Monday, July 31, 2006

Talmud Torah B'Rabbim & Tehillim - R' Haber - The Mitzvah of Yishuv & Visiting Eretz Yisroel - Even in Dangerous Times - Tuesday 8:00PM at CAY

Talmud Torah B'Rabbim & Tehillim
For Our Brethen in Eretz Yisroel

R' Yakov Haber
The Mitzvah of Yishuv & Visiting Eretz Yisroel - Even in Dangerous Times

Followed by Tehillim & Maariv

Tuesday August 1st-8:00 PM

Congregation Ahavas Yisroel
147-02 73rd Avenue

Friday, July 28, 2006

Help Israeli Refugees

Thousands of Israeli families are fleeing rockets, missiles, war and terror in the North and South of Israel. The scenes are staggeringly reminiscent of the Katrina refugee crisis in the US as hundreds seek temporary refuge in public buildings. But with a vacuum of government money, major funds are required to feed and shelter the growing number families from Naharia, Haifa, Zefat and Tiberias desperate to escape cowering in crowded, sweltering and dangerous bomb-shelters.

In response Beit Shemesh is the first Israeli town to open its public facilities and has absorbed the largest number of Israeli refugees. Lema'an Achai and Deputy Mayor of Beit Shemesh, Shalom Lerner, have been mandated to raise the funds for this massive humanitarian effort. There are currently no Government Funds available (there's a war going on) and so the money either has to be raised privately, or the refugees will have to be sent back to the rockets and terror. Meanwhile, the phone is constantly ringing with pleas from families, indeed whole communities, now seeking refuge in Beit Shemesh.

500 people are currently sheltering in Beit Shemesh and up to 1000 people are expected to pass through the temporary accommodation in local schools as the conflict intensifies. Immense pressure is on a community-wide alliance to cover costs of meals and shelter.

Lema'an Achai, www.lemaanachai.org, the largest charitable welfare organization in Beit Shemesh, with over 400 qualified professional volunteers, has agreed to cover expenses to feed the families seeking shelter. Existing funds have now depleted during this past week. Urgent funding is now required to provide food (three meals a day) and all basic social needs. The cost is $10 a day per person, which means $5000 is needed every single day. Nobody knows how long the war will last - but the plan is to accommodate 1000 refugees, for a period of a month. A $300,000 humanitarian operation.

In this War, Israel's friends and supporters are not being asked to put their lives on the line. But they are being asked to help, to the utmost of their ability, with meeting the costs of this humanitarian crisis in Israel.

We ask you to donate generously to the dedicated Lema'an Achai "Refugee Relief Fund", all of which is specifically to meet these emergency needs.

In the (happy!) event that any funds raised are not required for Refugee Relief (the War finishes, the families go home...) they will be used for other critical charitable services.

US Tax Deductible Donations:
Checks payable to: "US Friends of Lema'an Achai"
Memo line - "Refugee Relief"
PO Box 532, Oceanside, NY 11572-0532

UK Tax Deductible Donations:
Cheques payable to "Jewish Aid Committee"
c/o Refugee Relief Fund - Lema'an Achai,
40/7 Nachal Lachish,
Ramat Beit Shemesh,
99093, Israel.

Canadian Tax Deductible Donations:
Checks payable to: "Shaarei Tefilah Charity Fund" -
Memo Line: Refugee Relief Fund - Lema'an Achai
C/O Murray Shore, 31 Marwill Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3H 3L2

Israel Tax Deductible Donations:
Checks Payable to "Lema'an Achai - Refugee Relief Fund"
40/7 Nachal Lachish,
Ramat Beit Shemesh,
99093, Israel.

24 Hour Credit Card Service in Israel - +972 (0)2. 99.999.33

Any questions - feel free to contact me , or call me on +972-2-9997107.

Thank you for your most generous support.

"Rak Besorot Tovot" - We should hear only good news.
David

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Tehillim For Our Brethen in Eretz Yisroel - Sunday 7/23 at 2:00 PM

Tehillim For Our Brethen in Eretz Yisroel

Tehillim Gathering

Followed By Mincha

Sunday July 23
2:00 PM - 2:40 PM

Congregation Ahavas Yisroel
147-02 73rd Avenue

Saturday, July 22, 2006

OU Israel Emergency Fund

THE NEED TO ACT IS URGENT!

Severe food shortages
Lack of clothing, medicine and basic necessities
Need for toys and games for children who have to spend their days in underground bomb shelters.
This is the assessment given to the Orthodox Union by Seymour J. Abrams OU World Center in Jerusalem Director Rabbi Avi Berman, after visiting communities in Northern Israel.

In response, the OU has set up the Israel Emergency Fund. The Orthodox Union will be collecting funds which will be distributed through the OU World Center in Jerusalem to all affected areas in the North and wherever else help is needed.

At this important and critical time in Israel, we appeal to you to stand with your Jewish brothers and sisters in Israel. Please find it in your heart to give generously.

You can donate online here (go to OU site)
Or by check made out to:
Orthodox Union with "Israel Emergency Fund" in the memo of the check

Mail to:
OU Israel Emergency Fund
11 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004

For more information, please call 212-613-8329 or email Roberts@ou.org







www.ou.org




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TEHILLIM & MINCHAH SUNDAY AT 2:00

On Sunday, July 23, at 2:00 PM, Tehillim will be recited in the shul on behalf of Eretz Yisroel. Minchah will follow Tehillim.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Letter from Barry Katz's Sister

Dear Barry,
This is to let you know what our yishuv is doing to help the
families being bombed in northern Israel. Do you think your
community would be able to join our efforts. I am attaching
some pictures of the families at the guest house.


While the fighting goes on in the North of Israel, our hearts
and prayers are with our brave soldiers and with the
residents of the cities, towns, moshavim and kibbutzim who
are under attack. We have opened our community to the people
who are unable to remain in their homes and are forced to sit
in cramped and dismal bomb shelters, while rockets land all
around them.
As of now there are twenty families who have come to the
relative safety of Shadmot Mechola, our yishuv in the north
Jordan Valley, and we plan to host another ten families by
this Shabbat. This is the second summer in a row that
families in Israel are forced to leave their homes and we all
have the obligation to surround them with our love and concern .
The Shadmot Neriya Hesder Yeshiva and adjacent Guest House
have offered thirty rooms to these unexpected guests for as
long as it will be necessary. Each air-conditioned room has
up to six beds, sheets and towels included, and a kitchenette
equipped with a refrigerator. The dining hall is open twenty
four hour a day for snacks- hot and cold drinks and cake. The
families have unlimited access to the swimming pool, TV room
and recreation center on the moshav. Each person, over the
age of three, pays $6.50 per day to help cover the cost. We
are also able to provide three meals a day in the yeshiva
dining hall for only $20 a day. Of course this is subsidized
and not the realistic, full price. We would like to be able
to increase the subsidy for full board by another $5.00 per
person.
We are also arranging activities for these unfortunate
families, whose routine of life have been disrupted. Today
we ordered a bus to take the parents and children to visit
the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem, and in the evenings we will
organize special activities for all of the adults.
We would like you to join us in providing a comfortable, safe
and relatively secure stay for the families from the northern
cities of Nahariya, Kiryat Shmona, Haifa, Tzfat and Tiberius
etc., who were forced to leave their homes.
$50.00 will help subsidize three meals a day for ten people. $100.00 will help us host a family for Shabbat. $500.00 will cover the cost of a bus trip or other organized
activity.
G-d willing, this time we will show the Hizbollah and Hamas
terrorists that we are not the passive victims of their
murderous attacks and the world will see how in the time of
need, Clal Yisrael is strong and united.

Please have contributions
sent to:
Jordan Valley Development Fund – Emergency Campaign
C/o Geller and Company
800 3rd Avenue
NY 10022
Att: Lauren Ruskin –

Or

Jordan Valley Development Fund
Shulamit Kaminsky
Shadmot Mechola
Israel 10932

Summer Navi Shiur For Women - By Rabbi Zvi Lew

Congregation Ahavas Yisroel Women’s League
Presents a Summer Navi Shiur For Women

Rabbi Zvi Lew

“Topics in Sefer Shoftim”

Monday Evenings
July 24, 31, August 7, 14, 21, 28
In the Shul
Please Bring a Mikraos Gedolos Sefer Shoftim

Congregation Ahavas Yisroel - 147-02 73rd Avenue

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Rabbi Haber's Divrei Hisorerus - MP3

Rabbi Haber's Divrei Hisorerus from last night's Tehillim gathering can be downloaded here.

Here is a summary.

We Must Feel That We Outside of Eretz Yisroel are at War

Rabbi Herschel Schachter points out that, according to halacha, Jews from all over can be drafted to fight a war, no matter where they live. The only reason we are not drafted is that it’s not practical. Nonetheless, we have to realize that we are all at war and subject to the draft. Even though we’re not actually fighting we have to feel the urgency that those of us outside of Eretz Yisroel are also at war. If we don’t feel that urgency, we have to do soul searching and make sure that we don’t feel separate from the Tzibur, which according to the Rambam would brand us as apikorsim. We have to truly feel that we are at war and are sharing in the battle.

If We Are Not Actually Fighting, We Need to Support the Soldiers with The Spiritual Merit of Tefillah and Torah Study

The Rambam writes that if somebody does not go to war because he is faint hearted, then the blood of those who perish in battle is on his hands. Perhaps this does not apply only to those who are actually fighting, but also to those who are fighting in different ways. We know that when Yaakov battled Esau he prepared for war, tried political appeasement and also davened. We see that in the time of Yehoshua there was also an obligation to learn Torah, when not fighting. Certainly, If we are not actually fighting, we should engage in more Torah study and Tefillah for the merit of those that are actually fighting. Rambam writes that in times of danger, a soldier should sense an obligation to fight courageously, because if he doesn’t more causalities will be suffered. We need to have the same attitude and think that if we don’t daven or learn properly, we will G-d forbid, cause more causalties to be suffered.

Tehillim Requires Higher Levels of Kavannah to Be Effective
Both the Meshech Chochmah and the Brisker Rav say that in the incident of Shechem, Yaakov was davening for the brother’s success. And the Torah uses the terms sword and bow to describe his prayer. They explain that a sword can cause damage if you just swing it without the greatest precision, but a bow and arrow, on the other hand, requires skill and application in order to be effective. So too our davening. Our fixed Shemoneh Esrai is like a sword. It has tremendous power even without the highest level of kavannah. This is because of the power invested in the Shmoneh Esrai by the Men of the Great Assembly. But the extra prayers and Tehillim we say are like a bow and arrow, if we don’t have the proper kavannah when saying them, they won’t be effective. Included in the extra Tefillos is the Vehu Rachum portion of Tachunun that we say on Monday and Thursday. Vehu Rachum is a tremendous opportunity to daven and beseech Hashem. As long as the Beis Hamikdash is not rebuilt, we need to take advantage of this Tefillah and not rush it our be happy on days in which it is not said.

Saying Vehu Rachum With Kavannah
We need to understand the meaning of the words we are saying in Tehillim and our extra Tefillos )(like Vehu Rachum). For the bow and arrow of these prayers to be effective, we need kavannah, which requires that we understand the words. In order for this type of davening to be effective we should take the time to learn the meaning of the words. Since most of us are not masters of the Hebrew language, we need to daven slowly in order to understand what we are saying. As the Shulchan Orach says, “Better a liitle with Kavannah, rather that a lot without”. Instead of rushing Vehu Rachum, perhaps we should say one paragraph slowly with kavannah. Since this is an extra prayer in the davening with a different level of obligation than the other parts, we need not say the whole thing if saying less will increase our kavannah.

Hashem’s Salvation and His Granting Us Success
In Hallel, we ask Hashem to both save us and to make us successful. Saving us refers to when we are not making efforts, like in the Gulf War where America insisted that Israel not even fire one missile. And Hashem did save us from the tens of incoming Scud missiles, with only one death. It’s easier to turn to Hashem when that is our only course of action. There are no atheists in a foxhole because there are no alternatives but to turn to Hashem. But when we are making efforts, like in the current war, we need to turn to Hashem in the same way. We need to have Bitachon and realize that it is all in His hands, even with the military might of Israel. Hashem alone is the Master of War.

Words of Consolation
In these times of danger, we should also add to our deeds of lovingkindness. We need to focus our Tefillos, our additional Tefillos, our Torah study and acts of lovingkindess for them to be effective. We don’t want the responsibility of not doing our part and, G-d forbid, causing any extra casualties. We should keep in mind that ultimately we will be successful in beating our enemies and rebuilding the Beis Hamikdash. But our Torah, Tefillah and Gemilas Chasadim will determine how much pain we will endure in the process. In a hesped delivered for a fallen soldier, Effie Eitan cited the prophecy of Bilaam that all the haters of Israel will perish and those who suffered will be resurrected in the time of Moshiach so that they will be able to see, with their own eyes, the victory of the Jewish People. Hashem should accept our Tefillos and the intense service of our soldiers to bring us to true peace, which will only occur with the building of the Beis Hamikdash. And we should remember that it is only our distance from Hashem that prevents this salvation from occuring.

Tehillim with Divrei Hisorerus - Tonight 7/19 - 9:00 PM Sharp at CAY

Tehillim with Divrei Hisorerus
For Our Brethen in Eretz Yisroel

Tehillim
9:00 PM Sharp

Divrei Hisorerus
R’ Yakov Haber

Followed By Maariv

Wednesday July 19th-9:00 PM

Congregation Ahavas Yisroel
147-02 73rd Avenue

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Shul Tehillim Gathering Wednesday, July 19 at 9:00 PM

The Shul will be gathering to say Tehillim on Wednesday, July 19 at 9:00 PM.

Rabbi Eliyashav Requests That We Say Tehillim 13, 70, 83, 125, 128, 130, 142

Rabbi Eliyashav requests that we say Tehillim 13, 70, 83, 125, 128, 130, 142.

Rabbi Welcher strongly encourages us to heed this request.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Seven Ways You Can Help Israel

by Danny Verbov
Israel needs your help. Here's what you can do.


A plane is about to land, and the pilot suddenly has a heart attack. The co-pilot takes over, but can't take the pressure and faints. With no time to spare, one of the hostesses grabs the microphone and screams "Can anyone fly a plane?"

A man gets up from Row 6 and says, "I can't fly a plane, but I'm willing to follow instructions from the control tower."

He rushes into the cabin, links up with the control tower, lands the plane safely and saves everyone on board. He becomes an international hero.

Airline pilots are not heroes. It's their job to land planes safely, but sometimes, in emergencies, they need the help of the simple passenger.

In Israel today, the army and the Government are doing their jobs. They're doing all they can.

But there is no guarantee they will land the plane safely.

They need your help...

Because every single Jew is on that plane called Israel...

Follow the Instructions

Our control tower instructions are very straightforward.

They have been proven for almost 4,000 years:

1. Pray.
2. Cry.
3. Study Torah.
4. Believe.
5. Repent.
6. Do good.

Not as complicated as landing a plane, but immeasurably more effective.

It's Your Responsibility

Rabbi Elchonon Wasserman, one of the greatest Torah leaders in Eastern Europe during the Holocaust said this before he was murdered by the Nazis: "In times of trouble, anyone who can strengthen themselves and doesn't transgresses the command of "standing by while your neighbor's blood is being spilt." Literally. Because every effort by every single Jew has the power to prevent bloodshed and save the Jewish people. And if someone has the capability and doesn't do anything, he's an accomplice to destruction, preventing the preservation and salvation of the Jewish people with his own hands."

Strong words indeed, but it was the actions of one man who saved that plane... and it was the actions of one man, Pinchas, who saved the Jewish people from a terrible plague in the Torah portion we read just yesterday.

Just Do It!

Fellow Jews! Now is the time to follow instructions... (choose one, two, or however many you want -- they all work if done from the heart!)

1. Pray

Pray like you've never prayed before. Think of those poor soldiers caught in the hands of Hezbollah and Hamas terrorists...

Think of their mothers and fathers... yes, stop reading this now and think...imagine yourself in that position...

Think of the children and families shaking from fear in shelters in Sefad, in Haifa, in Nahariya... These are people like you and me, whose only 'crime' is being Jewish...

2. Cry

Yes cry! There's nothing wrong with crying... and genuine tears can reach the Throne of Heaven!

When we cry, we attach our hearts to the hearts of other Jews... we become one... we become stronger...

3. Study Torah

If you don't study, decide to start, for the sake of the kidnapped soldiers, for the sake of the people of Israel. Read one chapter a day, one verse... something!

And if you do, then dedicate your learning to Israel, take on something new every day, vow to focus more... something!


4. Repent

Make no mistake...

When Jews are attacked, when Jews are being killed, the entire Jewish people is under threat. Our history is full of it. When we stray from God we suffer and when we return to Him our fate improves. It's that simple.

Make God real in your life... Do what's right.

5. Believe

Who's gonna get us out of this?

The Israeli Army?

The Israeli Government?

Lebanon?

Bush?

The U.N.?

Every Jew must surely realize we only have the Almighty to rely on... He's proven His belief in us for thousands of years... after all, the Jewish people are still here... He believes in you -- all you have to do is believe in Him...

6. Kindness.

Give, give, give... money, clothes, food for the soldiers... helping unfortunate families in your community... donating 10% of your income to a good cause... just do it!

Oh, and there's the seventh way you can help...

Get on a plane today...
http://www.aish.com/societyWork/society/Seven_Ways_You_Can_Help_Israel.asp

Saturday, July 15, 2006

We currently stand between Shiva Asar B’Tamuz and Tisha B’Av, bein haMetzarim, an historically bleak time for the people of Israel going back to their travels in the desert. This year, again, the safety and security of our brethren in all regions of the Land of Israel are in peril as they face incessant attacks from their terrorist neighbors. While Israel’s defense forces are doing all they can to protect its citizens and free its captured soldiers as soon as possible, we know that these events affect the lives of all klal Yisrael, all the people of Israel, and mandate a response from each and every Jew.

It is imperative that we in the American Jewish community do our utmost to show our strong support and solidarity with our besieged brethren in Israel.

Below are seven suggestions of what you and your congregation can do today in this time of pain. Please share this with your synagogue's leadership and members.



A sincere spiritual response from each and every Jew

Prayers for the Hostages and Civilians (with names)

Thank President Bush for his steadfast support

Contact your elected officials

Organize and attend rallies in your community

Contact your local media outlets

Counter media bias

Support Magen David Adom


See more at OU.org

Friday, July 14, 2006

Please Pray for 4 Children Critically Injured in Tsfat

The public is asked to pray for 4 children, some unconscience, critically injured in Tsfat:

Michal bat Revital
Bat-tzion bat Revital
Avraham Natan bat Revital
Odel Hannah bat Revital

Friday, July 07, 2006

"Why Did moshe Hit the Rock"

If you want a very interesting shiur on why Moshe hit the rock go to http://www.ouradio.org/ouradio/channel/C291/

Why did Moshe hit the rock? The ideas of the Maharal as explained by Rav Hutner and the Ideas of Rav Shimon Schwab

If you have questions or comments for Esther Wein please send them to: estherwein@ouradio.org

CHUKAS-BALAK

There will be a Kiddush after davening in honor of Bernardo & Risa Grajower and family who will go on Aliyah this summer.

Renee Levy lost a gold & diamond necklace in the shul. If you found it or know of someone who found an item like this, please contact the Levy's at 718-793-1584.

There will be a shipment of children's clothes to Kiryat Sefer, going out the second week of August. Details will be forthcoming.

R' Yakov Haber will be giving his weekly shiur at 8:45.
R' Yechezkel Rosenberg will not be leading the Chavrusa program at 9:30 AM


Z’manim:

Erev Shabbos Plag Minchah : 6:35

Candle Lighting for 1st Plag Minyan 20 minutes after Mincha & not before

Erev Shabbos Second Plag Minchah: 7:30

Candle Lighting for 2nd Plag Minyan 20 minutes after Minchah

Candle Lighting: 8:11

Hashkama Minyan: 7:15

Daf Yomi: 7:25

Shacharis: 8:30

Rav Welcher’s Shiur in Pesachim: 5:00

Shabbos Minchah: 6:00

Pirkei Avos by R’ Shaul Gross 8:50

Maariv: 9:19



Have a good Shabbos!

Visit the AY Blog http://caykgh.blogspot.com

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Rabbi Welcher on the Kinnah of R' Meir M'Rotenberg and Thoughts on the 3 Weeks

Rabbi Welcher on the Kinnah of R' Meir M'Rotenberg and Thoughts on the 3 Weeks can be downloaded here.

R' Yechezkel Rosenberg on "R' Moshe's Teshuva on Not Participating in a Zimun at a Wedding - mp3

R' Yechezkel Rosenberg on "R' Moshe's Teshuva on Not Participating in a Zimun at a Wedding" can be donwloaded here