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ערב שבת
כ''ח מר-חשון תשע''ב
7 May 2010
23 Iyar 5770
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פרשת תולדות
Parashat
Toldot
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שבת שלום ומבורך
Shabbat Shalom
Umevorach
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Stone chumash :
This Torah portion will be read from the Sefer Torah written in memory of the late
Azizah bat Farha
o.b.m
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Shabbat Services
Mincha & Kabalat Shabbat:
6:45 pm
Shacharit & Torah reading:
9:00 am
Mincha & Seuda Shelishit
6:15 pm
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Daily Services
Shacharit:
Monday-Friday:7:30am
Sunday 8:00am
Mincha & Arvit 6:45pm
Pls. note that Monday morning services are at the
Chesed-El Synagogue—2 Oxley Rise. |
Candle Lighting:
6:35 pm
Shabbat Ends:
7:27 pm
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Shema may be recited until
9:14 am
Shekiah (sunset) is at:
6:52 pm
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A Thought to ponder
Constantly Recovering
"And G‑d said to her, 'Two nations are in your womb and two peoples shall diverge from your belly; and one nation will struggle against the other…'"—Genesis 25:23.
In this week's portion, the matriarch Rebecca conceives and – not knowing that she is pregnant with twins – asks G‑d to tell her why her pregnancy is causing her so much pain. She discovers that not only is she carrying two babies, but that they are actually battling within her. Her sons, Jacob and Esau, are rivals who are destined to continuously struggle from inside the womb, throughout their lives and into the annals of history.
The fate of Jacob and Esau is such that they cannot both exert power at the same time. Each one's strength is derived only from the weakening of the other. As tradition relates, "They will never be equal. When one rises, the other will fall."
Not only within Rebecca, but in all of us, these two twins struggle...In spiritual terms, Jacob and Esau represent two diametrically-opposed inclinations in man: his desire to serve G‑d and his desire to serve himself. Jacob represents spirituality, humility and meekness—while Esau represents physicality, arrogance and aggression. Not only within Rebecca, but in all of us, these two twins struggle, always vying for control over the other.
As alcoholics and addicts, we are no strangers to the dynamic of this conflict.
We may view our disease as having its own personality, an internal addict that values selfishness and gratification. It wants to control our lives so that we pursue only its desires.
It is the older twin, big and strong, a hunter and an outlaw. Then there is a part of us that wants to be closer to G‑d and live a life of usefulness. This is the younger, softer brother who is quiet, peaceful and loving. These two 'twins' cannot both be in charge at the same time. Neither can they share or divvy up control so as to coexist on equal footing. There is no possibility of compromise. Each one can only strengthen itself at the direct expense of the other.
Like the image of a seesaw, if one end is rising, then the other must be going down. At any given moment, the addict inside may push itself up over our spiritual self; or, conversely, our spirituality comes to the fore through the quelling and repressing of our disease for another little while. But one thing is certain: both cannot happen at once.
As one old-timer put it, "Ask yourself at this moment, 'Are you working towards or away from a drink?'"
Or, as it's also been said: "When I'm not working on myrecovery, I'm working on my relapse."
A mystical tradition tells us that even if one completely reforms himself and exerts perfect control over his negative impulses for the rest of his life, his internal Esau will never go away. To the contrary, even when kept in perfect and constant check, not only does it not leave—but, just by our maintaining our bodily needs, the animalistic and selfish side unavoidably grows stronger every day.
Experts in addiction tell us that our disease progresses even during sobrietyIt comes as no wonder, then, that the experts in addiction tell us that our disease progresses even during sobriety. Many alcoholics have served as unfortunate examples to it. When our disease is allowed to gain control to the point of taking a drink, then our illness doesn't just pick up where it had left off. It reveals that it has developed throughout its dormancy, growing stronger as it bides its time awaiting its return.
Our only choice is to exert constant control. Our disease will never compromise with us, nor will it just go away. It doesn't atrophy. It doesn't get tired of trying. But, thankfully, G‑d has given each of us the ability to stay one step – or hopefully many steps – ahead. It is our relationship with G‑d that is the key to outrunning, outlasting and overpowering our internal addict—one day at a time.
Thus, when it comes to spiritual growth, we must renew our commitment daily with refreshed intensity and vigor. We must remain ever vigilant. We can settle for no less than a goal of complete domination of all aspects of our lives.
Does this sound extreme or intense? It is—because our disease is. And on this count, we cannot afford to be outdone.
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Upcoming events
Chanukah Boys Choir - Let your children come and join the choir led by our experienced yeshivah boys! There will be weekly practice sessions every Monday until Chanukah (Dec 26th) at 4:30 pm at JBC. Ages 6-12 For more info contact David or Yisrael
NEW! we are excited to launch a new section in the newsletter. There will be a “recipe of the week”, and there will also be a “ask the Rabbi” section, where congregants can send in any questions they have about Judaism and they will be answered by Rabbi Abergel, and published anonymously the next week with the answer. All questions can be submitted to asktherabbi.singapore@gmail.com.
NEW! - We are excited to start the new Barmitzvah club. For boys ages 12-14, The first gathering will be Sunday 4th of December , more information to follow.
For any inquiries call Mendy or Mendel.
There will be no JLI this week, It will resume on Monday 5th of December
Rosh Chodesh Kislev will be on Sunday 27th of November
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Parasha in a Nutshell
Toldot
Genesis 25:19–28:9
Isaac and Rebecca endure twenty childless years, until their prayers are answered and Rebecca conceives. She experiences a difficult pregnancy as the “children struggle inside her”; G‑d tells her that “there are two nations in your womb,” and that the younger will prevail over the elder.
Esau emerges first; Jacob is born clutching Esau’s heel. Esau grows up to be “a cunning hunter, a man of the field”; Jacob is “a wholesome man,” a dweller in the tents of learning. Isaac favors Esau; Rebecca loves Jacob. Returning exhausted and hungry from the hunt one day, Esau sells his birthright (his rights as the firstborn) to Jacob for a pot of red lentil stew.
In Gerar, in the land of the Philistines, Isaac presents Rebecca as his sister, out of fear that he will be killed by someone coveting her beauty. He farms the land, reopens the wells dug by his father Abraham, and digs a series of his own wells: over the first two there is strife with the Philistines, but the waters of the third well are enjoyed in tranquility.
Esau marries two Hittite women. Isaac grows old and blind, and expresses his desire to bless Esau before he dies. While Esau goes off to hunt for his father’s favorite food, Rebecca dresses Jacob in Esau’s clothes, covers his arms and neck with goatskins to simulate the feel of his hairier brother, prepares a similar dish, and sends Jacob to his father. Jacob receives his father’s blessings for “the dew of the heaven and the fat of the land” and mastery over his brother. When Esau returns and the deception is revealed, all Isaac can do for his weeping son is to predict that he will live by his sword, and that when Jacob falters, the younger brother will forfeit his supremacy over the elder.
Jacob leaves home for Charan to flee Esau’s wrath and to find a wife in the family of his mother’s brother, Laban. Esau marries a third wife—Machalath, the daughter of Ishmael.
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Weekly Shabbat lunch sponsor
This week's Shabbat lunch is sponsored by :
An Anonymous Sponsor
Seuda Shlishit is sponsored by:
Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Meyerin memory of Samuel’s late aunt Dolly Joseph o.b.m. whose yahrzeit will be commemorated on Wednesday 30 November 2011.
and
David and Caren Srolovitz in memory of
David's late father Huna Chaim Srolovitz o.b.m.
Our Shabbat lunches offer a beautiful opportunity to meet fellow
Jews from all over the world as well as much needed hospitality to
young students, guests and visitors who would not otherwise enjoy
the Shabbat experience. We hope that you will partner with us in
sponsoring these lunches and help us provide much
needed hospitality every Shabbat. Please contact us at :enquiries@jwb.org.sg
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Main article
Identical Yet Different
In introducing us to the patriarchal family of Isaac, son of Abraham, this week’s Torah portion of Toldot begins: “And these are the offspring of Isaac, son of Abraham—Abraham begot Isaac.” Since Torah is not given to redundancy, this opening passage raises the question: Once we’re told that Isaac is the “son of Abraham,” what is the point of then stating, “Abraham begot Isaac”?
The Midrash explains that the statement “Abraham begot Isaac” represents divine testimony that Isaac was indeed the biological son of Abraham. That in the face of ridiculers and rumor-mongers who sought to claim that Isaac had been fathered by the Philistine king Abimelech, G‑d formed the physical features of Isaac in striking resemblance to those of Abraham, so that there would be no room for doubt that “Abraham begot Isaac.”
Another Midrashic comment expands upon this point by saying that this physical resemblance between Abraham and Isaac was a reflection of their spiritual resemblance: the merits, the lofty pursuits, indeed the spiritual DNA, of father and son were likewise completely identical.
Now this declaration of spiritual similarity—let alone resemblance—is most curious.
We’re taught that Abraham’s primary mode of service was via the attribute of loving kindness (chessed). This was repeatedly and poignantly demonstrated by his incessant acts of hospitality, compassion and benevolence. He opened his home to hungry wayfarers. He reached out and taught others with delicate softness and patient sensitivity.
Isaac’s primary service, on the other hand, was via the attribute of severity and restraint (gevurah). He was a much more demanding sort of fellow. This was demonstrated by his defiant and relentless digging of wells. Even as his enemies kept filling and destroying them, Isaac dug away the rocks and the dirt to uncover the waters beneath. With sharpness and strength, he dug away at the shmutz—the evil and the falseness that was seen on the surface—so as to unearth the reservoirs of goodness and truth buried deep within.
Indeed, everything we learn about Abraham and Isaac seems to cry out:Different! That if ever there were a father and son who seemed so unlike one another, it was these two highly individualized personalities. Yet the Midrash states that, in fact, Abraham and Isaac resembled one another—in every way!
Within this paradox, seen at the inception of the family of Israel, lies the true beauty of our people. Different situations require different solutions. In the days of Abraham—during which unawareness of a divine presence was rampant—the world needed an Abraham-like personality. In the days of Isaac—especially with hostilities looming on the horizon—the world needed an Isaac-like personality. Yet, these very different individuals, firmly embarked on their very different missions with their very different methods and characteristics, are deemed spiritually (and essentially) identical, because their ultimate focus and goals were one and the same. Their core principles, values and underlying devotion to G‑d were completely indistinguishable from one another. They blazed different trails, but both trails led to the same place: toward making their environment a more holy and moral place to live.
The great chassidic master, Reb Zushe of Hanipoli, once remarked that when he thinks about the interrogation that might await him after his days on earth are done, he is not worried that he might be asked: “Zushe, why could you not attain the heights of an Abraham, a Moses or a King David?”
Such concerns did not trouble him. His one and only source of trepidation was that the question would be posed: “Zushe, why were you not as great as Zushe?”
You are expected to rise to the heights of your own very special and unique potential—no more, no less.
Judaism, and the Torah way of life, celebrates individuality. We are each endowed with our own gifts and talents, our own passions and modes of expression. In terms of personality and character, none of us are truly alike. This is the way G‑d created us, for it is only through the diverse expression of the multitudes that His true intent in creating this world can be realized.
Each and every Jewish man, woman and child plays his or her own special instrument within the symphony that is Judaism. Within the context and framework of halachah and tradition are endless means and modes of service of the Almighty. From the intellectual to the emotional, from the ritualistic to the artistic, we are called upon to experience it all, even as we shine in some areas more than others. What inspires, stimulates and intrigues some may not do the same for others. Yet, at the pinnacle of it all, is that special place in which we are, and must remain, identical. Within the essential goals of living and being true to the principles of our holy Torah is where there is a beautiful resemblance among all of the children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Let each instrument of the orchestra contribute its own special notes, with its own special sound and rhythm. Yet let us make certain that we are playing the same piece of music—as guided by that one and only Conductor—so that rather than a cacophony of disjointed noise, we have a beautiful symphony of harmonious diversity.
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Elite kosher shop
The Kosher shop stocks a wide range of products such as meats (imported from Australia),
poultry, dairy products, as well as a large variety of wines. 
The Kosher Shop also just received a wide range of products form Israel at very affordable prices such as popular snacks (Bissli etc…), canned foods and much more.
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 The Awafi Restaurant
Open for Lunch and Dinner To make a reservation call 6336. 5166
Also serving breakfast every morning after Shacharit.Awafi also provides for outside catering.
Feel free to contact us at: 6336 5166
 
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Halacha Corner
Hilchat Rechillut (tail bearing)
1.it is forbidden to accept Rechilut even if it is spoken publicly, in front of several listeners. The fact that the subject will most likely hear what was spoken about him (because the speaker said it in front of so many people, and as a result people will talk about it), does not establish the information as true. The listener can only suspect the information, and investigate as it pertains to him.
2.The prohibition against accepting Rechilut applies even if one hears the information from two or more sources, or even if there is a rumor circulating around the town about a specific action that the subject did against the listener. Even the speaker(s) have a constructive intent, such as to save the listener from future harm, it is prohibited to believe the information since the reputation of the subject should not be damaged by such speculation.
3.The prohibition against accepting Rechilut applies even if the speaker is "m'heiman lei k'bei trei," believed like two court witnesses. This is even the case if the information cannot possibly be interpreted any other way than against the subject.
However, if the information has a constructive future purpose, the listener may believe the speaker and take action to protect himself. Nonetheless, he should not repeat the information to others, including his family, unless there is a future benefit in telling them.
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Growing Each Day-With Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski
Be very, very humble (Ethics of the Fathers 4:4).
Rabbi Raphael of Bershed complained bitterly to his teacher, Rabbi Pinchas of Koretz, that he was unable to eradicate feelings of vanity.
Rabbi Pinchas tried to help him by suggesting different methods, but Rabbi Raphael replied that he had already tried every one without success. He then pleaded with his mentor to do something to extirpate these egotistical feelings. Rabbi Pinchas then rebuked his disciple. "What is it with you, Raphael, that you expect instant perfection? Character development does not come overnight, regardless of how much effort you exert. Eradication of stubborn character traits takes time as well as effort. Today you achieve a little, and tomorrow you will achieve a bit more.
"You are frustrated and disappointed because you have not achieved character perfection as quickly as you had wished.
"Continue to work on yourself. Pray to God to help you with your character perfection. It will come in due time, but you must be patient."
The Talmud states, "Be very, very humble," to indicate that true self-betterment is a gradual process. We achieve a bit today, and a little more tomorrow.
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Arseth
28 Cheshvan/25 November
Abraham ben Rephael
Rosie Solomon
1 Kislev/ 27 November
Mitana Israel bat Habiba nee Cohen
Sarah Rivka bat Meytah
4 Kislev/ 30 November
Dolly Joseph
5 Kislev/ 1 December
Yahya Reuben Meir Rahamim
May Their Memory Be A Blessing
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Today in Jewish history...
28 Mar Cheshvan:
Jewish population of Israel reached 1,000,000 - 1949.
29 Mar Cheshvan:
Jews permitted to live in Alexandria, 641, with the Arab capture of Egypt. (The Jewish community there was already 1000 years old by that time.) Israel captured Khan Yunis, concluding the occupation of the Gaza Strip, 1956.
30 Mar Cheshvan:
American forces take New York back from the British, 1783. The Jews who had fled the British were able to return.
3 Kislev:
The first auto-da-fe (burning at the stake of those condemned by the Inquisition) in the Americas, Lima, Peru, several Jews burned, 1581. First Nazi mass-murder of Warsaw Jews, 1939.
4 Kislev:
A delegation of Babylonian Jews arrived in Jerusalem, 518 b.c.e. to ask Zecharia HaNavi if Tish'a b'Av should be discountinued. (Their question was asked during the construction of the Second Beit HaMikdash, two years before completion.) Jews of Pressburg were expelled by order of Maria of Hapsburg, 1526. Empress Elizabeth ordered the expulsion of all Jews from Great Russia, 1742.
5 Kislev:
Portuguese Jews had to leave by this date in 1497 (the decree of expulsion was earlier, but there was a grace period). Rumanian Jews were barred from the practice of law, 1864. Road of valor connecting besieged Jerusalem with the rest of the Yishuv was opened, 1948.
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The Jews of Singapore
A history of the Jews in Singapore Now available in the Elite Kosher Shop
2nd Level, JBC Or call Kosher Shop 6337 2189
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Ongoing Events & Programs
Weekly Minyan, stories and snacks for children after reading of the Torah. For more info contact The boys.
One on one learning with the Yeshiva Boys for adults and children. Contact Mrs. Rivni@ 92327095.
Lunch & Learn Tuesdays at Awafi, JBC. Contact Rabbi Abergel
Talmud class every Wednesday@ 9:00pm in tractate Sanhedrin. Contact Rabbi Abergel
Mikva: Mrs. Simcha Abergel 9673 9184
Mrs. Odelia Rivni 9232 7095
(Appointments at least one day before)
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Jewish Women's Circle:
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JWB Contact Info:
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Rabbi Mordechai Abergel: 9731 2181
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Rabbi Netanel Rivni: 9232 7096
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Yeshiva Boys
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Mendy Ash: 9459 8690
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Yisroel Drihem: 9459 8125
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Dovid Knapp: 9459 8152
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Sroli Gutnick: 9384 3236
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Mendel Kranz : 9488 8610
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JWB Offices, Julia: 6337 2189 ext 103
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Awafi Restaurant, Sushil: 6336 5166
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Kosher Shop, Maya: 6337 2189 ext 107
www.singaporejews.com
enquiries@jwb.org.sg
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