תפילה - Shaarey Zedek

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Prayer
Sephardic
Culture
Shaarey Zedek
Education Programs
2013-14 • 5773-5774
Thank you to our Sponsors
Mr. Yakov and Mrs. Cindy Abrams
Mr. Dennis and Mrs. Edith Berger
Mr. Jack and Mrs. Renee Borenstein
Mr. Scott and Mrs. Barbara Bowersock
Dr. David and Mrs. Edi Boxstein
Mr. Arnold Bryman and Mrs. Luisa Latham
Mr. Irving and Mrs. Judy Feld
Mr. Ben and Mrs. Naomi Fried
Mr. Mark and Mrs. Elaine Goodfriend
Mr. Bernie and Mrs. Bracha Graber
Drs. Bruce and Anne Greenfield
Mr. Jeff and Mrs. Nurit Grunfeld
Mr. Michael and Mrs. Marci Halpern
Mr. Mark and Ellen Hurwitz
Mr. Jonny and Mrs. Miriam Istrin
Dr. Emil And Mrs. Erika Jacoby
Mr. Kenny and Mrs. Ethne Katz
Mr. Ralph And Mrs. Laura Kostant
Mr. Paul and Mrs. Lisa Kujawsky
Dr. Robert and Mrs. Agy Levine
Rabbi George and Dr. Lisa Lintz
Dr. Morris and Mrs. Sonia Loffman
Rabbi Israel and Mrs. Laki Maza
Mr. Eyal and Mrs. Deborah Perchik
Mr. Victor and Mrs. Karen Reuven
Rabbi Jonathan and Mrs. Aviva Rosenberg
Dr. Barry Pinsky and Mrs. Linda Scharlin
Dr. Ben and Mrs. Debbie Schuraytz
Drs. Victor and Irine Schweitzer
Dr. Sylvain and Mrs. Linda Silberstein
Mr. Rich and Mrs. Linda Sieger
Mr. Ron and Mrs. Sarah Solomon
Rabbi Yakov and Mrs. Sylvia Yellin
Ms. Roberta Zinman
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Table of Contents
2S
ponsorships
4R
5P
6M
7S
abbi
resident’s
Rosenberg’s Message
Message
essage from our
chedule of
8-13
14 L
VP of Education
Events
Speaker and Event Information
ocation and
Contact Information
Rabbi’s Message
Many summers ago when I was a young boy, a question was posed
to a small group of my friends. It was during an impromptu study
session hastily arranged by an older yeshiva student home on break.
While our minds were on the more sublime matters of baseball and
matinees, we were distracted with the following-“Why do we learn
Torah?”
I was mesmerized by the sheer honesty and boldness of the question.
By then I had been saturated with the mandate of Torah study but
my own mind could not fathom why it was more important than
any other Mitzvah. I was too young to appreciate its intellectual
value yet old enough to decide that other pursuits appeared more
satisfying. And here before our August group of twelve year olds, a
bona fide Torah enthusiast blurted out the question that we all had
not dared to ask ourselves.
The truth is I do not remember the elusive answer that was proffered that warm afternoon
on the front porch of the teacher. And perhaps there is not just one answer to the question.
However in the wake of Tisha B’Av and the ensuing High Holidays, the following Midrash may
lend some clarity.
When Hashem foretells of the impending churban of His own Home, He explains “But Me they
forsook and My Torah they did not observe.” (Yirmiyahu 16:11) What could be worse than the
abandonment of G-d? Why add the neglect of Torah after the ultimate failing of detachment
from Hashem?
To this the Midrash responds that ignoring G-d may be a bad decision, but discarding the Torah
is catastrophic. Because as long as we study Torah, “Its inherent light will bring us back.”
(Pesichta Eicha Rabbah #2)
Nothing in Jewish life and culture can boast the same result. Every other Mitzvah, custom,
historical record and legend can be adulterated and misused. Only the Torah in its pure and
genuine study can safeguard K’lal Yisrael from being lost for the ages, R”L.
The word of Torah is the word of Hashem. Its messages, definitions, attitudes and opinions
are expressions of eternal truths. To study Torah is to understand Hashem. To learn Torah is to
connect with our Creator in a way that no other method can achieve.
It is difficult to find the words to adequately thank Luisa Latham and her talented committee for
all the hours and efforts they have invested in securing such a robust year of Torah education at
Shaarey Zedek. The roster of speakers and programs is not only impressive in caliber but also
in balance and scope. The committee has done its best to expose our Shul to the light of Torah.
It is now up to us to bask in that light through our support and attendance.
Best wishes for an illuminating year of growth in Torah at Shaarey Zedek.
Rabbi Jonathan Rosenberg
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President’s Message
During
the past year, we have enjoyed a variety of stimulating
speakers and programs. Shaarey Zedek has a diverse membership,
with congregants representing the full spectrum of hashkafa within
orthodoxy. The goal of the Education Committee is to provide lecturers
and programs that represent this diversity, exposing the membership
to a variety of approaches and topics. Our educational programs are
one of many benefits extended by Shaarey Zedek to its members.
Whether from a sociological, historical, cultural or ‘lamdish’
perspective, our goal is that everyone will benefit from these wonderful
presentations with new Torah knowledge as well as an appreciation
for each member of Klal Yisrael. We trust that you will enjoy the
lineup for the coming year, and encourage you to attend as many of
these shiurim, lectures and programs as you can. We also encourage
you to become a sponsor to support education at Shaarey Zedek and
to honor or memorialize a loved one.
I would like to thank our VP of Education, Luisa Latham, and the
Education Committee for all of their efforts. I want to extend a
special thank you to the many sponsors for making
this series possible and to Rabbi Rosenberg
for his guidance and suggestions.
Shanah Tovah!
Michael Halpern
Shaarey Zedek President
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Message from our
VP of Education
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your mind retain my commandments; For
they will bestow on you length of days, years of life and well-being.” (Prov 3:1-2).
As the proverb suggests, learning brings us closer to a life of meaning and purpose. Our
varied offerings in the education program this year include: study Torah and its many
texts with excellent scholars; learning about the issues confronting Israel, via AIPAC and
guest lecturers; hearing first-person accounts of the great Rabbinic leaders and pioneers
in America; celebrating the varied cultural legacy of both Sephardic and Ashkenazic Jewry:
viewing films that probe the many ways in which we uphold our values and traditions as
we intersect with the world at large; taking inspiration from the arts and music.
As the cover of this brochure suggests, we will approach our year of learning with open
and engaged minds, all of their ‘gears’ in motion. May we also bring to our learning
receptive hearts, with the hope that joining heart and mind will renew and uplift us, give
us ‘chizuk’ and lead us to long and productive lives.
I want to extend my warmest thanks to the very supportive and diligent members of the
education committee- Miriam Istrin, Anne Greenfield, Sharon Levine, Lisa Lintz, Linda
Scharlin, Irine Schweitzer, Alex Sztuden and Yakov Yellin.
All of our sponsors, those listed at the beginning of the brochure and
those to come, have made possible the educational programs
of Shaarey Zedek- she’tavo aleihem habracha! (May you be
blessed.)
We hope to see you at the many educational
programs this year and extend an invitation to
join us in the sponsorships that make these
programs possible.
Shana tova u’mutzlachat,
Luisa Latham
VP of Education
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Schedule of Events
• Tuesday, 20th - 8:00 PM Rabbi Baruch Gradon
• Monday, 26th - 8:00 PM Rabbi Revach
• Wednesday, 28th - Rabbi Jonathan Rosenberg
August
October
November
December
January
February
• Motzei Shabbos, 2nd - 7:30 PM Sephardic Evening
• Friday & Shabbos, 15th-16th AIPAC Shabbaton - “Middle
East Turmoil: Problems and Prospects”
Friday, 15th - 8:00 PM Oren Lazar
Shabbos, 16th - 8:45 AM minyan Judah Lindeman
• Thursday, 12th - Sunday, 15th OU Annual Convention
• Motzei Shabbos, 21st - 7:30 PM Film Series Part I
• Motzei Shabbos, 4th - 7:30 PM Film Series Part II
• Friday & Shabbos, 17th - 18th Scholar-in-Residence:
Professor Mordechai Kedar
• Motzei Shabbos, 1st - 7:30 PM Film Series Part III
• Friday, 21st - Shabbos, 22nd Scholar-in-Residence: Rivy
Kletenik
• Sunday, 2nd - Skirball Tour - Spotlight Tours of the
Nuremberg Laws and Global Citizen
March
April
May
June
• Sunday, 27th - 7:30 PM Jewish Book Month: Jonathan
Kirsch
• Sunday morning Tefillah Series, starting the 20th
• Shabbos afternoons, beginning April 26th - Rabi Mori
• Sunday, 4th - Yom Hashoah “How We Survived”
• Friday & Shabbos, May 9th-10th - Scholar in Residence:
Herb Keinon
• Sunday, 25th - 2:00 PM Third Annual Spring Concert
• TBA Sivan Scholar-in-Residence
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“How to be effective on Rosh Hashanah and
Yom Kippur”
Tuesday, August 20th 8:00 PM
Rabbi Baruch Yehuda Gradon, who came to Los Angeles with the Los
Angeles Kollel about 26 years ago, is today one of the
top adult educators in the city. Rabbi Gradon, English
born, attended Gateshead Yeshiva in England, and later,
Lakewood Yeshivah, Beis Medrash Govoha. He joined the
Los Angeles Community Kollel in 1982, eventually becoming
the Menahel Ruchani (Spiritual Advisor) of the Kollel, a
position he served for many years. Rabbi Gradon is currently the founder
and Rosh Kollel of a new Community Kollel, Merkaz Hatorah Community
Kollel, which is housed at Beth Jacob Congregation in the Pico Robertson
area of Los Angeles. Rabbi Gradon’s erudition, offered in a soft British
brogue, is very appealing to crowds from all different backgrounds. He
has delivered many shiurim here at Shaarey Zedek and is a highly soughtafter speaker, both nationally and internationally.
“The Formula For Forgiveness: Understanding the
Power of the Thirteen Middos”
Monday, August 26th at 8:00 PM
Rabbi Dovid Revah, Rav of Adas Torah in Pico Robertson,
originally from Toronto, has been a part of the greater Los
Angeles community for more than 18 years. After studying
in Gateshead Yeshiva in England, Yeshivas Brisk in Eretz
Yisrael and Beth Medrash Govoah in Lakewood, New Jersey,
Rabbi Revah joined Kollel Los Angeles in 1995. In addition to serving as
Rav of Adas Torah , Rabbi Revah has been a Rebbi at Yeshiva Gedola of
Los Angeles for 10 years.
“Understanding the Machzor - A Guide to its
Structure, Liturgy & Themes”
Wednesday, August 28th
To inaugurate our new Art Scroll machzorim, recently
purchased for the shul, Rabbi Rosenberg will offer a shiur.
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By increasing our understanding of the content of the liturgy and its
placement in the service, the shiur will, hopefully, make our davening
on the yamim noraim more profound and meaningful. If music
were the analogy, this would be a study of the score to enhance our
appreciation while listening to a musical performance. In this case,
we are the ‘musicians’ offering our prayers to HaShem, enhanced by
deeper understanding of our spiritual goals.
Jewish Book Month: Jonathan Kirsch
Sunday, October 27th from 7:30 to 9:00 PM (Social Hall)
We are delighted to again welcome prolific author and book critic,
Jonathan Kirsch, to speak on his latest
work The Short, Strange Life of Herschel
Grynszpan: A Boy Avenger, a Nazi Diplomat
and a Murder in Paris (W. W. Norton/
Liveright). “A lively and suspenseful tale,”
according to Publishers Weekly. “Kirsch
has eloquently provided a dramatic real-life mystery
with broad appeal,” writes Mark Levine in Booklist.
And Michael Berenbaum writes in The Jewish Journal:
“Kirsch tells a powerful story with the skill of a novelist
and the precision of a historian.
Sunday Morning October Tefillah Series
Beginning Sunday, October 20th
Our Tefillah Series will focus on an overview of the development of
the “matbeah shel t’fillah,” the structure and deeper meanings of key
prayers in the davening. Join us for six Sunday mornings of learning,
coffee and a nosh as we deepen our commitment to and understanding
of the davening. Open to men and women, couples and singles.
The series will take place on Sunday mornings, monthly,
beginning in October. Instructor: TBA
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An Evening of Sephardic Culture: Motzei Shabbos, November
2nd at 7:30 PM
The Moreshet Shirat Avot Choir (Bakashot Choir) began as a culturalreligious activity of the Em HaBanim Sephardic Community Center
developed to preserve and perpetuate the Sephardic heritage and to
share its musical and liturgical traditions with the larger community.
This evening’s concert will anticipate Rosh Chodesh Kislev and incorporate
Hanukah melodies, as well as others. We will serve traditional Sephardic
sweets and tea to enhance our evening!
Members of the choir, led by Hazzan Shimon Sibony, include:
Albert Abergel
Charles Alloun
Maurice Elmaleh
Haim Lousky
Elie Mafouda
Jacques Ohana
Meir Pinto
AIPAC Shabbaton - “Middle East Turmoil: Problems
and Prospects”
Friday, November 15th at 8:00 PM
Oren Lazar is AIPAC’s Valley Area Director. Oren comes
to AIPAC from the practice of law where he focused on
securities litigation. Oren has a BA in Political Science from
UC Berkeley, a JD from Georgetown Law and did graduate
work in Middle East history at Tel Aviv University. While in
college and law school Oren lead a number of Pro-Israel
student groups and taught a class at Berkeley on the history
of Israel and Zionism. In various advocacy roles Oren has appeared on
CNN, FOX, MSNBC, Ha’aretz, Jerusalem Post and many other print and
live media speaking about student activism, Israel and the Middle East.
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Shabbos, November 16th after the 8:45 AM minyan
As AIPAC’s Regional Synagogue Director, Judah
Lindemann works with communities from Southern
California to Las Vegas and Arizona, developing and
strengthening congregational pro-Israel activism.
His portfolio includes Congressional and Middle East
briefings, lobbying, grassroots organizing, leadership
development, and fundraising. Prior to this position,
Judah spent three years working in AIPAC’s San Francisco office in various
capacities. His most recent title before moving to Los Angeles was AIPAC’s
Silicon Valley Leadership Management Director.
OU Annual Convention
Thursday, December 12th - 15th
“Traditional Judaism in the New Milleneum”
We are honored to host Rabbi Herschel Schacter, Rosh
Yeshiva, Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary,
Yeshiva University as our Scholar-in-Residence.
Film Series Part I: Motzei Shabbos, December 21st at 7:30 PM
Fill the Void (2012, 90 min): Original title Lemale et ha’halal
An intimate, insightful, respectful and moving film which
follows life among the ultra-Othodox Haredi Jewish
community in Tel Aviv, Israel. The well-to-do family of Rabbi
Aharon suffers a tragedy when his daughter Esther dies in
childbirth. A younger daughter, Shira, 18, is pressured by
her mother to marry her deceased sister’s husband.
Film Series Part II: Motzei Shabbos, January 4th at 7:30 PM
A medley of short films from Ma’aleh film school will be shown. Titles
will be forthcoming, as many are now circulating at film festivals
around the country and the world. For the past twenty years
Ma’aleh has been producing short films which explore issues of
Jewish life and content and seek to bring positive and thoughtprovoking images of traditional Jewish life to the screen, fostering deeper
understanding and dialogue between religious and secular Jews.
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Scholar-in-Residence: Professor Mordechai Kedar
Friday, January 17th - Shabbos, January 18th
Professor Kedar is an Israeli scholar of Arabic literature and
a lecturer at Bar-Ilan University. He holds a Ph.D. from BarIlan University and is an academic expert on the Israeli/Arab
population. He served for twenty-five years in IDF Military
Intelligence, where he specialized in Islamic groups, the
political discourse of Arab countries, the Arabic press and
mass media, and the Syrian domestic arena. The Los Angeles Times’
Edmund Sanders described him as “one of the few Arabic-speaking Israeli
guests seen on Arabic satellite channels defending Israel.”
Film Series Part III: Motzei Shabbos, February 1st at 7:30 PM
Life is Strange (2012, 136 min.)
Life is Strange is a documentary that evokes the vibrant life of Jewish families
in pre-World War II Europe through childhood memories
of survivors. As opposed to many documentaries of the
period that explore how people died, this one examines
the memories of childhood and life lived before the
war. Intimate conversations with people from all walks
of life are presented against a tapestry of rare footage
of pre-war Yiddish culture, and portrays a universal
experience of carefree childhood. The movie explores
the connection between old age and childhood, what
remains of childhood in our later years, and how the
memory of the past can be retained when the world
that created it no longer exists.
“Echoes of Esther: A Study in Intertextuality”
Oneg (men and women) Friday night, February 21st
Doing a careful reading of the text of Megilas Esther
reveals its connections to a number of other narratives in
the Torah, resulting in a rich understanding of the deeper
meanings of the Megilah.
“Ka’asher Avadati: What was Esther Ready to Lose?”
Women only shiur Shabbos morning, February 22nd
How do Chazal understand Esther’s declaration of being ready to lose
everything in order to approach Achashverosh? Were there other factors
in play?
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“Tehillim & Esther”
Women only shiur Shabbos afternoon, February 22nd
There are a number of sections in Tehillim deeply connected to the
Megilah; studying them will help us to appreciate each text in light of
the other.
R
ivy Poupko Kletenik was born in Pittsburgh, to Gilda Twerski
Novoseller Poupko, and Rabbi Baruch Poupko, rabbi of
Congregation Shaare Torah in Pittsburgh for over sixty years.
Rivy is in her seventh year as Head of School of the Seattle Hebrew
Academy. She was awarded the 2002 Covenant Award for Exceptional
Jewish Educator, was honored as Distinguished Alumna at Touro College,
was the 2006 Seattle Hadassah Honoree and was selected by the Jewish
Federation of Greater Seattle to be the recipient of the Pamela Waechter
Communal Professional Award in 2010. She was presented with the
American Jewish Press Association first prize award for commentary in
2001 and continues to write a monthly column for Seattle’s JTNews called
JQ. Rivy teaches and lectures throughout the community and nationwide
on all things Jewish. Rivy is the wife of Rabbi Moshe Kletenik, Honorary
President of Rabbinical Council of America, mother of four children, and
grandmother of six grandchildren.
Skirball Tour- The Nuremberg Laws and “Global Citizen”
Sunday, March 2nd
On this spotlight tour of the Skirball’s core exhibition, Visions and Values:
Jewish Life from Antiquity to America, view typescripts of and discuss the
historic Nuremberg Laws, which deprived Jews of German citizenship
and represented the first crucial decree leading to the Holocaust.
Journey through a three-dimensional landscape of striking architecture in
this career-spanning exhibition of famed Israeli architect Moshe Safdie’s
work. Global Citizen: The Architecture
of Moshe Safdie surveys the renowned
architect’s career from his formative period in
the 60s and 70s to his recent projects around
the world, exploring his aesthetic language
of transcendent light, powerful geometry,
and iconic forms. Using sketches, models,
photographs, and films, the exhibition
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portrays Safdie’s architecture not only as visual art but as a medium for
advancing social, political, and cultural goals.
Checks made out to the Skirball Cultural Center will be at the group rate of $7.00
per adult and $4.00 per child, recommended for students ages 12 and above.
Rabi Mori: My Rabbi, My Teacher
Beginning Shabbos Afternoons, April 26th
This very engaging series will give us insight into some of the greatest
rabbinic leaders of our time. Each Shabbos afternoon before Mincha,
we will enjoy a different speaker sharing with us the life, wisdom and
“shita” of another “gadol.” These will include:
• Rav Aaron Kotlar,z”l, founder and Rosh Yeshiva of Lakewood Yeshivapresented by Rabbi Pinhas Gruman of Los Angeles.
• Rabbi Yitzchok Hutner, z”l, Rosh Yeshiva of Chaim Berlin Yeshivapresented by Rabbi Eliezer Pflaster
• Rabbi Yoseph Ber Solevetchik, z”l, the Rosh Yeshiva of Rav Isaac
Elchanan Seminary of Yeshiva University- Mr Alex Sztuden.
• Rav Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman, z”l,- founder and Rosh Yeshiva of Ner
Israel- presented by Rabbi Jonathan Rosenberg.
• Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, z”l,- Rosh Yeshiva of Mesivtha Tifereth
Jerusalem in New York and leading halachic adjudicator of his
generation - presented by Rabbi Yakov Yellin.
Yom Hashoah “How We Survived”
Sunday, May 4th
Authors of How We Survived, the stories of child survivors of the Holocaust,
present their first person narratives of 52 authors who survived the
Holocaust as children. Each story in this collection covers the range of
children’s experiences from the ghettos, the camps, in hiding, and on
the run through Eastern Europe. Each author speaks of bewilderment,
the pain of dislocation and the loss of family as
seen through a child’s eyes. How these children
coped during and after the war demonstrates a
triumph of the human spirit. Join the authors
for a reception and book signing immediately
following the program.
Note: We have scheduled this program on the Sunday following Yom HaShoah to
accommodate the authors and to continue to hear first-hand survivor testimony.
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Yom Ha’atzmaut Program - Herb Keinon
Friday & Shabbos, May 9-10th
Topics will include: Haredim and the state: Has the IDF draft issue
brought about a tipping point?
Uncivil discourse: How extreme rhetoric creates a distorted picture
of Israel, both inside the country and abroad
Where are we? A sober look at the country’s current diplomatic/
political situation
Herb Keinon is a diplomatic correspondent for the Jerusalem Post,
responsible for covering the prime minister and the foreign minister, and
often travels with the Prime Minister on his trips abroad. In addition, for
the past 20 years he has been a featured writer and weekly columnist
for the paper covering Jerusalem, immigration and absorption, religious
parties, haredim, and the settlements. Keinon is originally from Denver.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of
Colorado, Boulder, and a Master of Arts in journalism from the University
of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. He lives in Ma’ale Adumim, outside of
Jerusalem, with his wife and four children.
3rd Annual Spring Concert - The Cantus Quartet
Sunday, May 25th at 2:00 PM
We are very excited to again host the talented musicians from the
UCLA School of Music. With its three outstanding departments of
Ethnomusicology, Music and Musicology, The UCLA Herb Alpert School
of Music aspires to educate the whole student through productive
collaborations between performance and scholarship, a cross-cultural,
global understanding of the art of music, and preparatory training for a
broad range of careers in music after graduation.
Cantus Quartet members:
Rhea Fowler, violin
Sun Jung, violin
David Lee Ruest, viola
Jennifer Li, cello
Sivan Scholar-in-Residence
For many years we have been the beneficiaries of the generous sponsorship
of families who are observing yahrzeits in Sivan. They will again sponsor
a scholar during this month. Details will be forthcoming in the spring.
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Shaarey Zedek
Congregation
Shaarey Zedek congregation is the largest Orthodox congregation in the San Fernando
Valley region of Los Angeles with over 370 families. Our full service synagogue has
steady daily services, including two daily morning services, daily afternoon services
at sunset, and three Shabbos, Yom Tov and Sunday morning services. Shaarey Zedek
Congregation is affiliated with the Union of Orthodox Congregations (OU). In the
past few decades, the synagogue has seen tremendous growth, with children of older
members marrying and bringing their families into the synagogue. Young families
are particularly attracted to our synagogue for our well staffed Shabbat Youth
programs, as well as being the home to several youth groups. We are also proud to
have a very active Sisterhood with Chesed and Hachnasos Orchim Committees.
Shaarey Zedek Congregation
12800 Chandler Blvd.
(818) 763-0560
Info@valleyshul.com • www.valleyshul.com