Message
from Rabbi
Dovid Moskovitz
Rosh HaShanah 5773
– 2012-2013
In Memorial -
HaRav Shlomo
Margolis Ztz”l, by
Rav Dovid Moskovitz
It is most difficult
to assess the loss
of a person of such
status as my beloved
father-in-law, HaRav
Shlomo Margolis
Ztz”l. His very
being embodied the
tenets and beliefs
of Mussar and
mentchlichkeit. He
was a model of what
past generations
produced, and yet he
was a role model for
our generation as
well. He was soft
spoken and had a
very enjoyable sense
of humor that made
everyone feel at
ease. His gaze
indicated approval
or disapproval of
one's actions or
statements. He
rarely wasted time
with idle talk and
always was thinking
in a very positive
way. His insights in
Torah and mundane
affairs shed great
light on difficult
situations. He
taught us how to
talk, but most of
all, when not to
talk. He had the
skill of listening;
his answers were all
thought out and
never hurried. His
love for his fellow
man was genuine -
you felt it and
reciprocated in
kind. Every word of
Torah was precious.
He would sit and
think at length
about any given
passage. If a
difficult question
was posed to him, it
could set off a
thought process that
could last hours
until he responded
with an answer that
was breathtaking in
its precision and
clarity. He enjoyed
people - especially
young people with
fresh ideas. When he
reflected on his
life history, you
were transported
back in time. You
were taken to Vilna,
Pinsk, Siberia,
Lodz, and of course
to Boston and Bnei
Brak. His love for
Eretz Yisrael was
not based on
politics or
government, but was
the essence of a
dream to come and
walk the same land
tread upon by our
forefathers. In
fact, he was a
minister without
portfolio -
constantly
encouraging others
to make Aliya. He
gave respect to
others, regardless
of their age. In
Bnei Brak, he would
not move without the
direction given by
the illustrious Rav,
Rav Yitzchak
Zilberstein,
Shlita.Looking back,
Rebbetzin Chava
Margolis a”h, was
half his life. The
mutual admiration
was something unique
to our struggling
generation. It was
because of this
mutual respect that
they were able to
build and maintain
and accomplish all
they did.
We here in Boston
were privileged to
have him with us for
a large part of his
life. Our vibrant
shul is the result
of his life's work.
The Mesivta of
Greater Boston is
named for him and
his Rebbetzin,
because the donor,
Mr. Yitzchak Selib
a”h, was befriended
and educated by him.
Mr. Selib also was a
major donor to the
Kollel, enabling
them to stand on
firm financial
ground. For years,
Rav Margolis
nurtured donors for
New England Hebrew
Academy. He was a
strong advocate for
the Bais Yaakov for
many years. He and
his children were
instrumental in the
founding of Torah
Academy. He founded
the N'shei Agudas
Yisrael which
functioned
successfully for
many years. Agudas
Yisrael of Boston,
under his
leadership, was the
address for many
great leaders of
Klal Yisrael. A
fruitful and
productive time in
Boston was followed
by his move to Eretz
Yisrael. It was an
act of Divine
Providence that he
found himself in the
presence of one of
the great
personalities of the
Jewish world - Rav
Yitzchak Zilberstein
Shlita, son-in-law
of Rav Elyashiv
Ztz”l, and one of
the foremost Poskim
in the world.
Although much
younger than Rav
Margolis, their
mutual respect was
something to behold.
He referred to Rav
Margolis as “Pe’er
HaShchuna” the crown
of the neighborhood.
Rav Margolis began
to give lectures in
Mussar. The Sefer of
the Alter of
Navordok – Madreigas
HaOdom - became well
known in Ramat
Elchonon. He
acquired many
friends and students
- most of them many
years younger than
him.
Towards the end of
his life he suffered
a few strokes, but
always displayed
signs of mussar and
yiras shamayim.
On the 14 of Shevat,
the light of this
magnificent neshama
was darkened, and we
are left with the
memories. He was a
bridge to the past,
and left us with a
path to the future.
To you all, I wish a
happy and healthy
year.
כתיבה וחתימה טובה
Rosh HaShanah 5772
– 2011-2012
Our Chazal teach us
that the only
container which is
able to hold all
blessing is
'shalom'- peace.
Without peace the
receptacle has a
hole and the
ברכה
does not last. The
brochos of
שמע
contain a yearning
for peace. The
שמונה עשרה
ends with the word
שלום,
as does the
ברכת המזון.
When we wage war
with any nation in
the worlds including
עמלק,
we rust first offer
שלום.
We greet each other
with the words
שלום עליכם,
and respond with
שלום.
Even the celestial
beings in Hashem's
court require a
blessing of
עשה שלום במרומיו -
שלום,
and so we end
Kaddish with
שלום.
Perhaps we can
better understand
and define the
mechanism of
שלום
with three
statements in
פרקי אבות.
"הוי
דן את כל אדם לכף
זכות"
- Give to another
person the benefit
of the doubt.
"אל
תדין את חברך עד
שתגיע למקומו"
- Don't be
judgmental without
realizing the other
person's situation.
"אל
תהי בז לכל אדם ואל
תהי מפליג דבר שאין
לך אדם שאין לו שעה
ואין לך דבר שאין לו
מקום"
- Don't be
condescending
because every person
and idea has a place
and time.
To adopt these
fundamental
characteristics
takes much
self-control and
much soul searching.
Not everything is so
black and white and
to carry a grudge is
certainly a waste of
everybody's time and
intelligence. On the
other hand there is
an artificial way to
perhaps develop
these principles.
This is also
recorded in
פרקי אבות:
"הוי
מקבל את כל האדם בסבר
פנים יפות"
- Put on a smile for
everybody (Don't
advertise your
problems)
"הוי
מקבל את כל אדם בשמחה"
- Receive all men
with joy.
"אוהב
שלום ורודף שלום"
- Love peace and
pursue it.
Why is Israel a
war-torn state?
Simple. When there
is a lack of peaces
within, there can
never be
שלום
from without the
state. If we are too
busy with our
personal 'enemies',
Hashem cannot help
us with the real
enemies. We long for
eternal peace and
yet in our
interpersonal
relationships we are
continuously 'at
war'. Do I have to
list all the
religious factions
at odds with each
other, or is it
sufficient to say
"love all Jews, even
the religious ones"?
Every domestic
argument has three
sides to it: her
side, his side, and
the side that both
are probably
missing.
The Mishna in Rosh
Hashanah proclaims:
"בראש
השנה כל באי העולם
עוברים לפיו כבני
מרון"
- all mankind passes
before Him as a
flock of sheep or as
in the army of
דוד המלך.
It does not
emphasize who comes
first or second. We
are judged on
ראש השנה
as a flock of sheep.
If we don't unite as
one, perhaps we are
not judged
favorably.
Let us gain mutual
respect, let us cast
away petty
grievances, and most
of all, let us go
together to greet
משיח.
Rav Dovid and
Rebbetzin Devorah
Moskovitz wish all
our friends,
neighbors, students,
members and all
those who don't feel
part of this list, a
happy and healthy
new year which will
enhance our love to
Hashem and His
people.
כתיבה וחתימה טובה
Rosh HaShanah 5771
– 2010-2011
"ראה אנכי נתן לפניכם
היום ברכה וקללה את
הברכה אשר תשמעון"
R’ Moshe
זצ"ל
explains the above
possuk in the most
simple terms. You
see yourself that
the brochos, all the
blessings of this
world, are attained
by listening to the
Mitzvos of Hashem.
How much more so is
this lesson apropos
for today. The
lifestyle of a
religious Jew is
filled with joy and
purpose. Of course
there are trials and
tribulations amongst
all people, but the
difference lies in
the attitude. R’
Moshe says that
those who view
everything as their
own accomplishments
will never be
satisfied. They will
always desire more
and be jealous of
others
accomplishments.
They will lack time
and patience for
others because they
see themselves in
control. Not so
those who perceive
the hand of Hashem
in all their
endeavors. They are
confident that their
Father has their
best interests in
His heart.
We begin our day
with the words
"אשר בחר בנו מכל
העמים ונתן לנו את
תורתו"
– He chose us to be
His nation, the
guardian of His
Torah. How sad that
so many of our
people shun their
responsibility and
fail to see their
sacred mission as
guardians of the
Torah. How upset we
become when we see a
paid worker shirking
his responsibilities
by holding a private
call during his
hours of employment.
Yet we do the same.
Chazal tells us that
the evil King Achav
was willing to part
with all his wealth
but not with his
personal Sefer
Torah. When the
enemy requested
מחמד עיניך
– that which is
precious in your
eyes – the Torah,
Achav refused. Even
he was a guardian.
The first words we
teach small children
are
מורשה קהילת יעקב
- the Torah is a
precious heirloom.
The Torah has
survived thousands
of generations and
remained intact. I
don’t know if the
founding fathers of
the United States
would recognize the
Constitution and the
way it has been
interpreted and
misconstrued over
the years. Perhaps
it is due to lack of
interest that we do
not see the value of
the Torah in our
society today. The
Sefer Madreigas
Ha’Odom sheds
light on the famous
piece of Gemorah
illustrating this
point.
"בראתי יצר הרע,
בראתי תורה תבלין"
- I created the evil
inclination, and I
created its
antidote, the Torah.
Hashem, the
Manufacturer,
created the Yetzer
Hara with a limited
warranty. Keep the
Torah and you will
be protected from
the Yetzer Hara. Do
not keep the Torah,
and you will be
harmed. The Torah is
the only way to
combat the evil
inclination.
The result of all
this is that we
should constantly
sing the praises of
Hashem through the
performance of His
mitzvos. We should
be proud to be in
His legion and part
of His special
guard. He does not
need our praise, but
He established the
world in this way.
To further
underscore this
point, I heard and
interesting point
from the Yerushalmi.
Geichazi, the former
servant of Elisha
Hanavi who was
banished by Elisha
because of a
wrongdoing, was
relating the many
miracles of Elisha
to the king. He
told of the revival
of the child that
was wrought by
Elisha. At that
moment, the mother
of that child
entered, and the
king received her
verification of the
story. The
Yerushalmi explains
that the woman was
from quite a
distance, yet Hashem
caused her to be
there at that time.
Why? Hashem does not
want to hear His
praises from someone
who is disloyal to
His Torah such as
Geichazi. Therefore,
He orchestrated for
the mother of the
child, who was His
loyal servant, to be
there at that time
to confirm His
praise.
We enjoy this
privilege of
praising our creator
and we should take
advantage of it. A
higher level of
praise is the Mishna
–
כשם שמברכים על הטוב
כך מברכים על הרע
. The Bartenura
explains that one
should praise Hashem
for the seemingly
bad things with
the same joy and
devotion that he
praises Hashem for
the good in his
life.
The Yamim Noraim are
times not only of
introspection, but
also a time to
proclaim the
מלכות
of Hashem. It is a
time to praise
Hashem for all that
we owe Him. Let us
not miss this
opportunity.
Thank you to all the
people who have
assisted the shul
during the year.
Hashem should send
you and all of Klal
Yisroel much brocha,
simcha and nachas.
כתיבה וחתימה טובה
Rosh HaShanah 5770
– 2009-2010
Rosh HaShana and Yom
Kippur are the times
of the year
designated for
teshuva. The Amighty
created a perfect
world but mankind
has chosen to
corrupt it in many
ways. Since man is
drawn toward the
misdoings of the
world, the concept
of tshuva was
presented to him as
a vehicle to return
and repair these
failings. Now, we
think of man as a
Ba’al b’chira a
being that possesses
free will. The many
psukim in the Torah
attest to this. “I
place before you
good and evil, life
and death – choose
good, choose life.”
R’ Zalman Soroztkin
zt’’l asks a very
academic question.
The idea of “free”
will implies that
one is confronted
with equal
opportunity to
follow this path or
another path and
therefore is called
upon to make a
choice – freedom of
choice. However in
the case of a human
being he possesses a
body which is drawn
to a materialistic
life style and a
“neshama” a soul
which is attracted
to the “finer”
things in life. The
problem is that the
choice is not equal.
Since the world
around us, that is
to say the
environment created
by society is
certainly not
conducive to a
spiritual existence;
the odds are not in
favor of us choosing
the “good life. How
can we refer to this
as freedom of
choice?
He answers this with
a beautiful
explanation. The
Torah was given to
us to enable us, in
a sense, to create
an environment of
“Shechina” in the
world. Through a
proper and
aggressive schedule
of Torah, T’fila and
Chessed one can
offset the
tremendous influence
of a materialistic
world and level out
the possibility of
success. He truly
becomes a person
with free will. This
then is the meaning
of the words בפיך
ובלבבך לעשותו place
His name in your
mouths and hearts
and you will be on a
path to a good life.
At this point one
could question. Is
this not also
dependent on free
will? How do I get
to point “a”? The
answer can be found
in a simple meaning
of a possuk we
recite on many
occasions. השיבנו ה'
אליך ונשובה.
Literally this means
“return us to You
and we will return,”
etc. How can this
be, if He returns us
and then we return?
The answer is,
Hashem requests of
us just the will and
commitment to repair
our lives and then
He will assist us.
The initial step
must be our. We must
recognize our
failings, (and
everyone has faults
that need to be
corrected,) and then
we will be carried
on כנפי נשרים on
wings of eagles to
our destination,
full repentence.
Another year has
been completed and
we look forward with
great expectation to
the new year.
Personally, I think
the best way to
perfection is
recognizing the
accomplishments of
others. In no
specific order I
would like to thank
the following:
Moshe Sanieoff for
our beautiful shul;
Shmuel Chajes for so
many things and
Ellen; Moshe Coriat
for the weekly
bulletin and other
acts of kindness;
Shlomo Hoffman for
always helping; Dr.
Rosansky for all the
help and his love
for Chai Odom; Aaron
Greenberg and Jeff
Forman for all their
help and tender
loving care; Dr.
Soll for being the
captain of Daf
Hayomi; Dovid
Mintzes for
uplifting the
learning in Chai
Odom; Dovid
Rosengard for the
fantastic Beis
Medrash program; Reb
Beryl Chafetz for
being such a good
role model; Reb
Shimon Miara for all
his assistance and
friendship; Avrohom
Itzkowitz for never
missing; Nesanel
Berman for all his
help in the
renovations; R’
Baruch Goldman for
the Gemach and many
things; R’ Yaakov
Klerman for his
financial and
spiritual help; R’
Ela Dovek for his
help and his
loyalty; Yitzchak
Sadetzky for all his
help in many ways;
The Weinreb Family,
Judy Fine, Shalom
Fine. Please forgive
me I did not run out
of names but I ran
out of space.
Most of all my wife
'שתח, and my
children. We are a
team together.
'אחרון אחרון חביב:
הרב ר' שלמה מרגלת
שיחי
To you all, I wish a
happy and healthy
year.
...כתיבה וחתימה טובה
Rosh HaShanah 5769
– 2008-2009
The theme of the
Yomim Noraim is
certainly the idea
of tshuva, the gift
of mankind’s ability
to dedicate itself
to the proper path
in life. This, of
course, is quite
difficult for one
does not want to
believe he is not
properly committed
to the truth. In
fact, notice how we
are, many times,
when we lose our
direction we don’t
admit it until we
have traveled
substantially on the
wrong path.
Now, another primary
theme of these days
is Tifila, prayer.
Concentration on the
words enables our
prayers to ascend
heavenwards. The
Anshei Knesses
Hagdola composed the
standard text for us
in Shmona Esrei and
all we have to do is
add our hearts and
minds to the words
of our lips.
This brings us to
the topic of honesty
in prayer. Do we
really believe in
the words that we
recite? From the
Gemora in Yuma 69B
we see that the
Anshei Knesses
Hagdola reinstated
the words describing
the greatness of G-d
in spite of the fact
that the enemy had
overrun our land.
They felt that still
there is an
awareness of His
might. We see from
this that we cannot
recite empty words.
If His power was not
visible to us, we
would not be able to
praise Him with
those words.
We say in “Modim” –
we thank You for all
the miracles You
perform constantly
on our behalf. Do we
see and recognize
these miracles or
are we reciting
“empty words”?
The reality is that
these miracles can
be divided into
three distinct
categories.
First are the
natural miracles.
Each blade of grass
has a “malach” which
instructs it to
grow. A person has a
job or loses it
because of Hashgocha
from above. But
because we perceive
a cause and effect
we refuse to label
these as
supernatural
circumstances.
The second category
is when something
extraordinary
happens to us.
Although one would
easily label this a
miracle, many times
the word “mazel”,
luck, is used
instead.
The last category
contains those
happenings in our
lifetimes that we
realize are
miracles. We don’t
even try to explain
them, for it defies
interpretation. Here
the problem is that
we are quick to
forget these “life
miracles”.
Our lives are filled
with miracles –
large, medium and
small – we just have
to see them, and
believe in the power
of prayer.
At this time I would
like to thank all
the Mispallelim of
our Shul for the
beautiful spirit and
ruach they have
given our Shul. The
tfillos are
meaningful. Even the
Kiddush on Shabbos
has a very beautiful
ruach to it. Thanks
to all those who
work and help the
Shul. Although we
heard of many
tragedies through
the year, the
Simchos were plenty.
May we all enjoy a
new year of health
and happiness to
grow in Yiddishkeit,
we and our children.
May our esteemed Rav
Margolis Shlita
continue to enjoy
health and
happiness.
...כתיבה וחתימה טובה
Rosh HaShanah 5768
– 2007-2008
Our custom during
the month of Elul is
to recite the
Thillim 27. The
theme of this
chapter is בטחון,
faith in the Ribbono
Shel Olam. The
concept of Tshuva
and the concept of
ודוי and כפרה are
only valid if one
has faith in Hashem.
That is to say, if
one feels the hand
of Hashem and
realizes one’s whole
existence depends on
Him then there is a
feeling of regret
for one’s actions
contrary to His
will. Also if one
experiences the
nurturing of His
hand in all the
successes and
accomplishments in
life, then the books
that are open on
Rosh Hashana have
meaning to that
person. Perhaps
Dovid Hamelech
characterized this
thought in one
Possuk: כי יצפנני
בסכה ביום רעה, The
translation reads
“He will hide me in
His shelter on the
day of evil” but
take note of the
fact that the word
Sukkah is used for
this shelter. One
living in a fortress
or tower or huge
mansion can be
gripped with fear,
tension and
depression. On the
other hand the one
living in a simple
hut with faith in
the Almighty feels
protection and
shelter. There is a
popular saying, not
to look back but
rather look forward.
In reality the
opposite should be
true. Look back at
all the near
tragedies and even
the real tragedies
and see how we were
able to overcome and
continue our
existence. Let this
be a sign for the
future. Don’t panic,
don’t lose control,
don’t experience a
loss of focus or
frustration. Just as
Hashem helped in the
past, so He will
continue in the
future. Store
keepers used to
display on the wall
the first dollar
they ever earned in
the business. It was
a way of saying look
at me then and look
at me now. We end
off the Thillim with
a double expression.
Place your hope in
Hashem and again
place your hope in
Hashem. Perhaps this
means just as you
placed your hope
once and were
successful, do it
again.
At this time I would
like to thank all
the Mispallelim of
our Shul for the
beautiful spirit and
ruach they have
given our Shul. The
tfillos are
meaningful. Even the
Kiddush on Shabbos
has a very beautiful
ruach to it. Thanks
to all those who
work and help the
Shul. Although we
heard of many
tragedies throughout
the year, the
Simchos were plenty.
May we all enjoy a
new year of health
and happiness to
grow in Yiddishkeit,
we and our children.
כתיבה וחתימה טובה...
Rosh HaShanah 5767
– 2006-2007
And Mordechai wrote
all these words and
sent letters of
correspondence to
all the Jews. This
is one possuk in
Megillas Esther. A
few lines later it
says” And Esther the
Queen and Mordechai
wrote of the story
and the miracles
etc.” In the famous
commentary Megillas
Storim he explains:
Mordechai only
commanded about
celebrating the
great miracles and
proclaiming Purim as
a holiday of feast
and joy. Esther
added the actual
recording of the
exact events that
lead to the victory
and all of the
miracles that
accompanied it.
The great master of
Mussar R’ Benzion
Brook tz’’l expands
the depths of this
comment. So many
times we celebrate,
and after time we
begin to forget the
source of our
celebration. We even
begin to doubt there
ever was a miracle.
We tend to attribute
it to our strength
and power. Esther
realized this
possibility and was
intent on preventing
this from happening.
She said we must
record all the
events.
In fact, this is
what really happened
over time to the
miracle of Chanukah.
It was transformed
into a spectacle of
show of human power
and endurance. This
is, instead of the
revelation of
Hashem’s divine
intervention. He
adds that perhaps
this is why it is
called by her name
Megillas Esther.
This past summer we
lived through a war
of miracles. True we
suffered much
anguish and grief.
True, we brought
many Korbonos on the
altar of war.
However, to think of
the catastrophic
consequences that
could have resulted,
we lived through a
miracle. Again, this
is being
overshadowed by our
embarrassment of not
winning the war with
our physical power.
This again is a
mistake. Wars are
won by cunning and
strategy, by power
and might – but- a
war of the Jewish
nation is acted out
by G-d alone. We are
forever, indebted to
our valiant soldiers
but to paraphrase
the Gemara in Bava
Kama. The wine
belongs to the host
and all the thanks
go to the waiter.
Now why did G-d
intervene to put a
stop to what seemed
like an
uncontrollable
enemy? The answer is
the united front
that the Jewish
people formed around
the world in Torah –
Tehillim and T’fila
In chapter 60 of
Tehillim upon
winning a war in the
North Dovid Hamelech
exclaims “Give us
help and salvation
from the enemy for
the salvation of man
is in vain.”
But again future
generations will
begin to distort the
facts. The political
left will construe a
whole different
version of the war.
At least, we who
lived through it
should be cognizant
of the great
miracles that were
performed.
Let not this Rosh
Hashana be just
another time of
introspection.
Rather, let it be a
time of accounting
to make sure we
deserved and will
deserve all the
kindness of Hashem.
And let us not
forget that the
danger still lurks
in the shadow. Let
us not forget the
steps of Moshiach
that we see and
hear. Let us not
forget that our
destiny is in our
hands.
At this time I would
offer a prayer for
the welfare of all
our brothers and
sisters here and
abroad. May we enjoy
a year of peace and
prosperity. May the
Name of the Almighty
be sanctified by our
deeds and may we
have health and
happiness.
Thank you all for
your participation
in our Mikdash Miat.
Especially to our
revered Rav, my
father-in-law Rabbi
Shloma Margolis
without whom the
level of Kedusha in
Chai Odom and Boston
would not be the
same.
Rosh HaShanah 5766
– 2005-2006
As we approach Rosh
Hashanah and a new
year, we must adjust
our outlook on
life’s happenings in
light of all that
has occurred in the
past years. What is
the real and true
understanding of a
religious Jew of all
the catastrophes
that our generation
has witnessed? Let
us leave for a
moment the personal
tragedies of our
people. Let us focus
on the world at
large. Twin towers
and thousands
perish. Tsunami
waves and even
greater numbers are
lost. And then the
hurricane and
thousands are left
homeless and as many
are dead. A Gemora
in Yevomos and a
Rashi in Shmos 7:3
explain these
incidents as having
a special impact on
our people. This is
aside from their
immediate impact on
those people
involved with them.
א"ר אלעזר אין
פורענות באה לעולם
אלא בשביל ישראל.....
Natural and man made
catastrophes befall
the entire world
only to be a wake up
call to the Jewish
people. That is to
say, that although
we mourn along with
the other
inhabitants of this
planet, we are also
obligated to “get
the hint”.
The Rambam clearly
defines the
calamities that
befall our nation,
and our communities
as a reminder to do
t’shuva
(תענית
פ"א). He goes so far as to say that one who shrugs off the
incident as mere
coincidence is being
vicious and without
feeling. Certainly,
in light of the
Chazal we mentioned,
we could say the
same with all of the
above world
catastrophes.
So now the finger
pointing begins. To
blame the non
religious sector
would not be fair.
One cannot be held
responsible for that
which one doesn’t
know and never
learned. No, the
finger turns back at
us. But, wait, don’t
we daven, keep
Shabbos, keep
Kashrus and educate
our children in
Torah. What could it
be? The answer is
written and recorded
for posterity. The
Bais Hamikdash was
destroyed in a
similar atmosphere
of Torah and chesed.
Yes, they helped
each other. However,
criticism, cynicism,
grudges and even
hatred have again
become a life style.
But, we have reached
a new low when even
speaking about this
is considered not
politically correct.
Help turn the tide.
Let us work together
on this project this
Rosh Hashanah. Make
friends with at
least one person you
are not friendly
with. Forget the
past and begin a
fresh start. Don’t
blame anybody, just
proceed forward.
Replace
שנאת חנם
with
אהבת חנם.
Don’t wait for the
other person to make
the overture, you be
first.
In fact, when we
talk about the
scapegoat on Yom
Kippur, it was an
animal, not a human
being; don’t create
your own scapegoat.
I know it is a
lonely feeling to
stretch out a hand
and there is no hand
to receive it. But,
one day someone will
grab it and say
עליכם שלום.
Have a happy and
healthy new year and
promote
אהבת ישראל.
In my name, and the
name of my family, I
wish you all a
כתיבה וחתימה טובה.
Rosh HaShanah 5765
– 2004-2005
The Gemora in
Erchin daf yud
enumerates the times
during the year that
we recite the whole
Hallel. The criteria
to say it is a day
which is a “moed”, a
holiday, and it
possesses kedusha
similar to Shabbos.
The gemora asks the
obvious question
“why isn’t Rosh
Hashana included in
the list?” The
answer is quite
famous. The malachim,
the angels above,
posed the question
to the Almighty. He
answered them “if
the books of life
and death are open,
is it proper to sing
Hallel?” Tosefos
points out that the
implication is that
the malachim
themselves continue
to sing even on Rosh
Hashana. Therefore,
we should not delete
from the machzor the
phrases which refer
to the malachim
singing. והחיות
ישוררו וכרובים יפארו...
Here, however, we
touch upon a
fascinating
combination of
emotions. In the
famous piece we
recite on Rosh
Hashana and on Yom
Kippur – Unesana
Tokef – there is a
reference to “even
the angels tremble
at the thought of
the day of
judgment”. That is
to say, although
they are trembling
and gripped with
fear at the prospect
of judgment of the
universe, they still
are able to
recognize their
obligation to sing
songs of praise to
HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
In fact, probably
for this reason,
they thought that
mankind should also
do the same. They
were answered that
it was improper to
do so.
We Jewish people
embody these two
magnificent
emotions. We posses
the ahava, the love
of HaShem, to prompt
us to levels of joy,
simcha in
performance of
mitzvos. Likewise,
we are people who
realize the
importance of our
role as servants of
HaShem and judgment
based on our merits.
We tremble in awe of
His greatness. This
unique blend is the
cause for our
declaration each day
that we are able to
praise Him in the
same way the
malachim praise Him.
A year has come and
gone and we hope and
pray that the peace
that has eluded us
for so many
thousands of years
will finally become
a reality. We hope
and pray for the
health and wellbeing
of all of our
brothers and sisters
across the globe.
To all the
members and friends
of our beloved
Congregation Chai
Odom we wish you all
a כתיבה וחתימה טובה...
May HaShem grant us
all the special gift
of long and happy
lives and may we
continue to help our
families and
community grow in
the true path of
yiddishkeit.
Rosh HaShanah 5764
– 2003-2004
“Mi sh’asah nisim…”
When we bentch Rosh
Chodesh before the
beginning of each
new month we
pronounce the
following brocha.
“The One who
performed all the
miracles to our
fathers and redeemed
them to freedom, He
certainly will
redeem us and gather
us from the four
corners of the
world.” However,
there seems to be a
condition attached
to this.
“Chaverim kol
Yisroel venomar
amen…”
Only when all of
Yisroel are friends,
then we can say
confidently Amain.
We live in times
when the yetzer hara
is trying to unglue
the unity of our
people. Love a
fellow Jew does not
just mean kiruv -
bring him back to
Yiddishkeit. Many
times this is done
for our own
satisfaction.
Avrohom Avinu is
credited with
“making souls”, so
we also want to make
them. Love a fellow
Jew means to love
the one just like
you and the one who
is a little
different, and the
one who is a lot
different, and the
one who is in
competition with
you. Whenever the
Brisker Rav z’l was
asked if the
Moshiach was ready
to come he would
respond, “are we
ready to receive
him?”
“Af al pi
sheyismamea…”
Although the
Moshiach is delayed,
I wait for him. But
what is the meaning
of this expression?
It means that we
realize that he
should come, but
we cause the
delay. We have to be
part of every simcha
in our little
community just as we
are unfortunately
part of each
tragedy. In short,
we have to learn to
“put ourselves out”,
to suffer some
discomfort in order
to help another Jew
in times of joy and
other times.
The Gemara in Rosh
HaShana 18a lauds
the power of a
community whose
prayers are able to
rescind even a final
decree. Tosfos on
16a indicates that a
prayer on behalf of
Klal Yisroel has the
same impact.
Although the saying
is “strength in
numbers”, our
strength is when we
are all one, a
simple indivisible
number one. If you
want to be strict as
Shamai, then you
also must adopt his
other principle
“v’he’vei mekabel es
kol ha’odom b’sever
panim yafos”
Receive all men with
a smile (and with
love). Rashi
comments in Sefer
Devorim that a
person attributes to
others his own
personal feelings.
We say those people
hate us because we
bear ill feelings
toward them. Let us
remember our own
words on Yomim
Noraim “ve’chol
ma’aminim sh’hu….”
“All believe all of
the following” –
that is to say “All
Jews join in our
basic emuna, our
basic belief. We
need each other. Why
be defeated by the
enemy within.
We try to mimic the
ways of HaShem. If
so, then “ahava raba
ahavtani…” “HaShem
loves with boundless
love”. So too must
we love each other
with boundless love.
To all of you from
all of us – A happy
and healthy New Year
of love for each
other and the coming
of Moshiach.
Pesach 5763 –
2003 The holiday of
Pesach, of
redemption, of
spiritual freedom
has once again come.
The question could
be asked. Why is
this Pesach
different from all
that we have already
experienced in our
lives? The answer is
quite simple and can
be expressed in two
numbers – 9/11. The
power supply of the
mitzvah of Pesach is
our ability to
function in our
present lives but
still being able to
imagine what our
fathers felt long
ago in those times.
This would, of
course, enable us to
enjoy and appreciate
the Exodus and its
ramifications. We
are told that in
every generation our
lives hang in the
balance, in every
generation there are
forces trying to
destroy our people.
The Haggada is
informing us that we
don’t have to use
our imagination as
much as we would
think we do. It is
telling us that this
facet of our
existence is real
and tangible.
However until 9/11
we really could not
relate to this
declaration. We were
secure and our jobs
were secure. We were
in control of our
lives, our children,
and our people. Now
times have changed.
We know that
homeland security
has not brought
security to our
homeland, Eretz
Yisroel. Although,
thank G-d, we don’t
live in fear, we
also don’t live in
peace and calm. Now,
the reality. Who is
the Redeemer? Is it
our armed forces? Is
it our political
clout? Is it our
hi-tech alarm
systems? Herein lies
the key to our
success as a nation.
We have only one
address – the
Almighty – as the
answer to all our
problems. Sforim
tell us that the
leaven dough
represents the
expansion and rise
of our material
wealth, our life’s
portfolio. The Matza
represents our
willingness to be
satisfied with
minimal pleasures.
How unique that the
message of Pesach
and the message of
Sukkos is one in the
same. The answer to
all our life’s
problems is within
ourselves. Rely not
on oneself but
rather on the
Creator of all men.
If all this is so,
then the one weapon
we all possess is
the power of prayer,
Tfila, especially
with a minyan in
Shul. It is brought
in the Sefer Maamar
Mordechai that the
Chazon Ish would
learn with his older
brother R’ Meir z’’l
and if they were
entangled in a
difficult piece of
Gemara, they would
close the Seforim
and daven – for the
power of prayer is
necessary in
everything we do. In
fact, the Sefer
quotes R’ Yaakov
z’’l that the Alter
of Slobodka was once
davening and a bomb
exploded nearby.
After he completed
Shmone Esrei he
asked "What happened
here"? So great was
the concentration
level of davening.
Let us all, men,
women, and children
begin to perfect our
T’fila, let it be
more deliberate,
more encompassing
and definitely more
sincere.
My
family wishes your
family a Chag Kosher
VeSameach and we
should see the
Binyian Beit
HaMikdash Bemehera.
Rosh HaShanah 5763
– 2002-2003
How
great is my personal
thanks and praise to
the Almighty for all
He has bestowed upon
my family and me.
Amidst all the
tragedies that have
befallen our people
we see the shining
light which
indicates Hashems’s
love for us.
Yiddishkeit
flourishes around
the world and here
in Boston. Our Shul
is an oasis in which
Torah and Tefilla
are practiced in the
proper and time
proven method. Our
בעלי בתים
are sincere and
warm-hearted people
struggling with
everyday
circumstances and
yet growing
constantly in their
adherence to Torah
and mitzvos. I
constantly receive
phone calls from all
over, former Chai
Odom members keeping
me updated on their
lives, always
expressing their
love for our little
shul. More than once
a desire has been
expressed for a shul
like Chai Odom in
their new
neighborhoods. I am
overwhelmed by the
help I constantly
receive from the
people of our shul
on any given
project.
The Torah commands
us to take inventory
twice in seven years
to assure we have
distributed all the
maaser, other gifts
and taxes that are
required of us. In
the declaration we
recite, we add the
phrase “I did not
forget.” Rashi
adds, “I did not
forget to make the
brocha upon giving
these monetary
obligations.” Now
doesn’t it seem odd
that I should give
away a percentage of
my wealth, sometimes
25% or more, and
still show my
appreciation to
Hashem? The answer
is simple. All that
we have in our lives
is a gift from above
and we have been
given the blueprint
as to its
management. In
recognition of this
closeness to Hashem,
we thank Him for the
opportunity to serve
Him. All of us
involved in
community work know
how difficult the
trials and
tribulations are.
Still we thank
Hashem for this
chance to serve Him
and to help others
serve him as well.
Renovation on the
shul will probably,
with Hashems help,
begin after the
holidays. We are
excited at the
prospect of
beautifying our
Mikdash m’at. We
invite the
assistance of all
interested parties
to oversee the
success of this
project.
In the merit of our
efforts to enhance
this small Bais
Hamikdash, may we
merit to see the
building of the Bais
Hamikdash in
Yerushalayim in
peace.
כתיבה וחתימה טובה
May we
merit a good and healthy year!
Pesach 5762
– 2002
When
one begins a new
project or opens a
new business, one
never knows the
extent of success or
failure. The
imagination runs
wild with thoughts
of accomplishments
and praise. The
source of all
success is the
Ribono Shel Olam who
decides, not only
life and death, but
who will be rich
this year and who
will be poor. It is
not in our hands. If
so, then one hundred
years later, if an
institution is still
functioning
according to its
original charter, it
is the hand of G-d
that has guided it.
Hashem gave a Torah
to the world and
realized that all
organizations change
their goals and
their philosophies
over the years until
it is not always
visible to us their
initial intentions.
So it was that He
gave the Torah to
one family, the
Jewish people,
because a family-run
business retains the
true character of
the founder of the
company. We are the
Chosen people,
chosen to guard the
sanctity, the
principles, the
beauty of our Torah.
The family of
Chai Odom has been
trusted guardians
of this concept.
The davening, the
learning, the
chessed of years
gone by, continue to
exist in the setting
of a new century. Of
this we are proud.
In Chumash when
Yisro entered into a
new phase of his
life he made a
party, which Moshe
and Aaron attended.
In Navi when Elisha
was told of his new
position he also
made a party.
Certainly for the
Kavod of Torah, a
century of Torah and
Tefilla deserves a
party. I sincerely
request of all our
friends and
neighbors, both from
Chai Odom and also
from other Shuls to
attend our
centennial Banquet
to pay tribute to
Rabbi Margolis and
all those who
perpetuated this
spirit of a true
Bais Hak’nesses here
in Boston. May you
all merit a happy
and healthy Pesach
season and may we
see Sholom in Eretz
Yisroel.
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