MIZRACHI MATTERS

‫בס"ד‬
MIZRACHI MATTERS
SHABBAT PARASHAT KORACH (Vol 8, No 42)
Friday, 20 June (22 Sivan)
SHABBAT
Candle Lighting by 4:50pm
Minchah at 4:55pm2
To sponsor the newsletter please call
the Mizrachi office on 8317 2504
1. Beit Yehuda 2. Beit HaRoeh 3. Beit Midrash 4. Bnei Akiva 5. Elsternwick 6. Midrashah 7. Rabbi’s Home 8. Goldberger Hall 9. Nachalat David
Z’manim
Shacharit
Dawn
Tallit & Tefillin
Sunrise
Sh’ma (‫)גר"א‬
Earliest Mincha
Minchah followed
by Ma’ariv
SHABBAT
21 JUNE
23 SIVAN
6:24am
6:39am
7:36am
9.59am
12:52pm
SUNDAY
22 JUNE
24 SIVAN
7:00am1
8:00am1
9:00am3
6:24am
6:39am
7:36am
9:59am
12:52pm
4:45pm1, 3
5:00pm1
7:30am1
9:30am1-4
MONDAY
23 JUNE
25 SIVAN
TUESDAY
24 JUNE
26 SIVAN
WEDNESDAY
25 JUNE
27 SIVAN
THURSDAY
26 JUNE
28 SIVAN
FRIDAY
27 JUNE
29 SIVAN
6:30am1
7:25am1
6:30am1
7:30am1
6:30am1
7:30am1
6:30am1
7:25am1
6:30am1
7:30am1
6:24am
6:39am
7:36am
9:59am
12:52pm
6:24am
6:39am
7:36am
9:59am
12:52pm
6:24am
6:39am
7:36am
9:59am
12:53pm
6:24am
6:40am
7:36am
10:00am
12:53pm
5:00pm1
5:00pm1
5:00pm1
5:00pm1
5:09pm
5:51pm
9:30pm3
Candles:
Mincha:
5:09pm
5:51pm
9:30pm3
SHABBAT
Sunset
Night
SECOND MA’ARIV
Shiurim
5:08pm
5:50pm
Daf Yomi
R’ Bert Mond
8:45am3
8:45am3
R’
Dudi
Winkler
R’ Leor Broh
Sefer HaKuzari
9:00am2
8:45am6
R’ Kennard
6
Daf Yomi
9:30am
9:45pm3
Drashot
1
R’ Yaakov Sprung
Parsha Lessons
for a Turbulent
Week
R’ Leor Broh2 3
R’ Dudi Winkler9
R’ Chezy Deren
Parashat
Hashavuah Shiur
with Rabbi
Kennard 4:00pm1
Bechorot 4:10-5:1
Mishnah Yomit
Events
Yahrtzeits
5:08pm
5:50pm
9:30pm3
1
4:35pm
Bar Mitzvah1
Carlos Yemini
Children’s
Tefillah Groups
10:15 – 11:30am
Gan Shabbat
10:15 – 11:30am
Bnei Akiva
3:30pm
Seudah Shlishit
Rabbi Meir
Shlomo Kluwgant
Avot Ubanim
6.50pm3
Noberto Izsak
(Mother)
Bechorot 5:2-3
Between Mincha
and Ma’ariv1
5:09pm
5:51pm
9:30pm3
Daf Yomi
8:15am3
R’ Dudi Winkler
(for women)
9:30am6
R’ Dudi Winkler
Practical
Halachah
in the
21st Century
The Challenge of
Shmita
8:30pm2
R’ Dovid Segal
Gemara B’iyun
8:30pm2
R’ Chezy Deren
Contemporary
Halacha
7/93 Hotham
Street 8:30pm
Michal Kaufman
(Lewis’ house)
9:00pm
Daf Yomi
9:45pm3
Bechorot 5:4-5
Between Mincha
and Ma’ariv1
5:09pm
5:51pm
9:30pm3
Daf Yomi
8:15am3
R’ Yaakov Sprung
Chumash Shiur
for women
10:00am6
R’ Dudi Winkler Chabura Gemara
for female uni
students 7:30pm6
R’ Dudi Winkler
Rav Kook
8:30pm6
Daf Yomi
9:45pm3
Daf Yomi
8:15am3
Weekly Parashah
Shiur for ladies
& girls 11:00am
7 Morrice Street
Caulfield
Chani Winkler
R’ Yaakov
Sprung
Gemara B’iyun
for uni men
returning from
Yeshivot6
6:30pm
R’ Yaakov
Sprung
Masechet
Brachot
8:00pm6
Chani Winkler
(for women)
8:15pm2
Daf Yomi
9:45pm3
Bechorot 5:6-6:1 Bechorot 6:2-3
Between Mincha Between Mincha
and Ma’ariv1
and Ma’ariv1
6:24am
6:40am
7:36am
10:00am
12:53pm
4:52pm
5:00pm1
5:10pm
5:52pm
Daf Yomi
8:15am3
R’ Dudi Winkler
Gemara Shiur
8:00pm3
R’ Yaakov Sprung
Shiur for men
8:30pm7
Chani Winkler
Chabura for
female uni
students 8:30pm6
R’ Dudi Winkler
Parashat
HaShavua
in easy Hebrew
8:45pm3
Chillen Cholent
9:45pm6
Daf Yomi
9:45pm3
Daf Yomi
8:15am3
Bechorot 6:4-5
Between Mincha
and Ma’ariv1
Bechorot 6:6-7
The Holy Bagel
9:00am3
Limmud - Bnei
Akiva’s Learning
Program 6:00pm3
4:50pm1
Molad for
Tammuz
6:06pm
(12 chalakim)
Michael Herman
(Father)
Michael Lewis
(Mother)
Alex Kaufman
(Father)
Tommy Junger
(Mother)
Sara Bell
(Mother)
MIZRACHI’S VIRTUAL NOTICEBOARD
To ensure the safety of all mitpallelim and visitors, particularly young children and the elderly, the Executive has
determined that scooters and skateboards will no longer be permitted to be used in the courtyard and paved
areas of the Balaclava Road campus.
Thank you for your consideration.
We wish a hearty Mazal Tov to
Carlos Yemini
on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah
Mazal Tov to the parents Avi & Sarah Yemini
and the grandparents George and Alana Lyford
h
***
We wish a hearty Mazal Tov to
Shaina Barber (Melbourne)
daughter of Rabbi Yanki & Rivkie a’h Barber
on her engagement to
Ephraim Duchman (Crown Heights)
son of Rabbi Sholom & Feigi Duchman
Mazal tov to the grandparents Myer & Esther Barber (Sydney), Rabbi Osher & Nechama Heber (Crown Heights)
and Mrs Rochel Duchman (Crown Heights)
***
We wish a hearty Mazal Tov to
Esther Werdiger and Marcus Silverman
on their marriage in New York
Mazal Tov to the parents Shloimie & Shyrla Werdiger and Alan & Tammy Silverman
Mazel tov to the grand-parents Nathan and Nechama Werdiger
k
***
We wish a hearty Mazal Tov to
Gilad Katz and Abigail Barnett
on their marriage in Israel
Mazal Tov to the parents Esther & Murray Meltzer, Evelyn & Dani Katz, and Judy Barnett & Terry Barnett
Mazel tov to the grand-parents Rachel Katz and Marilyn & Robert Barnett
We wish Mazal Tov to the following members who celebrate their
wedding anniversary during the coming week:
Romy & David Prins (Hebrew) (Monday)
Susan & Philip Boltin (Tuesday)
Erica & Tunni Paneth (English and Hebrew) (Wednesday)
Ian & Gina Fishman (Friday)
We wish Happy Birthday to the following members who celebrate their
birthday during the coming week:
Harry Rafalowicz (Hebrew) (Shabbat)
Jeremy Wein (Hebrew) (Shabbat)
Peter Kloot (Hebrew) (Sunday)
Karen Franks (Monday)
Elysheva Lindell (Hebrew) (Monday)
Ari Rosenbaum (Tuesday)
Daniel Parasol (Thursday)
‫ב ס "ד‬
NEWSLETTER
FOR THE
21 June 2014
23 Sivan 5774
Parshat Korach
ELSTERNWICK JEWISH COMMUNITY
Yahrzeits during the coming week
Michael Weiner (Mother) [21 June]
Linda Bulwa (Father) [23 June]
Contact numbers
Rabbi
Rabbi Chaim Cowen
0433-308-584
cowen.chaim@gmail.com
Chairman
Mark Kras
Dalya Freedman (Father) [24 June]
Sara Berhang (Mother) [25 June]
Shabbat times
Candle Lighting this week
Mincha (followed by break inc shiur)
Kabbalat Shabbat this week
Pre-Shacharit Shiur
Shacharit
Mincha at
Shabbat ends at
Candle Lighting next week
Mincha (followed by break inc shiur)
Kabbalat Shabbat next week
4.50 pm
5.00 pm
5.30 pm
9.00 am
9.30 am
4.35 pm
5.50 pm
4.52 pm
5.00 pm
5.30 pm
0410-460-970
imkras@gmail.com
Gabbai
Elan Jacobs
0419-527-227
The Rabbi’s Shabbat Shiurim
The early shiur (9.00am, before Shacharit) - come join the Rabbi for cake, coffee and an
exploration of the mystical parsha
elanjacobs@hotmail.com
Secretary
Sally-Ann Jaye
0437-625-350
In shule this week …
Mr Surprise will be leading Kabbalat Shabbat, Rabbi Cowen will be leading Shacharit, Arthur
Kafka will be saying the Haftorah, and Jordan Simai will be leading Mussaf.
ejc@mizrachi.com.au
Haftorah requests
Dennis Max
9528-6865
classact@werple.net.au
Contributions to
Newsletter (please)
Sally-Ann
ejc@mizrachi.com.au
Kiddush this Shabbat
You are all invited to the kiddush, which will be sponsored by Daisy & Moshe Smolarski in
celebration of their newest granddaughter.
At the Rabbi’s
 For the Young Adults – the Wick on Thursday evenings from 8.00 to 9.00pm
 Recommencing – The Monday Night Shiur “Talmudic Philosophy: Exploring the mind of a
Genius” on Monday (obviously) evenings from 8.00 to 9.00pm
at the Rabbi’s home, Unit 3, 301 Glen Eira Road, Caulfield North
Weekday times
Sunday: Tefillin beginners class, including breakfast
Monday to Friday – pre-Shacharit Shiur
Monday and Thursday
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
8.00 am
15 minutes before Shacharit
6.30 am
6.45 am
Torah Matters
20 June 2014 | 22 Sivan 5774
Mrs. On Ben Pelet - Parashat Korach 5774
David Prins
At the beginning of Parashat Korach, the Torah names Datan and Aviram, and On ben Pelet, as key
figures in Korach’s rebellion against Moshe and Aaron, and essentially against G-d Himself.
Later, the ground opens and swallows Korach, Datan and Aviram and their followers. But On ben
Pelet is not mentioned again. He apparently takes no further part in the rebellion, and he is not
punished. What happened to On ben Pelet?
While the Torah is silent, the Midrash fills in the gap. On ben Pelet’s wife saved her husband from
certain death by being wise, thinking strategically, and acting in a practical manner to remove him
from the rebellion.
According to the Midrash, Mrs. On ben Pelet reasoned with her husband that even if Korach’s
rebellion succeeded, he would not gain. He would simply have Korach as his superior rather than
Moshe. On ben Pelet answers that he has sworn allegiance to Korach, so he has no alternative but to
stay with Korach’s revolutionary forces. He may be unconvinced by his wife’s wise argument, or
perhaps he is simply afraid of the consequences of breaking his word to the gang leader.
Mrs. On ben Pelet realises that she cannot rely on her husband following her advice, so she instead
takes practical steps to prevent him from going with Korach to join his fate. She makes her husband
drunk with wine inside their tent, and then sits at the door of the tent to discourage and prevent
Korach and his followers from taking On ben Pelet with them to their fateful end. When On ben
Pelet awakens from his drunken stupor, it is all over. He has been saved, while Korach and all the
other followers have perished.
The Midrash praises Mrs. On ben Pelet as being the wisest of women who saved her husband’s life
through her wisdom. The Midrash contrasts On ben Pelet’s wife with Korach’s wife, who incited her
husband to be part of the rebellion, which led to his demise.
The Midrash is thus emphasising the important role of one’s wife in shaping our success or
otherwise. As we sing each week in Eshet Chayil, a woman of worth opens her mouth with wisdom.
Mrs. On ben Pelet does just that, but Korach’s wife does not reach that standard.
As well as extolling the virtues of female wisdom, we should not miss the key point of Mrs. On ben
Pelet’s argument to her husband that he will not gain even if the rebellion succeeds. It is sadly all too
easy for vulnerable people to get caught up in cults with characteristic leaders who are going to
change the world. But if those leaders are driven by their own hunger for power, with no underlying
morality or compassion, following them will do no good for the individual cult members or for
society as a whole. It is important instead to root ourselves firmly in our own faith, belief and
traditions that are built on thousands of years of solid foundations. We must choose carefully our
leaders and role models as people of integrity who care for the welfare of others.
Honey Adulteration
Mordy Hoenders
Many Kosher Australia articles start with "what could be wrong with..." And this one is no
different.
During my audits at various manufacturers, the topic of food adulteration comes up
frequently. For example, whether non-Kosher milk is still mixed in with Kosher milk (which is
the basis of Cholov Yisroel) or the adulteration of extra virgin olive oil in Europe. Another
recent example is the horse meat scandal in Europe. Some of the newer cases include
mixing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil and honey adulteration.
Honey adulteration made front page news this week as some imported ‘honey’ from the
Middle East was tested and found to absent of honey. Legal action is being taken as we
speak. While I am no expert in honey production, I would like to share a little of the
technical information about honey adulteration and the methods used to detect the
adulteration.
Bees collect nectar (carbohydrates) from flowers and through a process called regurgitation
convert the nectar into honey. (The bee, a non-Kosher insect, produces the enzymes
responsible for the conversion which in itself raises questions why honey would be kosher –
see ohr.edu/ask_db/ask_main.php/18/Q1/.)
Carbohydrates present in nectar, sugar cane or sugar beets are created through different
reaction mechanisms in plants. All carbohydrates contain Carbon atoms. Carbon exists in
nature in different atomic configurations – so called isotopes. It turns out that nature has
preference for particular isotopes and a natural selection of isotopes takes place when the
plant converts Carbon Dioxide from the air into carbohydrates (think photosynthesis and
the like). Carbohydrates from sugar cane can be detected among carbohydrates from
nectar. This is a specialised analysis and tests are mostly performed by a laboratory in
Germany.
Beekeepers need to feed their bees in the winter and use a sucrose solution which they
place in proximity of the hives. Honey made by sucrose fed bees will show up as
"adulterated" honey because of the sucrose feeding. It is therefore important for honey
companies to closely monitor the source of the incoming honey from the bee keepers, and
to document all aspects including sucrose feeding, GMO status and use of antibiotics to
prevent diseases among the bees, to cover any claims against their product.
Mizrachi AGM 2014
On Monday 26 May, the Mizrachi AGM was held in the Goldberger Hall. With an great turnout, many important
issues were discussed and a new executive and committee were elected.
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
President:
Vice President:
Committees' Chairman:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Immediate Past President:
Kosher Australia Chairman:
Beit Midrash Chairman:
Building Chairman:
Beit HaRoeh Chairperson:
Synagogue Representative:
College Chairperson:
College Vice Chairperson:
College Treasurer:
Chief Financial Officer:
Mr Ian Waller QC
Mr Sam Seigel
Mr Sam Tatarka
Mr Mark Franks
Mrs Sharona Jotkowitz
Dr Shlomi Menahem
Mr Stephen Shnider
Dr Lawrence Cher
Mr Nathan Cher
Ms Beverley Honig
Mr David Brykman
Mr Avi Gilboa
Ms Ilana Wald
Mr Simon Feiglin
Mr Daniel Solomon
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Mr Geoffrey Bloch
Mrs Naomi Bloch (ex officio)
Mr Jonathan Boymal (ex officio)
Mr Tuvia Cannon (ex officio)
Mr Gary Esterman Mr Jeff Morrison
Mr Jeremy Gold (ex officio)
Mr Alex Izsak (ex officio)
Mr Benji Jotkowitz
Mr Ronnie Judah
Dr Peter Kloot (Life Member)
Mr Noam Korbl
Dr Danny Lamm (Life Member)
Mr David Lamm
Mr Rafi Lamm
Mrs Pat Levy
Ms Ronit Lewis (co-opted)
Mr Michael Neuhauser (Life Member)
Mr Robert Nossbaum (ex officio)
Mr Nadav Prawer (co-opted)
Mr Ben Slonim (Life Member)
Ms Romy Spicer (ex officio)
Dr Joel Steiner
Dr Shira Wenig
Yom Yerushalayim Tefillah Service
On Tuesday 27th May, the annual Tefillah Service was held by Mizrachi Organisation, the Council of Orthodox
Synagogues of Victoria, the Rabbinical Council of Victoria and Bnei Akiva to mark the joyful day of Yom
Yerushalayim.
The beautiful Tefillah service was very well attended and the celebratory vibe was felt through the melodious
Tefillot and enthusiastic dancing.
We were honoured to have Six-Day War veteran soldier, Mr Shmuel Gurewicz, address us at the service.
Mr Gurewicz was both fascinating and entertaining as he relayed his experiences as the only religious solider
in his unit, and the way he was understood and respected when it came to issues of Shabbat and Kashrut.
Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the service. We look forward to celebrating this
auspicious day with the community for many years to come.
WINNERS OF THE LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGE YOM YERUSHALAYIM ART AND WRITING COMPETITION
WHAT JERUSALEM MEANS TO ME
Jerusalem, to me, is not just the capital city of Israel; it is one of the main parts of my world. It has history built and infused
within its foundations. It has beautiful designs and architecture like no other city in the entire world. Jerusalem also has one
of the most substantial Jewish communities in the whole, wide world.
Jerusalem has been attacked and fought many times but still remains strong. Its people will do anything for the rights of their
city and themselves. It makes me feel proud to be a Jew to know that we will always be united and together. Jerusalem’s
communities are so involved with each other and they share a special bond, and even though my family outside Israel are
friendly with our neighbours, I still couldn’t imagine living with such a close connection to them.
I have been told that Jerusalem’s atmosphere is so buzzing and alive, from the busy streets to the prayers in the air at the
kotel. The kotel is the only remainder of what was once the stunning Beit Hamikdash, and I think that is special because I
think that symbolises that even if Hashem is angry at us he is not knocking down all of our hopes, he is saving some of the
Beit Hamikdash to show us we can still do Teshuva.
In conclusion, Jerusalem means so much to me, from its close and tied together community, to its involving history and
intricate design and atmosphere. I cannot wait to visit and make my own memories in Jerusalem.
Tahni Paluch (4 Aleph)
I am davening in front of the Kotel, pouring my heart out to Hashem. I touch the Kotel, the sole remaining wall of the Beit
Hamikdash, our hope and our pride. I feel the rough stones, the cracks in between them and the letters stuffed in there. I am
filled with joy and hope. It’s like all my worries are washed away.
Walking through the market I smell delicious food. It makes my mouth water. People all around me are shouting, trying to
draw attention to their stalls. I walk around wondering what I should buy. There’s just too much to choose from!
As I walk through the old city, I can’t help but notice that the houses are so close that it’s almost as though they are jammed
together. I can barely tell where each house starts and ends. It makes me realise how bad the living conditions were in the
early days of Israel.
I stare at the Jaffa gate (the one on the Western side of the Old City). It’s much bigger than I expected. It makes me realise
why people feel safe and secure while they are inside it.
Ring, ring. My alarm clock goes off. This was all just a dream. I have never been to Jerusalem let alone Israel so I can only
imagine our beautiful country. I hope that one day soon I will be able to visit the breathtaking land of “milk and honey”.
But until then, I will have to keep dreaming and imagining Israel, our home away from home.
Eliana Maron (6 Aleph)
Eliana and Tahni receiving their prizes
Winner of the art competition
Keira Lewis (1 Bet)
Please come and participate in an evening of learning and Tefilah
in the Zechut of the safe return of the three kidnapped Israeli boys.
TONIGHT, Thursday 19th June 8:30—9:30pm
at Mizrachi Beit-Midrash (81 Balaclava Rd)
Speakers: Rabbi Yaakov Sprung, Rabbi James Kennard, Rav Dudi Winkler
Beit Midrash Mizrachi
invite you to get ready for the upcoming Shmita year
(Practical Halacha)
Given by Rav Dudi Winkler
Monday, 23 June 8:30pm
Beit Haroeh,81 Balaclava Rd, Caulfield North
Get in touch with your inner Irish at
NACHALAT DAVID’S
Whiskey Appreciation Night
SATURDAY NIGHT 28 JUNE 8PM
Light supper including flavoured
herrings and a selection of whiskeys
4 MILBURN GVE ESK $50pp
www.trybooking.com/FBXV
Bookings close Sunday 22 June
For more info call Nikki 0438 578 776
Korach
Issue 536
23 Sivan, 5774, June 21th, 2014
‫בס“ד‬
Shabbat MiTzion‫שבת מציון‬
Mazal tov to Shlomo Binenfeld, former shaliach Washington 2003,
on his Engagement to Pnina
Staying united while disagreeing
Rabbi Avraham Kannai - Former Rosh Kollel, Memphis TN.
Rav of "Mitzpe Ramot" congregation in Jerusalem and clinical psychologist
The following ideas regarding this week's
T h e
parasha are written from Jerusalem. Our
Any dispute that is for the sake of
entire nation is undergoing very difficult
Heaven is destined to endure; one that
days now, as we are all extremely
is not for the sake of Heaven is not
worried and concerned regarding our
destined to endure. Which is a dispute
three children who were kidnapped last
that is for the sake of Heaven? The
week. It is deeply felt here, and we all
dispute(s) between Hillel and Shamai.
pray for their speedy return to their
Which is a dispute that is not for the
families. One of the most amazing and
sake of Heaven? The dispute of
heartwarming
Korach and all his company (Ethics of
phenomena
which
we
experience these days is how our people
gather and become united at such
difficult times of trouble. This stands in
sharp contrast to our ordinary disputes
and arguments which occur on regular
days. The main topic of our parasha is
the dispute of Korach, which had very
negative consequences. Interestingly, as
we
shall
see,
our
sages
did
not
necessarily view all disputes as negative.
Thus, it seems very fitting to discuss the
nature of legitimate disputes among us,
and how we can maintain our precious
unity even when we have disagreements.
M i s h n a
Praying for the
safe return of
our boys
s a y s :
Sydney
Perth
Our Fathers, 5:17)
One can easily notice the asymmetry
in the way the two models are present-
Melbourne
ed. Whereas regarding the positive
model – Hillel and Shamai –both
parties of the dispute are mentioned,
regarding the negative model only
Korach is mentioned. Why isn't Moshe
Munich
mentioned? The answer seems pretty
straight forward. Whereas Korach's
motivations were impure, creating an
ad hock coalition with other groups
which had nothing in common but the
desire to gain power, Moshe was not
Our sages in the Mishna gave us two
interested at all in all of this. But
models in Jewish history, one serves as
Moshe’s attitude towards this dispute
a model to a positive dispute and one
goes even further. Our parasha tells us
serves as model to a negative dispute.
that “Moses sent to call Dathan and
Shabbat Times
Jerusalem
Begin
19:12
End
20:30
Korach
Page 2
‫בס“ד‬
Abiram, the sons of Eliab, but they said, "We will
Hillel did not refrain from marrying women from Beit
not go up”.
Shamai, rather, they acted with peace and truth one
(Bamidbar, 16:12). Why did Moshe send to call
Dathan and Abiram, the partners of Korach? Rashi
offers an answer:
towards the other, as it is said “And the truth and
peace will be loved” (Zecharia 8).” (Tosefta Yevamot,
1:3). Even though Beit Shamai and Beit Hillel had
very serious disputes, they insisted on keeping the
From here we derive that one should not persist in
unity and love towards the other. This serves as the
a dispute, because Moses sought them out to
most ultimate proof that the disputes between them
conciliate them with peaceful words.
were “for the sake of heaven” They were arguing as
This is no less than amazing. Moshe, the modest
leader who was willing to sacrifice his soul for the
sake of the Jewish People, is falsely accused and
attacked.
Naturally,
he
is
hurt.
And
part of the process of discovering the truth, but that
did not stop them from having mutual respect and
love, thus maintaining the unity of the nation.
yet
This message couldn’t be more relevant to our nation
nonetheless, Moshe’s initial approach is to try to
these days. As we are establishing our Jewish state
resolve the matter in a peaceful way. The
and society we should keep in mind the necessity to
reservation from a dispute that is not for the sake
maintain our unity even at the presence of strong
of Heaven is so strong, that Moshe is doing all his
disagreements between us. The last days here in
efforts, even when the other side is clearly false
Israel and in the entire Jewish world are living room
and unfair, in order to resolve the dispute. He is
for hope. It is amazing to see the unity between
willing to make a personal sacrifice, to give up his
different groups, without denying the disputes that
pride, for the sake of unity in Am Yisrael.
are between them. This is a resource of strength.
The model given for a positive dispute is “the
dispute(s) between Hillel and Shamai”. Indeed,
there could be positive aspects to some disputes.
We should all do our best efforts to maintain this
virtue in ordinary days too, and G-d willing, we will
see our boys back soon.
A disagreement “for the sake of Heaven” occurs
when the two parties of the dispute leave their
personal interests aside and are sharpening and
crystallizing their opinions as both seek the truth. In
such a case both parties gain and the truth itself is
strengthened. But what is the ultimate proof, the
indicator that a dispute is “for the sake of Heaven”?
It is written, that “Even though Beit Shamai and
Beit Hillel disagreed…Beit Shamai did not refrain
from marrying women from Beit Hillel, and Beit
The Torah MiTzion family
together with Klal Yisrael is
praying for the safe return
of our boys to their
families and people:
‫תחרנבב ייתבנ בקעי‬
‫עיח בבתןביבנ בניבעית‬
‫בתיבנ בבתקתאביב קיב‬
Korach
Bs”d
Page 3
ISRAtag
Arik Speaker
Beit She'an is one of the oldest cities in Israel. It is strategically located on the "sea way" between Egypt and Mesopotamia and at the
cross-borders of the Jezreel and Jordan Valleys, also sitting on the
main road leading from Jerusalem to Tiberias. Beit She'an is mentioned in the Tanach in the book of Joshua when the Nation enters
the Land of Israel. Theoretically Beit She'an belonged to the Tribe of
Manasseh but was not conquered because the local Canaanites
used iron chariots to defend against the attack, a technology which
the Israelites had not mastered at the time.
When King Saul was killed after the Israeli army was defeated by
the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, his corpse and the corpses of his
sons were displayed on the wall of the city of Beit She'an.
Later the city was part of the Kingdom of King David and King Solomon, but eventually was destroyed by fire, likely by the king of Assyria.
Beit She'an was re-established as a Hellenistic city about 2,300
years ago, and was renamed Scythopolis ("city of the Scythians"). In
the Roman period that followed the city was widened in the southern
area reaching its peak in the 5th century, when it is believed that
between 30-40 thousand inhabitants lived in the city. The remains of
this magnificent city can be clearly inspected in the city's main tourist site - Beit She'an National Park (appearing in last week's IsraTag).
In 1948 the city was conquered by the Golani Brigade. The first settlers were immigrants that arrived in Israel after the War of Independence. During the early 1950s Beit She'an absorbed new immigrants, mostly from North Africa, Iraq and Persia. The 1960s witnessed another large wave of immigration from North Africa, mainly
from Morocco. During the past two decades the city has absorbed
immigrants from the FSU, Ethiopia and South America. The current
approximate population is 18,000.
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Yasher Koach to
Abigail Leichmann
for providing the correct answer
shabbatmitzion@torahmitzion.org
Where was this photo taken?
Please send answers to
arik@torahmitzion.org
The answer, further information about this
location as well as the name of the first
person to recognize this site will be
published in next week‘s edition.
Torah MiTzion was established in 1995 with the goal of strengthening Jewish communities
around the globe and infusing them with the love for Torah, the Jewish People and the State of
Israel. Over the past eighteen years Torah MiTzion's shlichim have inspired and enriched their
host communities through a wide range of formal and informal educational programs.