Living higher (Not St. Moritz...)

Dear Rav Menasche At the middle of Parshat Matos, we read this week how the tribes of Reuben and Gad (later joined by half of the tribe of Manasseh) asked for the lands east of the Jordan as their portion in the Promised Land, these being prime pastureland for their cattle. Moshe Rabeinu is initially angered by the request, but subsequently agrees on the condition that they first join, and lead, in Israel’s conquest of the lands west of the Jordan. During the exchange - it seems that not only the tribes themslves, but even Moshe Rabeinu, is only relating to the "practicality" of staying in the "East Bank",( If you stay on the east side, who will fight to conquer the West bank etc.) but nothing about the fact that they all waited 40 years in order to enter Eretz Yisrael with its holy features. Why was Moshe Rabeinu not reprimanding them for being interested only in the material side of their lives and future generations ? Perhaps, Because there are (at least) two ways to elevate ourselves spiritually. The one process may depend on where we are. A holy location might give us an uplift which helps us as human beings to reach higher levels. But equally, we can achieve similar holiness in our lives by sanctifying our behaviour ourselves, Without "external assistance". - It is obviously a bigger challenge to be a lofty individual in Las Vegas than in Jerusalem, Yet it is possible. As we know from our daily experiences and temptations. So, back to the tribes wishing to live in the East bank. Moshe Rabeinu knew that it would be a great challenge for them, but an achievable one. Indeed the East bank of the river Jordan was later annexed to Eretz Yisrael - on the merits of the tribes residing there. Kind regards & Good Shabbos CMB

The Travelling Jew - Part III

Leave it all to the experts - Great kosher food, shomer Shabbat - Travel kosher without the hassle Learn from others’ mistakes: “Finally, read the following with a pinch of sugar: 

We were the first time in the Saas Valley and had booked a double room with half board through a travel agency for a walking holiday. In comparison to other hotels, the brochure of the Hotel Monte Rosa looked really good and we were sure to have made a good choice. When we got there, we had to look for the hotel: it is not in fact on a conventional road, but quite away on a hill and is only with difficulty to reach a badly paved narrow footpath. On the road there is a tiny parking for three cars, one parking space was constantly used by the owner. We thought: “OK, we have booked, so we also have to try and make the most out of the whole situation - and dragged our luggage up the hill to the hotel. A reception or the like did not exist; only a narrow corridor, where the landlady us the keys handed over to a double room with the remark that this was the only remaining free double room. Somehow we sensed there was anything but good. Unfortunately, we were right: the room was tiny with a very depressingly low ceiling, which was underscored by the dark wood panelling and the few badly-worn furniture. The bathroom had a small shower, sink and toilet… and room for a slim person. With our friendly question for another room told us the hostess, the rooms were all so - the hotel is just historically and come from the year 1850. At breakfast we noticed immediately because of the number of covered tables, that the house was far from being fully booked, but not more than 30% occupied. The whole breakfast was very basic, really spartan and drab. Fruit or other ingredients did not exist. The dining room had the character of a small canteen with its meager equipment. The single dinner without alternative was captured in a relatively short period in the style of a hostel. After clearing was later than at 21:30hrs curfew - a lounge, it was unfortunately not. When we come to the Saas Valley again, we will certainly book another hotel based on our experience. We can recommend the Three-Star Monte Rosa not!” It used to be that if you were an observant Jew, traveling was like a military operation. It required days or weeks of planning. You had to research your destination, scout out hotels within walking distance of kosher restaurants (if there were any), figure out which supplies to take (cans of tuna? Crackers? Dried fruits and nuts?), and hope that you would be near enough to a market to buy the fresh fruits or vegetables to prepare with the knife and cutting board you had brought. Half of your suitcase would be food and utensils. You hoped you might meet someone who would take you in for a Shabbat meal - again, assuming there were any Jews in the area where you were staying! You could enjoy the sights, but eating would be a challenge. If you were not near an established Jewish community, Shabbat was likely to be a very quiet, very lonely day. But it is not like that anymore. Now there are kosher tour companies that enable you to pack your clothes and personal items and leave the worries about meals and Shabbat to them. Do not leave for the hotel without preparing: bread & bread knife (there is not sliced bread in the shops!), small amount of disposables to tidy your over until you buy locally, drinking water (summer is quite hot!), do not drop litter – always dispose of your rubbish as top priority! When you take a kosher tour, your guide, a shomer/et mitzvot, will check the kitchen and to make sure all the ingredients that will go into your meal are kosher - from meat and fish to checking vegetables for bugs, and ensuring that all preparation and cooking is done using only kosher utensils - which will either be prearranged at the location or brought along with the group. Kosher foodstuffs not available locally are carried with the group. Kosher travel today offers tourists all of the benefits that they require. Someone else has worried about a good hotel, a good location, and flights that make the most of the time available. Someone else has the experience to plan travel at your destinations in the most efficient manner, taking you from place to place using the shortest routes, pacing the traveling so that it is varied and neither too strenuous nor too sedentary. Your kosher travel company will be informed as to opening hours and best times to visit, and will employ local guides who speak the native language as well as English to accompany you in addition to the company's guide who is with you for the entire tour. Together they will bring you to see the highlights of each place you travel, including the history, customs, lifestyle and current issues in the locales you visit, while maintaining an interesting and entertaining vibe throughout. The company arranges for tickets to performances and enables you to meet with local people and to begin to understand their lifestyles and world views. In addition, your kosher travel company makes sure to locate places of Jewish interest wherever you go. People who take kosher tours with a group of strangers inevitably find they are traveling with friends - people with similar interests and people who like themselves are adventurous and interesting. Typically, travelers keep in touch with each other after the tour and many times choose to travel together again. Traveling with a kosher travel company enables you to have experiences you never dreamed of! You can travel with us the Jewish and Kosher way all around the world, to the following destinations: Japan, China, Vietnam, Morocco, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru, Mexico and Guatemala, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, South Africa and of course in Europe, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Switzerland, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, and more. We offer Kosher vacations in Switzerland and Holland as well – the perfect summer experience. So pack your bags, bring along your sense of adventure and your camera and leave home all of your stress, tension, and worries! Kosher travel is simply an adventure! Rona Michelson and Einat Shoval, 03/07/14 14:58 – Source: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/182165#.U6wc8fldXTo

שליח ציבור או משולח צבור?

למה נקרא שמו "ברעטיל"? פעם היה עמוד, אז התחילו לריב מי יתפלל לפני העמוד, במקום לכוון את לבם לאביהם שבשמים – דע לפני מי אתה עומד – וכשנשבר לרסיסים נשארו כמה נסרים = ברעטלעך

בשנת האבל האבל הוא "חיוב" להתפלל כשליח צבור, אבל אם הוא ממשיך אחר שנת האבל, הוא כבר לא "חיוב" אלא "נצרך"...

פעם נגש מאן דהוא לעמוד והצבור נלאה מלחכות עד שגמר את תפלתו, אז נגש אחד מהם לש"ץ לשאול אותו למה נגש היום לעמוד, וענה לו שיש לו יאהרצייט, נענה הלה לעומתו "אולי לך יש יאהרצייט, אבל לנו אין לנו יותר מ"שעה-צייט"!

שמעתי בשם "לאנגזאם פעלדמאן": בעל תפלה גמר תפלתו ואנשים נגשו אליו להודות לו על התפלה היפה. אחד מהם אמר לו "תפלתך היתה מאד יפה, חוץ ממקום אחד ששינית את טעמך". החזן שאל אותו באיזה מקום לא התנהג כבעל תפלה אז ענה לו: "אצל העמוד, במקום שעמדת - ביים עמוד".

דרך העולם שיתום נגש לעמוד להתפלל בתור שליח ציבור.  אמנם כשהעמוד עצמו "יתום" - אף אחד לא רוצה להיות חזן, היה אתה השליח צבור, כדי שהעמוד לא יישאר יתום!

עלילותיו של ש"ץ חסר ניסיון

יש אנשים שאף פעם לא הצליחו להבין את משמעות המושג 'אימתא דציבורא'

תשלחו אותו להיות חזן בעצרת המיליון והוא יעשה את זה בלי שום קושי אבל יש גם אנשים מסוג שונה...

כשאביו של הרב שלמה אלרובסקי (שמו האמתי שמור במערכת) הלך בדרך כל הארץ והתבקש לבית עולמו, נאלץ מיודעינו לעבור תהליך של היכרות מזורזת עם העמוד אי אפשר להאשים את הרב אלרובסקי בכך שהוא אדם ביישן במיוחד, ידיו רב לו בעסקנות ציבורית עניפה. ובכל זאת הוא אינו אוהב לגשת לעמוד התפילה כשליח ציבור.

"מצאתי בית כנסת אחד בשכונה, שבו יש מניין קבוע בשעה 7:00 בבוקר, ושבדיוק אין שם אף חיוב. האנשים שם אינם מכירים אותי, וגם עם הגבאי לא היתה לי היכרות מוקדמת. זה הלך לי לכאורה בקלות יחסית, אבל אחרי שמצאתי את הפתרון מתחילות לצוץ הבעיות, ואי אפשר לפורטן כי רבות הן.

קודם כל צריך לדעת מה לוח הזמנים המדויק: ב-7:00 מתחילים 'פסוקי דזמרה', ב-7:15 מתחילים 'ישתבח' כך טוען הגבאי. הבעיה שהציבור חושב אחרת, ויש כמה אנשים קולניים למדי שסבורים שזה מדי לאט. אחרים חושבים שזה מדי מהר.

"כבר בפעם הראשונה שהתפללתי בבית הכנסת מגיע אלי אחד המתפללים וטוען שהוא לא שומע. הוא דורש שאתפלל בקול חזק יותר, ואני, מה אעשה שהקדוש ברוך הוא לא חנן אותי בקול חזק במיוחד? שאזעק את כל התפילה בגרון ניחר?

יש גם את האנשים ש'עוזרים' לך לנהל את התפילה. הוא נעמד קרוב מאוד לחזן, ומתחיל להתפלל בקול רם, בולע את קולו של שליח הציבור כשהוא מסיים קטע, כולם מתחילים את הקטע הבא, ובכלל לא שמים לב לשליח הציבור. אתה מנסה להגביר מעט את קולך, והוא נענה לאתגר בשמחה רבה, מגביר את קולו עוד יותר. אין לך סיכוי מול הקול החזק והעבה שלו.

"כבר הגעתי לשמונה עשרה, ואני כבר מרגיש מועקה קטנה בלב. "הנה זה מתחיל, אנשים שסיימו שמונה עשרה מתחילים לרמוז לי שאתחיל בחזרת הש"ץ. בתחילה הם רק מסתכלים עלי, מנסים ללכוד את המבט שלי כדי לסמן לי בקריצת עין שאתחיל כבר. אנשים מתחילים להקיש על השולחן, לאות כי תם זמני ואני כבר ממש חייב להתחיל חזרת הש"ץ. "אבל רגע, יש כאן יהודי תלמיד חכם, ראש ישיבה מהשכונה הסמוכה, אולי צריך להמתין לו עד שיסיים את תפילתו. הקהל כבר מתחיל ללחוץ, אני מקווה שראש הישיבה ידון אותי לזכות, ויבין שלא היו לי ברירות רבות אלא להתחיל את חזרת הש"ץ.

לפעמים הטענות צודקות, אני לא אומר שלא, אבל גם אני צודק, אני בסך הכל בנאדם, לא רציתי להיות חזן, אין לי שום הנאה מזה.

לרב אלרובסקי יש מסר להעביר לציבור הקוראים: יש לא מעט אנשים שגם לפני כן, הביטחון העצמי שלהם לא היה מפותח, בלשון המעטה, אנשים שגם ככה מרגישים לא בנוח בחברת בני אדם, לא נעים להם אפילו לשאול מישהו ברחוב מה השעה, או לבקש שיכוונו אותם לכתובת מסוימת יש הרבה מאוד אנשים כאלו, וכשהם מגיעים לשלב בחיים שבו הם צריכים לגשת לעמוד שלוש פעמים ביום, זה סיוט נוראי בשבילם. הם מתייסרים ייסורים קשים מאוד, בגלל אותם אנשים שמתלוננים או שמותחים ביקורת על הדרך בה שליח הציבור מנהל את התפילה.

תחשבו טוב מה מרגיש שליח ציבור כזה, מה הוא מרגיש עם כל ההערות של כל אחד, דיברתי עם כמה בעלי חיובים, וכולם אומרים שכמעט אין שבוע שבו הם לא מקבלים מספר הערות.

ועל זה כבר נאמר: חכמים הזהרו בדבריכם!!! 

Amud

וואס מ'לאזט אויס הויעך זאגט מען הויעך און וואס מ'זאגט שטיל לאזט מען אויס שטיל

אדער דער צבור מאכט דעם גיהינום פאר'ן אבל אדער מאכט דער אבל דעם גיהינום פאר'ן צבור

למה האבלים אומרים הריני כפרת משכבו, משום שהם סובלים אחד עשר חודשים בלהתפלל לפני העמוד

פירוש "מרוצה לקהל"...

עק האט א גוטע חיתוך הדבור: ער שניידט אראפ א האלבע פון יעדעס ווארט

ער קומט אן צום דאווענען ווען דער עולם האלט ביי "כי בא סוס פרעה" און לויפט ארויס ביי "ואלה בסוסים ואנחנו"...

הקול קול יעקב: ער דאווענט אין ביהמ"ד אבער הידים ידי עשו: זיינע הענט זענען פארנומען מיט'ן "כליך" - דער כלי וואס האט ציד בפיו: "ציד" גמטריא "מובייל"

As Dr Cohn of Munk's Shul in Golders Green is wont to say: "Here starts the Jewish races", when the Chazan started Hodu a mere three minutes after Adon Olam.

When I asked the Choirmaster in one of London's largest Shuls, what song I should do for "Mimkomcho", the reply was "Eyn Komocho" . . .

The Walford Road synagogue in Dalston doesn't usually benefit from local intake; most members come their for reasons of nostalgia - not convenience.  So when one Friday evening I met a stranger who informed me that he lives a mere 20 minutes away, somewhere in Kingsland, I was intrigued.  When I asked him what caused him to break his habit of using Friday afternoons for an early nap instead of a trek to Shul, he explained that since his 96-year old father departed from this world, he was admonished by his mother, who lives in Manchester not to miss an opportunity to say Kadish, he had to come to Shul.  After Davening was over, I asked the newcomer how he's going to manage with saying Kadish after Shabbos. He answered with a rather sad face, saying that in keeping with his mother's plea, he will have to find a Minyan every day for the next eleven months, which he is unsure of being able to keep up with.  I advised him to try the Lubavitsch House on Stamford Hill, where there are daily prayers taking place.  The next week when I came to Shul he was there and when I asked him how he managed, his reply startled me at first - until I realised what he meant... "I tried the Lubavitsch but they don't have too many Minyonim, so I asked around and found out that there is this place called "By Allah" on the corner of Ravensdale ROad and Moundfield Road!

Making a Stand

Chiyuvim = Amud Yomi

Vocal chords

Stand up comedian

Piece of Wood = Brettel

Chazan = old horse

How the Koznitser Maggid was born

 

תפלה תפילה ציבור צבור חזן

בברכת מברך השנים יש עמי הארץ שמסיימים מברך הנשים. ואולי אפשר ללמד זכות עליהם דאיתא בגמרא סבתא בביתא ברכתא בביתא (?) ועוד איתא תכבדו נשותיכם ויהיה לכם פרנסה נמצא שהברכה מגיעה דרך הנשים.

The tragedy that didn’t happen

The tragedy that didn’t happen

The journey progressed like any typical trip on London Transport (or TfL, to be PC).  The driver of the southbound train announced that, due to some disruption down the line, there might be delays on the Piccadilly Line.  Having a distinct foreign dialect, the English that I heard from the driver gave me the signal to get up from my seat in the train and head for the nearest Exit sign, in search for an alternative route to work.  Being stuck in Finsbury Park station, I had three travelling alternatives to choose from.

You see, I work for a company in North Finchley, a mere twelve miles away from where I live.  Given that the starting point and the end destination are both located in the London conurbation, it takes me a good hour to get to work, and the same for my homeward journey.  So when people inquire about my occupation, my standard response goes like this: “I work for two hours a day in London Transport, and the rest for my main employer...”.

I decided against my first choice – the Welwyn Garden City British Rail Main Line, as it would mean a twenty minute wait on the platform.  Moving towards the main exit, I decided to head for Seven Sisters Road, where I could hop on any bus moving westwards, whence I planned to catch another bus that goes along a north-western slant, up Holloway Road – destined for Archway Tube Station.

My eyes met a scene that would pass for ordinary, if not for the unordinary figure that broke the landscape.  I beheld the back of a Bochur, standing at the traffic lights, where vehicles were zooming past.  Joining him for the wait, we both looked for the little red man to change, however I quickly realised that our Bochur was waiting for something else; he was visibly nervous, shifting from one foot to the other and, as soon as the coast was clear, he crossed the street.

I purposefully waited for the green man to appear and met our Bochur on the other end, where I now saw him upfront and noticed that he not only shifted his weight, his eyes were blinking at the rate of a manually operated camera. 

Giving him a concerned look, I asked him if he is alright, if he needs to get somewhere, to which he replied that he’s waiting for a car to pass by so that he could catch a lift to Golders Green.  He ventured to explain to me that he knows where the 210 bus is stationed, but he prefers catching a lift as it’s faster than the bus.

This is when a second red light went on in my head: here is a bochur, merely thirteen years old, in Finsbury Park – of all places – the morning after a second night of looting and riots!

I asked him if he had a watch, which he had; I told him to wait only until 9:45, a total of four minutes, for a lift - after which he has to take the bus.

After I verified his name and address, I asked him if he has a mobile, which he didn’t, I bade him farewell and ran to catch a bus which was going in my chosen direction.

Sitting down inside the bus I couldn’t help feeling guilty: here we are, just weeks after the terrible “Leibele” atrocity and this boy is looking for a lift from strangers!  True, he would only accept the favour from a Heimish-looking driver, nevertheless, who could ensure the safety of a boy in such a dangerous area of extremist North London?!

My first reaction was to contact the boy’s mother and apprise her of the situation.  However I had enough time on the remainder of my outbound journey to decide against this course of action.  I reasoned that firstly, the mother might not even be aware that her son is busy spotting lift opportunities in notorious Finsbury Park and secondly, even if she was aware, how can I explain the grave consequences, without running the risk of being labelled a raving lunatic, for suggesting to a Yiddishe Mamme that she doesn’t watch enough over her child?!

If you happen to be young Master W’s mother, living in W’ Road, I hope you are not waiting for your son – only that he is safely ensconced in your home.  Have a safe summer, Menasche Scharf
This Letter to the Editor was sent on 10/08/2011 to Dan Levi, editor of the Jewish Tribune

Updated Purim Story For The Computer Age - 2010

It was in the days of Achashveirosh, that is, Achashveirosh who was the ADMINISTRATOR of 127 SITES, from www.hodu.com to www.kush.com. 
In the 3rd year of his administration, Achashveirosh made a feast for AOL. 
Those on his BUDDY LIST he wined and dined with every PERIPHERAL. 
His wife, Vashti, made a feast as well, @ which time her hubby commanded her to come show off to all his drunk CLIENTS
She refused and he DELETED her for it
Soon after, Achashveirosh regretted DELETING his wife, and conducted worldwide SPAM, BROWSED worldwide MESSAGE BOARDS, and GOOGLED in search of the prettiest maiden for him to marry. 
At long last, Esther was found and crowned. 
Naturally, they posted their picture on www.OnlySimchas.com
Mordechai, Esther's uncle, got hold of the FAX that Bigson and Seresh, two malicious HACKERS, sent that were AIMing a VIRUS at Achashveirosh's HARD DRIVE. 
Esther immediately alerted Achashveirosh, and the episode was SAVED and ARCHIVED. 
At this time, Haman the anti-Semite, was given a raise and everyone had to MODEM (bow down) to him. 
Only Mordechai refused to do so, because Haman wore an ICON around his neck; this angered Haman and made him want to RAM all the Jews' heads in! Haman convinced Achashveirosh to BACK him UP by offering him some CACHE and by telling him, "C D Jews are disloyal citizens" yada yada; so Achashveirosh gave Haman his PASSWORD and told him to use his administrative privileges as he saw fit. 
Haman was so excited ("YAHOO!") that he LOGGED IN right away and e-mailed everyone he knew, telling them kDOS uk'din (it was legal) to DELETE every last Jew on the INTERFACE of this earth. 
He even set aside a specific DATA kill them
Mordechai the JUNO-d what was going on, so he put on his torn BOOTs, rags, and ashes, and designated day of fasting and of prayer (of course, telling them to make sure to say each WORDPERFECT - ly. 
He also told the Jews to NETWORK for the next three days and concentrate on arousing Hashem's (the Almightys) pity. 
Last, he sent an INSTANT MESSENGER to tell Esther to beg Achashveirosh to reconsider his decision
So Esther went to Achashveirosh and gave him and Haman an IM INVITATION. 
At the party, Achashveirosh offered up to her half of his administration, but Esther simply invited him to another party the following day to chap arein (shop around) for another few BYTES. 
That night, Haman built a gallows on which to hang Mordechai, because he was so annoyed that the latter didn't MODEM to him. 
Simultaneously, Achashveirosh realized he just SCAN't sleep, so he asked his servants to DOWNLOAD all his ARCHIVES and see if anyone that deserved a reward didn't get it. 
They noticed Mordechai's HOME PAGE, and Achashveirosh resolved to take action that very night
Well, Haman was at the door then to get permission to hang Mordechai, and Achashveirosh asked him what to do to honor someone special. 
Haman, thinking it was surely himself being referred to, said that the person in question should be led  through the streets on Achashveirosh's TROJAN HORSE, wearing Achashveirosh's best garments. 
Achashveirosh, without even bLINKING, said, ".COM on, hurry up and do ALT that for Mordechai!" Needless to say, Haman FROZE
Haman had no choice but to go ahead with it, and while he was leading Mordechai through the streets, his daughter thought that it was Mordechai leading her father and she dumped the RECYCLE BIN out the WINDOWS on Haman's head. 
When he got home and repeated all this to his wife, she told him "Since that acCURSORed Mordechai is a Jew, UNIXed it. Your downfall has just begun".  Haman didn't even have time to elaborate because he was summoned to Esther's party, stinKEY as he was from the whole ordeal. 
And Esther had him in the PALM of her hands: she told Achashveirosh that Haman was planning to kill her and her whole nation. 
Achashveirosh got so mad that he ordered Haman and his ten sons to be DELETED on the tree that Haman prepared for Mordechai
The Jews were SAVED, and Achashveirosh even allowed the Jews to DELETE those out to get them on the date that Haman set aside. 
So the Jews lived happily ever after; what the Jews XPected to be a tragedy turned into a day of great joy. 
So every year we try to UPGRADE all MISSING RAM and send the LATEST VERSION OF CLIPART and THEMED PROGRAMS to family and friends alike.

בית נאמן - לחיים - זיווג - הגפן

 On Fri, 1 Apr 2022 at 12:37, menasche scharf <menasche.scharf@gmail.com> wrote:

בליל ששי פרשת "לזכר או לנקבה" נאספנו יחד להשתדל עבור בחורי ובחורות ישראל מקהלת חסידי בעלזא בלונדון כדי לעזור להם בשדוכים.
הגיע הרב שלמה ריינער שליט"א שדכן ותיק בעירנו שהסביר מה מצפים מה"עוזר" לשדוכים - אדם שעומד מצד משפחת הבחור או הבחורה ומאזין, ומייעץ ומלוה אותם בדרכם לשבירת הצלחת.
בתור שדכן חייבים לשתף פעולה עם ה"עוזרים" האלה, שהתועלת הנצמחת מזה לא יסולא מפז: במקום שהשדכן יהיה גם שדכן, גם שקרן, גם פסיכיאטר, גם שק חבטות וגם יועץ רפואי למחלות מדומות, הוא יכול לעזוב כל זה בידי ה"עוזר" והשדכן יתמקד בלהיות עסוק אך ורק ברוק.
גם היה שם מנהל הקבוצה הרה"ח ר' יושע עקשטיין שהצליח לאסוף את כלם בזמן מהיר והודעה קצרצרה.
הנאספים: אהרן וועבער, חיים גראסס, יצחק קאהן (נכמן), מנשה שארף (בעק), דוד אוסטערליטץ, דוד קאטה, יוסף שלום גרינפעלד.
מתעתדים לאסיפה ביום ראשון פרשת מצורע, כדי להמשיך בעבודת ההצלה שהיא פיקוח נפש ל"עלטערע", להורים וגם לכל הסובבים אותם ודואגים עבורם.
בברכת גוט שבת, גוט חדש וגוט שבת החדש

Menasche Scharf

Shabbat UK at Leytonstone and Wanstead Synagogue - 5779 / 2019

Report: Shabbat UK at Leytonstone and Wanstead Synagogue 1st - 2nd March 2019

Summary:

First Ladies’ Challah Make in Leytonstone Shul – led by the Shul’s Rabbi’s wife – Rebbetzen Chaia Brackman. 

Leytonstone families honoured to host the Travelling Chassidim over Shabbat overnight in their own homes, including two hosted overnight in sleeping bags in the Shul itself.

Extraordinary Shabbat led by the Travelling Chassidim including communal Friday night meal, Shabbat morning service, communal lunch followed by mincha, Seuda Shlishit followed by Kumzitz, and Musical Havdalah.

First time that Leytonstone and Wanstead Synagogue is participating in Shabbat UK.

First Federation Shul to host the Travelling Chassidim

Ladies’ Challah Make – 28th February 2019

Led by Rebbetzen Chaia Brackman

The ladies made dough together using the Shabbat UK recipe, while Rebbetzen Brackman taught the meanings behind the ingredients that go into challah, as well as how to make the dough, knead and leave it to rise. This was followed by discussions about the meaning of taking Challah and the brachah and why it is a good time to make a prayer. After the dough had risen, Rebbetzen Brackman showed the ladies how to take Challah, how much to take, and how to burn it. Then the dough was taken home where attendees then each baked their own Challahs. Collectively the group also made challahs for the Shul including two enormous Challahs for the communal Friday night dinner the following day and smaller vegan Challahs following Lucy Barnes’ Vegan Challah recipe.

Chassidic Families hosted in Leytonstone:

Families in Leytonstone hosted members of the Travelling Chassidim including Cheski Monheit and Yossi Austerlitz and their families, Binyomin Binet, Rabbi Ahron Weingarten and Chazan Hereshi Friedman. Straight after Shabbat they were joined by further family members and Ari Kalish and his accordion.

Friday night:

Chazan Friedman and his Travelling Chassidim comrades led a harmonious Kabbalat Shabbat with energetic dancing and followed by maariv. Chairman Phil Schryber namechecked all the Chassidic guests in his welcome at the end of the service, and invited all present to stay for a communal Friday night dinner. There were further songs as Kiddush wine was poured and hamotzi was said over enormous Challahs made in the Shul from the Ladies’ Challah Make the night before. Yakov Korer from Lubavitch led heated debate and discussions over a hot “Chinese-style” chicken meal (with veggie option). Further harmonious songs were shared over the meal, ranging from Shabbos favourites, Yiddish classics, to riffs on the lyrics “Shabbat UK”, “Shabbat in Leytonstone”, and “Leyton is the best”. Even the very late arrival of member Sammy Ebrahimoff was greeted with applause and songs spontaneously adapted with Sammy’s name inserted into harmoniously performed lyrics.

Shabbat morning:

Rabbi Weingarten and Chazan Friedman led the davening, our very own Etan Blass leined and did the haftarah, and Cheski Monheit led Musaf. The service was punctuated by harmonious singing from our Chassidic guests and plenty more dancing. Kiddush and a lunch with more Challahs baked in the Shul followed, with hot Chulent and Kugel. Following lunch the Chassidim joined Leytonstone members for mincha, after which a convoy of members of the community and Travelling Chassidim and their families took a chilly stroll around Leytonstone. They visited the green and sunny Leyton Flats and showed the guests Leytonstone’s plentiful wildlife at Hollow Ponds, returning to the Shul for Kumzitz and Havdalah.

Musical Havdalah:

Following a cosy Seudah Shlishit in the Shul, Rabbi Weingarten led a meditative Kumzitz drawing Shabbos to a close. As further members of the Leytonstone community arrived, the Travelling Chassidim prepared for Havdalah, the lights were dimmed, and lit candles were passed around for everyone present to hold while the Havdalah candle was lit. Rabbi Weingarten explained how the single candles represented how we are all individuals lighting our own candles at the start of Shabbat; whereas at the end of Shabbat we are all as one. He compared this to the way we are all members of a diverse Jewish community, whether from the Chassidic community or the local community, but also we are all as one like the woven strands of the Havdalah candle.

Meanwhile, Ari Kalish arrived with his accordion just in time to accompany a series of atmospheric traditional songs, as the Travelling Chassidim sang together in harmony with Chazan Friedman. Rabbi Weingarten led an evocative sensory Havdalah ceremony and the Shul’s treasured spice box was passed around. Further Travelling Chassidim family members arrived during the evening, having made the journey over from Stamford Hill as soon as Shabbos went out. This was followed by further dancing and singing with Ari Kalish alternating between keyboard and accordion, Chazan Friedman and Rabbi Weingarten leading the songs.

By the end of the evening Chassidim and Leytonstone members were swapping phone numbers, looking ahead to Purim and to forging long term connections between our communities.

Report by Ruth Solomons (secretary and treasurer of Leytonstone and Wanstead Synagogue)

Photos:

Challah make photos courtesy of Wendy Smith

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bwpsQmOo1taN5pWguCjUzwAH-03C1h5r?usp=sharing

Musical Havdalah and Motzei Shabbos photos courtesy of: Bernard Stern

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/130X5q9OEGANSgIxeq0f9ZUEfc06l-kxf?usp=sharing

Contacts:

Contact at Leytonstone Shul: Phil Schryber (Chairman of Leytonstone Synagogue) 07961 124391

Contact for Travelling Chassidim: Rabbi Menasche Scharf 07974 160252

Shabbat Vayechi at United Synagogue in Kenton, with the Travelling Chassidim

Shabbat Vayechi at United Synagogue in Kenton, with the Travelling Chassidim

Parshas Shemos, 5780

Shabbat Vayechi became a landmark Shabbat for the Kenton Jewish community as we welcomed the Travelling Chassidim for the second time.

A group of nine Belz Chassidim, some accompanied by their wives and children, joined us.

During ShabbatUK 2019, the Kenton community had tasted the ruach and the pure joy of a Travelling Chassidim Shabbat and were eagerly anticipating their second Shabbat with us.

The Travelling Chassidim are distinguished by their outgoing personalities, their friendliness, their approachability and their openness and willingness to talk to all.  

Before Minchah the Chassidim - clad in their Shabbat finery - visited two nearby Norwood homes where they sang and danced their way into the hearts and the Neshamot of the residents.  The effect of their music and enthusiasm cannot be overestimated: following last year's inspirational music and dance has had an invaluable influence on the residents, so much so that one individual has begun to attend Kenton shul, accompanied by a carer.

As the Travelling Chassidim and their families arrived in shul, there were very happy and cheerful welcomes – especially by those who were able to renew friendships established on their previous visit.

Candles were lit in Shul by the community and the guests and following the Mincha prayer, Kabbalat Shabbat was led by the Travelling Chassidim on the bima, as they donned their Shtreimels. When they began to sing the moving tunes, their melodious voices rang out as they welcomed the holy Shabbat.  The community sat entranced, as if transported back to eras of their distant past, when they heard davening they grew up with.  We were taught a wistful nostalgic niggun for 'Shema Israel', which was repeated throughout the Shabbat.

After Kabbalat Shabbat, 70 members of the community sat down to a very tasty Friday night dinner, catered by Reich, which was enjoyed by all and included much enthusiastic singing by the Chassidim together with community.

Dinner was followed by a marvellous 'getting to know you' session, when the Chassidim - standing within a circle of shtreimels - told us of their background and their working lives.  We heard from Menasche Scharf about his works in Kashrut, from Yitzchak Kohn who is a Special Needs Consultant, from Aaron Weingarten who is a schoolteacher, from Berish Dresdner from Manchester, from Daniel Admon, an Israeli now living in London, who teaches music and from Chaim Grausz who runs Masher’s in Manchester.  There was more schmoozing and singing in a very happy atmosphere late into the night; it became a joyous event with real Chassidic warmth.  

Shabbat morning services was led in a truly Chassidic atmosphere by the Travelling Chassidim, joined by over 100 people who enjoyed the Davening, which was punctuated with beautiful singing.

After a well-spread kiddush - exquisitely prepared by the Ladies' Guild – we all sat down to a long lunch with more singing of zemirot, during which the Travelling Chassidim were treated to a tune for Tzur Mishelo by one of Kenton's own sopranos.  The boisterous dancing necessitated the removal of a number of chairs, to allow young and old to run circles around the dining hall.  There was also a 'three tenors' moment, when a member of the Traveling Chassidim joined Kenton members – all perched on chairs - to sing a Chazzanut masterpiece. There was a ‘Question and Answer’ session, where all questions were answered candidly and flavoured with great humour.

Seudah shelishit was followed by Ma’ariv culminating in the highlight of a Travelling Chassidim weekend: a musical Havdalah with candles for all, soulful singing and lively dancing, which continued for almost two hours.  Apart from the wonderful voices, music was provided by a Travelling Chassidim keyboard player and guitarist and an accordion played by a Kenton member.  They also treated us to 'Belz, mein shtetele Belz' as well as 'A Yiddishe Momme' (both sung in Yiddish).

About the Travelling Chassidim: TCUK is a branch of the original Travelling Chassidim - founded in Monsey, U.S.A..  Their aim is to spread simcha and chassidic warmth, which they successfully did in Kenton.  Theirs is a 'not for profit' group; they do not charge for their services.  Costs for organising a weekend are borne by the host community and are sometimes subsidised by the Chief Rabbi's Centre for Community Excellence.  The host Shul would only need to arrange accommodation and travelling expenses (e.g. petrol).  The travelling Chassidim are happy to travel to any Jewish community to spread their infectious joy, unity and Ruach.  

Kenton is already eagerly awaiting a third visit – slated for ShabbatUK 2021 - but at the moment we are still basking in the glow of Shabbat Vayechi, when the Travelling Chassidim came to Kenton and created such a special Shabbat with their singing, happiness and Shabbat joy.

Thanks are due to Rabbi Black of the Kenton community together with Roy Block of the shul’s ‘ReJewvenate Committee’ and the catering team as well as the Ladies' Guild for working tirelessly to making this Shabbos a resounding success.

GoDaven goes GoGlobal

What is GoDaven MinyanLine http://www.godaven.org

The steps to add a minyan are as follows:

1. Select a Tefillah.

2. Select the days of the week that this tefillah is for.

3. Select if "special days" such as Rosh Chodesh/Taanis/Chol Hamoed are included or excluded.

4. Select whether your minyan is a specific time or if it's based on a Zman tefillah.

5.  Select whether it's seasonal (Summer/Winter) or whether it's permanent.

6. If there are any notes about the minyan, please enter that information as well.

We have set up many automated time selections so that all minyan times are as accurate as possible for the end user. These zman-related times will always be automatically updated, which will mean less work for you to keep your minyan listing up to date.  Davening times can be calculated relative to any zman, including shkiah, tzeis hakochavim, candle lighting, plag, etc. You can also select which day's zman to use, whether that day's or a different day of the week. There is also the option of how to round the calculated time, to the earlier or later five minutes.  If anything needs to be updated, you can click [edit minyan], where you have the ability to edit or delete any minyanim or contacts. If there are any additional minyanim to add, please click the [add minyan] button to add them in.  With your help, those who attend your minyanim will now have access to the most up-to-date information at all times.  Thank you, The GoDaven Team

Minyan Tourism
MINYAN FINDER: Work out all flights departing after Sunrise, Minchah or Sunset and Daf Yomi
Let people register their flight and when there are 11 people for a Terminal within 30 minutes between the first and the last, send out confirmation message (TxT, Tweet, WhatsApp etc.).

Check itinerary:  Mincha before leaving for the airport and Ma'ariv after arriving in the hotel

Try Yizkor or www.findachazzan.org or www.chiourim.com

Dive in to Daven - on the go Minyan Information

Dear Yosi,

I thought about GoDaven because I'm planning a trip for my wife and myself to mainland Europe.

Here is my idea: How about ensuring the viability, vitality and vibrancy of the smaller Jewish communities spread across Europe, by combining GoDaven's service with that of Jewish tour operating websites?

For example, if we could 'wire up' https://www.worldjewishtravel.org/destinations/ with GoDaven, it'll be a few clicks to find a Minyan (or Kosher food) wherever people go.

This idea could be properly fleshed out, once it is planned properly but hey, the benefits are immeasurable!

Hope the above resonates with you and look forward to help out in any way possible - within my means.

Menasche

See the page "Dive in to Daven" for on the go Minyan information.

Bayis Bagova - Mentschlichkeit Regulations

Mentschlichkeit Regulations

Chiyuvim

If you are a Chiyuv, be it a Yahrzeit, Ba’al Simche or lehavdil Oveyl L”A, please inform the management well in advance.  This will help avoid any possible conflicts with other Mispallelim who may also be a Chiyuv.

Shabbes

On Shabbes there will be only one Minyan (no exceptions) for every Tefillah, so that we can all eat the Meals together. Exact times will still be informed to you.

Mikveh - מקוה

The מקוה is available daily to the hotel guests free of charge.

Please note that we take no responsibility, whatsoever; it is therefore essential that:

a.       Children under the age of 10 are accompanied by an adult, who takes full responsibility. 

b.      Any items left in or around the Mikveh will be deposited in the השבת אבידה box in the main reception area. 

c.       Towels for the Mikveh that belong to the hotel have to be taken back with you after use.  Fresh towels will only be given according to the amount there is in the room.

Oneg Shabbos

We welcome any volunteer to help organise the Oneg Shabbos group for boys, girls and ladies.  This includes helping with supervision, donating/sponsoring goodies, meeting the group on the walk, lending chairs, offering to give a drosho or allowing them to take place in your flat.

Eruv

We try to arrange an Eruv every year.  It is paramount that children do not interfere with the Eruv, neither on Shabbos nor throughout the week.

Wake up service

We can wake you up for Davening, learning or other purpose.  Just leave a note with reception with your Flat or local Mobile Number and the time you want to be woken up.

Lost & Found Box

Please deposit all items that you find in and around the Alpine Village into the Lost and Found box.  Remember to sew name tags with telephone numbers on ALL your belongings.

If you find a lost item, do hand it in to the bus driver, bus station or Tourist Office – unless it is obvious that it belongs to a member of the faith, in which case please bring it to Shul where it can be returned without the need for elaborate red tape and administrative acrobatics…

Organised Trips
If we need to organise a trip for a group, please give us a week or two notice BEFORE arriving to the Alpine Village.  You may be asked to help with a Minyan for Shacharis to ensure the trip runs according to Halachic Dictums.

קידוש ה'

Please keep in mind to make a good impression on the Goyim around us, so they should praise the Jewish People.

Remember:

•                 Your are just a guest here, they live here, so walk and talk quietly.

•                 Greet the people around you with a smile (Gruezi! - even if they don’t smile back)

•                 Say “Thank you” and “Please”.

•                 Wait patiently in the queue until it is your turn.

•                 Always state the REAL age of your child/ren, even for short rides.

•                 There is no justifiable excuse for leaving KOSHER food wrappers on pathways and promenades or inside buses or cable cars…

Remember to take with

•                 Siddur with Tefillos for Weekdays, Shabbos & Erev Rosh Chodesh and Birkas Hamozon, Al Hamichyoh & Tefillas HaDerech, Chumash, Tehillim, Tefillin, Gartel

•                 Tallis for Shabbes

•                 Work shoes / climbing boots (if applicable), Raincoat, Chalat, Sun hat/Cap/Sun lotion, Flip flops, Swimming costumes

•                 Unlocked mobile with local SIM and power adapter (or Global plug to UK adaptor).

•                 You will get two different sizes of towels, if you wish to have very big sized towels, please take them along from home.

•                 Please be aware that the weather may be quite chilly in the mountains, so make sure you take along sufficient warm clothing.

•                 All your belongings should be labelled, ideally with your home AND vacation contact details.

Kosher-Shopping in Coop, Migros and Denners

Check on www.irgz.ch with the link “Koscherliste”, which is approved by Rabbonim in Zurich to see an update of the products that may be bought from these large supermarkets.  You may borrow a printed Koscherliste at the reception desk for a deposit of CHF5.00.

Bayis Bagova - Courtesy Regulations

Courtesy and Mentschlichkeit Regulations

Damages - General

Every room is thoroughly inspected prior to your arrival, so if – upon entering your room for the first time - you notice that there is something missing (i.e. a light bulb) or broken (i.e. a loose curtain rail, a torn carpet, dirty or damaged kitchen worktop, broken door handle, dysfunctional lock or broken chair), please do notify us immediately.  This will ensure any problem can be resolved at the outset, saving headaches all around in the long term.

In case of damage occurring during your stay, please be upfront and notify the landlords at the first opportunity.  This will help them manage the problem better, avoid embarrassing situations and ensure an enjoyable experience for all and everyone.  Remember: The good taste you leave behind will help another Yid in years to come!

אויב ס'צוברעכט זיך עפעס בשעתס דיין פארבלייַב אינ'עם געדונגענע דירה, ביטע זאַפּפאַרט געבנ צו וויסן די אייגנטומער. דאָס וועט העלפֿן אז זיי זאלען לעזען דעם פּראָבלעם בעסער, אויסמיידן קריגערייען און א גוט געפיהל פֿאַר אַלעמען. געדענקט: דער גוטער געשמאַק וואָס איר לאָזט איבער, וועט העלפֿן אַנדערע ייִדען אין די קומענדיקע יאָרן!

Damages - Avoiding

Do not place the Shabbat Hot Plate over the Knobs of the Hob, as they will melt.  Instead, place a slab of stone or tile underneath every leg of the hotplate, to allow cold air to circulate underneath it.  This will also save the kitchen worktop from peeling, blowing up or becoming black from the heat.

Do not allow children to swing on the Curtain Rails.

Do not allow children to chuck stones through open windows.

Do not let linen or towels go missing.

Food in Freezer or Fridge

We do NOT take responsibility for food that becomes spoilt in the Freezer or Fridge, either due to a broken Freezer or Fridge or by any other cause.

Recycling of Glass, Plastic & Cardboard

Be aware that empty plastic / glass bottles and cartons have to be put into their respective disposal containers.  Please do not deposit them in the regular garbage bag.  You can leave them on the side in your room, and it will be taken away by the cleaners in the morning.

Airline Check In

Bring all your travel documents to the reception area – including Passports/ID, Credit Cards, Tickets and the like = and Tom will help you smooth out your homeward trip.  A train schedule with train times will also be provide to help you plan your homebound trip.

Quiet Zone

The Lobby and the Reception areas are on the ground floor. They are there for you to enjoy yourselves and so after 10:00pm it is expected to be quiet - without noise.  This is so that the families living in the hotel may enjoy a restful night.  Please think of your your neighbours!

Swimming - Availability

Upon request we are able to arrange a Beautiful Swimming Pool for all our guests, in the Wellness Hotel at the entrance to the village. You will still be informed exact dates and times.

Swimming - Rules

It is in your interest and that of your co-vacationers to keep the following stipulations.  If these rules are broken, the Pool will be closed.

If these rules are broken, the Pool will have to be closed.

·         No Food & Drink allowed in the building – nor in the pool and changing Rooms

·         Shower before Swimming!

·         No clothes, just bathing suit allowed

·         Any footwear like shoes, slippers or Crocs are strictly forbidden in the changing area.  They must be left outside the entrance to the Pool.

·         Children under the age of 12 are accompanied by an adult, who takes full responsibility.

·         No shouting, pushing, shoving, fighting or quabbling

Departures from the Hotel

Please notify us well in advance if you plan changes to your schedule, either by prolonging it or by cutting short the duration of your stay.

Linen and Towel changes

We charge for every piece of linen, unless you stay more than 13 days in a row.  Towels found outside your flat will be confiscated and may be charged to you.  Please take your bath towels after swimming and Mikva, as they mess up the Shul, Terrace, Corridor and other areas.

Laundry: Washing Machines & Tumble Dryers

There is no possibility to use a washing machine in the hotel, so remember to bring enough clothing for your whole stay.

When registering for a washing load, please be considerate of others who also need the laundry facilities.  The best times for a quiet moment to do your washing is between 1:00pm to 5:00pm.  Read the instructions carefully.  If the Tumble Dryer stops working, just open the door and dispose of the excess dust in the filter.

Cleaning the flat

During your stay, you may use the Vacuum Cleaner that is stored on the top floor in each building.  Please return it immediately after use, so that your neighbour may have good use of it too.  Request permission to use the special oven spray and scrubber, so that you could clean the hob properly. 

Before organising your departure, please read the Checking-Out leaflet carefully and carry out the procedures as instructed.  Remember that the next tenant is entitled to the same level of cleanliness as you found the flat when you arrived.

Allow ample time to finish this chore – do not leave it for a minute before the cable car / cab / car / bus is due to leave.

Daily Updates

If you want to know the daily weather, currency rates, Traffic news, local Holidays, Train Times, Cable Car Times, Connections to Stations or Airports etc. – please make your enquiries during quiet times.  These are usually between 11:00am and 5:00pm.

Tourist Information

Apart from the main induction, Tom will be happy to help you with details of interesting treks, trips or walks.  Please keep to the times as indicated in the previous paragraph(?).

There are about thirty different brochures, all packed with available tourist venues.  Read them carefully so that you and your family may enjoy a fin packed, healthy holiday and respite.

Quiet Zone

Some carriages on intercity trains are designated as “Quiet Zone”.  Please repsect people’s privacy and their right to the calmness they crave when they chose this carriage.  If you have younger children, please try to settle in another carriage.