September 2, 2011 Shoftim
S.T.A.R. News & Events
Here are S.T.A.R.’s upcoming exciting events:
September 10th
September 25th
This Shabbat
Shabbat Parashat: Shoftim
Candle Lighting: 7:01pm
Shabbat Ends: 7:55pm
Torah Message
The Last Scene
“When you go out to the battle to meet your enemy… the officers shall speak to the people, saying: ‘Who is the man who has built a new house and not inaugurated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the war and another man will inaugurate it… Who is the man who is fearful and fainthearted, let him go and return to his house, and let him not melt the heart of his fellows like his heart’.” (20:1-8)
The Yiddish Theater was not known for its championing of Torah values and so it was not surprising when two students came running to the Brisker Rav, breathless with indignation: “Does the Rav know about the new play the Yiddish theater has put on? The people associated with it should all be put in cherem (excommunication)! They’ve made a satire on the Torah!
First, one of the actors says “Who is the man who has built a new house and not inaugurated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the war and another man will inaugurate it.” So, ten people get up and walk off the stage. Then he says “And who is the man who has planted a vineyard and not redeemed it? Let him go home lest he die and another man redeem it.” So, another ten people get up and leave the stage. Then he says “And who is the man who has betrothed a woman and not married her? Let him go home lest he die in the war and another man marry her.” So, another twenty people get up and walk off the stage. And then he says “Whoever is afraid, let him go home so he won’t scare everyone else.” So noweveryone leaves the stage except two actors who play the Vilna Gaon and the Sha’agas Ariyeh. The Vilna Gaon says to the Sha’agas Ariyeh “K’vod HaRav, you take the first shot,” and the Sha’agas Arieh replies “No, no, I insist. After you.” As they argue about who’s going to start the war, the curtain falls and the audience laughs and claps. It’s terrible!”
The Brisker Rav paused and then said:
“Well – what’s wrong with that?”
The jaws of the students dropped. They gazed at their Rav dumb-struck.
The Brisker Rav continued, “The only thing they forgot is the last scene.”
“What last scene?”
“The last scene is where the Vilna Gaon and the Sha’agas Ariyeh win the war.”
The strength of the Jewish people is not in the vastness of its numbers nor its military might. The Torah calls us the “smallest of the nations.”
Our strength is a function of our righteousness and our faithfulness to G-d the “Master of Wars.”
Rabbi M. Weiss Rabbi Y. Sakhai
Community News
Em Habanim Congregation
Weekly Parashat Hashavua class with Rabbi Joshua Bittan on Wednesdays at 8:30pm for more info. visit www.emhabanim.com
Em Habanim Congregation’s annual banquet will be held on Sunday the 6th of November, 2011. The honored Guests are: Mark Castiel, Andre Chrique and Johnny Elbaz Deckel.
Em Habanim will be celebrating close to 40 years of service to the community.
Yom Kippur services will be held at the Century Plaza Hyatt Regency in Century City. More details will follow.
Sephardic Temple:
Talmud Torah registration for the new school year 2011/2012 is ongoing throughout the summer!
Mark your calendars:
Saturday, November 5th, 2011 A Gal celebration honoring the 2011 Sephardic Heritage award recipients Mr. Larry Clumeck and Dr. Samuel Newman.
For more info. visit sephardictemple.org
Sunday September, 3rd, 2011 Annual STTI Family picnic Mar Vista Park 10am -3pm Food, Music, Games and Fun!
Get Well Soon
We wish a speedy recovery for all the Jews that may need it where ever they may be and especially for:
Em Habanim:
Max Barchichat
From Sephardic Temple:
Al Azus,Buena Angel,
Elaine Leon,Itzchak Rachmanony
From S.T.A.R.:
Mordechai Chaim Ben Chana, Chaim Ben Buena,
Meshulam Dov Ben Chana Sarah
Bracha Eliza Bat Ehteram, Bracha Sara Chaya Bat Ronit
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