, Diamond $360 (all per person)

Join us throughout Shabbos!

Oneg Shabbos (call for details) * Drasha
Shiur for women by Rebbetzin Bracha Goldberger on Shabbos
afternoon at 3:15 on "Tomer Devorah - 13 Pathways to Compassion."
For more details please visit
KesserMaariv.org, bhhkmal@yahoo.com or 847-679-9800
Rabbi Menachem Goldberger, a native of Denver, is a graduate of
the Ida Crown Jewish Academy (Class of 1976) and a disciple of
the Rebbe Shloime Twerski zt”l. A sixth generation Rabbi, he
founded Congregation Tiferes Yisroel in Baltimore in 1986, a
vibrant shul where many have benefitted from kind hospitality,
warm Chassidic tunes, and chesed. Rabbi Goldberger is involved
in many community organizations and has taught at several
institutions in the area. He has composed many Chassidic
niggunim and released a CD, “L’cha Dodi,” and his L’cha Dodi
melody is sung throughout the world.

Congregation BHH Kesser Maariv AL has served Chicagoland for over 150 years!
Facebook Fb.me/KesserMaariv Twitter @KesserMaariv KesserMaariv.podomatic.com