Newsletter | Sandton Shul

Mazeltov to Clive and Vanessa Sher on the birth of a daughter in London and mazeltov to grandparents Paul and Charlotte Sher and Herbert and Rhona Ullman Mazeltov to Rabbi Evan and Cara Widmonte on the birth of a daughter born in Melbourne and mazeltov to grandparents Sam and Bev Leon. Mazeltov to Daniel and Sara Zinman on the birth of a son and mazeltov to grandparents Harold and Aileen Zinman. Mazeltov to Mervyn and Lynette Miller on the birth of a grandson and mazeltov to parents Craig and Robin Schraibman. Condolences on the passing of Mervyn Wolf husband of Lynn Wolf Mazeltov to Craig and Kirsty Blend on the birth of a daughter and mazeltov to grandparents Jeff and Sharon Blend. Mazeltov to Jayce Zidel and Nikki Lee Silverman on the occasion of their engagement and mazeltov to Zidel and Silverman families. Eran and Dena Michaeli on the birth of a son and mazeltov to grandparents Chezi and Belinda Michaeli. Mazeltov to Steven son of Cynthia and the Late Cedric Liptz on the occasion of his engagement to Orli daughter of Barry and Cookie Isaacs.

Newsletter

Make The Connection 09 April 2021

10 April 2021 | 28 Nisan 5781

Candle Lighting: 5.39pm
Parsha: Shemini
Shabbat Mevarachim
Havdalah: 6.28pm
Mincha Shabbos: 5.30pm

SHABBAT SHALOM

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day. I would like to share with you this short article by Sivan Rahav-Meir .The Holocaust: Six unforgettable facts.

Feelings are not enough. We are getting an overdose of feelings today, on Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). We are getting saturated with stories, memories, and tears but, in my opinion, we must not neglect cold, hard, dry facts. Here is a list of them courtesy of Professor Yosef Ben-Shlomo; six historical facts that we need to internalize in order to understand why the Holocaust was such an extraordinarily unique event:

1. Judenrein. For the first time in history (other than Haman’s plot against the Jews in ancient Persia), one nation sought the complete elimination of another, despite the fact that the vast majority of the nation targeted for extermination lived outside the territory of the aggressor nation. The goal was not to just put the other nation into exile but to erase it from the face of the earth. In Nazi documents on the number of Jews destined for death, the tiny Albanian Jewish community of 200 souls was noted.

2. Absence of opposition. In the Wannsee Conference of January, 1942, the “final solution” was unanimously approved by the fifteen attendees, all of whom held high-ranking ministerial positions in the German government, and eight of whom were holders of doctorate degrees.

3. The Germans worked against their own interests in World War II. Even as Germany was losing the war, it behaved irrationally. Instead of investing in just fighting enemy forces, the Germans continued “to waste” energy on their Jewish extermination project.

4. They were not crazy. Among the murderers were family men and women, professionals, and intellectuals. They were perfectly sane. Millions of ordinary, regular folks did not see any problem with taking part in this giant extermination project.

5. The concentration camps were not bombed. The death factories continued to operate without interference by the Western allied nations or their armies, even while the allies regularly bombed Nazi munitions factories.

6. There was no way out. Unlike their ability to cope with other horrendous decrees and persecutions throughout history, the Jews of Europe had no way out. There was no possibility of saving themselves through cooperation with the enemy, or by being exiled or by conversion to another faith. Death was their only option.

Today we face Holocaust denial, ignorance, and forgetfulness, as well as claims that the Holocaust was not a unique or particularly anti-Jewish event .It is therefore more important than ever not only to remember what happened, but to make a commitment never to forget.

Something to think about.

Rabbi David Shaw

12 RULES FOR RAISING DELINQUENT CHILDREN
How to Ruin Your Children –
Guaranteed 100% Infallible

Begin in infancy to give the child everything he wants. In this way he will grow up to believe that the world owes him a living.
When he picks up bad words, laugh at him. This will make him think he is cute. It will also encourage him to pick up cuter phrases.
Never give him any spiritual training. Wait until he’s 21 and then let him decide for himself.
Avoid use of the word “wrong.” It may develop into a guilt complex. Later, when he is arrested, he can conclude that society is against him and that he is being persecuted.
Pick up everything he leaves lying around – books, shoes, clothes. Do everything for him, so that he will be experienced in throwing all responsibility upon others.
Let him read any printed matter that he can get his hands on. Be careful that the silverware and drinking glasses are sterilized but let his mind feast on garbage.
Quarrel frequently in the presence of your children. In this way they will not be too shocked when their home is broken up later.
Give a child all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his own. Why should he have things as tough as you had them?
Satisfy his every craving for food, drink and comfort. See that every sensual desire is gratified. Denial may lead to harmful frustration.
Take his part against neighbours, teachers, policemen. They are all prejudiced against your child.
When he gets into real trouble, apologize to yourself by saying: “I never could do anything with him.”
Prepare for a life of grief. You will be likely to have it.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK –

“There are three crowns – the crown of Torah,
the crown of priesthood, and the crown of kingship;
but the crown of a good name surpasses all of them.”
Rabbi Shimon

FUNNY THINGS
The Doctors’ Convention

It’s 10pm when the phone rings in Dr. Minkofsky’s house. “It’s Dr. Gold,” says his wife, passing him the phone, “I do hope it’s not another emergency.”

Dr. Minkofsky takes the phone and says, “Hi, what’s up?”

“Don’t worry, everything’s OK,” replies Dr. Gold. “It’s just that I’m at home with Dr. Lewis and Dr. Kosiner. We’re having a little game of poker and we’re short of one hand so we thought you might like to come over and join us?”

“Sure …. yes, of course,” replies Dr. Minkofsky, putting on a serious voice, “I’m leaving right now.” And he puts down the phone.

“What’s happened?” his wife asks, with a worried look.

“It’s very serious,” Dr. Minkofsky replies. “They’ve already called three doctors.”

MAZELTOV TO!

Births

Mazeltov to Rabbi Evan and Cara Widmonte on the birth of a daughter born in Melbourne and mazeltov to grandparents Sam and Bev Leon

Mazeltov to Clive and Vanessa Sher on the birth of a daughter in London and mazeltov to grandparents Paul and Charlotte Sher and Herbert and Rhona Ullman

TAKE NOTE:

Shabbat

Zoom Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah
Join Rabbi Shaw, Chazan Alter and Daniel Tucker

Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday @ 5.00pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81250713114?pwd=SnlWK1NQOC94OXhieWtTVENNd2pPQT09

Meeting ID: 812 5071 3114
Password: 18

Havdallah on Saturday @ 7.30pm
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73078935628?pwd=VFB0NDRpbXFncllJcFQwd3FDaGQrQT09
Meeting ID: 730 7893 5628
Password: 18

Davening Times

Monday and Thursday at 6.15am
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday is at 6.30am
Sunday is at 7.30am

Weekday Mincha

From Sunday weekday Mincha will commence at 5.35pm

Shul Services

Booking is essential for all services – e-mail harelle@sandtonsul.co.za to book
As per the government regulations each service is limited to 250 people indoors
Masks must please be worn at all times
Please bring your own Siddur and Tallis to Shul
Should you not be feeling well please do not come to Shul

Tehillim and Pirkei Avot

We meet daily on Zoom at 5pm Sunday to Thursday to have a short shiur in Pirkei Avot and Tehillim for those who are in need of a Refuah Shelaima. Please join Rabbi Shaw on Zoom. The link is sent out by Rabbi David Shaw everyday.

Sandton Shul Mikvah

Sandton Shul Mikvah is open every night by appointment only. Contact Lynda Romain 24 hours in advance on 083 2668149 to make an appointment. All Covid protocolas are adhered to.

Got a Halachic Question?

Need a quick answer – Sms or WhatsApp Rabbi Shaw on 0726966535 or E-mail davidshaw@sandtonshul.co.za
The Kosher desk is open from 9am – 5pm on weekdays for all Kashrut related questions. Just WhatsApp them on 063 6939417.

Please let us know if you know of PG good news and GF any sad news or people who are not well.

Refuah Shelaima to any of our Kehilla who are ill.

Security

Should you see anything or anyone suspicious in or around the property, please report it immediately to BHH security or the CSO on 086 18 000 18.

Make The Connection 02 April 2021

3 April 2021 | 21 Nisan 5781

Candle Lighting: 5.47pm
Parsha: 7th Day Pesach
Mincha: 5.30pm
Mincha tomorrow: 5.30pm

SHABBAT SHALOM AND GOOD YOM TOV

I am excited that we are now permitted to safely accommodate many more congregants (250) in Shul services in time for the last days of Pesach and especially in time for our precious and always meaningful Yizkor. All the protocols are still in place, we need to book with Harelle (bookings close on Thursday at 13h00), wear masks, sanitise and of course keep social distance. But we can all be under the gorgeous dome of our sanctuary. Be’rov Am Hadrat Melech! The King’s glory is in a multitude of people! (“the King,” of course, referring to G-d). (Proverbs 14:28) Rabbi Jack Abramowitz explains that this is not just a nice idea; it actually has legal ramifications. For example, what is the preeminent mitzvah of Rosh Hashana? Blowing the shofar, of course!
Wouldn’t we want to blow the shofar as soon as possible on Rosh Hashana because zerizim makdimin le’mitzvot (the zealous are quick to perform mitzvot)? Despite this, for some reason we blow shofar at Musaf rather than at Shacharit. According to the Talmud in Rosh Hashana (32b), at least part of the reason for this is Be’rov Am Hadras Melech (the King’s glory is in a multitude of people) as more people are in shul for Musaf than for Shacharit. There are many, many more examples. Megillat Esther, Yizkor and praying together as a Kehillah Kedosha.

I look so forward to welcoming you in Shul over the Chag!

G d Bless! Enjoy the rest of Pesach!

Rabbi David Shaw

HINEH MAH TOV U’MAH NAIM SHEVES GAM YACHAD –

Behold how good and how pleasant it is when brethren sit together (Psalm 133:1)

FUNNY THINGS
Chaim and the Genie

One day Chaim Kaplan spotted a lamp by the roadside. He picked it up, rubbed it vigorously, and a genie appeared. “I’ll grant you three wishes,” the genie said.

Chaim thought for a moment and said, “I’ve always wanted to be spectacularly wealthy.”
And so it was that Chaim was wealthy.

“I’ve always wanted to be fabulously handsome.”
And so it was that Chaim was handsome.

Chaim thought for another moment and said, “I’ve always wanted to do something that no man has ever succeeded in doing.”

“Poof!” said the genie. “You can now cook Shabbos dinner.”

MAZELTOV TO!

Barmitzvah

Mazeltov to Jesse son of Saul Bregman and Liora Gien Bregman, grandson of Bernard and Debbie Gien and Roy and Melanie Bregman and great grandson of Judy Bloch on the occasion of his Barmitzvah

Births

Mazeltov to Daniel and Sara Zinman on the birth of a son and mazeltov to grandparents Harold and Aileen Zinman

Mazeltov to Mervyn and Lynette Miller on the birth of a grandson and mazeltov to parents Craig and Robin Schraibman

TAKE NOTE:

Davening Times

Monday and Thursday at 6.15am
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday is at 6.30am
Sunday is at 7.30am

Pesach Times

Friday 02

Shabbat
Candle Lighting
Suggest you light a 24 hour candle
Mincha
Maariv

17h47

17h30
18h00

Saturday 03

Shabbat/Seventh Day Pesach
Shir Hashirim
Shacharit
Mincha

Eighth Night Pesach
Maariv
Candle lighting from an existing flame not earlier than

08h00
08h30
17h30

18h00
18h35

Sunday 04h

Eighth Day Pesach
Shacharit
Yizkor approx
Mincha
Chag ends
Havdalah no spices/ no candle/just wine & Hamavdil

08h30
09h45
17h40
18h34

Shul Services

Booking is essential for all services
As per the government regulations each service is limited to 250 people indoors
Masks must please be worn at all times
Please bring your own Siddur and Tallis to Shul
Should you not be feeling well please do not come to Shul

Tehillim and Pirkei Avot

Sandton Shul Mikvah

Sandton Shul Mikvah is open every night by appointment only. Contact Lynda Romain 24 hours in advance on 083 2668149 to make an appointment. All Covid protocolas are adhered to.

Got a Halachic Question?

Please let us know if you know of PG good news and GF any sad news or people who are not well.

Refuah Shelaima to any of our Kehilla who are ill.

Security

Should you see anything or anyone suspicious in or around the property, please report it immediately to BHH security or the CSO on 086 18 000 18.

Make The Connection 26 March 2021

27 March 2021 | 14 Nisan 5781

Candle Lighting: 5.54pm
Parsha: Tzav
Shabbat Hagadol
Mincha: 5.40pm
Kabbalat Shabbat: 6.00pm
Mincha tomorrow: 5.40pm

SHABBAT SHALOM AND A CHAG PESACH KASHER VE’SAMAYACH

The Seder begins and ends in Aramaic and not Hebrew. Normally we utilize Aramaic only when there is intense kedusha, holiness,because Hashem’s presence is right there. Kaddish, B’rich Shemei when taking out the Torah and Yekum Purkan just after Leining and before returning the Torah to the Aron Kodesh.

That is the reason we bookend the Seder with Aramaic as well. To demonstrate that the Shechina, Hashem’s presence is at each and everyone of our Sedorim.

What an amazing opportunity to have G d in our homes. What an opportunity to be able to bless our families and to daven for the healing of our world, with Hashem right there.

I hope and pray that you have deep and meaningful Seders.

With Pesach greetings and a lot of love

Rabbi David Shaw

CONDOLENCES

Beverley Cantor on the loss of her mother
Lynn Wolf on the loss of her husband

THIS PASSOVER, TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS ENDING ESTRANGEMENT WITHIN YOUR FAMILY.

One of the best-known elements of the Passover seder relates to four children – smart, rebellious, simple, and not sure how to ask questions. In today’s fractured society, another person is all too often missing from the seder table. That fifth child is actually an adult…a member of the family with whom we have little contact. This is the relative, who, for whatever reason, we don’t speak to.

Maybe there were disagreements over choices people made, or money, or who knows what. Over time, alas, positions hardened, and now relatives, or entire branches of families, no longer speak to one another. These family feuds can go on for years, decades, even lifetimes, if no one speaks up.

In today’s crazy world, the split might have been over politics. In the past, when it came to political differences, most people could “agree to disagree.” Today, unfortunately, a bitter divide exists along political lines in our society, and relationships, marriages, and even families have broken up over differing political views.

Or maybe it was a personal matter, in which one member of a family said or did something that at least one other person found unacceptable. Maybe A didn’t like B’s choice of mate, or career, or approach to raising his or her children. Maybe it was an offhand, hurtful comment that created deep emotional injury. Maybe the comment was offhand and was meant to hurt. But now, for whatever reason, the principals in this drama aren’t speaking and everyone else in the family has had to choose sides.
Perhaps the dispute had to do with religious beliefs—one member of the family married someone with a different religious, ethnic, or racial background, or perhaps there was an action like infidelity, bankruptcy, or who knows what that one member of the family, or the entire family could not stomach.

Sad to say, this scenario plays out all too often, and these disputes take on lives of their own. There are probably 10^th generation Hatfields out there who still have it in for 10^th generation McCoys. But while those sorts of family feuds are the stuff of history or fiction, there are plenty of real family battles that have gone on for years and appear to have no end in sight.

This Passover, it’s time to end those battles. Not to get depressing, but everybody dies. Everybody. This includes the relatives with whom you may be having a longstanding disagreement. There are few feelings worse than realizing that a parent or sibling with whom you had an ongoing, simmering dispute is now dead and gone and that problem can no longer be resolved.

Is any disagreement worth it?

One message of Passover is humility, that God runs the world, and that our own egos can keep us from connecting deeply with God and our fellow humans. The shift from bread to matzo symbolizes this point. Bread puffs itself up as if to say, look how great I am. Matzah, on the other hand, is referred to as lehem oni, poor man’s bread, lacking in the slightest shred of ego.

The problem is that everyone’s waiting for everyone else to take the all-important first step. This Passover, break the cycle.

Ego itself stands for “edging God out”, for believing that we, like Dr. Seuss’ Yertle the Turtle, are the rulers of all we see. Of course, we all know what happened to Yertle.
If Passover asks us to set aside our egos and recognize that Something greater than ourselves is in charge, why can’t we set aside our ego-based disputes with family members or friends and put those disputes where they belong—in the past?

The problem is that everyone’s waiting for everyone else to take the all-important first step.

Passover celebrates the Israelites’ miraculous escape from Egyptian bondage, the splitting and crossing of the Reed Sea, and the enjoyment of freedom for the first time in centuries. According to the Midrash, a Jew named Nachshon took the plunge into the waters of the Reed Sea, and his courageous action caused the water to split and dry land to appear beneath it.

In other words, somebody has to take the first step, even when the deep waters of disagreement are swirling.

In your family or friendship circle, is there someone with whom you have had a longstanding dispute? A parent, a child, an estranged relative of any stripe, a one-time best friend? With the wisdom that time and distance confer, does the fissure between you and your estranged relative or friend really make sense anymore? Isn’t it time to put it to rest, while you are both on this side of the grass?

This is the time to reach out to that person, let bygones be bygones, and move on. The biblical Nachshon didn’t wait for others to take the first step. He took it, and everyone benefitted. Isn’t it time for you to be Nachshon in your own family, and set aside your own ego for the greater good?

This year, make a place at your Seder table for your estranged family or friend. How can we expect outside forces, whether they are the government, the schools, or even God, to make the world better, if we aren’t willing to take a simple step ourselves?
This year, set a place for the “fifth child” at your Seder table, the one from whom you have been estranged.

If you do, this will be the most meaningful Seder of your life.

FUNNY THINGS

Ma Nishtana

A British Jew is waiting in line to be knighted by the Queen. He is to kneel in front of her and recite a sentence in Latin when she taps him on the shoulders with her sword.

However, when his turn comes, he panics in the excitement of the moment and forgets the Latin. Then, thinking fast, he recites the only other sentence he knows in a foreign language, which he remembers from the Passover Seder:

“Ma nishtana ha layla ha zeh mi kol ha laylot.”

Puzzled, Her Majesty turns to her advisor and whispers, “Why is this knight different from all other knights?”

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK:

Life can only be understood backwards,
but it must be lived forwards.

MAZELTOV TO!

Batmitzvah

Mazeltov to Shayna daughter of Alan and Martinne Joffe, grandaughter of Judge Meyer and Gail Joffe and David and Shirley Nathan on the occasion of her recent Batmitzvah

Birth

Mazeltov to Craig and Kirsty Blend on the birth of a daughter and mazeltov to grandparents Jeff and Sharon Blend

Engagement

Mazeltov to Jayce Zidel on the occasion of his engagement to Nikki Lee Silverman and mazeltov to the Zidel and Silverman families

Mazeltov to Saul son of Mark and Michelle Maserow on the occasion of his engagement to Gabriella daughter of Susan and the Late Owen Blumberg

TAKE NOTE:

Davening Times

Monday and Thursday at 6.15am
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday is at 6.30am
Sunday is at 7.30am

Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday @ 5.00pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81250713114?pwd=SnlWK1NQOC94OXhieWtTVENNd2pPQT09

Meeting ID: 812 5071 3114
Password: 18

Pesach Times

Friday 26	Erev Shabbat Shacharit Burning of Chametz (after Shul) Latest Time Shabbat Candle Lighting Suggest you light a 24/48 hour candle Mincha Maariv	06h30 10h45 17h54 17h40 18h00
Saturday 27	Shabbat Shacharit one minyan in the main Shul Mincha First Night Pesach Maariv Candle lighting from an existing flame not earlier than	06h30 17h30 18h00 18h42
Sunday 28	First Day Pesach Shacharit Mincha Second Night Pesach Maariv & 1st Night Sefirat Haomer	08h30 17h40 18h00
Monday 29	Second Day Pesach Shacharit Mincha Chag Ends Havdallah mo spices/candle/just wine & Hamavdil	08h30 17h40 18h40

Shul Services

Booking is essential for all services
As per the government regulations each service is limited to 100 people indoors and in our garden to 150
Masks must please be worn at all times
Please bring your own Siddur and Tallis to Shul
Should you not be feeling well please do not come to Shul

Tehillim and Pirkei Avot

Sandton Shul Mikvah

Sandton Shul Mikvah is open every night by appointment only. Contact Lynda Romain 24 hours in advance on 083 2668149 to make an appointment. All Covid protocolas are adhered to.

Got a Halachic Question?

Please let us know if you know of PG good news and GF any sad news or people who are not well.

Refuah Shelaima to any of our Kehilla who are ill.

Security

Should you see anything or anyone suspicious in or around the property, please report it immediately to BHH security or the CSO on 086 18 000 18.

Make The Connection 05 March 2021

06 March 2021 | 22 Adar 5781

Candle Lighting: 6.15pm
Parsha: Ki Tissa
Shabbat Parah
Mincha: 5.35pm
Kabbalat Shabbat: 5.55pm
Mincha tomorrow: 6.10pm
Havdalah: 7.05pm

SHABBAT SHALOM

The whole saga of the Golden Calf appears in our Parasha.

I heard from my one of my mentors many years ago that the main message, amounst the many lessons from this aweful event, is that one has to serve Hashem as Hashem wants to be served and not how we decide to serve Him. We know exactly what G d wants us to do , how He wants it, and when. No Guessing! No speculating. Clear as day in the written and oral law.

There is a plethora of opportunities in absolutely every aspect of our lives to sanctify the moment by doing what G d wants us to do. From Tying our shoes to making Kiddush.

So importand is this concept we have a mitzvah to reall it each and every day!

How rich would our lives be when we allign our will to His!

Be’yedidut

Rabbi David Shaw

FUNNY THINGS

Biblical Professions

Three people were arguing about what profession was used first in the bible.
The Surgeon says, “The Medical profession was used first when G-d took a rib from Adam and made Eve.”

The Engineer says, “No, engineering was used first. Just think of the engineering job it took to create the world out of chaos.”

The Politician says, “You would have nothing if we didn’t create chaos in the beginning?”

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK:

One of the greatest challenges of life
is that it must be lived forward
and can only be understood backwards.

MAZELTOV TO!

Mazeltov to Joel and Sandy Levin on the occasion of their 49th Wedding Anniversary

TAKE NOTE:

Davening Times

Monday and Thursday at 6.15am
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday is at 6.30am
Sunday is at 7.30am

Shul Services

Booking is essential for all services
As per the government regulations each service is limited to 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors
Masks must please be worn at all times
Please bring your own Siddur and Tallis Shul
Should you not be feeling well please do not come to Shul

Shabbat

Zoom Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah
Join Rabbi Shaw, Chazan Alter and Daniel Tucker

Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday @ 5.55pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81250713114?pwd=SnlWK1NQOC94OXhieWtTVENNd2pPQT09

Meeting ID: 812 5071 3114
Password: 18

Havdallah on Saturday @ 7.45pm
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73078935628?pwd=VFB0NDRpbXFncllJcFQwd3FDaGQrQT09
Meeting ID: 730 7893 5628
Password: 18

Tehillim

Sandton Shul Mikvah

Sandton Shul Mikvah is open every night by appointment only. contact Lynda Romain 24 hours in advance on 083 2668149 to make an appointment. All Covid protocolas are adhered to.

Got a Halachic Question?

Please let us know if you know of PG good news and GF any sad news or people who are not well.

Refuah Shelaima to any of our Kehilla who are ill.

Security

Should you see anything or anyone suspicious in or around the property, please report it immediately to BHH security or the CSO on 086 18 000 18.

Make The Connection 19 February 2021

20 February 2021 | 08 Adar 5781

Candle Lighting: 6.15pm
Parsha: Terumah
Shabbat Zachor
Mincha: 5.45pm
Kabbalat Shabbat: 6pm
Mincha tomorrow: 6.20pm
Havdalah: 7.18pm

SHABBAT SHALOM

וְכָל־עַבְדֵ֨י הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ אֲשֶׁר־בְּשַׁ֣עַר הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ כֹּרְעִ֤ים וּמִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ לְהָמָ֔ן כִּי־כֵ֖ן צִוָּה־ל֣וֹ הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ וּמָ֨רְדֳּכַ֔י לֹ֥א יִכְרַ֖ע וְלֹ֥א יִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶֽה׃

All the king’s courtiers in the palace gate knelt and bowed low to Haman, for such was the king’s order concerning him; but Mordecai would not kneel or bow low.

The Sfat Emet points out that the Hebrew, describing how Mordechai would neither kneel nor bow low, strangely is written in the future tense and not the past.

He explains that this is coming to teach us that in every subsequent generation, from the time of Purim until the time of Mashiach there will always be proud loyal and brave Jews, who will stand up for true, authentic Torah values in the face of those who threaten our faith and our way of life.

Perhaps suggests the Sfat Emet that is exactly why Haman wanted to exterminate the entire Jewish people and not just Mordechai.

Stand Tall! Stand Proud!

We only kneel and bow low before Hashem Yitbarach Sh’emo!

Be’yedidut.

Rabbi David Shaw

CONDOLENCES TO:

Bradley Eisenstein on the loss of his father Bernie. Bernie was a past President of the Shul. He passed away in Cape Town. We wish the entire family long life.

A TRULY JOYFUL PURIM by Sivan Rahav-Meir

It appears to me that everyone should establish a personal corona cabinet. To meet and plan how this joyful holiday will not turn into a tragedy, heaven forbid. It’s simple when there is a lockdown but when there isn’t – the responsibility falls on us. In this regard, Rabbi Ran Sarid wrote the following:

“Purim this year obligates us to change our mindset. To stop and consider not what we want to do, not what we deeply desire, but rather how the Holy One blessed be He would want us to celebrate the holiday this year.

The four mitzvot of Purim are to hear the reading of Megilat Esther, to send mishloach manot (packages of food and drink), to give gifts to the needy, and to hold a Purim feast.
All of these can be safely observed in the home and its surroundings, but in order to do so we need to internalize our situation. After a year of corona, despite a multitude of immunizations, on Purim this year it is still a transgression – and not a mitzvah – to congregate, to crowd or dance together. And the corona does not distinguish between drunk and sober people.

The holiday of Purim symbolizes physical salvation, from the verge of death to life. It does not seem to me that Mordechai the Jew, who wore sackcloth and ashes solely from the fear that Jews would die, would want that the holiday held on his and Esther’s account would become a mega epidemiological catastrophe. The mitzvah to be joyful on Purim 5781 is internal, not external. If it is truly important for us to be joyful, and if we are to guarantee each other’s safety, we can already begin to think how we can truly be joyful this year, responsibly.”

FUNNY THINGS

Takeoff Moishe’s Trip to the Dentist

Little Moishe Klein had a really bad cavity and that meant only one thing: a visit to the dentist. Moishe was brought into the examining room by the dental hygienist and was made comfortable in the reclining dental chair. Dr. Rosen injected a numbing agent around Moishe’s tooth, and left the room for a few minutes while the medication took hold.
When Dr. Rosen returned, Moishe was standing next to a tray of dental equipment, “What are you doing by the surgical instruments, Moishe?” asked Dr. Rosen, somewhat surprised.
Focused on his task, Moishe replied, “I’m taking out the ones I don’t like.”

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK:

He who provides for this life,
but makes no provision for eternity …
is wise for a moment, but a fool forever.

MAZELTOV TO:

BARMITZVAH

Mazeltov to Jared son of Colin Resnick and Kim Resnick on his recent Barmitzvah

BIRTH

Mazeltov to Craig and Olga Dogon on the birth of a son

Mazeltov to Allan and Lorraine Lunz on the birth of a granddaughter born in London and mazeltov to parents Carly and Ben Newton

TAKE NOTE:

This Shabbos is Shabbat Zachor (“Sabbath [of] remembrance שבת זכור). It is the Shabbat immediately preceding Purim. Deuteronomy 25:17-19, describing the attack by Amalek, is recounted. There is a tradition from the Talmud that Haman, the antagonist of the Purim story, was descended from Amalek. The portion that is read includes a commandment to remember the attack by Amalek, and therefore at this public reading both men and women make a special effort to hear the reading.

Today is the 7th of Adar, the birth date and Yharzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu

Fast of Esther is on Wednesday – Fast begins at 4.49am and ends at 7pm

Purim – we will have two readings of the Megillah on Wednesday night – first one at 7.00pm and the second one at 8.30pm. On Thursday morning the first Megillah reading will be at 7am and the second one will be at 9.45am. Booking is essential and each reading is limited to 50 people. Please contact Harelle to book

Davening Times

Monday and Thursday at 6.15am
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday is at 6.30am
Sunday is at 7.30am

Shul Services

Booking is essential for all services
As per the government regulations each service is limited to 50 people
Masks must please be worn at all times
Please bring your own Siddur and Tallis Shul
Should you not be feeling well please do not come to Shul

Shabbat

Zoom Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah
Join Rabbi Shaw, Chazan Alter and Daniel Tucker

Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday @ 6pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81250713114?pwd=SnlWK1NQOC94OXhieWtTVENNd2pPQT09

Meeting ID: 812 5071 3114
Password: 18

Havdallah on Saturday @ 8.30pm
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73078935628?pwd=VFB0NDRpbXFncllJcFQwd3FDaGQrQT09
Meeting ID: 730 7893 5628
Password: 18

Tehillim

Sandton Shul Mikvah

Sandton Shul Mikvah is open every night by appointment only. contact Lynda Romain 24 hours in advance on 083 2668149 to make an appointment. All Covid protocolas are adhered to.

Got a Halachic Question?

Please let us know if you know of PG good news and GF any sad news or people who are not well.

Refuah Shelaima to any of our Kehilla who are ill.

Security

Should you see anything or anyone suspicious in or around the property, please report it immediately to BHH security or the CSO on 086 18 000 18.

Edited by Rabbi David Shaw | Published by Sandton Shul
Telephone Number: 011 883 4210 | E-Mail: sandtonshul@sandtonshul.co.za

Make The Connection 29 January 2021

30 January 2021 | 17 Shevat 5781

Candle Lighting: 6.15pm
Parsha: Beshalach
Shabbat Shira
Zoom Kabbalat Shabbat: 6pm
Havdalah: 7.34pm
Zoom Havdalah: 8.30pm

SHABBAT SHALOM

We find in this weeks Parasha the Song of the Sea, sang by our ancestors in recognition of Hashem’s momentous miracles at the Sea of Reeds.

When you look in a Torah scroll, you will notice that it is written in two columns, sometimes in three, with lots of spaces between the phrases. A song.

Why the spaces? There are many approaches to this question. I would like to suggest, that perhaps a reason is, that we thank and acknowledge Hashem for all he does for us that we see clearly. There are so many. The blank spaces are there to represent all of those myriads of kindnesses and miracles that Hashem does for us, without us having a clue.

We need to thank Him for both!

Stay safe and be well! G d bless you all!

Rabbi David Shaw

FUNNY THINGS

Stolen Hearts

Marvin and Shirley Applebaum were childhood sweethearts who had married and settled down in the same neighborhood where they grew up. They were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and decided to walk down the street to their old school. There, they hold hands as they find the old desk they ‘d shared and where he had carved “I love you, Shirley.”

On their way back home, a bag of money falls out of an armored car and lands practically at their feet. Shirley quickly picks it up and decides to take it home until they decide what to do with it. There, she counts the money, and it’s fifty thousand dollars.
Marvin says, “We’ve got to give it back.”

Shirley says, “Finders keepers” and puts the money back in the bag and hides it up in their attic.

The next day, two FBI men are going door-to-door in the neighborhood looking for the money and show up at their home. They say, “Pardon me, but did either of you find or know about some money that fell out of an armored car yesterday?”

Shirley says, “No.”

Marvin quickly interjects, “She’s lying!! She hid it up in the attic.”

Shirley says, “Don’t believe him, he’s getting senile.”

However, the agents sit Marvin down and begin to question him. “Sir, please tell us the story from the beginning.”

Marvin says, “Well, when Shirley and I were walking home from school yesterday…”

The FBI agents immediately look at each other and say, “Let’s get out of here!!”

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK:

Work to become, not to acquire.

TAKE NOTE:

Zoom Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah

Join Rabbi Shaw, Chazan Alter and Daniel Tucker

Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday @ 6pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81250713114?pwd=SnlWK1NQOC94OXhieWtTVENNd2pPQT09

Meeting ID: 812 5071 3114
Password: 18

Havdallah on Saturday @ 8.30pm
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73078935628?pwd=VFB0NDRpbXFncllJcFQwd3FDaGQrQT09
Meeting ID: 730 7893 5628
Password: 18

Tehillim

Sandton Shul Mikvah

Sandton Shul Mikvah is open every night by appointment only. contact Lynda Romain 24 hours in advance on 083 2668149 to make an appointment. All Covid protocolas are adhered to.

Got a Halachic Question?

Please let us know if you know of PG good news and GF any sad news or people who are not well.

Refuah Shelaima to any of our Kehilla who are ill.

Security

Should you see anything or anyone suspicious in or around the property, please report it immediately to BHH security or the CSO on 086 18 000 18.

Make The Connection 15 January 2021

16 January 2021 | 3 Shevat 5781

Candle Lighting: 6.15pm
Parsha: Vaeira
Kabbalat Shabbat: 6pm
Havdalah: 7.39pm
Zoom Havdalah: 8.30pm

SHABBAT SHALOM

It has been such a frenetic week. So many of our nearest and dearest, never mind the broader community have been affected by COVID. Some seriously and some, thank G d less so. One thing we need to get us through this all is a level head. To be logical and simply to follow the guidelines that the experts have suggested. To be sensible! Simply, to use one’s kop!

In the Gemara, Sanhedrin 67B, Rabbi Akiva points out to us that the Torah, when referring to the Plague of frogs says ותעל הצפרדע ותכס את ארץ מצרים, and the Frog ascended and covered the land of Egypt (Shemot 8:2).

It refers to a single frog which when struck split into two and continued to multiply and multiply every time it was hit, until there were so many frogs, they literally filled every house, every room, every bed, even their ovens and kneading bowls.

The Brisker Rav asks: Why, when they saw that with each attempt to kill the frogs they simply multiplied over and over and over with each strike. Why did they continue to hit these miraculous creatures? Hitting them just exacerbated to problem serving to increase their numbers exponentially, it was so logical.

His answer is brilliant and oh so true. When one is angry, when one is grumpy and upset, logic simply stops being logical. Even the most obvious truism becomes properly impossible to perceive. Facts are no longer evident. Evidence before our very eyes alludes us.

We have every reason to be annoyed, even livid and cranky with what is happening, however if we allow ourselves to adopt that mindset we are doomed as we will not be in a position to act rationally, wisely and with logic.

Be calm. Be positive. Be safe. Stay well.

G d bless.

Rabbi David Shaw

CONDOLENCES TO

Joyce Levinsohn on the loss of her husband and condolences to Della Lawrence, David, Steven and Lawrence Levinsohn on the loss of their father

Gary Aremband on the loss of his mother

Michael, Jonathan and Ian Joseph on the loss of their mother

Trevor and Milton Goralsky on the loss of their father and Louis and Jack Goralsky on the loss of their brother.

May Hashem comfort the families amongst all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

FUNNY THINGS
Stolen Hearts

Marvin says, “We’ve got to give it back.”

Shirley says, “Finders keepers” and puts the money back in the bag and hides it up in their attic.

Shirley says, “No.”

Marvin quickly interjects, “She’s lying!! She hid it up in the attic.”

Shirley says, “Don’t believe him, he’s getting senile.”

However, the agents sit Marvin down and begin to question him. “Sir, please tell us the story from the beginning.”

Marvin says, “Well, when Shirley and I were walking home from school yesterday…”

The FBI agents immediately look at each other and say, “Let’s get out of here!!”

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK:

When you have nothing left but God, then you become aware that God is enough!

TAKE NOTE:

Zoom Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah

Join Rabbi Shaw, Chazan Alter and Daniel Tucker

Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday @ 6pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81250713114?pwd=SnlWK1NQOC94OXhieWtTVENNd2pPQT09

Meeting ID: 812 5071 3114
Password: 18

Havdallah on Saturday @ 8.30pm
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73078935628?pwd=VFB0NDRpbXFncllJcFQwd3FDaGQrQT09
Meeting ID: 730 7893 5628
Password: 18

Blood Drive

On Sunday morning there is a blood drive at Manor Medical Centre from 9am to 3pm. Please make every effort to go and donate blood, your blood will save a life.

Tehillim

Sandton Shul Mikvah

Sandton Shul Mikvah is open every night by appointment only. contact Lynda Romain 24 hours in advance on 083266849 to make an appointment.
All protocolas are adhered to.

Got a Halachic Question?

Please let us know if you know of PG good news and GF any sad news or people who are not well.

Refuah Shelaima to any of our Kehilla who are ill.

Security

Should you see anything or anyone suspicious in or around the property, please report it immediately to BHH security or the CSO on 086 18 000 18.

Edited by Rabbi David Shaw | Published by Sandton Shul
Telephone Number: 011 883 4210 | E-Mail: sandtonshul@sandtonshul.co.za

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2020 Sandton Shul Batmitzvah Ceremony