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INDEX

From the RabbiBeit YatirUpcoming EventsProfile: Felicia & Steven HoenigBeth Aaron OfficersBeth Aaron ContactsBeth Aaron NewsChildren’s Corner by Gavriella Hagler w Goodbye Warmth, Hello Winter w Coloring Page w Tu bi-Shevat Arts & Crafts w February Word SearchBanim MitpalelimParent-Child LearningMen’s Club KiddushTree of LifeMemorial PlaquesTeaneck Boys’ ChoirNCSYServing Our Creator with a Healthy Body, Mind, and SoulBeth Aaron Annual DinnerRenewal at Beth AaronCPR ClassesWine SaleJunior High OnegWeekly Shiurim

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Kol Beth AaronFebruary 2015 Shevat/Adar 5775

FEBRUARYCALENDAR

FEBRUARYYAHRTZEIT LIST

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FRom ThE RABBI:

DEALING WITh EmERGENCIES oN SHABBAT by Rabbi Larry Rothwachs

Recently, I have observed a number of situations in which potentially life-threatening situations arose on Shabbat. On more than one occasion, the individuals involved in these situations demonstrated confusion and uncertainty as to how to proceed during an emergency on Shabbat. It is essential for people to be knowledgeable and prepared, so that one can act swiftly and appropriately when faced with an emergency situation. Needless to say, we hope and pray that our families remain healthy and safe, thereby ensuring that these laws will never be applied. It is nonetheless essential that one clearly understand the Torah’s view and perspective well in advance of any particular need.

It is both self-evident and widely known that the laws of the Torah are designed to preserve and maintain human life. The Torah emphasizes the great value and supremacy of life. While a Jew must go to great lengths to avoid violating Torah prohibitions, the halacha requires us to transgress (if need be) Torah laws in an effort to preserve and sustain one’s own life or the life of another.

DoN’T DELAY

Thus, in reference to Shabbat, the author of the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 328) writes: “If one suffers from a life-threatening illness, it is a mitzvah to violate the Shabbat on his behalf. One who responds swiftly is to be praised, and one who [stops to] ask will be held responsible for his death.” The Mishnah Berurah (Orach Chaim 328:6) explains that even a slight delay resulting from one’s attempt to validate the need to violate Shabbat could easily exacerbate the situation by exposing the patient to a greater risk. Even if the patient himself hesitates to allow others to seek medical attention because of his sincere concern for the sanctity of the Shabbat, he should be strongly advised that his judgment is against the halacha, and his piety is based on foolishness.

Even more compelling is the fact that the Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 2:3) teaches that when a potentially life-threatening situation arises on Shabbat, the most distinguished and wisest individual present should be the one to step forward and assist the person in need. This surprising protocol is designed to enable all others gathered to come to the realization that the mitzvah of pikuach nefesh (saving a life) is among the greatest of obligations. Thus, even the spiritually elite do not hesitate when confronted with such an opportunity, despite the fact that the laws of Shabbat must be violated in the process. It should be noted that the Rama (Orach Chaim 328:12) teaches that when chillul Shabbat can be avoided, without compromising (even slightly!) the rescue efforts, one should choose the method that does not involve chillul Shabbat. If, for example, one can be driven to the hospital by a gentile without in any way delaying his arrival at the hospital, that is preferable to the Jew driving himself.

It goes without saying that when one is confronted with an outright emergency where the danger is self-evident, all necessary steps must be taken to assist the one in need. What needs to be stressed,

(continued on page 20)

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Beit Yatir

BEIT YATIR AND ThE ISRAELI ELECTIoNS by Tzvi Ben-Gedalyahu

The son of one of Beit Yatir’s families and the brother of another resident are “certain” winners in the Knesset elections next month, and one of Beit Yatir’s founders almost had a chance of being elected.

Avi Wortzman, the brother of Yatir’s Yonit Soria, already is a Knesset Member for the Bayit Yehudi (Jewish Home) party and is running for re-election.

Betzalel Smotrich, who lived in Beit Yatir while in high school and yeshiva and who is a son of our Rabbi Avi Smotrich and his wife Yochi, is a sure-to-be-elected candidate for the Tekuma faction that is part of the Bayit Yehudi.

The third candidate is — make that “was” — Moshe Hager, an IDF colonel in the Reserves and the founder and director of Beit Yatir’s Mechina, the first pre-military Torah academy in Israel, which has been the model for more than two dozen others.

Hager was running in the new Yachad-Ha’Am Itanu (Together-the People Are with Us) party founded by Eli Yishai, who formerly was with the Shas Sephardi religious party. Just as this article is being written, Hager has quit the rough-and-tumble Israeli political world because of intra-party quarrels.

That is good news for the Mechina, where he will continue as director and teacher.

Before we go any further, let’s do a quick and basic review of Israel’s political system.

Because of Israel’s multiple parties, it has been rare since the days of Ben Gurion for one party to win a majority of 61 Knesset seats. Instead, as in most European governments, the party with the largest plurality of seats gets first crack at forming a coalition government.

It does not always succeed, as Tzipi Livni knows very well. Five years ago, her Kadima party won one more seat than the Likud, under the leadership of Binyamin Netanyahu, but she was not able to coax enough of the other parties to form a government, giving Netanyahu the chance to do so. His coalition lasted less than three years.

This time around, it lasted less than two years, which still is a bit better than Ehud Barak, whose government fell in 2000 after only 18 months.

Voters in the general election cast their ballots for a party and not for a candidate. Each party decides how their candidates are chosen, but most of them use a combination of primary elections along with the privilege of the party leader’s naming certain candidates. The candidates are ranked according to their popularity in the primary election, except that certain places are reserved for the party leader’s choice.

The bottom line is that if polls show a party is almost certain to receive 10 seats in the Knesset, the candidates in the first 10 spots are in a “certain” place.

Another important part of the election process is the legally set minimum number of votes needed for a party to be elected. If there were no minimum, the Knesset could face a nightmare of more than a dozen parties represented, each with one seat, a situation that would make it difficult for a government coalition to maintain any kind of stability

The Knesset last year decided to nearly double the minimum percentage of votes for a party to enter the Knesset. The threshold now is 3.25 percent of those who vote, which, when translated into Knesset seats, means no party will enter the Knesset with less than four Members. (continued on page 19)

UPComING EVENTS:

Friday, February 6, at 8:00 p.m.Renewal: At an Oneg at the shul, Rabbi Ephraim Simon, Executive Director, Friends of Lubavitch of Bergen County, will share his personal, inspiring story of kidney donation.

Shabbat, February 7, during servicesRenewal: Rabbi Rothwachs will speak on “The Anatomy of Kindness.”

Shabbat, February 7, following servicesDisney-themed lunch for those who have made reservations

Shabbat, February 7, between Mincha and MaarivRenewal: Rabbi Josh Sturm, Director of Outreach for Renewal, will discuss “To Donate or Not to Donate: The Halachic Permissibility of Kidney Donation.”

Motzaei Shabbat, February 7, at 6:50 p.m. Parent-Child Learning

Sunday, February 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Blood Drive

monday, February 9, at 8:00 p.m. Rabbi Rothwachs’ Lecture Series -- Shemirat Shabbat vs. Shemirat haNefesh: Health Management and Medical Treatment on Shabbat

Friday night, February 13, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. Men’s Club Cholentless Challenge

February 14,between Mincha and Maariv Seudah Shlishit

Motzaei Shabbat, February 14, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.CPR classes

Sunday, February 15, from 9:00 a.m. to NoonCPR classes

monday, February 16, from 9:00 a.m. to NoonCPR classes

(continued on page XXX)

Avi Wortzman

Betzalel Smotrich

Moshe Hager

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Beth Aaron Contacts

KiddushAri Gononsky

kiddush@bethaaron.org

LibraryMitch First & Josh Zakheim

mfirstatty@aol.comJZakheim@mosessinger.com

membershipHillel Hyman

membership@bethaaron.org

men’s ClubMoishe B. Singer, Presidentmensclub@bethaaron.org

SecurityDavid Fisher & Yakov Eizik

davidfisher100@gmail.comYakoveizik@gmail.com

SisterhoodDeena Fisher & Sari Samuel,

Co-PresidentsSisterhood@bethaaron.org

YouthErica & Jason David

youth@bethaaron.org

BETh AARoN oFFICERS2014-2015

PresidentYair Mayerfeld

1st Vice PresidentIsaac Hagler

2nd Vice PresidentNeal Yaros

Vice President FinanceJosh Klavan

Vice President ProgrammingMicah Kaufman

TreasurerFeige Leidner

SecretaryMoishe B. Singer

Financial SecretaryDov Zakheim

Profile:

FELICIA & STEVEN hoENIG

“Building community” is a buzzword in organizational circles these days, and Felicia Hoening takes that phrase very seriously. Having experienced elsewhere the awkwardness and uncomfortableness that goes along with being a visitor, Felicia is Beth Aaron’s official Welcoming Committee.

New neighbors and new members receive a Shabbat-themed welcome basket that includes a Netilat Yadayim towel, travel candlesticks, wine, and jelly beans. Felicia also provides them with contact information for various people in the shul, such as the Rabbi and the President. She’ll introduce individuals, couples, and families to current members, and she sends out emails to people in the neighborhood, suggesting that they invite the newcomers for a Shabbat meal. “This area has grown a lot since we moved in, with many more young people buying houses,” she said.

Along with Erica David, she organizes the summertime Young Family Seudah Shlishit, which brings together families with young children for a huge potluck. As a member of the Sisterhood Board, she spends time on the phone in advance of any event, encouraging women of all ages to attend. “It’s nice to have everyone get together, be united as a shul and as a community, and enjoy the activity and each other,” she said. “And you can have a relationship with people who are older as well as younger.”

While the shul office often provides her with the names of those new to the community, Felicia is well known for introducing herself to people in shul. “I try to talk to everyone in shul I don’t recognize and try to get them involved,” she said. It doesn’t really matter if they are visiting or new to the community, she noted, adding that it’s a matter of making them feel welcome.

Felicia and Steven moved to Teaneck from Riverdale six years ago, when they decided they wanted a house, a suburban environment for their children, and a community in which they could be involved.

They were familiar with Teaneck and had friends in the area. And the location made sense for Steven’s commute to Fair Lawn, where he works as an electrical engineer for a consulting company that produces automated test and measurement systems. They looked at homes in various parts of the Township, but preferred this side of town. Though they originally checked out other local shuls, eventually they made their way to Beth Aaron. The Rabbi and Chaviva were important factors in their decision to become members of Beth Aaron. Felicia now has a close relationship with Chaviva, both as a rebbeztin and as a friend. “They are both amazing,” she said. “Both of them are always available.”

“I liked the Rabbi, his engagement with the community, and what he stood for,” said Steven. “And that there were a lot of minyanim in the shul and a lot of shiurim and learning.” He also appreciated the diversity, with “a broad span of age groups and types of people…. It’s not cookie-cutter.”

Steven was on the Men’s Club Board for a number of years, has been on the shul Board for the past three years, and now chairs the Fundraising Committee. He began the Parnas Hayom program as well as the link to Amazon that gives Beth Aaron a percentage of members’ purchases. He also spearheads the Yom Kippur Appeal. And when a member has an idea that involves fundraising, Steven is there to help support getting the program going.

So when Felicia and Steven have a new neighbor over on Shabbat, what do they highlight about the shul? “The programming, the davening, the shiurim, and the Youth Department,” says Steven.

“Erica and Jason are really talented,” Steven noted. “You can bring your children to shul, drop them off to groups, and not see or hear them until the davening is over.” The youth activities, such as the Purim Chagiga, also are wonderful, they said, pointing to the feedback from their children Sidney (age 7) and Elissa (age 5½). Their youngest, Reyna (age just 16 months), has much to look forward to as a part of the Beth Aaron community.

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MAZAl Tov To

• Susie Ammer, on receiving the Faculty Award at the Yavneh Dinner. • Judy Saden-Barach & David Barach, on the birth of their grandson Yitzhak, born to their children Yael & Daniel Abadi. • michla & Yoni Celnik, on their recent marriage.• Carrie & Dr. Stanley Cooper, on being honored by Beit Orot at its Annual Dinner. • Ellen Chazan, on the birth of a grandson, born to her children Tamar Rosenberg & Mike Buslovich. • mitchell First, on the publication of his second book, Esther Unmasked: Solving Eleven Mysteries of the Jewish Holidays and Liturgy. • Rabbi Yitzchok Furst, on receiving the Faculty Award at the Yavneh Dinner. • Ken Goffstein, on being honored by the JLE at its Annual Dinner. • marlene Greenspan, on the marriage of her daughter Chaya to Ahron Kostiha. • Joyce & Azriel haimowitz, on the birth of their twin grandsons, Yishai Yosef and Natan David, born to their children Rachelle & Paul Haimowitz of Modiin, Israel. • howard Kaufman, on the birth of a grandson, born to his children Margit & Kevie Feit. • menachem Kravetz, on his Bar Mitzvah. Mazal Tov also to Menachem’s parents, Cindy & Gershon Kravetz. • Ayelet Kurz, on her Bat Mitzvah. Mazal Tov also to her parents, Rebecca & Jeremy Kurz.• Rani & Paul Lustiger, on the birth of a granddaughter, born to their children Dina & Ilan Davidovics.• Temima macklin, on her Bat Mitzvah. Mazal Tov also to her parents, Danit & Garron Macklin. • Marcy & Jeff Manas, on the birth of a grandson, born to their children Shira & Donny Manas of Haifa. • ora Presby, on her engagement to Eli Gewirtz of Monsey, NY. Mazal Tov also to Ora’s parents, Susan & Lenny Presby.• Lorraine & Sam Vogel, on the engagement of their grandson Moshe Katz, son of Sharona & Shlomo Katz of Silver Spring, MD, to Michal Fink, daughter of Deborah & Shlomo Fink of Scranton, PA.• L’via & Charlie Weisinger, on the birth of their first grandchild, a girl born to their children Batsheva & Zevi Weisinger. • marilyn & Itch Zeidel, on the birth of their grandson Aharon Yeshaya, born to their children Nava & Duvie Zeidel of Far Rockaway.

CoNDoLENCES To

• George Friedman, on the passing of his father, Iriving Friedman.• Shelly mermelstein, on the passing of his sister, Rosalind Orbach. • helen Cohen and Chaim miller, on the passing of their father, Gary Miller. • Dr. David Richman, on the passing of his sister, Gail Richman.

WELComE To oUR NEW mEmBER

• Shoshana & Sam heller, who live on Barr Avenue.• Amanda & Avi moskowitz, who live on Edgemont Place.

BETh AARoN NEWS

YAHRTZEIT DoNATIoNS

• Patty & Sam Borodach• Estelle harris, in memory of Harold Harris• Sheryl & Bruce Schainker, in memory of Arnold Schainker and Molly Schainker• Aubrey & James Wolff

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DoNATIoNS To ThE RABBI’S DISCRETIoNARY FUND

• Razel & Yosef Adler • Elaine & howard Alt• Felicia & Steven hoenig• miriam & Izzy Salomon• Jamie & Asher Toporovsky

DoNATIoNS To ThE STANLEY FISCh YoUTh FUND

• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Judy Saden-Barach & David Barach, on the birth of their grandson Yitzhak.• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Ellen Chazan, on the birth of a grandson. • Mollie Fisch, in honor of Howard Kaufman, on the birth of a grandson.• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Rani & Paul Lustiger, on the birth of a granddaughter.• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Marcy and Jeff Manas on the birth of a grandson.• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Ora Presby, on her engagement to Eli Gewirtz of Monsey, NY, and in honor of Ora’s parents, Susan & Lenny Presby.• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Lorraine & Sam Vogel on the engagement of their grandson Moshe Katz to Michal Fink.• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Marilyn & Itch Zeidel, on the birth of a grandson.• Mollie Fisch, in honor of L’via & Charlie Weisinger, on the birth of their first grandchild.• Mollie Fisch, in memory of Rosalind Orbach, Shelly Mermelstein’s sister.• Mollie Fisch, in memory of Gail Richman, David Richman’s sister.• Mollie Fisch, in memory of Gary Miller, father of Helen Cohen and Chaim Miller.• Mollie Fisch, in memory of her dear grandfather-in-law, Klonymous Yehuda ben Avraham, Kalman Englemayer, whose yahrtzeit is 27 Tevet. • Mollie Fisch, in memory of her dear grandfather, Sholom ben Avraham Leib ha-Kohen, Samuel Kidorf, whose yahrtzeit is 15 Shevat.• Mollie Fisch, in memory of her dear uncle, Sender ben Reb Nisan, Sam Nussbaum, whose yahrtzeit is 22 Shevat.• Mollie Fisch, in memory of her beloved father, Shlomo bar Sholom ha-Kohen, Solomon Kidorf, whose yahrtzeit is 24 Shevat.• Mollie Fisch, in memory of her special uncle, Gedaliah Zvi ben Sholom, Harry Teller, whose yahrtzeit is 26 Shevat.• Mollie Fisch, in memory of her dear brother-in-law, Yehuda Yosef ben Yissachor Dov, Joseph Greenberg, whose yahrtzeit is 26 Shevat.

PARNAS hAYom DEDICATIoNS

Dedicate a day of learning at Beth Aaron on the occasion of a yahrtzeit, in the zechut of a refuah shelaima, or in honor of a simcha, a birthday or any other occasion. Each week’s dedications are prominently displayed in the shul lobby and sent out to the membership via email. For more informa-tion, or to sign up, please go to www.bethaaron.org/parnashayom.

Parnas Hayom dedications in January were made by:• Laurie & Ira Bauman, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Laurie’s mother, Chaya Breindel bat Moshe• Nurit & Gary Adler, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Mendel Adler • Daniel Chazin, commemorating the 20th yahrtzeit of his father, Abraham Chazin, Avraham ben Tzvi Aryeh • Shulamis & David hes, commemorating the first yahrtzeit of David’s mother, Yeruchem bat Naftali• Sandy & Bernie horne and family, commemorating the yahrtzeit of David Horne• Nechama & David Landsman, commemorating the shloshim of David’s mother, Chaya Malka bat Yosef ha-Kohen • Brooke & Aryeh Lewitan, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Yitzchok Baruch ben Shmuel• Lynn & Dov Silberberg, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Lynn’s mother, Ann Steinmetz, Chana bat Yitzchak Tzvi• Esther & Rinaldo Toporovsky, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Luba bat Avraham Eliezer • Claire & Dov Zakheim, commemorating the yahrtzeit of Dov’s father, ha-Rav Yaakov Iser ben ha-Rav Dov Shlomo

BETh AARoN NEWS

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GooDBYE WARmTh, hELLo WINTER

by Gavriella Hagler

As the door swings open and our bags get plopped down, a cold gust of wind creeps in, leaving us all with a cool chill.

“Ugh,” I cry out, shaking, as I throw my knapsack down next to my suitcase. “It’s too cold. I can’t handle the weather here. Winter is just too cold.”

“Oh please, Shira,” Aviel laughs. “This is nothing. It’s warmer here than it has been for a while. You just gotta get used to it.”

“Get used to it? Get used to it?” I repeat, my voice getting louder. “No, I don’t want to get used to it. I want to go back -- back to California, where it was beautiful weather, all the time. Where you could walk outside without a jacket and not freeze ...”

“Well,” Aviel interrupts. “This is Teaneck, not California, might as well get used to it. Winter vacation is over, which means the warmth is over. Got it?”

I sigh. “I got it, I just don’t like it.”

“Well,” says Abba. “When you two stop fighting, you can bring your suitcases upstairs, and get ready for bed. It’s almost 12 o’clock in the morning.”

“We’re not fighting…” we both say in unison.

“Of course not…” Abba responds as usual, his sarcasm heard loud and clear.

I sling my backpack back over my shoulder and begin to lug my suitcase up the stairs, step by step.

***Twenty minutes later, teeth are brushed, pajamas are on, and the suitcase is placed in the corner behind the bed, where it won’t be thought about, ‘till at least tomorrow morning.

As I peel away the sheets layer by layer and tuck myself into bed, Abba knocks on the door.

“Just wanted to say good night,” he whispers, and gently bends down and kisses my forehead.

“Good night, I love you.”

Abba smiles and starts to turn around back towards the door.

“Wait! Abba, can I talk to you for a second?”

He turns back around. “Of course, what’s on your mind, Shira?” He motions for me to scoot over, and sits down next to me.

“I’m really grateful that we got to go to LA for vacation, I really am…” I begin to trail off.

“But...”

“But, I miss it a lot. And I can’t stop wishing we could go back or stay longer, or even move there. And I know were not supposed to get jealous, but I’m so jealous of people that live there.”

“I know you enjoyed it, sweetie, and I did too, but it’s just not practical to move there.”

I sigh. “I know. But it’s so beyond beautiful there. The palm trees there… and the skies, so perfect and clear blue, not a single cloud. And the weather, how it was sunny and warm, yet followed by a cool breeze.” I begin to close my eyes, a smile twisting from my lips, remembering. “And the beaches, Abba. The beaches! With silky smooth sand and flawless round stones and pebbles. The rise and fall of the ocean, gleaming in the sunlight, and this was all in the winter, Abba! I miss that so much!”

Abba laughs. “Do you know what’s coming up soon?”

“School,” I guess? My lips suddenly untwisted from its prior smile.

“No, besides that.” Abba looks at my blank stare. “Tu bi-Shevat.”

“Ok…”

ChILDREN’S CoRNER

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“What’s Tu bi-Shevat?”

“Umm, we eat dried fruit and say a bracha on the trees?”

“The point of Tu bi-Shevat is to celebrate the birth of the trees. They grow, and so should we. Even though LA is a bit prettier and warmer than here, we have to find the beauty that’s around us here, too. It might take a little bit more of an effort, but we have to work on it, and ourselves. The trees grow physically, but we, Shira, have to grow spiritually. And that’s the message we can all take from Tu bi-Shevat.”

Abba bends down again and gives me one last kiss on my forehead. “Now get some sleep.”

And as Abba leaves and gently closes the door behind him, he takes away some of my regret and jealousy with him.

And for a second, as I close my eyes and say Shema, I feel myself grow just a tiny bit more.

ChILDREN’S CoRNER

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CoLoRING PAGE by Gavriella Hagler

ChILDREN’S CoRNER

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Be creative! Make winter trees out of recycled cardboard and decorate them however you like. Great project and great centerpiece!

Tu Bi-shevaT ARTS AND CRAFTS - ECO FRIENDLY by Gavriella Hagler

This, too, is a great centerpiece, and can be made with recycled paper, and water bottles!

Tu bi-Shevat is like every other Jewish holiday which means -- food! Here’s an easy, creative, fast, and yummy way to get in the spirit of Tu bi-Shevat. All you have to do is combine just a few fruits and candies and you’re done!

ChILDREN’S CoRNER

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ChILDREN’S CoRNER

FEBRUARY WoRD SEARCh

by Gavriella hagler

A P Y K R B L H T W O R G U V

Q I W T R J A T L M Y B N Y Y

C I N A X Z U J P R B C Q T F

J U C R T M T V A C A T I O N

V H X N O F I U S W I U D L W

A U C X K F R Q U K R P E X A

B E A C H B I E N F A R I Q S

P P S L E R P L Q D W Y R H T

S H A F O U S Q A Q I L D C R

O E Y C R W L J F C N O U M R

Y Q E S O F Y W U C T I C G K

Q R I R I L C W D O E V X M H

H N Z G T C D T Q H R L Y X D

E D K V U K A R I U F Y J G K

V X O A T X C L U J H O U M A

BEACHCOLDFRUIT

SPIRITUALVACATIONBRACHADRIED

GROWTHSUN

WINTERCALIFORNIAFEBRUARYPHYSICAL

TREES

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BETh AARoN mEN’S CLUB KIDDUSH

As part of our ongoing effort to further the friendliness of Beth Aaron, we are happy to provide our weekly kiddushim. Kiddushim are held weekly, except when there are private events or rentals in the Social Hall. The Men’s Club is pleased to offer four options for kiddushim, both single-sponsored as well as multi-sponsored. Our standard weekly kiddush is the “Weekly Cold Kiddush.” WEEKLY KIDDUSHIM: Weekly dairy cold kiddushim with chips, cookies, and soda. Become a Mezonot sponsor for only $54 or a L’Chaim sponsor for $72. MULTI-SPONSORED KIDDUSH: Hot fleishik Kiddush with chulent, kugel, cakes and more. Multi-sponsored kiddushim are held approximately every six weeks. Sponsorships are only $200.

If you are celebrating a simcha, commemorating a yahrtzeit, or simply want to say “thank you,” consider sponsoring an upcoming kiddush. Visit our website to sponsor. If you have any questions, contact Ari Gononsky, kiddush@bethaaron.org.

Hashkama Minyan Kiddush “Society” To support the Hashkama Minyan’s monthly hot Kiddush on Shabbat Mevorchim for a second year, join the Hashkama Minyan Kiddush “Society.” The membership of $54 can be made online; please note in the “comments” section that the contribution is for the Hashkama Minyan Kiddush. Contact Ari Gononsky, kiddush@bethaaron.org, with any questions.

TREE oF LIFE

The Tree of Life commemorates the birth of a child or grandchild, honors someone, or celebrates a marriage or other family simcha. Leaves on the Tree of Life are $100 each. For further information, please contact Aviva Leffel, springspoon@hotmail.com.

mEmoRIAL PLAQUES

Memorial plaques commemorate the passing of a loved one and perpetuate his or her memory. Plaques are $350 each. For further information, contact Aviva Leffel, springspoon@hotmail.com, or Larry Kahn, kahnclan01@gmail.com.

TEANECK BoYS’ ChoIR

The Teaneck Boys’ Choir is now accepting new members for 5775. We welcome boys in grades 1 to 7 from Teaneck, Bergenfield, Paramus, Fair Lawn, Fort Lee, and neighboring towns. The choir is known for its warm, haimish, and fun atmosphere, encouraging our boys to experience and learn teamwork and mutual respect. Be part of a great group, learn new songs, and take part in performances and CD recording. For information on enrollment, please contact Yehiel Levy, 201-357-5495, teaneckboyschoir@gmail.com. Yehiel Levy & Hillel Kapnick,Directors

NCSY

For information about NCSY events, or if you have questions, comments, or ideas, please mail Spence Weitzen, weitzens@ncsy.org.

Join us on Facebook or email us, teens@bethaaron.org.

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RECoRDINGS AND SoURCE ShEETS

Recordings and source sheets for these slectures are available online at www.bethaaron.org/torah.

ThE LAST SHIUR IN ThIS SERIES

hAS BEEN PoSTPoNED

To moNDAY, FEBRUARY 9,

AT 8:30 P.m.

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BETh AARoN ANNUAL DINNER

CoNGREGATIoN BETh AARoNCoRDIALLY INVITES YoU To ATTEND

oUR 39Th ANNUAL JoURNAL DINNER

hoNoRING

ARLENE & ARThUR EISGUESTS oF hoNoR

ERICA & JASoN DAVIDShELLY LEFFEL SERVICE AWARDEES

Sunday, February 22, 2015Dinner Buffet at 5:00 p.m.

Program at 6:15 p.m.

Congregation Keter Torah600 Roemer Avenue Teaneck, NJ 07666

Couvert $200 per person, $150 for first-time member attendees.

The deadline for submitting an ad is 11:59 p.m., this Motzaei Shabbat, February 7. All ads received after that time will not appear in the Journal, and will be given to the honorees only in a separate booklet.

For reservations or an ad blank, go to www.bethaaron.org/dinner

Please click here for a printable ad blank

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CPR CLASSES

Congregation Beth Aaron and Men's Club are proud to offer Adult and Child CPR Certification and non-certification classes available

Where: Lower Level of the shul

When: Motzaei Shabbat, February 14, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Sunday, February 15, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon Monday, February 16, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon (You need attend only one of these classes)

Cost: $18.00 per person (certification additional)

Who: Beth Aaron Members

Age: This class is open for 7th graders through adults

Families are encouraged to take this class together. The maximum price will be $36 for families signed up to take the class in the same session. The cost does not include certification or books; both are available, but not required.

Take advantage of this subsidized training and learn lifesaving skills! Learn Adult and Child CPR; how to help a choking victim; and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

ADVANCE REGISTRATIoN REQUIRED: Register at www.bethaaron.org/event/mens-club-cpr-classes.html.

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MONDAY10:15 AM - 12:30 PM

Parshanut HaMikra: BereishitExplore topics in Bereishit through the lens of midrash, medieval and modern commentaries - chevruta and shiur.Rachel Friedman, Shira Schiowitz, For women (12 weeks), Tuition $220

February 2, 9, 23 March 2, 9, 23, 30 April 20, 27 May 4, 11, 18

WEDNESDAY10:15 - 11:45 AM

Parashat HaShavuaExplore the parashah closely using midrash, parshanut and literary tools. The last few weeks will be devoted to pre-Pesach classes.Rachel Friedman, For men and women (9 weeks), Tuition $160

January 28February 4, 11, 18, 25 March 4, 11, 18, 25

WEDNESDAY10:15 - 11:45 AM

Megillat RuthExplore the book of Ruth and its connections to the holiday of Shavuot.Rachel Friedman, For men and women (5 weeks), Tuition $90

April 22, 29 May 6, 13, 20

THURSDAY10:15 - 11:30 AM

The Later Prophecies of Yirmiyahu: The life and times of the prophet and his message for us today.Shira Schiowitz, For women (13 weeks), Tuition $230

January 29February 5, 12, 19, 26 March 12, 19, 26 April 16, 30 May 7, 14, 21

THURSDAY11:45 AM-1:00 PM

Great Thinkers of the Twentieth CenturyBe inspired by the thought of Rav Kook, Rav Soloveitchik and the Lubavitcher Rebbe on contemporary issues.Rabbi Yosef Bronstein, For men and women (8 weeks), Tuition $145

January 29February 5, 12, 19, 26 March 12, 19, 26

TUESDAY8:15 - 9:30 PM

Megillat EstherPrepare for Purim at Lamdeinu. Explore Megillat Esther with classical parshanim and literary analysis.Rabbi Dr. Yitzhak Berger, For men and women (4 weeks), Tuition $72

February 3, 10, 17, 24

TUESDAY10:15 AM - 12:30 PM

Talmud: Berakhot Chapter 4This class is an introductory Talmud class for students with Hebrew text skills.Rabbi Daniel Fridman, For women (16 weeks), Tuition $275

January 27February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 April 14, 21, 28 May 5, 12, 19

WEDNESDAY9:00 - 10:00 AM

Yoga with ShifraMindful yoga to begin the day.Shifra Shafier, For women (16 weeks), Tuition $192 or $15/class

January 7, 14, 21, 28 February 4, 18, 25 March 11, 18, 25April 15, 22, 29May 6, 13, 20

Lamdeinu at Congregation Beth Aaron 950 Queen Anne Road Teaneck, NJRachel Friedman, Dean | Shira Schiowitz, Assistant Dean

SPRING 2015 SEMESTER Register at lamdeinu.org

All classes will cover new topics. New students are welcome to join any class. Drop-in rate for a class is $25. Please consider dedicating a shiur for a minimum contribution of $180.

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MONDAY10:15 AM - 12:30 PM

Parshanut HaMikra: BereishitExplore topics in Bereishit through the lens of midrash, medieval and modern commentaries - chevruta and shiur.Rachel Friedman, Shira Schiowitz, For women (12 weeks), Tuition $220

February 2, 9, 23 March 2, 9, 23, 30 April 20, 27 May 4, 11, 18

WEDNESDAY10:15 - 11:45 AM

Parashat HaShavuaExplore the parashah closely using midrash, parshanut and literary tools. The last few weeks will be devoted to pre-Pesach classes.Rachel Friedman, For men and women (9 weeks), Tuition $160

January 28February 4, 11, 18, 25 March 4, 11, 18, 25

WEDNESDAY10:15 - 11:45 AM

Megillat RuthExplore the book of Ruth and its connections to the holiday of Shavuot.Rachel Friedman, For men and women (5 weeks), Tuition $90

April 22, 29 May 6, 13, 20

THURSDAY10:15 - 11:30 AM

The Later Prophecies of Yirmiyahu: The life and times of the prophet and his message for us today.Shira Schiowitz, For women (13 weeks), Tuition $230

January 29February 5, 12, 19, 26 March 12, 19, 26 April 16, 30 May 7, 14, 21

THURSDAY11:45 AM-1:00 PM

Great Thinkers of the Twentieth CenturyBe inspired by the thought of Rav Kook, Rav Soloveitchik and the Lubavitcher Rebbe on contemporary issues.Rabbi Yosef Bronstein, For men and women (8 weeks), Tuition $145

January 29February 5, 12, 19, 26 March 12, 19, 26

TUESDAY8:15 - 9:30 PM

Megillat EstherPrepare for Purim at Lamdeinu. Explore Megillat Esther with classical parshanim and literary analysis.Rabbi Dr. Yitzhak Berger, For men and women (4 weeks), Tuition $72

February 3, 10, 17, 24

TUESDAY10:15 AM - 12:30 PM

Talmud: Berakhot Chapter 4This class is an introductory Talmud class for students with Hebrew text skills.Rabbi Daniel Fridman, For women (16 weeks), Tuition $275

January 27February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 April 14, 21, 28 May 5, 12, 19

WEDNESDAY9:00 - 10:00 AM

Yoga with ShifraMindful yoga to begin the day.Shifra Shafier, For women (16 weeks), Tuition $192 or $15/class

January 7, 14, 21, 28 February 4, 18, 25 March 11, 18, 25April 15, 22, 29May 6, 13, 20

Lamdeinu at Congregation Beth Aaron 950 Queen Anne Road Teaneck, NJRachel Friedman, Dean | Shira Schiowitz, Assistant Dean

SPRING 2015 SEMESTER Register at lamdeinu.org

All classes will cover new topics. New students are welcome to join any class. Drop-in rate for a class is $25. Please consider dedicating a shiur for a minimum contribution of $180.

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BEIT YATIR (continued from page 2) Wortzman is number 13 on the Bayit Yehudi (Jewish Home) list, and Smotrich is number 9. The party had 12 MKs in the outgoing Knesset, and both candidates are certain to be elected because all polls agree that the Bayit Yehudi will win even more seats in the March balloting.

Hager quit after one week.

We asked him why he even considered running for the Knesset, which would mean his giving up his 24/7 job of tending to his “baby,” the Mechina. He says he was very uncertain about going into politics, but did so at the urging of two widely-known national religious rabbis. Hager explains that the Yachad party is for voters who feel they do not have a party they can support since the former National Religious Party (Mafdal) folded in the last election and merged with Bayit Yehudi, which accepts secular candidates.

In this election, 3=0. Yishai’s concern that the polls at best give him four seats and probably only three pressured him into making all sorts of political deals with a warring faction, which is not what Hager wanted to be involved in.

Smotrich, 34 years old, will be one of the youngest MKs. He served in the IDF, is married with four children, learned in yeshiva, and managed to earn a law degree, all virtually at the same time. He heads the Regavim organization, which has documented the legality of Jewish land ownership in Judea and Samaria and has been active as a powerful antidote to Peace Now and leftist government officials, who often present false claims of Arab ownership of land.

Wortzman is 42, married with four children and, in case you forgot, is the brother of Yonit, a social worker. He learned at the Merkaz HaRav yeshiva and was a combat soldier. Born and raised in Be’er Sheva, he founded Beit Moriah, which has grown into the city’s most prominent Torah education center. In 2008, he headed the United Religious List in local elections and served as Be’er Sheva’s deputy mayor. In the last Knesset, he was Deputy Minister of Education.

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DEALING WITh EmERGENCIES oN SHABBAT (continued from page 1)

however, is that even when there is merely a doubt as to whether there is any actual danger, those very same measures must be taken in order to secure the safety and well-being of another. For example,severe abdominal pain can be an indication of a serious infection. On the other hand, it may be nothing more than severe indigestion. Even if one merely suspects that the symptoms might reflect a serious condition, he or she must act as he or she would if it were a weekday. People often tend to exercise stricter judgment on Shabbat than they would otherwise during the week. This is the “foolish piety” that was mentioned earlier. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 328:15) emphasizes that even if it becomes evident in the end that one’s efforts were not needed, those who acted hastily will be rewarded for an act of pikuach nefesh nonetheless. Certainly, we do not view their actions as “chillul Shabbat” retroactively.

SERIoUS INJURIES AND TERmINAL PATIENTS

There are certain conditions or injuries that one would not typically consider life-threatening but are nevertheless are recognized as such by the halacha. For example, a major fracture, a compound fracture or a serious burn are all to be treated immediately and assumed to be potentially life-threatening. Similarly, a terminally ill patient is to be provided the same degree of care as one would provide to another who is expected to live for a long period of time. One is obligated to violate the Shabbat, if need be, even to extend one’s life for a minimal amount of time. Indeed, even a moment of life in this world has immeasurable value.

After the patient has been tended to and the situation has been stabilized, one is no longer permitted to violate the Shabbat. Thus, for example, one who drives a family member to the hospital on Shabbat would not be permitted to drive home afterwards. Under certain circumstances, he or she may be permitted to be driven home by a non-Jew. Those details are beyond the scope of this article.

Once again, the purpose of this brief article is merely to raise awareness in these areas and underscore the primacy of pikuach nefesh in Jewish law. There are many more specifics and details that one should make every effort to learn over time. Feel free to direct specific questions or comments to me personally. May we be zocheh to remain healthy and out of harm’s way on Shabbat and throughout the week.

CoNGREGATIoN BETh AARoN950 Queen Anne Road Teaneck, NJ 07666

Phone: 201-836-6210www.bethaaron.org office@bethaaron.org

Laurence Rothwachs, Rabbi Yair mayerfeld, President

UPComING EVENTS: (continued from page 2)

Motzaei Shabbat, February 21 at 7:10 p.m. Parent-Child Learning

Sunday, February 22, at 5:00 p.m.Beth Aaron Annual Dinner at Congregation Keter Torah, 600 Roemer Avenue

Motzaei Shabbat, February 28, at 7:30 p.m. Sisterhood Book ClubReview of The Ugly Sister, by our own Gila Berkowitz, at the home of Pearl Markovic, 913 Country Club Drive

march 2 Women’s Rosh Hodesh Shiur

Wednesday, march 4Ta’anit EstherFast begins: 5:11 a.m.Fast ends: 6:22 p.m.Maariv/Megillah readings: 6:25 p.m. and 9:25 p.m.

Thursday, march 5PurimShacharit: 5:30 a.m., 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., and 8:00 a.m.Megillah only: 10:00 a.m.

WEEKLY SHIURIM

• Daf Yomi in Teaneck: For Daf Yomi shiurim and resources in Teaneck, go to www.teaneckshuls.org/daf/.• Daf Yomi shiur by Rabbi Rothwachs / Rabbi Daniel Feldman / Rabbi Mark Staum / Rabbi Daniel Herrmann: Monday-Thursday evenings, at 9:45 p.m.• Rabbi Rothwachs’ Bava Kama shiur: Wednesday evenings at 8:30 p.m. • morning Mishna Chabura: Monday, Thursday: 6:55 a.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:00 a.m.

SHABBAT SHIURIM• Daf Yomi: one hour and ten minutes before mincha• Women’s Learning: one hour and ten minutes before mincha• Meir Hirsch’s shiur: one hour before mincha