Weekly Parsha

This Shabbat study is dedicated to the Refuah Sheleima (healing) of Shlomo Tamas ben Sarah (Freddy Thomas) and Malka Batya bat Tova. May they be granted a refuah shlemah - a complete and speedy recovery.

Here at our Community, they are in our prayers, thoughts and hearts.

Shlomo Tamas ben Sarah
Rabbi Refoel Pinchas ben Chaya Rivka
Malka Batya bat Tova
Rabbi Yeruham Fishel ben Nehama Pearl
Adira (Heidi) bat Sarah

***

Leviticus 16:1 - 18:30

Acharei Mos includes the Yom Kippur service where the Cohen Gadol cast lots to designate two goats -- one to be sacrificed, the other to be driven to a place called Azazel -- after the Cohen Gadol (the High Priest) confessed the sins of the people upon its head. Today it is a phrase in the vernacular in Israel in the heat of an argument to instruct another person to "go to Azazel." I don't believe the intent, however, is to look for the goat....

The goat sent to Azazel carried away the sins of the Jewish people. This, I surmise, is the source of the concept of using a scapegoat. One thing you can truly give credit to the Jewish people -- when we use a scapegoat, at least we use a real goat!

The Torah then proceeds to set forth the sexual laws -- who you are not allowed to marry or have relations with. If one appreciates that the goal of life is to be holy, to perfect oneself and to be as much as possible like God, then he/she can appreciate that it is impossible to orgy at night and be spiritual by day.

* * *

"For on this day (referring to Yom Kippur) you shall receive atonement to purify you for all your transgressions, before the Almighty you shall be purified" ( Leviticus 16:30).

Does Yom Kippur atone for ALL transgressions?

The Sages in the Talmud (Yoma 85b) clarify that Yom Kippur atones for transgressions between man and the Almighty. However, with regards to transgressions between man and man, Yom Kippur can only atone if a person first attains forgiveness from those whom he has offended or harmed. This includes returning what was taken and possibly financial recompense as well as asking for forgiveness.

From this principle, we see the importance of being careful not to cause other people harm, either financial, physical or emotional.

It is proper to forgive those who sincerely ask for forgiveness; however, it is not always easy to forgive. One has to be able to forgive with a full heart for the person to receive atonement from the Almighty. Therefore, since this is difficult for a person to do, we should be even more careful not to wrong or hurt someone.

Courage is not having the strength to go on ...
it is going on when you don't have the strength.

***

"My ordinances you shall do, and My statutes you shall observe, to walk with them, I am the Lord, Your G-d." (Lev. 18:4).

What does the Torah mean "to walk with them?"

The Ksav Sofer, a famous Hungarian rabbi, commented that the words "to walk with them" mean that a person needs to walk from one level to the next level. That is, a person should constantly strive to grow and elevate himself.

Recognize the challenge or obstacle, set yourself to overcome it, make a plan, take action ... and take pleasure that you made the effort!

Forbidden fruit is responsible for many a bad jam

SHABBAT SHALOM!

COVID-19 Kids Activity List

We will be publishing a centralized directory of things to keep your children occupied with as all are currently home without school, and unable to go outside.

There are many Torah learning events, educational online events, entertainment for children, musical live streams etc.

PLEASE SEND ANY ITEMS YOU ARE AWARE OF TO HAVE THEM LISTED HERE TO INFO@BEITCHAI.COM

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST

COVID-19 Prayer List

If you have any Tehillim names of people who are hospitalized with COVID-19, please contact Beit Chai with those names to be added to the list.

Do NOT send us names from existing lists, and ONLY send us names you know personally. This is for COVID-19 victims ONLY. 

SEND THE NAMES TO INFO@BEITCHAI.COM

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST

Quarantine won't stop our learning

We are excited to announce the American Jewish College Learning Program. Bezras Hashem, we will hosting a shiur with provided sources, followed by words of inspiration from Rabbi Tank. Please join us!

Activities

Online Learning
Please email Rabbi Tank or text 917-834-4770

Mi Shebeirach (Praying for the sick) 
Please email Rabbi Tank or text 917-834-4770

Bikur Cholim (Visiting the sick)
Please email Rabbi Tank or text 917-834-4770

Koshering your house or business
Please email Rabbi Tank or text 917-834-4770

Register your family 
Click HERE 

Terumah (Contributions)
Now you can give your Maaser and Tzedakah HERE

"Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring an offering of the Almighty" (Exodus 35:5).

Those who bring the offerings should bring their hearts with their offering. It is not sufficient just to give a monetary donation. The Almighty wants our hearts, that is our thoughts and our emotions.

When you just give money to our institution, you help the cause for which you are giving. However, when you give with your heart, you are changing and elevating yourself as a person. Each donation makes you into a more giving person. Whenever you give, reflect before you give and then give with a full heart!

We are a 501C3 non-profit organization made up of cause-based staff and volunteers striving to preserve and sustain small Jewish communities. In order to sustain these communities it is important that we rekindle and develop a Jewish infrastructure that will accommodate and cultivate the rejuvenation of Jewish life so that people have a place to go, and for families to grow.