Shabbat Vayak'hel Pekudei | March 20, 2020, Adar 24, 5780
Candle lighting time 6:48pm | Shabbat Ends: 7:47pm
|
|
A Message from the Rabbi
Inspiration from among the cornfields
|
|
Here's a silver lining to consider. Perhaps one of the messages G-d is sending us is that we should stop and smell the roses.
We all talk about how fast "life passes us by" and how "we're so busy making a living that we don't have a chance to live..."
In 2011, an Australian nurse by the name of Bonnie Ware published a book with an intriguing premise. After several years of working with palliative care, she spent considerable time in the company of patients during their final weeks on earth, as they took stock and reflected on their lives. Ware writes of the phenomenal clarity of vision that people gain at that time, and how we might learn from their wisdom.
Listening to her patients, she began recording some of the more striking lessons she learned, first in a blog, and eventually in a book entitled The Five Regrets of the Dying. The people invariably spoke of the realization that they should have spent more time with the family, or wishing they had stayed in touch with their friends. Above all: "I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me."
We all pay lip service to these ideals; few have the courage or strength of character to actually prioritize accordingly.
The unprecedented time we are currently living in gives us all the opportunity to re-evaluate. We're being forced to press the PAUSE button on our fast-paced, fragmented and distracted existences, and to take some time for those things we always wanted to do but we just weren't able to get around to.
This hiatus won't last long (AMEN!) So let's grab the bull by the horns and this forced "staycation" time to give our undivided attention to our loved ones, appreciated the natural beauty around us, study Torah, meditate and pray. So that when life gets back to normal, our newly acquired good habits become our new normal, allowing us to turn this PAUSE into RESET.
Wishing you a healthy week and a Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Dovid Tiechtel
|
|
YOU make it all possible.
|
|
Illini Chabad: My Family. My Community
WATCH NOW
|
|
You make it all possible!
Click here to donate and become a partner in our work.
|
|
Question
:
This week, I saw a letter that rabbis signed stating that one should cease going to shul and that they will close immediately indefinitely. Why would you be so trigger happy to call off services. In times like this, we need to do more mitzvot and more spiritual connections. Scrapping services should be done reluctantly and as a last resort.
Response
:
You are so right! We were eager to encourage the mitzvah of NOT going to shul (services).
The story is told of the eighteenth-century famed rabbinic brothers, Rabbi Elimelech of Lizensk and Rabbi Zushe of Anipoli, who were thrown into jail by the Polish authorities on false charges.
Confident of their innocence and eventual release, the two brothers sat quietly. As the afternoon progressed, Rabbi Elimelech stood up to pray the afternoon service. Rabbi Zushe turned to him and said: "Dear brother! it is forbidden to pray in this cell, as there is a pail that serves as a toilet nearby, making the room unfit for prayer."
Dejected, that he would not be able to pray, the holy Rabbi Elimelech began to cry. Rabbi Zushe comforted his brother, "Don't you know that the same G‑d who commanded you to pray, also commanded you not to pray when the room is unfit for prayer? By not praying in this room, you connect with G-d by obeying his law" "You are right, my brother!" exclaimed Rabbi Elimelech, suddenly smiling. He took his brother's arm and began to dance from joy as a result of performing the mitzvah of not praying in an inappropriate place.
The guards heard the commotion and came running. Witnessing the two brothers dancing—with their long beards and flowing tzitzit—the guards asked the other prisoners what had happened. "We have no idea!" they answered, mystified. "Those two Jews were discussing the pail in the corner when all of a sudden they came to some happy conclusion and began to dance."
"Is that right?" sneered the guards. "They're happy because of the pail, are they? We'll show them!" They promptly removed the pail from the cell.
The holy brothers then said afternoon services undisturbed . . .
The same Torah that tells us to go to services tells us that preservation of life takes precedence over all the other commandments in Judaism. So now we all have the opportunity to perform the mitzvah of staying home.
|
|
What an unprecedented time we are living in - physically distant and yet so connected!
Personally, last Shabbat was the last time I felt calm and serene. The moment it was over, the news took over, and so it's been every day this past week. Constantly checking for updates and keeping 'in the know'. I'm looking forward to disconnecting so that Goldie and I can reconnect with what's most important - our relationships - with our family and with G-d.
Did you know that It says (in the Jerusalem Talmud 1:1) that "If Israel will keep just one Shabbat properly, Moshiach will come immediately"!!
This Shabbat, March 21, 2020, will be the first time in 71 year history of the state of Israel, which will not have transportation, theaters, sports, restaurants, beaches, and malls open on the holy Shabbat. Everything is shut.
What's the first topic of this week's Torah portion? Moses gathers all of Israel and talks to them about keeping Shabbat!
This is a great time to take the Shabbat Challenge - to unplug in order to recharge! It is such a gift and after experiencing it first-hand, you may not want to go back!
If you are new to Shabbat, we have compiled some easy steps with links that will help you.
Step 1: Prep Food!
Of course this is the most important part of any Jewish get together. As we don't cook on Shabbat, make sure to cook all the food you'll need for the next 25 hours. and
Read here more about food prep
Step 2: Prepare for Shabbat
The
laws of Shabbat
rest preclude many household activities that involve electricity. Therefore, you would want to set all electronics like lights so that you don't need to turn them on or off for the next 25 hours, set the AC etc.
Read more here
Feel free to print out the rest of these links so you can use them on Shabbat.
Step 3: Light Shabbat Candles
A special time for women and girls to usher in the Shabbat when the heavens are open to all of our prayers.
Read more here
Step 4: Kiddush:
Making a blessing on wine! Another great part of Jewish tradition ;)
Read more here
Step 5: Shabbat dinner
What better way to connect with our loved ones, than over a delicious kosher meal!
Read more here
Step 6: Bentching (give grace)
For Shabbat day, repeat Steps 4, 5 and 6.
Shabbat day is a great time to reconnect with your family or friends, read, play games (non electronic and writing) or learn the Torah portion - lots of great articles can be found on
Jewishillini.org
- remember to print them before Shabbat!
Read more about resting on shabbat
Step 7: Havdallah
We say goodbye in fashion with fire and wine and wish the world "a good week, a healthy week, a happy week, a redemptive week!"
Read here more about Havdala
And it's as easy as that!
Wishing you all a happy, meaningful, healthy and calm Shabbat!
Rabbi Dovid & Goldie Tiechtel
|
|
|
|
The Torah provides direction for all matters of life. When it comes to matters of health, the Code of Jewish Law clearly directs us to adhere to the guidance of medical professionals. It is crucial for us to balance staying vigilant--see below for a few guidelines--and to ensure that this perspective is informed principally by medical professionals whose expertise is in the field of infectious disease/epidemiology.
We are closely monitoring the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the CU Public Health District and are in contact with the University. All these guidelines are of course subject to change as this is a fluid situation.
Attendance
If you have any of the symptoms of any respiratory illness generally, or of COVID-19 specifically (fever, cough, shortness of breath), do not come to services. This includes people who have a yahrtzeit, or who are saying kaddish. Arrangements can be made to have someone else recite kaddish on your behalf in memory of a loved one.
Repeat: if you have any symptoms of a cold or respiratory illness, do not come into the building.
If you are a member of the population who is vulnerable to coronavirus (over the age of 60 WITH an underlying health condition such as heart disease, lung disease, or immuno-compromised), seriously consider your choices. The CDC has not recommended these individuals to self quarantine but is recommending they avoid large gatherings. We urge you to consult with your medical professionals and determine the best course of action for your situation.
Behavior
Upon entering the building, everyone MUST wash their hands with soap and water.
All community members must practice good flu-season hygiene while in the building. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your face even if your hands are clean. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when you cough or sneeze.
No shaking hands or hugging – please use other non-contact methods of greeting.
Kissing of the Mezuzah, siddur and Torah is a sign of affection. Until further notice, no kissing of the mezuzah or Siddur. Instead, look at the mezuzah and be mindful of Hashem’s presence and infuse your davening with greater emotion.
When the Torah is taken around, or called for an Aliyah, you may touch the Torah with your tallis, siddur or tissue, and kiss your tallis or tissue, not the siddur.
All surfaces and door handles will be properly cleaned and disinfected before Shabbat.
Chabad will not close. We will be implemeting these strict guidelines. Again all is fluid and can change, but this is based on today.
The words of the Torah, v'nishmartem m'od l'nafshoteichem - and you shall guard your spirit well - should be at the forefront of our concerns at this time.
While we take all necessary steps of caution, in consultation with local medical experts, we must stay mindful to not fall into a counterproductive state of panic; please continue to practice good hygiene and reasonable social distancing.
In regards to this Shabbat:
This week, due to travel of many, we will not meet, but we will g-d willing meet on future shabbat's.
May Hashem bless us and the entire community during this joyous month of Adar with absolute health and tranquility.
|
|
|
|
Despair and Denial
Despair is the diametric opposite of everything in which we believe
—in other words: it is a denial of reality.
It is a denial that there is a G‑d who directs all of His creation, and watches over every individual, and assists each one in what he must accomplish . . .
|
|
|
|
An elderly woman decided to have her portrait painted.
She told the artist, “Paint me with diamond ear-rings, a diamond necklace, emerald bracelets, a ruby broach and a gold Rolex.”
The confused artist said, “But you’re not wearing any of those things.”
“I know,” she said, “but if I die before my husband, I’m sure my husband will remarry, and I want his new wife to go crazy looking for the jewelry.”
|
|
|
|
Student Purim party at the new Kams
|
|
Community Purim party - Purim at the sea
|
|
Reading the Megillah at SDT
|
|
What is Chabad?
Chabad is a warm, non-judgmental, fun, exciting, and lively place, where every Jewish student feels comfortable. It is a student's organization and a home for every Jew, regardless of affiliation or background - its belief is that "Labels are for shirts - Not for people!" Our denomination is... Jewish - all Jews together.
"Where Every Jew Is Family"
Click Here to see the amazing video on Illini Chabad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|