May/ June 2016 Bulletin - Lincolnwood Jewish Congregation AG

Lincolnwood Jewish Congregation
A.G. Beth Israel
BULLETIN
2016 Issue 3
May/June 2016
Table of Contents
Rabbi’s Study
1, 4
President’s Perspective 2
Announcements
3
Spring Concert
5
May/June Calendar
6
Shavuot
7-9
Schedule of Services 10-11
Rabbi Gordon’s Message 12-13
Sisterhood
14-15
Rabbi: Joel Lehrfield
Asst. Rabbi: James Gordon
LJCAGBI Bulletin
May/June 2016, Issue No. 3.
Published bi-monthly
except for holidays
(6-7 issues per year)
Lincolnwood Jewish
Congregation A.G. Beth
Israel, 7117 North Crawford Ave., Lincolnwood,
Illinois 60712
Phone: 847-676-0491
www.ljcagbi.org
The Rabbi’s Study
by Rabbi Joel Lehrfield
L
ife is full of miracles and we
are approaching the Holiday
of Shavuot, which is perhaps the
greatest miracle of all. In an unknowing way, the Jewish people
received the blueprint of their
national and individual lives from
Hashem through Moshe.
For me, this contact and
connection with the Almighty
is wondrous. We have come to
think that it is only during this period of time when the Torah was
granted and the balance of the
Prophets and Holy writings were
given, that miracles were forth-
coming. Yet this is not so, for
these past months, since our last
Bulletin, the Jewish people will
have observed two modern miracles – the creation of the State of
Israel, marked by the celebration
of Israel’s Independence Day and
the conquest of Jerusalem and its
establishment as the capital of
Israel. It has been some time since
Chavie and I have had the thrill of
celebrating these two chagim in
the only place in the world, where
the joy is palpable – Israel.
This Pesach we will have the
pleasure of spending the Holy
Day and the weeks that follow
Continued on page 4
President’s Perspective
It is rare for a congregation to have one Rabbi as its spiritual leader
for twenty-five years. It is rarer still to have one Rabbi in this position for
over fifty-five years. We at LJCAGBI have been most fortunate to have
had Rabbi Joel Lehrfield with us as our spiritual leader since our founding. He has provided us with guidance, shared in our celebrations and
helped us through times of pain and sorrow, all the while transmitting the
core values of love of Torah, traditional Jewish observance, and devotion
to Israel. He is a wonderful teacher and guide when studying Torah, Talmud and all parts of our sacred literature. Rabbi and Chavie, a respected and accomplished
psychologist, together have provided support to us and to many others who have been at one
time affiliated with our Shul.
As you know from the letter sent recently, Rabbi and Chavie have decided to retire on
July 31. I look forward to their continued involvement with us, attending services and other
activities, and maintaining their relationship with each of us for many years to come.
To celebrate their retirement, we will be honoring Rabbi and Chavie at a gala dinner
which will take place September 11, 2016. It is my hope that each of you will be able to
attend this event celebrating these outstanding careers of service to the Jewish community.
For those of you who would like to participate in the planning of this event, please contact
Paul Kramer by email at ways-means@ljcagbi.org, or leave a message in the office by calling 847.676.0491.
As we move into the spring and summer seasons, please take note of two important
programs at our Shul. First, on May 1, we will be hosting our 7th Annual Yom HaShoah
program. Details of the program appear on the flyer accompanying this Bulletin. The discussions at this program are always both interesting and thought provoking.
Also, on June 5, we will be celebrating the reunification of Jerusalem at a concert featuring Pavel Roytman and sponsored by Sig Feiger. This promises, as always, to be a very
enjoyable event. Please mark your calendars—information is on the enclosed flyer.
Check our web site, ljcagbi.org, regularly for davening times and event information.
Wishing you a happy Shavuot,
Larry Miller
Your presence is greatly needed: please attend
Lincolnwood Jewish Congregation A.G. Beth Israel, our Shul, has always maintained two daily minyanim for Shachrit and for Mincha/Maariv (or just Maariv during the winter months). During the past
months it has become increasingly difficult to guarantee that 10 men will be present for davening.
Your help is urgently needed to ensure that a full minyan is present for everyone, especially those
who have Yahrzeit or are in their year of mourning.
Page 2
Announcements
MAZEL TOV
CONDOLENCES
{ Mazel tov to Rachel & Ariel Allon on the birth
of a baby boy. Mazel tov also, to the grandparents,
Regine & Stuart Meisel and Shelley & Jeff Allon. A
special mazel tov to the great-grandmother, Margot Schlesinger
v
v
v
v
{ Mazel tov to Rabbi & Mrs. Mark & Chava Gutman on the engagement of their son Erik to Ariella
Berger, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Berger.
SPEEDY RECOVERY
R
R
Sylvia Rosett
Mort Zelickman
Benjamin Behr (Ros Gillman’s father)
Leo Braun
Mark Greenstein
Shirlee Shafter
Reminder to all Sisterhood members:
June 1st is the closing date for earning
fund credit to use for the Sisterhood culminating luncheon.—Harriet Snyder
Save the Date!
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Join the Shul in honoring Rabbi & Chavie Lehrfield
Gala dinner and entertainment
Please share the date and news of Rabbi Lehrfield’s retirement
with everyone whose life Rabbi Lehrfield has touched.
If you have photos, memories or memorabilia you would like to
share regarding Rabbi’s 58 years at Lincolnwood Jewish
Congregation, please contact the Shul office—847-676-0491.
If you would like to join the planning committee for this event,
please contact Paul Kramer at ways-means@ljcagbi.org.
Page 3
The Rabbi’s Study—continued from page 1
with our children, siblings, and their numerous offspring. We look forward to seeing and
feeling their exuberance over the celebration
of these days. First to occur is Yom Hazikaron,
(Remembrance Day), when traffic ceases and
the country comes together for a somber moment of silence. When the siren blows again,
they reenter their cars and trucks and resume
their travels.
On Independence Day—the Air Force flies
overhead and families picnic throughout the
country. Joy reigns. It is a wonderful sight to
behold – truly a miracle. And for the two of us
and our families it will be a wondrous time; a
time of miracles. To be privy to seeing a dream
of two millennia come true is an exhilarating
experience.
I know that most Jews are not aware when
these days occur. I realize these dates are not
found on most secular calendars and tragically
enough not even on all Jewish calendars; but
these events have changed the way we think
about ourselves and re-ordered for many Jews
their commitments. The giants of the past are
leaving us.
I mean by that those semi-heroic figures
who brought the State into being with meager
resources but an abundance of will, focused
energy, determination and a dream are going to
their well deserved rest. They were instruments
of Hashem’s will and we have benefited by their
sacrifices. They were and are mere mortals,
but their lives were filled with the prayers and
hopes of a hundred generations of Jews.
The Medina, as it is now, far surpasses any
of their dreams. It is a vibrant, vital center for
the Jewish people and its Jewish citizens have
already outnumbered all the rest of our people
who live outside its borders.
As it is true of all states, its leaders will sometimes lead wisely and sometimes commit tragic
blunders, but so did those who preceded them.
Page 4
What is imperative, however, is that the same
characteristics that were found in their predecessors be found in them. Above all, “the dream.”
What is the dream? Part of the meaning of
the dream can be found in the Israeli national
anthem – the Hatikvah.
In the Hatikvah, we sing of the passionate
throbbing of the Jewish soul – a yearning “to be
a free nation in our land the land of Zion and Jerusalem.” It is our souls that trace their ancestry
back to the time when our father, Abraham realized the Absolute Truth that there can be only
one G-d creating and fashioning the universe
and all that is in it. Through the thousands of
years of hoping and yearning, we have returned
and are are rebuilding this Land Hashem had
promised and given to us.
As a free people in our land, we are now
able to chart our own course within the geopolitical morass that is our world. But the basis
and the legality of this dream and hope, the
foundation on which this State of Israel rests,
is rooted in the values that our Torah has set
forth and the promise that Hashem gave us.
Israel was not to be only a haven for Jews, but a
creative community that could show the way for
other peoples.
Generations of Jews have always wanted to
return to that condition, where the rules of the
Torah occupied the special place that Hashem
ordered for them in our lives. When Hashem
revealed Himself to us at Sinai He determined
for all time the eternal nature of our people and
its destiny.
It is only when we recognize this, that the
State of Israel is a work in progress and that
the Torah granted to us on Shavuot is its true
Constitution, will we ultimately succeed in the
mission established at Sinai.
May Hashem grant us wise leaders who recognize this truth and do not wander off too far
from His intentions.
Chag Sameach
LJCAGBI invites you to participate in a
Celebration of YOM YERUSHALAYIM
Sunday, June 5th, 7:30 p.m.
Soloist and musical director
Pavel Roytman
and friends
Generously endowed by Sig Feiger in memory of beloved wife Mimi
LJCAGBI Spring Festival of Music Order Form
Name ______________________________ Phone _________________________
Address _______________________________ City ____________________ Zip ________
Reserved seating for Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors
Benefactors
@ $1,000.00 per person x __________=_____
Patrons
@ $360.00 per person x __________=_____
Platinum Sponsor
@ $180.00 per person x __________=_____
Gold Sponsor
@ $100.00 per person x __________=_____
Silver Sponsor
@ $72.00 per person x __________=_____
Single tickets: @ $25.00 per person x __________=_____
Students @ $5.00 per person x _________=_____
Grand Total $__________
Benefactors, Patrons and Sponsors are welcome to bonus tickets and reserved seats for the Concert.
Please mail your order form and check to the LJCAGBI Office
7117 N. Crawford Ave., Lincolnwood, IL 60712 (847) 676-0491
Purim Celebration
Thanks to everyone who helped with the Purim dinner and program:
Darlene Piell, Leah Goldstein, Alex Goldstein, Marcia Kramer, Paul Kramer and
everyone else who lent a hand with set-up and serving on Wednesday evening.
Thank you Jadwiga and Richard for all you do to make every Shul event a success.
Also with appreciation to Jason Kollum, Juggler, Stilt-Walker and Balloon Artist, who
guaranteed that the evening ended “on a high note.”
And special thanks to the generous restaurants who
donated prizes for the LJCAGBI Purim raffle:
Shallots Bistro  Slice of Life  E.J.’s Pizzeria  Taboun Grill
Emma’s Bagel Café  Main Pizza Chalavi  The Sandwich Club
May/June Calendar 2016
Sunday, May 1st
Thursday, May 5th
Sunday, May 8th
Monday, May 9th
Thursday, May 12th
Wednesday, May 18th
Sunday, May 22nd
Thursday, May 26th
Monday, May 30th
Wednesday, June 1st
Sunday, June 5th
Tuesday, June 7th
Wednesday, June 8th
Sunday, June 12th Monday, June 13th
Wednesday, June 15th
Page 6
Yom Hashoah Commemoration
Yom Hashoah
Rosh Chodesh Iyar Day 1
Rosh Chodesh Iyar Day 2
Yom HaAtzma’ut
Executive Council/Board of Directors Meeting
Pesach Sheini
Lag BaOmer
Memorial Day
Sisterhood Board Meeting
Yom Yerushalayim/ Concert
Rosh Chodesh Sivan
Sisterhood Culminating Luncheon
Shavous Day 1
Shavous Day 2 (Yizkor)
LJCAGBI Annual Meeting
Shavuot Schedule
Saturday, June 11
Mincha
Rabbi Lehrfield’s Drasha Candlelighting Maariv
Kiddush/Dessert
Speakers
7:45 pm
8:30 pm
9:18 pm
9:18 pm
9:40 pm
10:10 pm
Shavuos falls on a Saturday night this year (June
11), so we will not be serving a Seudah as has been
our tradition. We still will have some learning after
Shabbos ends along with challah and wine so we can
make the Brachos and Bircas Ha’mazon and we still
will have cheesecakes and cookies for dessert after
additional learning. How late our Rabbis will learn remains to be seen, but we generally go to midnight for
those hardy souls who can stay awake.
While reservations are not needed, it would be
helpful for members to call the office to let us know
they will be present so we know how much we will
need. Please respond by June 6 at 847-676-0491.
Thank you,
Mitchell Sandler
Shavuot
5776/June 12 & 13, 2016
Shavuot is a two day major Jewish festival. The
word Shavuot literally means "weeks." It is so named
because it falls exactly seven weeks after Passover as
prescribed by the Torah.
Shavuot is observed as the anniversary of the
giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.
Thus, Shavuot is actually the birthday of the Torah
and the anniversary of Judaism.
The giving of the Torah was far more than a
historical event. It was a far-reaching spiritual event
that touched the essence of Jewish souls then and
for all time. Our Sages compared it to a wedding
between G-d and the Jewish people. We became His
special nation (His Bride) and He became our (G-d)
(Our Bridegroom).
Each year, Shavuot serves to re-awaken and to
strengthen our special relationship with G-d. We do
so by rededicating ourselves to the observance and
study of the Torah—our most precious heritage.
Shavuot should be honored as all other Biblical
Holydays. Work and school attendance are not permitted. Candles are kindled both nights of Shavuot
and Kiddush is recited before the Festival dinners.
It is customary to decorate the home with flowers and other greenery (plants, foliage, etc.) as
symbols of the green mountainside of Sinai and/or
the agricultural aspect of this Holyday (Shavuot, as
all other Pilgrimage Festivals, has agricultural significance).
Dairy foods, such as blintzes, cheesecake, etc.,
are the traditional fare for this Holyday. Of the many
reasons advanced for this unusual custom, the most
popular is that the Torah is compared to "milk and
honey." Therefore, on the Holyday, when we honor
the Torah, what better, more tasty way of doing so is
there than by eating food reminding us of the Torah.
Tradition suggests that we devote as much time
as possible on Shavuot to the study of the Torah.
In many communities, it is customary to spend the
entire first night in study of the Torah. This all-night
study is called the "Mishmar" (Nightwatch).
King David's Yahrzeit (anniversary of death) occurs on Shavuot. Many pious Jewish people honor
his memory by reciting his most famous work, the
Page 8
Psalms (T'hillim). David composed 150 such prayers,
many used in our daily and Holyday Synagogue services.
The Biblical Book of Ruth is read on Shavuot. It
relates how the heroine Ruth embraced our faith,
even as every Jew today symbolically ought to renew his attachment to his/her faith on this Holyday.
The Ten Commandments are read in the Synagogue from the Torah Scroll to inspire our people
with the beautiful message of loyalty to the faith of
Judaism.
This Holyday actually has six (6) different names:
Shavuot—Feast of "Weeks," Symbolizing the seven
weeks from Passover:
xx Pentecost—Greek term meaning "50." Philo and
Josephus denote the Holyday by this name because
it occurs exactly 50 days from Passover;
xx Atzeret—Conclusion of Passover. Talmudic term
to indicate the close relationship between both
Holydays;
xx Chag Hakatzir—Harvest Festival, Climax of the
grain harvest in ancient days;
xx Zman Matan Toratanu—Season of Giving of the
Torah. The revelation at Sinai when the Torah was
given to mankind; and
xx Yom Habikkurim—Day of First Fruits. Ripening of
first fruits which were brought to the Temple in appreciation of G-d's bountiful blessing.
A special prayer known as Akdamut is read on
Shavuot with a melody that has been handed down
for many, many centuries. It is a fitting preface and
introduction to the reading of the Torah. This Piyut
(poetry prepared for the prayer book) is written in
Aramaic and is divided into two parts. The first part
deals with the greatness of G-d in the creation of
the world and the acceptance of G-d's Torah by the
People of Israel. The second portion speaks of the
sacrifices that the Jewish people experienced for
their Torah and their hopes for a return to Eretz Yisroal.
THE TORAH
The Torah is composed of two parts; the Written
Law and the Oral Law. The Written Torah contains
the Five Books of Moses. Together with the Written
Torah, Moses was also given the Oral Law which
explains and clarifies the Written Law. It was transmitted orally from generation to generation and
eventually transcribed in the Talmud and Midrash.
Throughout the generations our people have studied these works, commenting upon them, clarifying their meaning, deriving practical applications
of the principles found in them and codifying the
laws derived from them. Thus, a continuous chain
of tradition extends throughout the generations,
connecting the scholars of the present day to the
revelation at Mt. Sinai.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
When G-d revealed himself on Mt. Sinai, our
entire people heard his voice proclaiming the Ten
Commandments.
1. I am the L-rd your G-d who took you out of the
Land of Egypt.
2. You shall have no other gods before Me.
3. Do not take the name of the L-rd your G-d in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. Do not murder.
7. Do not commit adultery.
8. Do not steal.
9. Do not bear false witness.
10. Do not covet.
These ten statements range from the highest
and most refined concept of the belief in the oneness of G-d to the basic laws which every society has
GIVING AND RECEIVING
Rabbi Yitzchak of Gur, the Chassidic Sage, said:
Why is Shavuot referred to as “The Time of Giving
of the Torah” and not “The Time of Receiving of the
Torah”? Because the time of the giving of the Torah
was only at Mount Sinai, whereas the time of receiving of the Torah is everyday.
found necessary to enforce, such as the prohibition
against murder and stealing.
The words of our Torah are compared to water:
As water surrounds the earth, so does the Torah
encompass the world.
As water is given free, so is the Torah given to us free.
As water is the life of the world, so too is the Torah.
As water (rain) comes from heaven, so does the
Torah.
As water refreshes the soul, so does our Torah
refresh the soul.
As water cleanses mankind, the Torah cleans
those who cling to it.
As water comes down in drops and turns into a
stream of torrents, so does the Torah: you learn a few
laws today, a few tomorrow, until it becomes a flowing river of knowledge to you.
As water leaves high places and flows down to
low places, so the Torah leaves those who are proud
and stays among those who are humble of spirit.
As water will not keep fresh in vessels of gold
and silver, but only in an earthen pitcher, so the Torah will not stay except in one who regards himself
to be as humble as an earthen vessel.
Finally, as in the case of water, the great man will
not be ashamed to say to a smaller man, "Give me
some water to drink," the great Torah scholar will not
be ashamed to learn from a lesser student.
MILLIONS OF WITNESSES
G-d gave the Torah in the presence of all Israel...
six hundred thousand male adults aged 20-60, many
more older men, women and children, together with
a multitude of all other people ("erev rav"). In all,
there were several million living witnesses who saw
the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.
Present also ALL the Jewish souls who were ever
to come down to live upon
the earth. (YOU were also
there!) Every one of us solemnly proclaimed "Naaseh
Venishma"... "We shall do and
obey." Each one of us was
made a party of that sacred
covenant between G-d and
his people Israel.
May 2016/5776
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
S: 8:30am
Mincha:
6:30pm
Yom Hashoah
program
7:00pm
Maariv
8:30pm
Count Omer 9
8
2
3
4
5
6
7
S: 6:45am
M/M: 7:30pm
Count Omer 10
S: 7:00am
M/M: 7:30pm
Count Omer
11
S: 7:00am
M/M: 7:30pm
Count Omer 12
S: 6:45am
M/M: 7:30pm
Count Omer
13
S: 7:00am
M/M: 6:30pm
Candle
Lighting:
7:35pm
Count Omer 14
S: 9/9:15am
M/M: 7:15pm
Shabbat Ends:
8:40pm
Count Omer 15
9
10
11
12
13
14
S: 8:30am
M/M: 7:35pm
Count Omer
16
S: 6:30am
M/M: 7:35pm
Count Omer 17
S: 7:00am
M/M: 7:35pm
Count Omer 18
S: 7:00am
M/M: 7:35pm
Count Omer 19
S: 6:45am
M/M: 7:35pm
Count Omer
20
S: 7:00am
M/M: 6:30pm
Candle
Lighting:
7:43pm
Count Omer 21
S: 9/9:15am
M/M: 7:20pm
Shabbat Ends:
8:47pm
Count Omer 22
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
S: 8:30am
M/M: 7:45pm
Count Omer
23
S: 6:45am
M/M: 7:45pm
Count Omer 24
S: 7:00am
M/M: 7:45pm
Count Omer 25
S: 7:00am
M/M: 7:45pm
Count Omer 26
S: 6:45pm
M/M: 7:45pm
Count Omer
27
S: 7:00am
M/M: 6:30 pm
Candle
Lighting:
7:50pm
Count Omer 28
S: 9/9:15am
M/M: 7:30pm
Shabbat Ends:
8:54pm
Count Omer 29
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
S: 8:30am
M/M: 7:50pm
Count Omer
30
S: 6:45am
M/M: 7:50pm
Count Omer 31
S: 7:00am
M/M 7:50pm
Count Omer 32
S: 7:00am
M/M: 7:50pm
Count Omer 33
S: 6:45am
M/M: 7:50pm
Count Omer
34
S: 7:00am
M/M: 6:30pm
Candle
Lighting:
7:56pm
Count Omer 35
S: 9/9:15am
M/M: 7:35pm
Shabbat Ends:
9:00pm
Count Omer 36
29
30
31
S: 8:30am
M/M: 7:55pm
Count Omer
37
S: 8:30am
M/M: 7:55pm
Count Omer 38
S: 7:00am
M/M: 7:55pm
Count Omer 39
Page 10
June 2016/5776
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
S: 7:00am
M/M: 8:00pm
Count Omer 40
S: 6:45am
M/M: 8:00pm
Count Omer 41
S: 7:00am
M/M: 6:30pm
Candle
Lighting:
8:01pm
Count Omer 42
S: 9/9:15am
M/M: 7:40pm
Shabbat Ends:
9:05pm
Count Omer
43
11
S: 9/9:15am
Mincha
7:45pm
Maariv :
9:10pm
Shavuot
Candle
Lighting:
9:17pm
18
5
S: 8:30am
Mincha:
7:00pm
Maariv:
9:00pm
(After YY
concert)
Count Omer
44
12
6
7
8
9
10
S: 6:45am
M/M: 8:00pm
Count Omer 45
S: 6:30am
M/M: 8:00pm
Count Omer 46
S: 7:00am
M/M: 8:00pm
Count Omer 47
S: 6:45am
M/M: 8:00pm
Count Omer 48
S: 7:00am
M/M: 6:30pm
Candle
Lighting:
8:06pm
Count Omer 49
13
14
15
16
17
Shavuot
S: 9/9:15am
M/M: 7:45pm
Candle
Lighting:
9:18pm
Shavuot
S: 9/9:15am
M/M: 7:55pm
Yom Tov Ends:
9:18pm
S: 7:00am
M/M: 8:10pm
S: 7:00am
M/M: 8:10pm
S:6:45am
M/M: 8:10pm
S: 7:00am
M/M: 6:30pm
Candle
Lighting:
8:09pm
S: 9/9:15am
M/M 7:50pm
Shabbat Ends:
9:11pm
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
S: 8:30am
M/M: 8:10pm
S: 6:45am
M/M: 8:10pm
S: 7:00am
M/M: 8:10pm
S: 7:00am
M/M: 8:10pm
S: 6:45am
M/M: 8:10pm
S: 7:00am
M/M: 6:30pm
Candle
Lighting:
8:10pm
S: 9/9:15am
M/M: 7:50pm
Shabbat Ends:
9:21pm
26
27
28
29
30
S: 8:30am
M/M: 8:10pm
S: 6:45am
M/M: 8:10pm
S: 7:00am
M/M: 8:10pm
S: 7:00am
M/M: 8:10pm
S: 6:45am
M/M: 8:10pm
Rabbi Gordon’s Message
Dear LJCAGBI Member,
My Three Dependables
The ideal time to arrive at any Minyan is no less than fifteen minutes before the start time. This
quarter-hour allows one to prepare for the serious task ahead. Sunday-Friday morning men put on Tefillin during this time and say the preliminary prayers. Unfortunately, I walk in about five minutes before
the start time. Fortunately, when I arrive, many mornings I am greeted by (no fewer than) three men
who already have their Tefillin on and are prepared to formally start the Minyan at the called time.
I refer to these men, as “My Three Dependables.” When I think about it, these three men, are about
as diverse as you will find in a Shul setting.
Dependable #1 is an extremely fit, energetic octogenarian who was not raised in an observant environment, but who became observant, raising his family in an Orthodox, Zionistic household. His journey was greatly impacted by his relationship with Rabbi Lehrfield and LJC. Many years ago he moved
out of the LJC community to West Rogers Park. He comes to our Minyan Monday-Friday out of his
loyalty to Rabbi Lehrfield and LJC.
Dependable #2 is a middle-aged man who a number of years ago fell on hard times. He approached
Rabbi Lehrfield for some guidance. After meeting with me, Rabbi Lehrfield and I decided to give this
man the opportunity to give the two of us (and LJC) the opportunity to perform the highest level of
Tzedaka (i.e., to help someone rehabilitate themselves by offering them a job, etc.). This man’s “job”
was to come to Minyan three mornings each week.
Dependable #3 is a young teen, who celebrated his Bar Mitzvah a little over a year ago in our Shul.
Because of his passion for Judaism, and with the full support of his loving family, he comes to our
daily Shacharit Minyan (almost) seven-days-a-week.
Each morning, with great effort, sacrifice (and financial cost), our daily morning Minyan slowly fills
out so that we have no less than ten men davening as one community.
I share the story of “My Three Dependables,” as these three men remind me of various important
lessons about the critical role that a Shul can provide for the members of its community. In addition
to the Three Patriarchs, the number three represents many important Jewish concepts. One is the three
daily Minyanim (Shacharit, Mincha & Maariv). Another is the three main functions of a Shul: Beit
Tefilla (a House of Prayer), Beit Limud (a House of Jewish Learning), and a Beit Kenesset (a House of
Community Gathering). The Talmud (Pirkei Avot 1:2) teaches in the name of Shimon HaTzadik that
the world is sustained by three main activities: The Study of Torah, Worship (Prayer) and Gemillut
Chassadim (Acts of Loving Kindness). And of course we cannot forget: Kohen, Levi & Yisrael.
Three also is the number that marks time: Past, Present and Future.
Like many of you, I am very concerned about the Future of our Shul. At this time, though, I am
more concerned about our Shul’s Present. After all, in order to have a viable future, not only does it
help to have a rich past, but it is essential to have a solid present upon which to build. LJC and AGBI
have rich past histories. In the unstable world of Jewish communal leadership, Lincolnwood Jewish
Congregation is a rarity, as it has had the privilege of having only one (outstanding) Rabbi throughout
Page 12
its almost sixty year history. Along with Rabbi Lehrfield, the Shul has and continues to have a multitude of devoted members, dedicated to leading rich Jewish lives. Like Dependable #1, many people
have been inspired by Rabbi Lehrfield and their experiences at LJC and have enhanced their own level
of observance and involvement in the Jewish community. Like Dependable #2, many people facing
challenges have been assisted by Rabbi Lehrfield and our Shul in their rehabilitation—in a most dignified way. Like Dependable #3, many youth have taken the rich teachings of our heritage—as transmitted by their parents, grandparents and schools—and have contributed to our Shul, while using their
experience at LJCAGBI to become leaders in the Jewish community.
Unfortunately, our Present is a bit tenuous at this time. Our “infrastructure” is desperately in need
of repair. The infrastructure of any Shul is its daily (seven-days-a-week) Minyan (morning & afternoon/evening). It is common practice, for the Rabbi to teach (even as short as 5-7 minutes) before,
after, or in-between services. In order to sustain a Minyan we need to have not Three Dependables at
each service, but Twelve. (Although ten constitutes a Minyan, because of such unforeseen issues as
oversleeping, work/family emergency or illness, twelve men have to be ready to come to each Minyan).
In order to have a brief class between Mincha and Maariv we need to start on-time and have twelve
men committed to coming. If something comes up preventing a man to participate on a particular day,
it is this man’s responsibility then to find a replacement.
In the morning, because of the course of nature (i.e., men who have passed away or are physically
unable to attend regularly), we have had to engage men (2-4 men Sunday-Friday morning) to participate. This program has been sustained by a very generous grant (about $12,000) secured by Rabbi
Lehrfield that ends on July 31, 2016.
In order to ensure our present, we need to repair the Shul’s infrastructure right away. Fortunately,
we have the manpower to do it. However, in order to be successful, more members must step-up and
commit to regularly attend. Realizing that LJCAGBI’s population has changed, I think that we need
to re-address our Shacharit Minyan. I call upon all men (beginning with all those who already do or
would like to start putting on Tefillin on a regular basis) to let myself or our Shul’s Worship VP Dr. David Marcus know by what time you need to be on the road every morning. Once we have this information, we are open to starting Shacharit at an earlier time, and davening at a more efficient pace in order
to accommodate. Also, men—please let Dr. Marcus and I know which evening or morning Minyan
you can commit to coming to on a regular basis.
What happens if we do not succeed in sustaining our daily Minyan? In my opinion, we can no longer claim that we are a Shul. Rather we would be a Shabbat/Yom Tov Club or Chavura.
What would you like to see in LJC’s future—a Shul or Club?
I vote for a Shul in which we have no fewer than Twelve Dependables (of a diverse background)
ensuring a viable Minyan (thrice-daily) with regular Shiurim (classes) and opportunities to perform
Acts of Chesed that help foster the spiritual growth of all who choose to participate.
Rabbi James M. Gordon, J.D.
For a list of on-going adult education classes, check with the
LJCAGBI office or online at www.LJCAGBI.org.
From the Catering Department
Coming home from Jewel the other day, the worst driver was in front of me going 25 m.p.h. on
McCormick Blvd. I couldn’t pass and my horn didn’t mean a thing to this driver. I just had to tough it
out. What is it with people who do all the wrong things while driving, or at least the most annoying?
Like the guy who doesn’t use a signal and suddenly decides to make a turn or worse, who pulls up and
stops at the corner and doesn’t pull out so that more than one car can get thru?
Remember when you had to put your hand out the window to signal your intentions? How hard is it
to use a signal? I was once a passenger in a car with four ladies. The driver stayed in the middle lane
on Eden’s at 35 m.p.h. I thought we were going to get killed. I finally asked her why she didn’t get in
the right hand lane and she said , “Oh no, I like this lane.” Needless to say I got a lift back with someone else. On the other hand there are some incredibly nice people that we can’t thank enough. Like
the darling couple that followed me home from Shul on a very stormy day, because they were worried
about my walking safely.
Do you remember a switchboard? I was a secretary (many years ago) and took over a switchboard
when the operator needed a break. It was a fun experience, but today no one seems to remember what
it even looked like. I’m sorry for those who don’t know the joy of finding a coin in the return slot of
a public telephone. There was a bank of phones in the outer lobby of Marshall Field’s. That’s the area
between the outside & the actual store. It’s hard to believe that we survived without having access to a
telephone everywhere. There were emergency phones along the highways. Sometimes you actually had
to pull your car into a parking place and go into a store to make a call. And we didn’t have answering
machines either. Surprisingly we came thru this period unscarred.
And you know the old joke about the dog ate my homework? Well, I’ve got that dog. While I was
enjoying our lovely Purim feast at Shul, my dog ate all my sholoch monot, bags and all. The fresh
baked goodies, the packages of treats. That’s what greeted me when I got home. I had one of those
mixed feelings of wanting to kill her and worried how sick she’d get from all the stuff she ate. On that
note, let’s have a little laugh;
Eve accused Adam of being unfaithful. He responds with, “you’re the only woman here.” In the
middle of the night Adam awakens to find Eve counting his ribs....
Happy Shavuot everyone.
Bon Apetite
Shirley Derdiger
Page 14
SISTERHOOD HELPS BUILD
Do you have a personal announcement, simcha, thanks, congratulations or yahrtziet that
you would like to share with your Shul family? Consider putting your words to work with
Sisterhood Helps Build. Contact the Shul office or drop your message in the Sisterhood
folder in the Shul office. Donations are $5 for your personal message.
{ Thanks to all of our LJCAGBI friends for
the good wishes on the birth of our new grandson
& great-grandson. We’re so happy to share our
simcha on the addition of Adir Yosef Ori Allon.
Margot Schlesinger & Regine & Stuart Meisel
{ Thank you for your cards and good wishes
on the birth of Molly Ava, daughter of Jordan and
Alexandra Light” Proud Grandparents Edie and
Jeff Light and Great Grandfather Allen Kramer
{ In memory of Shirlee Shafter – She will be
missed. Carol Gottlieb
ROBINEAU / CJE LUNCHEON
We look forward to another delightfully satisfying afternoon, Wednesday, May
11th. We will be entertaining the residents of Robineau Senior Center with a
luncheon and bingo. We will be meeting at the Synagogue at 12:00 pm. The
residents will arrive by bus shortly thereafter.
We would appreciate help in preparing the luncheon. Please let me know if
you are available.
We serve a lunch and help these delightful seniors
play Bingo. Come and join us in this enjoyable experience. We get lunch, too. And it is truly gratifying to interact with these “with it” seniors.
Phyllis Kaplan
Program & Cultural chairwoman
Page 15
Lincolnwood Jewish Congregation
7117 N. Crawford Avenue
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Skokie, Illinois
Permit No. 189
POSTMASTER: Dated Material
Please deliver by April 28, 2016
Please get your articles in for the Shul Bulletin
If you have a program, announcement or event, please get your information to the Shul Bulletin so everyone will know about it! Please send your electronic submissions to the editor at marciakramer@sbcglobal.
net or submit a hard copy (or disk) to the Shul office before the deadline (July/August issue—Sunday,
June 5, 2016—Please don’t be late or this will be a very short (and uninformative) Bulletin!!!). All
material is subject to approval by the Shul office and may be edited for space or content. Inserts must also
be approved by the Shul office before inclusion in the Bulletin. Please call the Shul office at 847-676-0491
for further details.