Click on image to hear Rabbi Weinstock's Shiur from this week about Rosh Hashanah.

Rabbi Levi Lebovits Headlines Special Elul Shabbaton At LINK Kollel

Rabbi Levi Lebovits, a well-known Baal Mussar and a close Talmid of Rabbi Reuven Leuchter of Yerushalayim, was the special guest of the LINK Kollel in LA for Shabbos Parshas Ki Savo (September 20-21st). His many talks all centered on the theme of how Teshuvah and spiritual growth can be implemented in a practical way during Elul and the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah.

Rabbi Lebovits heads a Mussar Vaad in Denver and has published two practical guides to Spiritual Growth,  one on Teshuvah and one on the Pesach Seder. In his opening talk on Friday night, he referenced a central teaching of Rav Yisrael Salanter, that a person must find his unique Tafkid (mission) in life and devote himself totally to the realization of that goal. Connected to this, Rav Yisrael would advise people looking for a favorable judgement on Rosh Hashanah to make themselves indispensable to the Tzibbur (community) – in fact, making their continued life in this world dependent upon how much they do for the community at the large. Rabbi Lebovits advised that this approach should be proactive, and not reactive. A person has to look within themselves to find their unique Kochos and then synthesize that with the needs of the community at the present time.

In the Shabbos morning Drasha, Rabbi Lebovits focused on the unique gift of Bechira Chofshis (free will). Based on the teachings of Rabbeinu Yonah in Shaarei Teshuva, a person must recognize that they are constantly making choices in life. Many times, people are oblivious to the fact that they are enjoined with the responsibility to be aware of the continuous choices they are confronted with throughout their lifetime – not merely the “big picture” items.  Instead, the road to Teshuva lies in being able to dissect the ubiquitous opportunities they have to transform their natures by the myriad of choices they can make to better themselves every day.

At the special luncheon, Rabbi Lebovits offered a somewhat surprising insight. People often feel very vulnerable if they need to come onto others for help, and they will sometimes suffer in silence rather than request such assistance. He posited that not only is this unhealthy, but by enabling others to help us, we are actually doing a Chessed for them. And that in turn leads to greater Achdus and friendship amongst Klal Yisroel.



At the Shiur before Mincha, Rabbi Lebovits dissected a famous Mishna in Pirkei Avos that starts off “This is the way of Torah: A person should eat bread with salt and drink a minimum of water, they should sleep on the ground, and live a life of deprivation and occupy themselves with Torah study…. and they will be happy in this world as well as the next world!” (Pirkei Avos 6:4). Rabbi Lebovits brilliantly explained the underlying concepts behind each of these criteria which gave a totally different perspective on this seemingly onerous teaching, and how these four concepts combine to bring happiness to one’s life.

Finally, at Shalosh Seudos, Rabbi Lebovits analyzed the famous verses in Parshas Ki Savo that we recite at the Pesach Seder.   The verses go through a quick synopsis of Jewish History from the time of Yaakov Avinu to the Exodus from Egypt. The obvious question is: Why does the person who brings the Bikkurim (first fruits) have to recite events which occurred hundreds of year prior. He explained that a Jew’s gratitude towards the beneficence of Hashem cannot be seen in a vacuum, but must be understood as part of the continuum of Jewish History. He must ask himself how does one’s material success connect with Hashem’s plan for the world and with Klal Yisroel’s unique role in bringing about the perfection of the Messianic era. Likewise,  he averred that this is also the reason that there is no direct mention of food in the text of Bircas HaMazon. It’s not so much about gratitude for the food per se but rather about how one integrates that beneficence with the values of Torah, bris, Eretz Yisrael, Yerushalayim, etc.   

The Tzibbur of the LINK Kollel was greatly inspired, uplifted, and challenged by Rabbi Lebovits, who graciously gave much of his time to patiently answering numerous questions after each presentation and then met with individuals privately to further elucidate these concepts.  The Shabbaton was a perfect segue to the upcoming Yomim Noraim.

Rabbi Eli Stern

Elul 19 / September 22, 2024

Saturday Night – Sunday

Learning is dedicated by

Ari Goldberg

In Yahrzeit Memory of

Yisrael Eliyahou ben David Meir, A”H

Sunday

David Klein

In Yahrzeit Memory of David’s Mother

Miriam bas Chaim Hirsch, A”H

Elul 20 / September 23, 2024

Sunday Night - Monday

Learning is dedicated by

For the Merit of Achdus of Am Yisrael under Hashem, Hatzlachot, Shidduchim, Torah Learning, Mitzvot and Chazara B’Teshuva to all Am Yisrael.

Elul 21 / September 24, 2024

Tuesday Night – Wednesday

Learning is dedicated by

Amir Goldstein

In Yahrzeit Memory of

Reb Yehuda Landy ben Moshe, A’H

Elul 22 / September 25, 2024

Rabbi & Mrs. Pinchas and Sarah (Blitzstein) Ashen

For Zechus Refuah Shleimah of

Draiza Chana bas Baila, A"H

GIVE THE GREATEST GIFT:

The Merit of 18 Hours Of Continuous Torah Study!

Whether for a family member, a friend or oneself, the merit that accrues from sponsoring a whole day and night of Torah learning at LINK (dozens of chavrusos and class participants) is priceless.

$613 FOR A FULL DAY AND NIGHT

$360 FOR A HALF DAY

Invoke The Merit Of A Day's Learning for the elevation of a loved one's soul on a Yahrzeit, a Refuah Shleimah for those who are ill, Parnasah for those in need, success with finding a Shidduch or in bearing children, assistance in overcoming personal challenges, and blessings on a birthday. The name you submit will be prominently posted in our Beis Medrash and be on the lips of our Rabbis.

Please contact Mrs. Sarah Amar at 310-470-5465 or office@linkla.org

To sponsor a day of learning visit linkla.org/Parnas-Hayom or email link@linkla.org

Time To Start Focusing On The New Year

Dear Friends,

Believe it or not, in three weeks, Rosh Hashanah 5785 will be upon us. We would like to invite everyone to become a member and join us for davening this year for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and every day.

This past year was jump-started by the joyous celebration of the completion and dedication of the new LINK building and annex, together with a beautiful Hachnasas Sefer Torah. The evening was graced by the presence of Rabbi Nate (Chaim) Segal of Torah U’mesorah, who offered powerful words of inspiration as well as the beautiful music of the Yedidim choir.

Highlights of the past year included:

·        Standing room only Shabbaton with the ever-popular Rabbi Paysach Krohn.

·        A fascinating and informative shabbaton with Rabbi Dovid Heber

·        Inspirational shabbaton with Rabbi Dovid Horowitz

·        A provocative shabbaton with Rabbi Jonathan Rosenblum

·        The arrival and addition of Rabbi Bentzi and Sara Kranz to our Kollel.

·        Bi-weekly Shabbos shiurim for women by women

·        Legal Holiday guest speakers, including Rabbi Nachum Sauer, Rabbi Avraham Union, Rabbi Yehuda Kraft.

·        An eye opening seminar on bug checking by Rabbi Yosef Kaplan of the RCC.

·        Inauguration of LINK Halacha Institute with two issues published so far.

·        A   special shiur with Rabbi Moshe Elefant of the OU on kashrus supervision.

·        Special guest for shavous night learning, Rabbi Shmuel Diamond.

·        Special monthly shiurim for women by Rabbi Brander hosted by LINK members.

·        Another year of amazing children’s programming.

·        Augmented weekly programming and shiurim by LINK Sem and TLC.

·        A dynamic new director of YPLA, Rabbi Menachem Solomon.

·        All this, of course, is besides our numerous shiurim and chavrusa opportunities on Shabbos and throughout the week, in conjunction with our thriving Kollel.

This year’s High Holiday davening will once again blend the seriousness and intensity of classic yeshiva-style davening with the warmth, spirit and passion that LINK has become known for. We're delighted to feature the inspiring davening of: Rabbi Avraham Tuvia Brander, Mr. Ami Adler, Dr. Doniel Agress and Mr. Yoni Tuchman.

We will have two beautiful minyanim for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur:

Neitz minyan and Regular minyan. 

As space is limited, we ask everyone to sign up as soon as possible and become members (which entities one to free seats for the Yamim Noraim). Young Couples rate is $ 1260, regular family membership is $ 2000, and regular Single Membership is $ 1200. Please note that no one will be turned away due to insufficient funds.

At this time, we ask you to please sign up for membership this year by calling the office 310-470-LINK or by emailing office@linkla.org. We need, and very much appreciate, your support.

Membership information and forms are available on our website www.linkla.org and in the hallways.

With Hashem’s help, we look forward to another year of exciting programming, beautiful Torah learning and uplifting davening. May this year be one of bracha (blessing), menucha (serenity), simcha (happiness), parnasah (sustenance) and aliyah (elevation) for all.

B’vracha,

Rabbi Asher Brander      Rabbi Mordechai Lebhar     Rabbi Eli Stern         Rabbi Moshe Brull

SIT-DOWN KIDDUSH - RABBI STERN’S SEUDAS HODA’AH

This Shabbos we will be having a special sit-down kiddush in the SBM after davening. It is sponsored by Rabbi & Mrs. Eli Stern as a thanksgiving to Hashem for Rabbi Stern’s recovery from his recent illness/surgery. He will be speaking about his experiences and what lessons he has derived from them.

MAZAL TOV

Mazal Tov to Noam and Caroline Casper on the birth of a baby Boy. Shalom Zachar tonight at 9PM at 8830 Horner St. May they be Zocheh to make the Bris on time and to raise him to Torah, Chuppah, and Ma’asim Tovim!

Mazal Tov to Gamliel and Chana Yerushalmi on the birth of a baby boy in Charlottesville, Virginia. May they be Zocheh to make the Bris on time and to raise him to Torah, Chuppah, and Ma’asim Tovim!

Mazal Tov to Albert and Leah Love on the birth of a baby girl. Naming will be this Shabbos. May they be Zocheh to raise her to a [ben]Torah, Chuppah, and Ma’asim Tovim!

Congratulations to Rabbi Dr. Chaim Tureff, Kenny Stoff, and Pressman Academy on the premiere of the Documentary The Civil Rights Trip-Shared Fellowship:Reinventing a New Tomorrow in Montgomery and Selma, Alabama on 9/22 and 9/23 about building bridges between the African American and Jewish communities.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS    

We welcome Kobi and Rebecca Rehman as members and hope they enjoy a long-lasting relationship with our Shul.

 SELICHOS MOTZEI SHABBOS

Beginning this Motzei Shabbos at 12:40 am. Rabbi Brander will speak at 12:10 am. We will begin the recital of Selichos until Yom Kippur. Starting Monday morning, Selichos will take place prior to Shachris for all three minyanim. Please consult the Selichos schedule elsewhere in the newsletter. 

SHABBOS CHABURA

Rabbi Brull is looking to begin a Chabura before Mincha Shabbos afternoon. He is flexible with the topic. Please reach out to Rabbi Brull if you are interested (410) 456-7107.

SHABBOS GROUPS ANNOUNCEMENTS

We are thrilled to announce that our Shul is seeking to hire counselors for our Shabbos groups and children's programming throughout the year.

Are you a high school girl with a passion for working with children and a love for Shabbos? This is a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our community while developing valuable skills.

If you or someone you know is interested, please email link@linkla.org

Elul 19 / September 22, 2024

Saturday Night – Sunday

Learning is dedicated by

Ari Goldberg

In Yahrzeit Memory of

Yisrael Eliyahou ben David Meir, A”H

Sunday

David Klein

In Yahrzeit Memory of David’s Mother

Miriam bas Chaim Hirsch, A”H

Elul 20 / September 23, 2024

Sunday Night - Monday

Learning is dedicated by

For the Merit of Achdus of Am Yisrael under Hashem, Hatzlachot, Shidduchim, Torah Learning, Mitzvot and Chazara B’Teshuva to all Am Yisrael.

Elul 21 / September 24, 2024

Tuesday Night – Wednesday

Learning is dedicated by

Amir Goldstein

In Yahrzeit Memory of

Reb Yehuda Landy ben Moshe, A’H

Elul 22 / September 25, 2024

Rabbi & Mrs. Pinchas and Sarah (Blitzstein) Ashen

For Zechus Refuah Shleimah of

Draiza Chana bas Baila, A"H

GIVE THE GREATEST GIFT:

The Merit of 18 Hours Of Continuous Torah Study!

Whether for a family member, a friend or oneself, the merit that accrues from sponsoring a whole day and night of Torah learning at LINK (dozens of chavrusos and class participants) is priceless.

$613 FOR A FULL DAY AND NIGHT

$360 FOR A HALF DAY

Invoke The Merit Of A Day's Learning for the elevation of a loved one's soul on a Yahrzeit, a Refuah Shleimah for those who are ill, Parnasah for those in need, success with finding a Shidduch or in bearing children, assistance in overcoming personal challenges, and blessings on a birthday. The name you submit will be prominently posted in our Beis Medrash and be on the lips of our Rabbis.

Please contact Mrs. Sarah Amar at 310-470-5465 or office@linkla.org

To sponsor a day of learning visit linkla.org/Parnas-Hayom or email link@linkla.org

Friendly Reminders for Shabbos Morning Children’s Groups

1. Parent(s) MUST remain in the LINK building for the entire duration of the time that they leave their children at Shabbos Groups. 

2. For everyone's safety as well as for our congregants’ ability to be to daven with kavanah, please make sure that your child is either in their designated group or in the shul sanctuary supervised by you. We cannot have children roaming the hallways, or running in and out of the sanctuary, kitchen or classrooms.

3. As soon as davening ends, please go to your child's group and pick them up from the designated room.

The above rules will be strictly enforced

YOUTH SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Partner with the Youth Department to help make our exciting programs even more special by dedicating them in honor/memory of someone:

 Torah Tuesday & Thursday Learning program

 Shabbos Teen minyan

 Shabbos Groups

For more information on sponsoring any of these events email

office@linkla.org