Parshas Chukas
Parshas Chukas
Erev Shabbos
Shabbos Day
Candle Lighting
4:57pm
Shacharis
9:00am
Mincha
4:57pm
Latest time for Shema
10:00am
Shkiya
5:14pm
Shabbos Mincha
3:30 & 4:45pm
Shabbos Ends
6:00pm
Kiddush
This week kiddush has been sponsored by Mr Abe Muchnik
on the occasion of the recent Yahrzeit of his mother
Avos Ubonim
This week Avos Ubonim will take place at 7:00-7:45pm
Special treat - Hot Chips!!
Short Vort on the Parsha
Famously, Moshe Rabeinu sins in our Parsha by hitting a rock which he was
commanded to speak to. What exactly was the sin? There are several opinions
brought down in the Mefarshim. Rashi (20:11-12) writes the above point; that
Moshe was supposed to speak to the rock but hit it instead (see Gur Aryeh
for full explanation). The Rambam holds that the sin was that Moshe got
angry with Klal Yisroel. Rebeinu Chananel is of the opinion that the sin was
Moshe saying the words (20:10) 'should we bring the water out of this rock,'
when he should have stressed that Hashem was going to bring the water forth.
The Ramban writes that the sin was that Moshe hit the rock twice, thus
making it out as if 'nature' was providing the water. The Netziv writes that
Moshe was supposed to get the people to daven for the water to come this
being a more 'natural' way of obtaining the water. But instead, Moshe hit
the rock, using a more miraculous, supernatural means of getting the water.
This, the Netziv continues, is why Moshe was punished by not being allowed
into Eretz Yisroel, for the entry into Eretz Yisroel was to see Bnei Yisroel
go from relying upon miracles to finding Hashem within the natural course of
things. This is why Moshe was supposed to use the davening ('natural') route
in obtaining the water - to get the people accustomed to using natural
means. Therefore, when Moshe chose the more supernatural route he
effectively rendered himself unfit to lead the people into the more
'nature-governed' Land of Israel.
Parshas Bolok
Erev Shabbos
Shabbos Day
Candle Lighting
5:01pm
Shacharis
9:00am
Mincha
5:01pm
Latest time for Shema
9:59am
Shkiya
5:19pm
Shabbos Mincha
3:30 & 4:50pm
Shabbos Ends
6:04pm
Short Vort on the Parsha
Although Bilam was brought to Midyan to curse Bnei Yisrael, he ended up
blessing them and singing their praises. While praising their virtues Bilam
exclaimed, "He perceived no iniquity in Yaakov and saw no 'amal' (lit.
labour) in Yisrael" (Bamidbar 23:21). Rashi explains that "amal" refers to
sin because it is laborious in Hashem's eyes. Elsewhere the Torah uses terms
of exhaustion to describe sin. When Eisav came in from the field and asked
Yaakov for some of the lentil soup, he stated "For I am exhausted"
(Bereishis 25:30). Chazal explain this exhaustion to be referring to his
murderous behaviour. In a similar vein, when Bnei Yisroel left Mitzrayim
they were attacked by the nation of Amalak. In Devarim (25:17, 18) the Torah
describes this encounter: "Amalak happened upon you on the way and he struck
those in the rear, when you were faint and exhausted." Here too, Chazal tell
us that the "exhausted" refers to the transgressors whom the clouds of glory
ejected. Rav Wolbe comments that people seem to relate to sin in a different
manner. When it comes to learning or performing certain mitzvos, many people
feel lethargic and it almost seems that they have to be dragged with metal
chains to perform the mitzvos. In contrast, aveiros seem to take no effort
at all. In Hashem's eyes the opposite is true. Aveiros are difficult and
exhausting. Deep down, we all know that every mitzvah is worth more than
diamonds. The difficulty we have when it comes to learning, davening or any
other mitzvah is a result of subconsciously ignoring what we know to be
true. Show Hashem that we appreciate the extraordinary value of each mitzvah
and run to take advantage of the next mitzvah opportunity that comes our
way.
Parshas Pinchos
Erev Shabbos
Shabbos Day
Candle Lighting
5:06pm
Shacharis
9:00am
Mincha
5:06pm
Latest time for Shema
9:57am
Shkiya
5:24pm
Shabbos Mincha
3:30 & 4:55pm
Shabbos Ends
6:09pm
Kiddush
Please join us for the kiddush this week
as we farewell Sruli & Chana Deutsch and family
who are making aliya after Tisha B'Av
Ladies Shiur
Rabbi Channen will be giving a ladies shiur this Shabbos Morning
All ladies and girls welcome
Avos Ubonim
This week Avos Ubonim will take place at 7:10-7:55pm
Special treat - Hot Chips!!
Short Vort on the Parsha
In this week's Parsha Pinchos got up and decided on his own to defend the
honour of Hashem and kill Zimri. He acted in accordance with the halacha of
"Kana'im Pog'im Bo". Had he asked Beis Din for permission, he would not have
been told to kill him. A Kana'i (zealot) cannot get permission from Beis
Din. He must act on his own. This halacha is quite unique and contrary to
general Torah Hashkofa. Why is this so? Rav Moshe Feinstein in Darash Moshe
explains; while it is important to do mitzvos with pure intentions,
nevertheless a mitzva done with ulterior motives and for the sake of
personal benefits is still worth doing. However when it comes to punishing
others, this can only be done if carried out with 100% pure intentions and
totally L'Shem Shamayim. Judging a person's intentions are not within the
abilities of another human. Only Hashem can know a person's thoughts.
Therefore in the case of Kana'im Pogim Bo, Beis Din can never render an
opinion if a particular person can carry out "Nikmas Hashem". This is
between the person and Hashem alone. This was the gripe of the Shevatim
against Pinchos. They doubted his sincerity until Hashem testified on
Pinchos's behalf and awarded him the Kehuna and a Bris of Sholom.
Parshas Matos-Masei
Erev Shabbos
Shabbos Day
Candle Lighting
5:12pm
Shacharis
9:00am
Mincha
5:12pm
Latest time for Shema
9:55am
Shkiya
5:29pm
Shabbos Mincha
3:30 & 5:00pm
Shabbos Ends
6:14pm
Mazal Tov
Mazal Tov to Brett and Lisa Cohen
on the occasion of Gaba’s Bar-mitzva
Mazal Tov to the Grandparents and Great Grandmother
Avos Ubonim
This week Avos Ubonim will take place at 7:15-8:00pm
Special treat – Hot Chips!!
Short Vort on the Parsha
In this week's Parsha we learn that one who commits unintentional murder
runs to the מקלט עיר until the Kohen Godol dies. The Gemorah says that the
mother of the Kohen Godol used to send gifts to these people so that they
would not daven that the Kohen Godol dies. What if they do daven? - will
their prayers have any effect? The Gemorah explains that the Kohen Godol is
in danger because he is responsible for each accidental killing. Had he
davened that no stumbling blocks come before the Jewish people, perhaps this
crime would not have taken place. Rabbi Meir Bergman Shlita writes that this
answer demonstrates how great the power of tefillah is. Although a person is
responsible for his deeds, another person's tefillah can rescue him from
wrongdoing. Indeed, the Talmud Yerushalmi takes the power of tefillah even
further, saying that the murderer's prayer is a threat to the Kohen Godol
because even a wicked person's prayer is answered, even when he prays for
something which is objectively wrong. How can this be? Rabbi Bergman
explains that one of the laws of nature is that tefillos are answered. No
special Divine intervention is required each time a tefillah is uttered;
Hashem has already built a rule into the laws of nature that tefillos,
whatever they may be, will be answered in some form. The Gemorah in Brochos
tells us that tefillah is one of the 4 things that need constant chizuk. We
often forget how powerful our tefillos can be. The Yerushalmi tells a story
of a ship that was sailing the ocean. Suddenly a storm began to rage, the
many Non Jewish passengers cried out for help - but to no avail. They turned
to the sole Jewish child on board, begging him to pray. The child called out
with all his heart to the Ribono Shel Olam and the sea was silent. When they
reached dry land all but the boy disembarked. They asked him if they could
get him anything. He replied 'why do you care about a worthless person such
as myself?' They replied 'It is us that are worthless, as we are here and
our idols are in Babylon – you have your G-d wherever you go!'
Parshas Devorim
Erev Shabbos
Shabbos Day
Candle Lighting
5:19pm
Shacharis
9:00am
Mincha
5:19pm
Latest time for Shema
9:51am
Shkiya
5:35pm
Shabbos Mincha
3:30pm
Shabbos Ends
6:19pm
Short Vort on the Parsha
"And it was in the fortieth year on the first day of the eleventh month,
that Moshe spoke to the B'nei Yisrael" (1:3). This teaches us, says Rashi,
that he made a point of rebuking them close to the date of his death. And he
goes on to give four reasons as to why that is the right thing to do; one of
them 'so that one should not need to rebuke once and then to rebuke again'.
The Toras Moshe explains that when a person is told off for doing something
wrong, his immediate reaction is to justify his actions. This results in the
rebuker having to counter his arguments, to prove his self-justifications
groundless. And this in turn, only leads to strife. Remaining silent, on the
other hand, is not the answer, since that will only cause the sinner to
repeat his sins. The only solution is to delay the rebuke until shortly
before one's death, when the sinner will not feel the need to justify his
actions, and the one rebuke will suffice to repair the damage.
Parshas Vo’eschanan
Erev Shabbos
Shabbos Day
Candle Lighting
5:24pm
Shacharis
9:00am
Mincha
5:24pm
Latest time for Shema
9:47am
Shkiya
5:41pm
Shabbos Mincha
3:30 & 5:10pm
Shabbos Ends
6:25pm
Avos Ubonim
This week Avos Ubonim will take place at 7:25-8:10pm
Avos Ubonim has been sponsored לעילוי נשמת ר' שלמה בן דוד ז'ל
Special treat – Pizza!!
Ladies Shiur
Rabbi Myron Sacher will be giving a ladies shiur this Shabbos Morning
All ladies and girls welcome
Short Vort on the Parsha
This week's Parsha contains the first paragraph of the Shema. In it (6:6) we
are commanded that 'these words that I command you shall be ON your hearts'
(al levavecha); a phrase on which the Shem Mishmuel asks; why does Moshe
tell us that these words should reside on our hearts - surely the more
appropriate home for them should be IN our hearts, representing our having
fully internalised and worked upon these words and concepts. How are we to
understand this command of on your hearts?
The Shem Mishmuel answers that for sure the best place for these crucial
words is in our hearts, for the reasons outlined above. But Moshe is telling
us that if we are not on the level that these words can make it into our
hearts and really become part of us, then at least they should remain
floating and hovering above our hearts as opposed to being rejected and
repelled completely. That way when the time comes that we can find room for
these words and concepts in our heart, they will simply seep in naturally;
for they have always been there or thereabout waiting to come into our
hearts.
Parshas Eikev
Erev Shabbos
Shabbos Day
Candle Lighting
5:30pm
Shacharis
9:00am
Mincha
5:30pm
Latest time for Shema
9:41am
Shkiya
5:47pm
Shabbos Mincha
3:30 & 5:15pm
Shabbos Ends
6:30pm
Avos Ubonim
This week Avos Ubonim will take place at 7:30-8:15pm
Avos U'Bonim has been sponsored
on the occasion of the Shloishim of ר׳ אברהם בן אליעזר הלוי סגל ז'ל
Special treat – Potato knish!!
Ladies Shiur
Mrs Michal Kaufman will be giving a ladies shiur this Shabbos Morning
All ladies and girls welcome
Yom Tov Seats
Shaarei Tefillah is delighted to be able to offer Mispallelim the
opportunity to buy Yom Tov Seats
Please use the following link https://www.trybooking.com/CCAFL
https://www.trybooking.com/CCAFL
Book in early to get EARLY BIRD discount and guarantee seat
Short Vort on the Parsha
The Possuk in Devarim 10:12 says "And now, O Israel, what does the Lord,
your God, demand of you? Only to fear the Lord, your God, to walk in all His
ways and to love Him, and to worship the Lord, your God, with all your heart
and with all your soul," This possuk seems difficult to understand. Hashem
is ONLY asking us to love and fear Him, as if these levels were easy to
attain!! So why does the Torah make it sound so easy?
The Gemorah says that we learn from this possuk that one is obligated to
make 100 brochos every day. ה מה מעמך שואל אלקיך don't read מה read 100 מאה
. If you spell it מאה then there are 100 letters in the possuk. The Maharsha
explains this Gemorah that if one is particular to say 100 borchos a day
with real Kavannah he will attain the attributes that the possuk states!
There was once many years ago a small, peaceful village with a main road
going through it. At first it was just horses and carts going through it, it
was safe for children to play and enjoy themselves and nobody got hurt. As
time went by the village grew into a bustling major city and the road became
a huge main road splitting the city into two big cities. As technology
advanced speeding cars replaced the horses and carts and it became dangerous
to cross the road. Speed bumps were put in place to slow the traffic down!
There are two cities - two worlds this world (Olam Hazeh) and the world to
come (Olam Haba).
Many years ago, we had our Beis Hamikdosh, we were closer to Hashem and
these two worlds were much closer together. As time went on this world
changed into a hi speed rapid place, we are all speeding along the motorway
which splits this world and the next. It has actually become dangerous to
cross into the next world! Therefore, ChaZaL instituted our 100 speed bumps
throughout our day to slow us down and stop and think for a second who is in
control. We have so much to be grateful for, imagine if Chas Vesholom you
could not see, walk or hear etc. The brochos make us aware of how much we
appreciate Hashem's kindness that is constant and never ending.
Parshas Re'eh
Erev Shabbos
Shabbos Day
Candle Lighting
5:35pm
Shacharis
9:00am
Mincha
5:35pm
Latest time for Shema
9:36am
Shkiya
5:53pm
Shabbos Mincha
3:30 & 5:25pm
Shabbos Ends
6:36pm
Avos Ubonim
This week Avos Ubonim will take place at 7:30-8:15pm
Special treat - Chocolate Muffins!!
Shaarei Youth Boys
Starting this week there will be some exciting new programs for the Youth
Including:
Special boys kiddush for year 5+
SY Elul Rewards Card & 'Shekket in Shule' program!
and lots more..
Elul Boost of Inspiration
Every Sunday During Elul
Between Mincha and Maariv we will be hearing a 5-10 minute Inspirational
talk
This week - Rabbi Myron Sacher
Yom Tov Seats
Shaarei Tefillah is delighted to be able to offer Mispallelim the
opportunity to buy Yom Tov Seats
Please use the following link https://www.trybooking.com/CCAFL
https://www.trybooking.com/CCAFL
Book in early to get EARLY BIRD discount and guarantee seat
Short Vort on the Parsha
In this week's parsha the Torah instructs us, "If there shall be a destitute
person amongst you... you shall surely open your hand and lend him money, as
much as he needs; whatever he is lacking" (Devarim 15, 7-8). Rav Wolbe
writes that kindness is not limited to fulfilling another's request for
help. The title ba'al chesed is reserved for one who has the ability to
discern what is needed without the request being made, and then fulfils that
desire. However, kindness is not restricted to monetary donations. A smile
can uplift someone who is dejected, and words of encouragement can bring
another real happiness. These are such small actions that could have such
big ramifications. These are merely two of many kindnesses that we have the
ability to perform - if we just took notice of what people are missing!
Everyone appreciates a compliment, and almost anyone you come in contact
with benefits from a good word or a cheerful smile. So, do a chessed that
takes no time or money and make a point of complimenting or encouraging
someone - today (and every day)!
Parshas Shoftim
Erev Shabbos
Shabbos Day
Candle Lighting
5:41pm
Shacharis
9:00am
Mincha
5:41pm
Latest time for Shema
9:30am
Shkiya
5:59pm
Shabbos Mincha
3:30 & 5:30pm
Shabbos Ends
6:41pm
Kiddush
This week's Kiddush has been sponsored by
John Fleischmann and Geoffrey Heimann
In honour of their Bar-mitzva anniversaries
Ladies Shiur
Mrs Lisa Cohen will be giving a ladies shiur this Shabbos Morning
All ladies and girls welcome
Seudah Shlishis
The Seudah Shlishis this week has been sponsored by
Yossi Franck and Judy Lebovitz in honour of their fathers Yahrzeit
Avos Ubonim
This week Avos Ubonim will take place at 7:40-8:25pm
Special treat - Hot Chips!!
Shaarei Youth Boys
Join us once again for the exciting new programs for the Youth
Including:
Special boys kiddush for year 5+
SY Elul Rewards Card & 'Shekket in Shule' program!
and lots more..
Elul Boost of Inspiration
Every Sunday During Elul
Between Mincha and Maariv we will be hearing a 5-10 minute Inspirational
talk
This week - Rabbi Yonason Johnson
Yom Tov Seats
Shaarei Tefillah is delighted to be able to offer Mispallelim the
opportunity to buy Yom Tov Seats
Please use the following link https://www.trybooking.com/CCAFL
https://www.trybooking.com/CCAFL
Book in early to get EARLY BIRD discount and guarantee seat
Early bird ends this Monday
A DOLLAR A-DAY - 40 DAYS CAMPAIGN
All money will be given to charities distributing funds to those in need
(both locally and in Eretz Yisroel)
https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/elulshaarei40
https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/elulshaarei40
See attached flyer for details
Communal Avos Ubonim
SAVE THE DATE - MOTZEI SHABBOS PARSHAS KI SAVO
17 SEPTEMBER 2022
Location: Adass Gutnick Hall
Don't miss the largest Torah event in the Southern Hemisphere!
Short Vort on the Parsha
In this week's parsha the Torah instructs us, "You shall be tamim with
Hashem your G-d" (Devarim 18:13). Rashi explains that the temimus mentioned
in the pasuk refers to following the Creator with perfect faith. One should
not inquire into what the future will bring; rather, he should blindly trust
in Hashem. In a letter written for the sefer "Tamim Tehiyeh," Rav Wolbe
(Igros V'Kesavim vol. II p. 93) comments that there is unfortunately another
type of temimus to which numerous people fall prey. Their innocence and
perfect faith can more accurately be described as naivety. These are people
who are looking for salvation in any given area, and they wind up at the
door of mock Kabbalists and end up paying great sums of money to charlatans.
This "temimus" often stands in direct contradiction to the commandment of
being tamim with Hashem. If someone needs a favour from their father, would
they ask a magician to use his powers to extract the desired item? Certainly
not. They would approach their father and solicit his help. Likewise, we
have a Father in Heaven who hears our prayers: Moshe Rabbeinu declared,
"Which is a great nation that has a G-d Who is close to it, as Hashem our
G-d, whenever we call out to Him" (ibid. 4:7). Additionally, the Ramban
writes (Shemos 3:13) that Hashem told Moshe that the greatest proof of His
existence as G-d of Bnei Yisroel is the fact that He answers Bnei Yisroel
whenever they call out to Him. With this in mind, why would one try to
achieve salvation by entering through a back door, where the results are
uncertain when the gates of wholehearted prayer and tears are wide open?
Elul is an opportune time to strengthen the recognition that Hashem is the
address to which to turn for resolving any issues. This applies not only in
the physical and material arenas but also with regard to the spiritual. Elul
is the month of spiritual reckoning and teshuva. A heartfelt tefillah for
assistance in rectifying one's shortcomings is not only a manifestation of
one's remorse; it is also arguably the best means of achieving his desire!
Parshas Ki Seitzei
Erev Shabbos
Shabbos Day
Candle Lighting
5:47pm
Shacharis
9:00am
Mincha
5:47pm
Latest time for Shema
9:23am
Shkiya
6:05pm
Shabbos Mincha
3:30 & 5:35pm
Shabbos Ends
6:47pm
Shaarei Tefillah is excited to present
A Shabbos of Inspiration with
Rabbi David Blackman
Rabbi of JLC, Sydney
Rabbi Blackman will be speaking
Friday Night and Shabbos Morning
Rabbi Blackman will be giving a Ladies Shiur after davening
All Men and Boys are invited to an
Oneg Shabbos
At the home of the Family Stein - 20 Meadow St
From 9:15pm
Kiddush
This week's Kiddush has been sponsored by
Davi and Jess Kofsky
in honor of their daughter Adina Baila Raizel
Ladies Shiur
Rabbi David Blackman will be giving a ladies shiur this Shabbos Morning
All ladies and girls welcome
Avos Ubonim
This week's Avos Ubonim has been sponsored by Family Jacobs (Sydney)
On the occasion of Avi's birthday
Avos Ubonim will take place at 7:50-8:35pm
Special treat - Pizza!!
Elul Boost of Inspiration
Every Sunday During Elul
Between Mincha and Maariv we will be hearing a 5-10 minute Inspirational
talk
This week - Rabbi Leor Broh
Yom Tov Seats
Shaarei Tefillah is delighted to be able to offer Mispallelim the
opportunity to buy Yom Tov Seats
Please use the following link https://www.trybooking.com/CCAFL
https://www.trybooking.com/CCAFL
A DOLLAR A-DAY - 40 DAYS CAMPAIGN
All money will be given to charities distributing funds to those in need
(both locally and in Eretz Yisroel)
https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/elulshaarei40
https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/elulshaarei40
See attached flyer for details
Communal Avos Ubonim
SAVE THE DATE - MOTZEI SHABBOS PARSHAS KI SAVO
17 SEPTEMBER 2022
Location: Adass Gutnick Hall
Don't miss the largest Torah event in the Southern Hemisphere!
Short Vort on the Parsha
This week's parsha contains the laws of the Wayward and Rebellious Son (ben
sorer u'moreh). This is one of the most difficult chapters in the Torah to
comprehend. The Talmud in the eighth chapter of Sanhedrin explains that this
is a very exceptional situation. The parents notice a trend in their young
son's spiritual development that will almost inevitably lead to a lifestyle
involving robbery and perhaps even murder. Therefore, the Torah advises that
he should be put to death "at the stage in life when he is still innocent,"
rather than allowing him to mature to a point where he will actually be
fully deserving of death.
Rav Dovid Feinstein makes an interesting linguistic inference from the
wording in this chapter. When the Torah originally describes the situation
of the ben sorer u'moreh, it states "he did not listen to the voice of his
father nor to the voice of his mother" [Devorim 21:18]. However, when the
Torah describes the testimony of the parents in Beis Din, there is a subtle
change of language: "He does not listen to OUR voice" [Devorim 21:20].
There are no secret formulas to raising good children. Raising children is
the most difficult job in the world. However, there are clearly certain
things parents should try to avoid. Parents should always present a unified
message of their expectations to their children. When a child hears mixed
messages - one thing from the father and another thing from the mother -
that is a garden in which weeds can grow.
Therefore, the Torah stressed at the outset that the parents were not of one
voice and one opinion. The child did not listen to his father's voice and
independently he did not listen to his mother's alternate voice. Only
subsequently, when the child has already left the tried and true path, do
the parents come and, sadly, tell the elders of the court: "Now we are
together. We have a unified voice, and we know that what our son is doing is
wrong." Unfortunately, by then it is too late.
Parents may have disagreements among themselves as to what is the proper
course in raising children. But those disagreements need to be decided among
themselves. When parents come before their children, they need to articulate
a clear, decisive, and uniform position. When they reach the status of "our
voice" rather than "the father's voice" and "the mother's voice," their
chances for success will be much greater.
