Jews of USC

Timely thoughts, meaningful matters, and random ramblings from a Chabad campus Shliach.

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Brother of Kidnapped Soldier speaking this shabbat, Yom Kippur Schedule, and How to Forgive?

Hi,
I hope your Rosh Hashana was both beautiful and meaningful. The ten days from the beginning of Rosh Hashana through the end of Yom Kippur are known as the Ten Days of Teshuva (repentance or return). They are considered a unique opportunity to reflect on the turns our lives have taken over the past year and look for ways to ensure that the coming year will be even better and more filled with meaning. Leading up to the Day of Atonement on Yom Kippur, when G-d grants us the opportunity to reconnect and wipe the slate clean, we’ve got to get into the right mode and mind-set by first ensuring that we’re attempting at least to head in the right direction.
At the same time, in Judaism the emphasis never remains solely on the theoretical or philosophical. It has to be translated into real and tangible behavior to truly have an impact on us and our world. The feelings associated with introspection are only as good as the actual good deeds or additional commitment to living a spiritually meaningful life that they engender.
So as you go through your own journey of starting a new year, we invite you to look for practical ways you can strengthen the entire community at USC. Look for a class, discussion, or action item that speaks to your desire for Jewish involvement. If you don’t find one, suggest an additional avenue for activity. But whatever it is, find a way to get involved.
Hope to see you soon.

BTW, pictures of recent events and info on future ones are always being added to www.chabadusc.com

Also, check out the story about the Torah dedication in the Jewish Journal at http://www.jewishjournal.com/home/preview.php?id=16536
G’mar Chatima Tova! Happy New Year!

Dov and Runya

Blankets for Babies – a Helping Hands social action event
Brother of kidnapped Israeli soldier to speak at Chabad House this Shabbat
Shabbat Schedule
Yom Kippur – Reserve your seat now!
Save the Date: Parents Weekend/Sukkot
Save the Date: Simchat Torah Bash
New York Trip – International Shabbaton
Weekly Learning Opportunities
Thought for the Week

Blankets for Babies – a Helping Hands social action event
Helping Hands returns with yet another opportunity for you to make a difference. Stop by the Chabad table on Trousdale tomorrow anytime between 12:00 and 1:30 and help make a no-sew fleece blanket for an underprivileged child.
What better time could there be to do a Mitzvah than during these days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur?
RSVP runya@usc.edu or just stop by.
More info at www.chabadusc.com/hands.pdf

2) Brother of kidnapped Israeli soldier to speak at Chabad House this Shabbat
When Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser were kidnapped by Hezbollah, the summer’s conflict in the Middle East began. But despite intense international pressure and a UN resolution, nearly two months after a ceasefire – and almost three months since they were kidnapped – the two soldiers have still not been returned to their families.
We cannot and must not forget about them.

This Friday evening, Gadi Goldwasser (Ehud’s brother) will be joining us at the Chabad House for a special presentation. Hear who Ehud is as a person, what he’s like, what you can do to help.
Join us for dinner at 7:30 pm, or specifically for Gadi’s presentation at 9:00 pm.
Friday, Sept. 29 at the Chabad House.
RSVP chabad@usc.edu

3) Shabbat Schedule
The Shabbat between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is known as Shabbat Shuva or Teshuva – the Shabbat of Return. So if you haven’t been here for a bit, here’s your chance to come back J
Friday, Sept. 29
Candle Lighting: 6:23 pm
Services: 6:30 pm
Dinner: 7:30 pm
Presentation by Gadi Goldwasser: 9:00 pm

Saturday, Sept. 30
"U-Turns allowed" – Repentance in Jewish Thought: 9:30 am
Services: 10:15 am
Lunch: 12:45 pm
Shabbat ends: 7:17 pm

Remember: The streak is still alive! The Trojans have never lost a football game on a Shabbat that we got a minyan together for services. Show your support by showing up J

4) Yom Kippur Schedule – Reserve your seat now
The doors to Heaven are open and so are ours.
Join us for a traditional service with the inimitable Chabad warmth and style.

Sunday, October 1
Candle Lighting: 6:20 pm
Kol Nidrei: 6:30 pm

Monday, October 2
Morning Services: 10:00 am
Yizkor Services: 12:30 pm
Afternoon Service: 5:00 pm
Neilah: 6:00 pm
Fast Ends: 7:14 pm
Break the Fast: 7:25 pm
For more information or to RSVP, check www.chabadusc.com/hh

5) Save the date: Parents weekend/Sukkot
Don’t miss this annual event. Invite your parents to join you at Chabad House for a wonderful Shabbat banquet under the stars. Parents Weekend coincides with the first night of Sukkot, and we’re doing it in style.
Friday, Oct. 6. Don’t miss it.

6) Save the Date: Simchat Torah Bash
Another don’t miss. We’d call it "the party of the year" – just that we have a few that compete for that distinction. But it’s definitely in the running.
Whether it’s dancing all-night with the Torahs, hanging out on the lawn enjoying the amazing buffet, or just soaking in the joy of hundreds of Jewish students celebrating together, the Simchas Torah Bash is the place to be.
And, this year it’s on a Saturday night! Right after the home game against ASU!
Saturday, October 14.

7) New York Trip – International Shabbaton. Sixth Annual
For five years, we’ve been taking a group of USC students to join students from around the country for an amazing weekend experience in New York City. And for five years those students have come back delighted, inspired, excited, exhausted, and just filled with unbelievable memories of a fun-filled weekend.
We’ll be joining hundreds of students from universities around the country and beyond, there will be leadership mini-conferences dealing with issues ranging from social action, Israel activism, Jewish identity on campus, and much more.
This year’s trip is planned for Nov. 2-5. And, as every year so far, we hope to be able to offer the entire weekend for less than the price of a ticket alone. (Projected cost: $200-).
Let us know you’re interested by emailing Dov at chabad@usc.edu

8) Weekly Learning Opportunities
Another reminder about the many ways to get involved.

Monday
Morning Minyan: 7:00 am
Dental School Lunch and Learn: 12:00 pm
Discussion over Dinner @ Parkside: 6:00 pm
Genesis Study and Discussion @ Tuscany 426: 8:45 pm

Tuesday
Law School Lunch and Learn: 12:30 pm every second week
Kabbalah and Kabob: 6:30 pm once a month
Food for Thought: 6:30 pm once a month
Talmud and Tanya: 7:30 pm every week except for Food for Thought weeks

Wednesday
Helping Hands social action: 12:00 pm once a month
Jewish Art Forms: 12:00 pm once a month
Sinai Scholars: 7:30 pm

Thursday
Morning Minyan: 7:00 am
Pizza and Parsha: 12:15 pm
Schmooze Discussion @ Eddie and Orith’s: 8:30 pm

9) Thought for the Week
Thought I’d share something from our archives about the forgiveness of Yom Kippur.
>Hi Rabbi,
> I know for Yom Kippur we are supposed to forgive others. But can you
> explain exactly how that works? Is it true that if they ask for your
> forgiveness sincerely 3 times, and you don't forgive them it becomes
> your fault? How do we know if they are really being sincere? What if
> they lied to you about something very important and you can't bring
> yourself to forgive them just yet?
> >Please let me know.
> >Best,

Hi,
Good question. As with most things in life, it's going to sound a lot simpler than it really is.
It's easy to talk about having to forgive someone. But if you forgave them because you were told you have to, did you really forgive them? True forgiveness of course stems from the heart, and means completely and totally removing any ill will you may have borne towards a particular person because of his/her actions. Is this something that can be done just because of a technicality of how many times the person asked? And what if, as in your question, you're not yet ready to forgive?

I think we could understand the notion a bit better by looking at the underlying source. Our Sages tell us in interpretation of the instruction to "cleave to G-d" that it means we should follow in His ways: "Just as He is merciful, so too should you be merciful. Just as He is forgiving, so too should you be forgiving." In other words, as we approach Yom Kippur -- as we get ready to beg G-d for atonement and forgiveness, we are being asked to stop and think. Are you asking for forgiveness from G-d because you haven't really done anything wrong? Or were there maybe things that really were a problem? We ask for forgiveness despite our transgressions -- indeed, because of our transgressions -- praying that we are recognized as the imperfect beings that we truly are, and that G-d's inherent love for us can overcome and overpower anything we've done to mess up the connection.

But together with doing that, we've got to show that we're willing to try to be the same way. Don't forgive the other person because you're being told to. Forgive them because you've truly thought about what is most meaningful to you in this world. Forgive them not because you don't really feel any more that they did anything wrong, but rather because--despite them having truly done something wrong, you have thought about life in a deeper context and made a decision to go beyond it.

I think that's why that asking for forgiveness part -- and indeed the mention about three (sincere) times -- is so important. If the other person has not acknowledged their wrongdoing, or--flipping it around for a moment--if we haven't made that self-analysis and recognized it ourselves, then they're not asking for forgiveness. They're asking you to consider what they did to you to have been right and deserved. And that's not what forgiveness is about. That's not what we ask of G-d, and that's not what we're asked to do.
So getting back to the original question: What does it mean when we talk about "having to" forgive someone? It means we are supposed to take some time for introspection before Yom Kippur: What does Yom Kippur really mean to me? What do my friendships or interactions with other people really mean to me? Am I perfect? Is what this person did to me really the end of all existence, or can I -- while still condemning the behavior -- find it within myself to forgive the person?

As far as how to know if the person is sincere, you're 100% right. Only G-d knows what's in the heart of another person. AS we read in this week's Torah portion: "That which is hidden is for Hashem, our G-d, while the revealed is for us and our children..." That's why Jewish law talks about asking forgiveness 3 times. And of course, it means a true and honest request as far as you can tell.

But again, I think it gives us something to consider in the context of Yom Kippur. How sincere are we in our requests for G-d's forgiveness? How closely do we want our sincerity judged and examined? Our relationships with other people are what creates the format and framework for G-d's relationship with us.

So, is it easy to forgive someone who's really done something you felt was horrible? No, not at all. (BTW, on a practical note: Forgiveness doesn't necessarily mean that you've become best friends again. If you learned something about the character of that person, that fact remains, even if you have completely removed any grudge from your heart. That's why the Torah instructs a penitent sinner to bring as a sacrifice, in addition to a sin offering, also a burnt offering. You've got to receive atonement, but after that you still have to go about rebuilding or recreating a relationship that was there before. Think of when a couple gets into a fight: There's the "sorry" for whatever went wrong and whatever process is needed for forgiveness, but then he (or she) actually has to go out and do something special (roses/a diamond bracelet/whatever) to actually recreate the spark that was there before.) But we do have the capacity to let our intellects rule our emotions (or the soul rule the body, if your prefer). Which means that, while still not easy, it is something we can choose to do.

Of course, if you have any question about anything I’ve written, or any further questions, please feel free to ask.
Best wishes for a Shana Tova!

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Shofar Factory, "A Tale of Two Soldiers", and TORAH DEDICATION Celebration

You know the old line “when it rains, it pours”? Well, the last couple of days I’ve felt like that was talking about my life.

Two very big events happening this coming weekend – the Torah Dedication Celebration on Sunday, and the “Tale of Two Soldiers” Friday night. In addition to two weddings of alumni this past weekend. And the Shofar Factory tomorrow. And a Food for Thought event (“The Mystical Alphabet”) next week. And Sinai Scholars starting up again this week. And Birthright registration opening today.
Not to forget the High Holidays just around the corner.

But better to be overloaded with good things happening than to have nothing happening at all.
Just wanted to make sure everybody realizes: A Torah Scroll Dedication is a very big deal. It’s something that comes up fairly rarely. We’d love for you to be there to celebrate with us. So mark it on your calendar, invite your family and friends. And come ready to dance and sing!

Before the usual run-down of everything happening, here’s a day-by-day schedule for clarity:

Tuesday, Sept. 12
7:30 pm – Talmud and Tanya @ Chabad

Wednesday, Sept. 13
12:00 pm – Shofar Factory and BBQ @ Founders Park

Thursday, Sept. 14
7:00 am – Morning Minyan @ Chabad
12:15 pm – Pizza & Parsha @ Trousdale

Friday, Sept. 15
6:30 pm – “Bring your Honey” Shabbat @ Chabad
9:00 pm – “A Tale of Two Soldiers” presentation @ Chabad

Saturday, Sept. 16
9:30 am – Mystical Insights into the Weekly Parsha
10:15 am sharp – Morning Services @ Chabad followed by lunch/tailgate

Sunday, Sept. 17
12:00 pm – Torah Scroll Completion Ceremony @ Bovard
1:00 pm – Processional from Tommy Trojan to Chabad House
2:00 pm – Catered luncheon at Chabad

Monday, Sept. 18
7:00 am – Morning Minyan @ Chabad
12:00 pm – Lunch & Learn @ the Dental School
6:00 pm – Discussion over Dinner @ Parkside

Tuesday, Sept. 19
6:30 pm – Jewish LAS, The Mystical Alphabet @ Chabad

1) “Toot your own Horn” Shofar Factory
2) “Bring your Honey” Shabbat
3) “A Tale of Two Soldiers” – 2 Israeli Soldiers talk about their experiences fighting Hezbollah
4) Torah Scroll Dedication Celebration
5) Coming up Next Week: Jewish LAS (Food for Thought) – The Mystical Alphabet
6) Full Schedule of High Holiday Services and Meals
7) Birthright Israel Registration now open
8) Announcements

1) “Toot your own Horn” Shofar Factory
“Toot your own horn.” The first in yet another monthly series of events, the Traveling Shofar Factory is a returning favorite. Learn all there is to know about the “shofar” sounded on the High Holidays, and even get to make your own.
Part 1 of “Jewish Art Forms” – one Wednesday each month enjoy getting hands-on with a particular Jewish craft or art form. More info/flier at www.chabadusc.com/art.pdf
Kosher BBQ hot dogs and drinks for sale!
Wednesday, September 13. 12:00 – 1:30 pm. In Founders Park on campus. (That’s between Bovard and Taper Hall.)
Reservations appreciated at www.chabadusc.com S
ee pictures from Shofar Factory in previous years by clicking on the picture link.

2) “Bring your Honey Shabbat
It’s the Shabbat before Rosh Hashana and that means its time for “Bring your Honey” Shabbat.
Special extra desserts for anybody who brings someone along!
And remember that thing about the team winning whenever we have a Minyan. Sure, Game Day will be on USC’s campus. But are you actually making a difference by being there? J

Friday, September 15.
Services: 6:30 pmCandle Lighitng: 6:43 pm
Dinner: 7:30 pm
Special Presentation by the soldiers (see below): 9:00 pm

Saturday, September 16
Discussion Topic: Day of Judgment and Awe or New Year’s? – 9:30 am
Morning Services: 10:15 am.
Lunch / Cholent Tailgate: 12:45 pm
Shabbat ends: 7:36 pm

3) “A Tale of Two Soldiers”
Join us for a special presentation by Danny and Shmulik as they describe their recent experiences fighting Hezbollah with the Israeli Army.
What was it like? What motivated them? What scared them? How can you help?
Presented by Chabad @ USC and Mayanot / Birthright Israel.
Join us for services at 6:30, dinner at 7:30, or just come to hear the soldiers’ presentation at 9:00 pm.
For more information, check www.mayanotisrael.com/soldiers Reservations appreciated at www.chabadusc.com

4) Torah Scroll Dedication Celebration
Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006

Join the USC Jewish community for this historic event as we lovingly complete this painstakingly restored Torah scroll on USC’s campus, followed by a processional with music and dancing from the center of campus to the Torah’s new home in the Chabad House.
Completion Ceremony: 12:00pm
Processional from Tommy Trojan: 1:00pm
Dancing and catered lunch follow at the Chabad @ USC Jewish Student Center.

Invite your family, friends, and professors!
More info at www.chabadusc.com/torah
RSVP for lunch at usctorah@gmail.com
Facebook event link at http://usc.facebook.com/event.php?eid=2209275015

5) Next Week: Jewish LAS (Food for Thought) – The Mystical Alphabet
By now you’ve certainly heard about the very popular Food for Thought series. Every month we bring a guest lecturer to share with us some fascinating ideas, while enjoying a food relevant to the subject matter.
This month’s offering begins a series of Jewish Letters, Arts, and Sciences. First up: The Mystical Alphabet.
Kabbalah is all about the letters. Learn about the fascinating insights of Jewish mysticism into the meaning and symbolism behind the letters of the Hebrew Alphabet.
(Better than the Da Vinci code!)
Tuesday, Sept. 19. 6:30 pm.
Presenter: Rabbi Eyal Rav-Noy, Director of the Jewish Learning Academy.RSVP chabad@usc.edu

6) Full Schedule of High Holiday Services and Meals
Not going home to be with your family for the High Holidays? Join ours!
We’ve got a full schedule of services and meals throughout the entire High Holiday season. Whether it’s to dip the apple in the honey on Sept. 22 & 23, to hear the Shofar on the 24th, or for Yom Kippur services – and pre/post fast meals – on October 1 and 2, Chabad @ USC is your home away from home for the Holidays.
All services and meals are completely free for students.
Full schedule and reservation form at www.chabadusc.com/hh

7) Birthright Israel Registration now open
Want a free trip to Israel this winter break? Wait a few more days, and it’ll probably be too late.www.mayanotisrael.com now for details and applications. Or contact Chava at frankiel@usc.edu for more info.

8) Announcements
Mazal Tov to Ari and Stella on their wedding this past Thursday.
Mazal Tov to Moshe and Shelly on their wedding this past Sunday.
Mazal Tov to Josh and Yaffa Moorvitch on the birth of their daughter Aviva this past Friday.

Internship Opportunity:
Jews for Judaism is a non-denominational, international organization that works to reawaken Jewish pride and identity and counteract the deceptive efforts of cults and missionaries that target Jews for conversion.
The Los Angeles office has a wonderful opportunity for a dynamic and creative individual with a strong Jewish identity and knowledge of Judaism to serve as a part-time program director. The intern member will benefit from ongoing instruction that will develop their leadership skills and encourage professional growth, gaining experience that will enhance their future careers.
Applicants must possess excellent written, computer and oral communication skills, demonstrated leadership potential, and have the ability to manage multiple tasks.
For more information and to schedule an interview, please contact: Rabbi Zalman Kravitz at 310-556-3355 or email: Zalman@jewsforjudaism.org.
Looking forward to seeing you Friday Night, Sunday, or both!
Dov and Runya Wagner
Rabbi Dov Wagner
Chabad Jewish Student Center @ USC
2713 Severance St.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
www.chabadusc.com
Chabad@usc.edu
213-748-5884
310-801-3142 – cell

“Your next act will change the world. Make it a good one!”

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Mexican Shabbat, Shofar Factory, and Torah Dedication

Hi,

There’s so much going on, I’ll just jump straight in.
But make sure to check out our new pictures at http://www.chabadusc.com/. There’s plenty more that have been added to www.chabadusc.com/august2006, a whole new page of pictures of the Hope for the Hungry event at www.chabadusc.com/hh01, and tons of pictures of Big Bear will be up online by tonight.

Also, let us know you’re joining us for the historic Torah Dedication Celebration at www.chabadusc.com/torah

1) Kabbalah and Kabob – 1st one tonight
2) Mexican Shabbat – Viva!
3) Parkside Discussion over Dinner
4) Weekly Stuff
5) Last Chance for Sinai Scholars
6) Jewish Art Forms – Shofar Factory
7) Save the Date: Bring your Honey Shabbat with special update from 2 Israeli soldiers
8) Save the Date: Torah Dedication Celebration
9) Heeb-brew Reading Course
10)Free Trips to Israel – Birthright
11) Announcements
12)Thought for the Week



1) Kabbalah and Kabob – 1st one tonight
Don’t miss the start of a new tradition. Once a month. On Tuesdays. (Alternating, of course, with the Food for Thought series.) BBQ. Kabobs. And Kabbalah. Free. 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Followed by the weekly Talmud and Tanya class.
First up: Tonight - Tuesday, September 12.
RSVP chabad@usc.edu or just show up!


2) Mexican Shabbat – Viva!

One of the favorite Shabbat menus of the year!Every couple of weeks we offer a special themed Shabbat, just to keep things interesting. This Friday night, please join us as we go south of the border for décor and cuisine (kosher, of course!) for a very special Mexican Shabbat. Chili, tacos, and much much more – in addition to all of the regular Shabbat favorites, like Challah and matzah ball soup!
If you’re of Mexican or South American Jewish heritage – this is your week to shine. Come help Runya prepare your favorite recipe, or just compare our homemade delicacies to your own memories. Viva Shabbat!

And just for the record, our Minyan worked again last week, as the Trojans slaughtered the Hogs (not so kosher, of course!) 50-14. That keep alive the streak of over 6 years running in which the USC Trojans have never lost a game on a Shabbat when we gathered the required quorum for Saturday morning services.
As you know, there’s no game this weekend. But that’s no reason not to come to Shul!

Friday, September 8
Candle Lighting: 6:52 pm
Services: 7:00 pm
Dinner: 8:00 pm

Saturday, September 9
Discussion: Reward and Punishment – 9:30 am (you judge whether the cholent is reward or punishment :-)
Morning Services: 10:15 am
Torah Reading: 11:15 am
Lunch: 12:45 pm

Shabbat ends: 7:47 pm


3) Parkside Discussion over Dinner

Do you have questions you wonder about Judaism but are shy to ask? Are you interested in learning more about Jewish heritage and tradition, but are intimidated by the idea of going to a service? Well, we’ve got just the thing for you…
Every Monday evening at 6:00 pm a couple of Jewish students gather around the dinner table at Parkside Cafeteria and discuss various Jewish topics of interest. Facilitated by Rabbi Dov, this is an open forum where no holds are barred and everything goes. There are no pre-determined topics, there are no texts. Show up with a question, and that’ll be our discussion topic for the evening.
Email Chava at frankiel@usc.edu for more info, or just show up at Parkside this Monday at 6:00. Look for the Jewish-looking people :-)


4) Weekly Stuff

Just a reminder about some of the regular, ongoing weekly events and learning opportunities:

Mondays:
7:00 am – Morning Minyan followed by breakfast @ Chabad House
12:00 pm – Lunch & Learn at the Dental School
6:00 pm – Discussion over Dinner @ Parkside

Tuesdays:
7:30 – 9:00 pm - Talmud and Tanya @ Chabad House

Thursdays:
7:00 am – Morning Minyan & breakfast @ Chabad House
12:15 pm – Pizza and Parsha on Trousdale

Saturdays:
9:30 am – Mystical Insights into the weekly Torah portion
Late afternoon – Study Session on Ethics of Our Fathers

Also, we’re in the process of reviving the lunch and learns at the Medical and Law schools. If you are interested in participating, please contact Rabbi Dov at chabad@usc.edu
Series Fliers:
Food for Thought Series – Jewish LAS one Tuesday each month
Jewish Art Forms one Wednesday each month
Helping Hands – Social Action one Wednesday each month


5) Last Chance for Sinai Scholars
Time and space running out:We are very proud to be one of the pilot campuses nationwide hosting the Sinai Scholars Society. This semester-long series of 8 classes tackles the Ten Commandments in depth, providing a fascinating look at the laws that form the basis of almost every legal system and culture, and contain the core building-blocks of Judaism. Qualified applicants who successfully complete program requirements will receive a stipend from the Rohr National Foundation ($500-). Very limited spots available. Wednesday nights, 7:30 – 9:30 pm. Full details at http://www.sinaischolars.com/. Inquire by contacting Julie at lindeen@usc.edu or Danya at dburakof@usc.edu


6) Jewish Art Forms – Shofar Factory
“Toot your own horn.” The first in yet another monthly series of events, the Traveling Shofar Factory is a returning favorite. Learn all there is to know about the “shofar” sounded on the High Holidays, and even get to make your own.
Part 1 of “Jewish Art Forms” – one Wednesday each month enjoy getting hands-on with a particular Jewish craft or art form. More info/flier at www.chabadusc.com/art.pdf
Kosher BBQ hot dogs and drinks for sale!

Wednesday, September 13. 12:00 – 1:30 pm. In Founders Park on campus.


7) Save the Date: Bring your Honey Shabbat with special update from 2 Israeli soldiers
It’s the Shabbat before Rosh Hashana and that means its time for “Bring your Honey” Shabbat.
Special extra desserts for anybody who brings someone along!

Friday, September 15.

Special guests: Hear the first-hand accounts of Danny and Shmulik, 2 Israeli soldiers who just returned from battle in Lebanon!
Hear about their close confrontations with Hezbollah, the emotions that they dealt with, the faith that they relied on, the ideals that inspired them and more.
For more information, click on www.mayanotisrael.com/soldiers
RSVP at runya@usc.edu


8) Save the Date: Torah Dedication Celebration

Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006
Join the USC Jewish community for this historic event as we lovingly complete this painstakingly restored Torah scroll on USC’s campus, followed by a processional with music and dancing from the center of campus to the Torah’s new home in the Chabad House.
Completion Ceremony: 12:00pm • Processional from Tommy Trojan: 1:00pm
Dancing and catered lunch follow at the Chabad @ USC Jewish Student Center.
Invite your family, friends, and professors!
More info at www.chabadusc.com/torah

RSVP for lunch at usctorah@gmail.com


9) Heeb-brew Reading Course
Always wanted to be able to follow along in the synagogue? Want to be able to study Jewish texts in the Hebrew original? Or just curious what it says on that t-shirt you brought back from Israel?
If you want to learn to read Hebrew—easily, quickly, and accompanied by some delicious flavored coffee—this is the class for you. Runya’s years of experience in teaching translate into a most rewarding reading experience.
6 Wednesdays, 8:00 – 9:00 pm. Starting Wednesday, September 20.
Sign up now by emailing runya@usc.edu

10)Free Trips to Israel – Birthright

Registration opens on September 12 and is expected to be overbooked within days. You can have a most amazing completely free 10-day to Israel, as a gift from Birthright Israel and Mayanot. If you are between the ages of 18 and 26 and have never been on an organized peer trip to Israel before, this trip is for you. Pre-register now at http://www.israelexpress.org/ or contact Chava at frankiel@usc.edu for more details.


11) Announcements

First of all the Mazal Tovs:
Mazal Tov to Ari Wiener and Stella Rybakov on their wedding this Thursday night in New York.
Mazal Tov to Shelly Gabay on her wedding this coming Sunday night.

We’re so excited to be making it to both of them.

For all those of you who know Shelly, we’ll be hosting a “Sheva Brachot” for her and Moshe this Monday night at 6:30 pm at the Chabad House.

The Chabad Telethon will be this coming Sunday on Channel 9. Anybody interested in volunteering to help out (and getting to meet the stars) let me know and we’ll set you up.

High Holidays are around the corner. Info will be up on the website soon with full details of schedule and more.

Looking for some Jewish learning but can’t or don’t want to make it to a class. Learn at your own convenience on the phone – http://www.jnet.org/

If you haven’t yet, definitely sign up to buy a letter in a special Unity Torah being written by college students around the country. Just $1.00. http://www.unitytorah.com/


12)Thought for the Week
The Torah portion, Ki Tavo, begins with a detailed account of the mitzva of bikurim, "first fruits." The Jewish farmer was required to bring the select fruits of his crops to the Holy Temple to show his gratitude to G-d for the blessing of the land.

The Mitzvah of bikurim had various restrictions. It applied only in the Holy Land and only when the Temple was in existence. It was limited to one who owned the land. It was also restricted in its time of application, for the declaration of bikurim could only be made from Shavuot (late Spring) to Sukkot (Fall).

Yet the precept of the "first fruits," despite its seemingly narrow application, contains a broadly applicable lesson: We are to take from the "first of the fruits of the earth" and bring them to the Kohen - priest. We are to dedicate the best of our material matters to sanctity. As Maimonides writes: "When one gives food to the needy, he should give the best and most delectable of his table; with the best of his wardrobe should he clothe the naked, and when he builds a house of worship he should render it more beautiful than his own dwelling, as it is written "all the best...is to the Al-mighty."

The first-fruits were not burned on the altar, where their matter would be consumed and transformed into the spirituality of G-dliness. Rather the fruits were given to the Kohen to eat. In this fashion they were elevated and dedicated to a higher purpose. Similarly, our approach in life is not to "nullify" the material but to imbue it with sanctity while still remaining in its lowly material state.

One further point: the farmer is obligated to bring "...from the first of all the fruits of the earth, etc.," not all the fruits. The idea is not that the person should give away all the fruits of his labor to the sanctuary. Most of the fruits were to remain in his possession, including also some exceedingly good fruits, and only a small portion of them - the best - given to the Kohen. The underlying idea was for the first-fruits to be a representative portion of the whole harvest; the sanctity of the bikurim donation was to affect, to permeate and elevate all the fruits remaining, just as a donation of tzedaka - charity, brings an element of consecration or sanctity into all one's wealth. (Adapted from the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe)

Shabbat Shalom!


Rabbi Dov Wagner
Chabad Jewish Student Center @ USC
2713 Severance St.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
http://www.chabadusc.com/
Chabad@usc.edu
213-748-5884
310-801-3142 – cell

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