Dear {{first_name}}, Exciting times here at Bris Avrohom of Fair Lawn as we prepare for Purim, camp, new classes and enter a new phase in our building project.
Purim events are online, and this year is expected to be celebrated with even more enthusiasm than ever before and a level of joy that breaks all limitations. We have observed an interesting phenomenon in recent years in that people seem to not be able to celebrate Purim in any other way after they celebrate Purim with us. Consider yourself warned!
Fair Lawn Jewish Day Camp is getting close to filling up and is now also taking applications for staff. We are planning some really cool new adventures for this summer with some major upgrades to our program. More information will be published soon as it becomes available.
We have two brand new classes coming up, one for High School Teens and one for Women. These classes are aimed at meeting the thirst for Jewish learning and knowledge.
Now that we have received our approvals from the Fair Lawn Planning board, we are entering the next phase in our building project which is assembling a team of engineers and planners who will create the construction plans. In the meantime, we are working with the state to finalize our NJDEP approval.
Indeed, exciting times for our community. We invite you to join us and bring your family and friends along. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely, Rabbi Mendel & Elke Zaltzman
Shabbos Times
Friday, February 23
Candle Lighting: 5:22pm Evening Service: 5:25pm
Saturday, February 24 Tanya Class 9:15am Morning Service: 10:00am Kiddush: 12:15pm Evening Service: 5:10pm Shabbat Ends: 6:23pm
Kiddush Sponsorship The Sauchik family in honor of the Bar Mitzvah
of their dear son, Andrew (Avrohom Chaim)
Mazel Tov!
FAIR LAWN JEWISH DAY CAMP
A BISSELE HUMOR
A very successful businessman had a meeting with his new son-in-law. "I love my daughter dearly, and now I welcome you into the family," said the man. "To show you how much we care for you, I'm making you a 50-50 partner in my business. All you have to do is go to the factory every day and manage the operations." The son-in-law interrupted, "I hate factories. I can't stand the noise." "I see," replied the father-in-law. "Well, then you'll work in the office and take charge of those responsibilities." "I hate office work," said the son-on-law. "I can't stand being stuck behind a desk all day." "Wait a minute," said the father-in-law. "I just made you half-owner of a moneymaking organization, but you don't like factories and won't work in an office. What am I going to do with you?" "Easy," said the young man. "Buy me out."
WEEKLY eTORAH
“And you shall command the Children of Israel that they should take for you pure, pressed olive oil for illumination, to kindle the lamp continually.” The “lamp” refers to the Menorah in the Temple, and Rashi quotes the Talmudic teaching that the requirement is to light the Menorah “so that the flame ascends of itself.” The Kohen who lights the Menorah must ensure that the flame is strong and stable and will not be extinguished when he walks away. Often, we light a candle, and it flickers briefly, only to go out as soon as we turn our backs. The instruction here is to make certain that the flame is properly lit and will keep burning long after we’re gone. This, too, is an instruction for life. It’s not enough to light the candle. We must make sure it will last. There’s got to be sufficient oil, wick, and whatever it needs to last. In life, whether in business or in our relationships, we need to be there for the long haul. There are sprinters who can break records over short distances, but marathon runners need stamina more than speed, and grit more than grace. It takes a lot of training and enormous determination to go the full distance. And as it is in life, so it is in Jewish life. We need not only starters, but finishers. Many people make resolutions and begin studying Torah or practicing a new mitzvah, and at first, it’s new, fresh, and exciting. Too often, though, the enthusiasm wanes and peters out. We need the capacity for continuity. That initial burst of energy alone cannot guarantee long-term success. We may be fast, but we fade. Yes, routines can become boring, and it’s human nature to lose interest after a while. But those with staying power are in it for the long haul. The capacity for continuity, that sense of consistency, separates the faders from the finishers. Many synagogues have a ner tamid, an “eternal light,” usually somewhere near or over the Holy Ark. It is a reminder of the Menorah in the Temple of old which was kindled daily, summer or winter, rain or shine. The Kohen and the flame were faithful, reliable, and constant. The light of G‑d is eternal. Torah is truth and truth is forever. The Hebrew word for Truth is emet, which in Hebrew is spelled Alef, Mem, Taf. These three Hebrew letters are the first, last and middle letters of the Hebrew alphabet. First, middle, and last represents consistency. Truth is truth, now and forever. Long ago, King David wrote in the Book of Psalms, “Who may ascend the mountain of G‑d, and who may stand in the place of His sanctity?” It’s one thing to climb the mountain. It’s another to maintain one’s level. Please G‑d, may we keep climbing and sustaining our enthusiasm now and forever.
