Jews of USC

Purim in the Wild West at USC

2007-07-11T16:35:00.001-07:00

I missed posting this by mistake....

Here's the first version of the edited Purim video. Enjoy!

2007-07-08T23:49:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

So we’re finally back…

We had an awesome time in Israel, NY, Toronto, etc. Lots of pictures of the Israel trip are up on facebook, of course.

Now we’re back, trying to catch up on everything and get ready for next year. There’s a couple of things we’re working on currently that should be relevant to you, whether or not you’re here in LA. And even if nothing else, you can always scroll down to read the Torah thought at the end of the email J

We’d love to hear from you – and if you’re in LA, get together to catch up. So please email, call, or ring our bell…

Hope you’re having a great time, and looking forward to seeing you soon.

Dov and Runya

1) Summer Stuff – BBQ Monday night, and Shabbat this week

2) Work Study

3) Housing at USC

4) Calendar – Birthdays and Advertising

5) MAZAL TOVS

6) Planning next year’s activities

7) Thought for the Week

1) Summer Stuff – BBQ tomorrow (Monday) night and Shabbat this week

Yes, we do stuff in the summer too…

Specifically, we’re having our first big BBQ of the season tomorrow (Monday) night.

(As you may know, starting next week for the nine days leading up to the fast of Tisha B’av (the fast day commemorating the destruction of the Temple) it is customary not to eat meat. So next Monday night we’ll have a meat-free BBQ. But this week you can load up on hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, and more…)

As always, we’ll grill and chill for a while, followed by some learning and discussion.

That’s Monday, July 9 at 6:30 pm in the Chabad House yard (2713 Severance St.) under the avocado tree. Come any time between 6:30 and 9:30 to grab a bite and talk.

Also, this weekend we’ll be doing Shabbat at the Chabad House. So if you’re in the LA area, this is your week. Friday night, July 13 at 7:45 pm, and Saturday, July 14 at 10:30 am. We’d love to see you there!

(Summer Shabbats are much smaller than usual, which gives us much more of a chance to actually talk to everybody there…)

2) Work Study

Are you work-study eligible? We’ve got a job for you…

Help plan and organize events for USC’s Jewish community. Interact with loads of other students. Manage an office. Run a kitchen. These are just some of the opportunities available to eligible work studies at Chabad @ USC.

Choose your own hours. Get paid. Make a difference. And have a whole lot of fun. All in a great environment, at the hub of Trojan Jewish life.

Contact Runya now at runya@usc.edu

3) Housing at USC

We’re looking for a few good women.

Did you miss out on housing last year? Are you just looking for a better option?

Well, how about a place just steps off “the Row”, with a USC tram stop right outside, parking available? How about a real home with character – not just another faceless housing unit? How about having an in-house Kosher dining option? How about living right at the heart of USC’s Jewish community, in the new Residential Hall on the top 2 floors of the Chabad House?

Competitive rents, comfortable spaces, hi-speed internet, and a great home atmosphere. What could be better.

Contact Runya at 213-748-5884 or runya@usc.edu

4) Calendar – Birthdays and Advertising

We’re way behind schedule. Usually, we’ve got our calendar wrapped up by now, but due to all our travels this summer, we’ve got to get it all done in the next couple of weeks. So we need your help.

Please don’t wait for another announcement, because there might not be one.

As you probably know, every year we publish a beautiful Jewish art calendar, with programming and dates for the coming year as well as community information and everything a Jewish Trojan needs. It gets mailed to our entire list of over 2,500 students and parents past and present, as well as supporters and friends in the broader community.

What you need to know is this: The calendar is intended as one of our annual fundraisers. And we need your help to make it happen.

There are two main elements to the calendar – in addition to the holidays, programs, etc.:

Personal Announcements. It is really special for us to include in the calendar birthdays and anniversaries of our students and their friends and families, as well as other notable dates and Yahrtzeits. These announcements help ensure that we’ll be able to celebrate with you when your special day gets here, and the support of Chabad @ USC’s activities is a meaningful way to mark the date.

Announcements are $26- each. So whether you’re marking your own or inviting your family and friend’s to do so, make sure you don’t get left out.

Advertisements. As noted, the calendar reaches thousands of people affiliated with USC and/or the Jewish community, and proudly hangs on many a wall throughout the entire year. It’s a great way to advertise your business to a really key market demographic. Competitive rates, starting at $250- per ad.

Please feel free to encourage friends and family to advertise, and help provide the funding for the calendar and the important programming throughout the year.

Contact Rabbi Dov at chabad@usc.edu to reserve your announcements/ads, discuss payment options, or for more information.

5) Mazal Tovs and announcements

One downside of our recent travels was that it unfortunately caused us to miss out on participating in the happy occasions of some of our very dear friends here in LA.

At the same time, a really special part of our travels was that both in Israel and in NY we got to participate in some very special celebrations.

So, here are the Mazal Tovs. Sorry if we forgot anybody. And there’s no room to include all the birthdays – you know who you are. (Anyway, that’s what facebook’s for.)

MAZAL TOV to Erica Waxer (’07) on her marriage to Danny Steinberger. We’re so sorry we missed it!

MAZAL TOV to Chava Frankiel (’06) on her engagement to Shlomy Lederer, and her upcoming wedding!

MAZAL TOV to Dr. Michael (’01) and Na’ama Hakimi on the birth of their second son, Yosef Yitzchak!

MAZAL TOV to Michael and Rachel Malk on the birth of their son!

MAZAL TOV to Jonathan and Zoe Klein on the birth of their daughter!

Announcements

Job Opportunity

Entry-Level Sales Representative:

Do you want to build a career in Sales? We are a Los Angeles-based community non-profit weekly newspaper with loyal readers and a devoted staff. A full-time entry-level position selling CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS has opened. We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic salesperson to help grow our classified advertisement section. You must be committed to expanding our regular advertiser base through cold calling lead generation.

This is primarily a telemarketing position. Salary commensurate with experience, plus possible draw. Experience in advertising sales is preferred. Please submit resume and cover letter to Allison Drucker at allisond@jewishjournal.com.

Roommate

I am a student in Santa Monica College, I am looking for a roomate to share my 2 bedroom apartment located on pico and robertson.The room is $700 a month. My kitchen is strict Kosher and I keep shabbat therefore I would prefer an observant roommate as well. If you know anybody please contact me:

sobo1986@hotmail.com

310-866-0570

6) Planning next year’s activities

Now’s your chance to get your voice heard. We’re in the middle of putting together next year’s calendar of events, classes, and programs, and as always we welcome your input.

Always felt something should be happening a little bit differently? Speak up now. Always wondered why nobody’s put together your perfect program? We’d love to do it with you. Heard a great idea from a friend at another school? Let’s bring it to USC together.

Please share ideas, volunteer to join us for discussions, and get involved. Right here, right now. chabad@usc.edu or 213-748-5884

7) Thought for the Week

Have you ever opened the Torah and read it? Not a book about it, not a synopsis, but just the text (or a translation) itself?

I have. And I’ve got to tell you, some parts seem pretty boring.

Take the beginning of this week’s Torah portion, for example. (Actually, it’s this week’s second Torah portion – a certain number of weeks each year we read two portions in order to still finish by the end of the year, and this week’s one of them.) The portion is called Masey – the travels. It details the 42 legs of the Jewish people’s journey out of Egypt. Forty two places where they stopped along the way.

Ok, great. So the Torah’s a travelogue? It’s as boring as a phone book. They traveled from Succoth and came to Ramses. And they traveled from Ramses and came to… What’s the relevance to me and my life? What message is this trying to teach me? And how does it relate to the events we’re commemorating this time of year – the Three Weeks of mourning commemorating the destruction of the Temple?

And actually, if I do take the time to pay some attention, I’ve got another question. Why does the Torah refer to these 42 trips as being “the journeys of the Jewish people leaving the land of Egypt”? The first step already got them out of Egypt. The other 41 are just their further wanderings as they travel towards the Holy Land. So there’s only one journey leaving Egypt, not 42!

Well, as I often do when faced with questions of this sort, I turn to the talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. That’s after all what he talked about, week after week for over 40 years. Challenging, questioning. What’s the relevance? Where are the lessons? How should the Torah be changing my life? And what are the simple and obvious questions that are so glaring that many of the commentaries not only leave them unanswered but even unasked?

And, indeed, the Rebbe asks these questions. But with a glance at the inner dimension of these verses, he suddenly transforms a boring travelogue to an integral life’s lesson.

Mitzrayim—the Hebrew name for Egypt—after all is so much more than a name. It’s a state of mind. It is rooted in the Hebrew word Meitzarim, boundaries and limitations. The exodus from Egypt is about people leaving their constrictions behind, about digging deep and recognizing we can be so much more than we ever thought we could.

But that’s not a one-step process. I may have left my Egypt behind yesterday. I may have journeyed forth, sprung free. I’m no longer in Egypt. I’m living up to my fuller deeper potential. So now I can relax, right? Now I can sit back and bask in the glory of my achievements.

Uh uh! Yesterday’s freedom, the Torah’s telling me, is today’s enslavement. There’re a lot of journeys to leave Egypt. Because even though technically I may have broken through with the very first trip, yesterday’s goal is today’s starting point. And if I get held back today, even at this higher point, then I’m no less a slave now than I was before.

And so the journeys listed in the Torah are in fact teaching me a very important lesson – in fact a two-sided one:

On the one hand, no matter how much I’ve achieved in my life, no matter how high I think I’ve reached, there’s always more to do and further to grow. Life is about movement, not stagnancy. Every day brings with it a new challenge and opportunity, and I can never sit back and be satisfied to rest.

But on the other hand, the opposite is also true. No matter how lowly I may feel myself to be, I can always grow. I can never say: What’s the point? Look how daunting the task is. Look how far I’ve fallen. My work is insignificant, my challenge insurmountable.

Not at all! One journey does take me out of Egypt. Sure, there will be something more to achieve tomorrow. But with just that first step, I can get out of my current enslavement, and reach a completely new place.

And that’s the connection to the Three Weeks of mourning as well. The month during which the destruction of the Temple (in fact, both Temples) took place is known as Menachem Av – a month in which our Heavenly Father consoles us. Because, sure… looking at it at first glance it’s a month of anything but consolation. But when we look a little bit deeper we recognize that the truth of every challenge is the growth that it spurs, the truth of every darkness is the light it engenders. And that’s what our collective journey is all about.

May we speedily merit to see the light within the darkness and the peace within the chaos. May we spend this Tisha B’av—rather than growing through mourning the destruction of the Temple—rejoicing in its rebuilding together with Moshiach.

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!”

Be a Jewish Hero

2007-03-21T12:13:00.001-07:00

Invitation to Passover Seders at Chabad...
You've got see this video...

LA Times pictures and article about Purim Party

2007-03-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

The Chabads of USC, UCLA and Cal State Northridge will hold Purim parties that are collectively expected to draw about 2,500 students and other young people. At USC, which expects about 1,000 students, Hayun said there would be a focus on making sure that alcohol was served only to those 21 or older as well as pushing for more moderate and responsible drinking behavior.

There will be security staff checking ID cards, bartenders who have been told to stop serving people who may have drunk too much, and — for the first time — a $1 charge for drinks.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-purim3mar03,1,6513342.story

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-purim-pg,1,3275573.photogallery

Sinai Scholars Society December 2006

2007-03-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

PURIM!!

2007-03-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody,
It’s finally here! Purim is the most exciting weekend of the year. Learn all about the observances and traditions of Purim at www.virtualpurim.com
This year, Ta’anit Esther (the Fast of Esther) is observed on Thursday (tomorrow). It’s customary to refrain from food or drink all day tomorrow until nightfall. As a result, we’ll be having Parsha without Pizza at 12:15 pm on Trousdale. (Now we’ll see what you really come for J)
On Purim itself, the observances include hearing the Megillah on Saturday night and Sunday during the day, sharing a gift of foods with a friend, giving charity to at least two poor people, and partaking of a festive meal on Sunday. We’ll be happy to help with all of those – see below.

Attached please find our Purim flier – enjoy!

1) Pre-Party – Decorate the House
2) Purim and Sinai Scholars Shabbat
3) THE MAIN EVENT: Purim in the Wild West!!
4) Catered Family Purim Banquet

1) Pre-Party – Decorate the House
Help us set the scene for the biggest Jewish party LA has ever seen. Join us this Thursday night for a house-decorating pre-party, complete with pizza, music, hard work, and fun!
Thursday night, 8:30 pm – 1:00 am. Chabad House – 2713 Severance St.

2) Purim and Sinai Scholars Shabbat
The fun never ends. And this weekend, the celebration really doesn’t have to.

It’s Purim Shabbat. That means that the house will already be halfway decorated for the Purim party, and the Purim spirit will be in full force.
And it’s also Sinai Scholars Shabbat, honoring the Sinai Scholars past and present.
There’s no pre-party like this party!

Don’t miss it. Friday, March 2.
Candle Lighting: 5:32 pm
Services: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 7:00 pm

Saturday, March 3
Morning Services: 10:00 am
Hear the Reading of Zachor (the injunction to obliterate Amalek): 11:30 am
Lunch: 12:45 pm
Shabbat ends: 6:28 pm

3) THE MAIN EVENT: Purim in the Wild West!!

Get ready for the biggest Jewish party of the year, WILD WEST style!

(Last time there were almost 1,000 people. We're aiming for 1200 this year!)

Saturday night, March 3.
1st Megillah reading at 8:30 pm.
Party: 9:00 pm – 3:00 am

Parking is available in the lot of Hebrew Union College (on Hoover bet. 30th and 32nd)

Live DJ! www.djabesera.com
Masquerade!
Hookahs!
Amazing Free Food!
Raffles!
Full Bar!
Just a dollar a drink all night with valid ID.
Staged duels every hour.

Every themed costume gets a prize.
Every costume gets a free raffle ticket.

It’s all happening at the Chabad Jewish Student Center – 2713 Severance St., just steps off “the Row”.
See the stunning flyer at www.chabadusc.com/purim07.pdf
See pictures of previous Purim bashes at www.jewsc.com
RSVP for the event at http://usc.facebook.com/event.php?eid=2245087547&ref=nf

Most important of all – Be there! With all your friends! And some of your enemies?

4) Catered Family Purim Seudah (Banquet)
This year, we add a new feature to our Purim celebrations. On Sunday, March 4 (the day after the big Party) is Purim itself. It is customary to hear the Megillah again, as well as to partake in a Purim feast.

Join students and their families, alumni, young professionals, and graduate students from USC, UCLA, and CSUN for a festive Purim feast.
Authentic Persian cuisine catered by Sharon's, door prizes, masquerade, and unbelievable fun.

4:30pm Megilla reading. (There will also be a Megillah reading on Sunday morning at 11:00 am at the Chabad House.)
5:00pm The feast begins

Fee:
Advance Reservations: $36 per person. $54 per couple.
$5- more per person at the door.

Payments can be made using the evite, or by credit card, paypal, or check at the Chabad @ USC website, www.chabadusc.com. Just write Purim meal in the note.
For more info, call 213-748-5884

(Note: This isn't the annual Purim Bash at USC itself. That'll be the night before, Saturday March 3, at Chabad @ USC. This year's theme is Purim in the Wild West. This is a new additional event in the Pico-Robertson area the next evening.)

RSVP at http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/chabad@usc.edu/purim

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!”

BIRTHRIGHT, Jewnity Shabbat, PURIM Carnival, PURIM IN THE WILD WEST, and more!!

2007-02-22T18:21:00.000-08:00

Hi,
A few things I really want to say. You see, I figure that these two lines up here are about the limit of what most people read. So I need to use these to get your attention.
Let me put it plainly:
If you are eligible, SIGN UP NOW for a free trip to Israel with Birthright. You’ve got to be nuts to miss out on this. Almost 30 USC students have already reserved their spaces on our trip with Mayanot, and spaces are going fast. For the best time, the fullest experience, and the chance to hang out with the most awesome Rabbi (that would be me!), http://www.mayanotisrael.com/ today.
Secondly, PURIM IS COMING! That means Purim Carnival (this Monday), Purim Shabbat (next Friday), Purim PARTY (next Saturday), and Purim Feast (next Sunday).
And if all that’s not enough – Jewnity Shabbat tomorrow night.

There, I’ve lost your attention again. If you’re bored, or reading this on your Blackberry in the middle of class, or just really interested – please read on! If not, just pay attention to what’s already been said J

Shabbat Shalom!
Dov and Runya

1) Free Trips to Israel – Registration Closing Soon!
2) Jewnity Shabbat
3) Pre-Purim Carnival – volunteer or pre-order your tickets now
4) Mazal Tov and Sheva Brachot
5) Purim and Sinai Scholars Shabbat
6) THE MAIN EVENT – Purim in the Wild West!!!
7) Catered Family Purim Seudah (Banquet)
8) Weekly Learning Opportunities
9) Thought for the Week

1) Free Trips to Israel – Registration Open NOW!
Yes – that’s FREE trips to Israel this summer with Mayanot Birthright. All you need to be is Jewish, 18-26, and have never been on an organized peer trip to Israel before. Eligible? Register now at http://www.mayanotisrael.com/. Not eligible? If you recruit 15 of your friends, you get a free trip back to Israel! And if you end up with less than that, there are other great prizes. www.mayanotisrael.com/recruit
Registration is now open, and is expected to fill up quickly. We’ve been guaranteed that anybody eligible that signs up and sends in their deposit for our trip within the first week of registration will DEFINITELY get a spot. So don’t delay!
Almost 30 USC students already have reserved their spots. AND, Mayanot provides by far the fullest experience, including Friday night at the Kotel, more activities than any other trip, and ALL meals every day catered and FREE to you. Just do it. Now!!

Rabbi Dov will be leading the trip from USC tentatively scheduled to leave from LA on May 28th.

http://www.mayanotisrael.com/

2) Jewnity Shabbat
Join USC’s entire Jewish community for an amazing joint Jewnity Shabbat at Chabad. Co-sponsored by Chabad, Hillel, and the Sig Delt’s (USCs Jewish sorority).
It’s just once a semester. A reminder that though we have several different options for Jewish life at USC, at heart our community is one.
So whether your Friday nights are usually spent at Chabad, at Hillel, or at locations unspecified – this Friday night join us to let you soul sing and soar.

Friday, February 23
Candle Lighting: 5:26 pm
Services: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 7:30 pm

Saturday, February 24
“Temples, Synagogues, and Sanctuaries – What are they for?”: 9:00 am
Services: 10:00 am
Torah Reading: 11:30 pm – we could use YOUR help with a Minyan
Lunch: 12:45 pm
Havdalah: 6:22 pm

3) Pre-Purim Carnival – Volunteer or pre-order your tickets now!
This Monday, February 26th come and celebrate Purim at our annual pre-Purim Carnival.

We have rides, booths, cotton candy, popcorn, BBQ and hot dogs!

Here's what we got:
-Gladiator Joust
-Human Orbitron
-Pie Throwing at the Rabbi
-Pin the Yarmulka on the Rabbi
-Free Hamentashen Baking
-And Much Much More

All proceeds go to The Friendship Circle, an organization that provides for children with special needs, so it's all for a good cause. (For info on the Friendship Circle, click on http://www.friendshipcircle.com/)

Co-sponsored by USC Hillel and USC Philanthropy Board.

For the full flyer, click www.chabadusc.com/carnival.pdf
To RSVP click http://usc.facebook.com/event.php?eid=2245297962&ref=nf

WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS TO HELP OUT AT THE CARNIVAL! Please volunteer now by emailing michalco@usc.edu

Also, tickets at the carnival will be for sale for $1 a piece. (1 ticket for popcorn and cotton candy, 2 tickets for rides, 3 tickets for hot dog and drink.) However, if you have a group that wants to get involved in supporting the event, you can pre-order 100 tickets for just $60.00, a 40% discount!!
So whether it’s your fraternity, sorority, floor, club, or whatever, contact us now for this amazing discount at chabad@usc.edu

4) Mazal Tov and Sheva Brachot
Please join us in sharing our best wishes with our dear alumnus Dassy (Sabrina) Mansfield on her marriage this Sunday to Max
May you build together an everlasting Jewish home built on the strong foundations of Torah and Mitzvot, and may your entire lives together be filled with joy and happiness.

Please join us for a Sheva Brachot celebration honoring Dassy and Max at the Chabad House on Monday evening, Feb. 26, at 6:00 pm. RSVP runya@usc.edu

5) Purim and Sinai Scholars Shabbat
The fun never ends. And next weekend, the celebration really doesn’t have to.

It’s Purim Shabbat. That means that the house will already be halfway decorated for the Purim party, and the Purim spirit will be in full force.
And it’s also Sinai Scholars Shabbat, honoring the Sinai Scholars past and present.
There’s no pre-party like this party!

Don’t miss it. Friday, March 2. 6:00 pm.

6) THE MAIN EVENT: Purim in the Wild West!!
Get ready for the biggest Jewish party of the year, WILD WEST style!

(Last time there were almost 1,000 people. We're aiming for 1200 this year!)

Saturday night, March 3.
1st Megillah reading at 8:30 pm.
Party: 9:00 pm – 3:00 am

Live DJ! www.djabesera.com
Masquerade!
Hookahs!
Amazing Free Food!
Raffles!
Full Bar!
Just a dollar a drink all night with valid ID.
Staged duels every hour.

Every themed costume gets a prize.
Every costume gets a free raffle ticket.

It’s all happening at the Chabad Jewish Student Center – 2713 Severance St., just steps off “the Row”.
See the stunning flyer at www.chabadusc.com/purim07.pdf
See pictures of previous Purim bashes at http://www.jewsc.com/
RSVP for the event at http://usc.facebook.com/event.php?eid=2245087547&ref=nf

Most important of all – Be there! With all your friends! And some of your enemies?

7) Catered Family Purim Seudah (Banquet)
This year, we add a new feature to our Purim celebrations. On Sunday, March 4 (the day after the big Party) is Purim itself. It is customary to hear the Megillah again, as well as to partake in a Purim feast.

Join students and their families, alumni, young professionals, and graduate students from USC, UCLA, and CSUN for a festive Purim feast.
Authentic Persian cuisine catered by Sharon's, door prizes, masquerade, and unbelievable fun.

4:30pm Megilla reading.
5:00pm The feast begins

Fee:
Advance Reservations: $36 per person. $54 per couple.
$5- more per person at the door.

Payments can be made using the evite, or by credit card, paypal, or check at the Chabad @ USC website, http://www.chabadusc.com/. Just write Purim meal in the note.
For more info, call 213-748-5884

(Note: This isn't the annual Purim Bash at USC itself. That'll be the night before, Saturday March 3, at Chabad @ USC. This year's theme is Purim in the Wild West. This is a new additional event in the Pico-Robertson area the next evening.)

RSVP at http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/chabad@usc.edu/purim

8) Weekly Learning Opportunities
Looking to learn something about your Jewish heritage? Wonder what it means to be Jewish, besides bagels and lox and Jewish mothers? Join one of our weekly discussion group/classes. There’s something for everyone:

Monday
Lunch and Learn at the Dental School – 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Discussion over Dinner at the Chabad House – 6:30 – 8:30 pm
“Origins” – a reading and discussion of the stories of Genesis at Tuscany #426 – 9:15 – 11:30 pm

Tuesday
Once-a-month Lunch and Learn at the Law School – 12:30 – 1:20 pm
Talmud and Tanya – 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Hebrew sound like *&^*@ to you? Learn to understand Hebrew with Runya – 7:45 pm

Wednesday
Twice-a-month Lunch and Learn at the Health Sciences Campus – 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Sinai Scholars – 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Thursday
Pizza and Parsha – 12:15 – 1:45 pm
Discussion Group on Jewish philosophy and open forum in Parkside #631 – 9:30 – 11:00 pm

9) Thought for the Week
Sinai or Sanctuary?

By Yossy Goldman

And in the beginning G-d was homeless and so He asked His People to set Him up with some digs. Where does it say that? Well, nowhere actually. But it does say that G-d instructed Moses to tell the people, They shall make for Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.

Now the question is, was G-d really homeless? Wasn't He already dwelling with the people? Why it was just the other week that we read of the Revelation at Sinai and the Ten Commandments where G-d came down from heaven to earth? So why suddenly the need for a sanctuary for Him?

The answer is that there is a fundamental difference between Sinai and the Sanctuary. Sinai represents a revelation thrust upon the people from above. G-d initiated and activated that encounter. In this experience the Jewish people were somewhat passive. All the thunder and lightning, physically and spiritually, came at them from On High.

The Sanctuary, however, had to be built by the Jews themselves. They had to take the initiative. From the fundraising campaign to raise and collect the raw materials needed for the sanctuary down to the nuts and bolts of construction, the Mishkan was a man- made edifice.

At Sinai the heavens opened for the greatest sound and light show on earth leaving a nation mesmerized and awe-inspired. But they themselves were passive recipients of this unique, never-to-be-repeated gift from above.

To build a sanctuary took a whole building campaign. Men and women, young and old, everybody rolled up their sleeves. It took weeks, months of hard labor, meaningful contributions by every individual, planning and programming, designing and then actually building a holy house for G-d. We made it happen. And thereby, it was the people who brought G-d down to earth.

Apparently it was important for the Jews to appreciate the value G-d attaches to self-help and to DIY projects of a spiritual nature. It is not good enough to sit around waiting for the extraordinary revelations, those once in a lifetime supernal visits the Good L-rd might bestow upon us. It is necessary for us to create the infrastructure, to take the building blocks in our hands and Make me a Sanctuary.

To put it simply, are we waiting for G-d or is G-d waiting for us? Who makes the next move?

I met a guy not long ago and, as often happens to rabbis, the discussion turned to "Religion." He was pretty blunt about it. "Not for me, rabbi," he said. "If G-d wanted me to be frum, he’d have made sure I was born in Bnei Brak, or at least into a religious family here." I told him he reminded me of the comedian who had a terrible fear of flying and argued that "If G-d intended man to fly, he’d have given him wings - or at least made it easier to get to the airport!" So he says, "If G-d wanted me to be an angel, he'd have given me wings too."

The fact is G-d did give us wings. That's what Sinai was all about. He gave us a dose of revelation, of spiritual shock treatment that has saturated us with an eternal capacity to fly high, to touch the divine. But those were just the tools, now we have to learn to fly. We may have been endowed with the potential to develop our connection to G-dliness, but after Sinai it's up to us to make it happen and to actually bring our innate power to the fore.

True revelation is rare. While there certainly are those special moments when we witness the unmistakable presence of G-d in our lives, we cannot wait for lightning to strike. We need to build our personal sanctuaries for G-d in order to embrace Him and bring Him into our homes and families.

The Rebbe of Kotzk was once asked by his teacher, "Where is G-d?" He answered, "Wherever you let Him in."

Have a great Shabbos!
Dov and Runya

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

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

2007-02-22T18:19:00.000-08:00

Hi,
As you’ll see below – there’s lots of stuff going on. We’d love to see you this Friday night for Persian Shabbat, and please read on about how you can get involved in the exciting Purim festivals and much more.
1) Free Trips to Israel – Registration opening Tomorrow MORNING
2) Pizza and Parsha
3) Persian Shabbat
4) Join a PAC: Purim Action Committee
5) Learning Opportunities
6) Save the dates: Jewnity Shabbat, Purim Shabbat, and Purim Extravaganzas
7) Thought for the Week

1) Free Trips to Israel – Registration Open NOW!
Yes – that’s FREE trips to Israel this summer with Mayanot Birthright. All you need to be is Jewish, 18-26, and have never been on an organized peer trip to Israel before. Eligible? Register now at http://www.mayanotisrael.com/. Not eligible? If you recruit 15 of your friends, you get to go back to Israel for free! And if you end up with less than that, there are other great prizes. www.mayanotisrael.com/recruit
Registration opens today, and is expected to fill up quickly. We’ve been guaranteed that anybody eligible that signs up and sends in their deposit for our trip within the first week of registration will DEFINITELY get a spot. So don’t delay!
Rabbi Dov will be leading the trip from USC tentatively scheduled to leave from LA on May 27th.
http://www.mayanotisrael.com/

2) Pizza and Parsha
You’re on campus. You’re breaking for lunch. What better way could there be to spend the time then join us for some great free Kosher pizza and an inspiring discussion about the day-to-day relevance of the weekly Torah portion?
This Thursday and every Thursday, 12:15 – 1:30 pm. On the grass behind the Chabad table on Trousdale.

3) Persian Shabbat
Jews and Chinese food. I don’t know what it is about those two things that goes together so well, but it’s a historical fact.
Get your fill of delicious Chinese cuisine at this week’s Chinese Shabbat at Chabad House. All the usual favorites of our delicious home-cooked five-course Shabbat dinner, but plenty of catered Chinese to boot.
Friday, February 9
Candle Lighting: 5:13 pm
Services: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 7:00 pm
Saturday, February 10
"Legal and Medical Ethics": 9:00 am
Services: 10:00 am
Torah Reading: 11:30 pm – we could use YOUR help with a Minyan
Lunch: 12:45 pm
Havdalah: 6:10 pm

4) Join a PAC: Purim Action Committee
Purim is just around the corner. Along with Purim come some really exciting events – the biggest Jewish party of the year (last time our crowd was estimated at over 1,000!!), and a huge pre-Purim carnival on campus benefiting "the Friendship Circle".
We need your ideas and your energy. As with all of our events, how these turn out will depend on our student volunteers. YOU can make it happen. A lot of preliminary work has already been done – now we need your help in bringing it to the next level.
Pre-Purim Carnival Committee. The Pre-Purim Carnival will be co-sponsored this year by USC Hillel and (hopefully) by USC Philanthropy Board. The proceeds benefit "The Friendship Circle" – an organization benefiting families of children with special needs. Contact Michal Cohen at michalco@usc.edu to volunteer your help and ideas.
Purim Party Committee. The Purim Party – this year "Purim in the Wild West" – will be held on Saturday, March 3. Contact Orit Hayun at funkydiva@aol.com to volunteer.

5) Learning Opportunities
Looking to learn something about your Jewish heritage? Wonder what it means to be Jewish, besides bagels and lox and Jewish mothers? Join one of our weekly discussion group/classes. There’s something for everyone:
Monday
Lunch and Learn at the Dental School – 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Discussion over Dinner at the Chabad House – 6:30 – 8:30 pm
"Origins" – a reading and discussion of the stories of Genesis at Tuscany #426 – 9:15 – 11:30 pm
Tuesday
Once-a-month Lunch and Learn at the Law School – 12:30 – 1:20 pm
Talmud and Tanya – 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Hebrew sound like *&^*@ to you? Learn to understand Hebrew with Runya – 9:00 pm
Wednesday
Twice-a-month Lunch and Learn at the Health Sciences Campus – 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Sinai Scholars – 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Thursday
Pizza and Parsha – 12:15 – 1:45 pm
Discussion Group on Jewish philosophy and open forum in Parkside #631 – 9:30 – 11:00 pm

6) Save the Dates: Jewnity Shabbat, Purim Shabbat, and Purim Extravaganzas
Schedule these on your calendar now:
Friday, February 23
Jewnity Shabbat at Chabad
Join USC’s entire Jewish community for an amazing joint Jewnity Shabbat at Chabad. Co-sponsored by Chabad, Hillel, and the Sig Delt’s (USCs Jewish sorority).
Monday, February 26
Pre-Purim Carnival
Everybody loves a carnival! Joust, ride the orbitron, bake-a-hamantash, throw a pie at the Rabbi, or much more at the annual pre-Purim Carnival benefiting the Friendship Circle. In Alumni Park.
Friday, March 2
Purim Shabbat
Already in the Purim mindset? Now add Shabbat into the mix. There’s no pre-party like this party. AND we’re also honoring Sinai Scholars past and present this Shabbat. Don’t miss it!
Saturday, March 3
Purim in the Wild West
Watch as the Chabad House is transformed to a saloon straight out of the Wild West as the Purim festivities get under way. One thing’s certain: This is THE party of the year!!

7) Thought for the Week
The Torah portion of Mishpatim contains, as evidenced in its name, a large part of the body of legal rulings issued by the Torah. It deals with the laws of torts and damages, the obligations of a borrower or renter, the prohibitions against theft and fraud, the laws of lost objects, bondage, and much more.
Even in such seemingly dry, legalistic proceedings, though, there are many lessons that talk to a broader outlook on life, and that provide us direction for our spiritual journeys.
Take the following verse:
23:5 If you were to see the donkey of someone you hate crouching under its load, would you refrain from helping it?! Rather, you must help him [unload it].
Seems very straight-forward. An issue of moral and ethical direction. Don't hate your enemy so badly that you make his innocent animal suffer as a result. Definitely something to think about, and to find ways of applying to our lives.
But the Ba'al Shem Tov saw this verse as encompassing a deeper message as well.
In Hebrew, sometimes words with very disparate meanings are written with the very same letters. It implies some relationship between the two, and allows us to derive lessons and directives from the convergences.
Chamor or donkey can also be read as chomer--matter.
Thus, says the Baal Shem Tov, the verse may be read as follows:
If you were to see…: If you properly examine and look into—
the donkey…: —your physical body, your material self--
…of someone you hate…: —you will see that it is your enemy. It's goals and direction are completely opposite that of the soul.
…crouching under its load…: You will also see that it is uncomfortably shifting and complaining beneath the load of Torah and mitzvot that God has placed upon it.
would you refrain from helping it?! Do you imagine that you should refrain from helping your body acclimate itself to its task? Do you intend to break its opposition by weakening it through fasts and punishments? No! This is not the way of the Torah.
rather you must help him: You must strengthen the body both physically and spiritually, and ensure that it, too, participates in Divine service
Until the Ba'al Shem Tov many people believed that one had to choose one of two extreme paths. Either someone was a glutton, giving into--even glorifying--bodily material desires, and allowing the body complete rule. The other option was to be an ascetic, regarding the body as the enemy, and trying in every way possible to break it and subjugate it to the control of the soul.
The Ba'al Shem Tov taught that there is a proper balance. On the one hand we must recognize that crass materialism does stand in the face of spiritual growth. If one doesn't exercise some control over physical desires, they take over and reject other, holier, influences.
On the other hand, however, the goal is not to break away or destroy the body. On the contrary: "Being of healthy and complete body is an aspect of the G-dly path" according to Maimonides. Our purpose is integration of body and spirit, integration of physical and spiritual, ensuring that both together are able to be utilized in a constructive manner attaining the objectives established for us by G-d in His Torah.
Shabbat Shalom,
Dov, Runya, Mushky, Menachem, Shneur, and Moshe

Chinese Shabbat, Birthright Registration, and PURIM!

2007-02-07T15:45:00.000-08:00

Hi,
As you’ll see below – there’s lots of stuff going on. We’d love to see you this Friday night for Chinese Shabbat, and please read on about how you can get involved in the exciting Purim festivals and much more.

1) Pizza and Parsha
2) Challahs of Love
3) Chinese Shabbat
4) Join a PAC: Purim Action Committee
5) Learning Opportunities
6) Free Trips to Israel – Registration opening soon
7) Save the dates: Persian Shabbat, Jewnity Shabbat, and Purim Extravaganzas
8) Announcements: Nishmat Rabbi lecture, and David Olesker speaks on Israel advocacy
9) Thought for the Week

1) Pizza and Parsha
You’re on campus. You’re breaking for lunch. What better way could there be to spend the time then join us for some great free Kosher pizza and an inspiring discussion about the day-to-day relevance of the weekly Torah portion?
This Thursday and every Thursday, 12:15 – 1:30 pm. On the grass behind the Chabad table on Trousdale.

2) Challahs of Love
Here’s Challah baking with a new twist. Bake two Challahs – one you enjoy at Shabbat dinner, while the other is donated to a needy family in our LA Jewish community.
So that’s the deal: Spend a delightful couple of hours with Runya, get a delicious treat, and do a Mitzvah – all at the same time!
This Thursday, Feb. 8. 7:30 pm. At the Chabad House.

3) Chinese Shabbat
Jews and Chinese food. I don’t know what it is about those two things that goes together so well, but it’s a historical fact.
Get your fill of delicious Chinese cuisine at this week’s Chinese Shabbat at Chabad House. All the usual favorites of our delicious home-cooked five-course Shabbat dinner, but plenty of catered Chinese to boot.

Friday, February 9
Candle Lighting: 5:13 pm
Services: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 7:00 pm

Saturday, February 10
“Understanding the Ten Commandments” : 9:00 am
Services: 10:00 am
Torah Reading of the Ten Commandments: 11:30 pm – we need a Minyan for this one, so don’t miss it
Lunch: 12:45 pm
Havdalah: 6:10 pm

4) Join a PAC: Purim Action Committee
Purim is just around the corner. Along with Purim come some really exciting events – the biggest Jewish party of the year (last time our crowd was estimated at over 1,000!!), and a huge pre-Purim carnival on campus benefiting “the Friendship Circle”.
We need your ideas and your energy. As with all of our events, how these turn out will depend on our student volunteers. YOU can make it happen. A lot of preliminary work has already been done – now we need your help in bringing it to the next level.
This Sunday, the Purim Action Committees will be meeting to plan and distribute volunteer jobs. Please join us and make your voice heard.

Sunday, Feb. 11
3:00 – 4:00 pm. Meeting for Pre-Purim Carnival Committee. The Pre-Purim Carnival will be co-sponsored this year by USC Hillel and (hopefully) by USC Philanthropy Board. The proceeds benefit “The Friendship Circle” – an organization benefiting families of children with special needs.
4:00 – 5:00 pm. Meeting for Purim Party Committee. The Purim Party – this year “Purim in the Wild West” – will be held on Saturday, March 3.

Both meetings at the Chabad House. Refreshments will be served.

5) Learning Opportunities
Looking to learn something about your Jewish heritage? Wonder what it means to be Jewish, besides bagels and lox and Jewish mothers? Join one of our weekly discussion group/classes. There’s something for everyone:

Monday
Lunch and Learn at the Dental School – 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Discussion over Dinner at the Chabad House – 6:30 – 8:30 pm
“Origins” – a reading and discussion of the stories of Genesis at Tuscany #426 – 9:15 – 11:30 pm

Tuesday
Once-a-month Lunch and Learn at the Law School – 12:30 – 1:20 pm
Talmud and Tanya – 7:30 – 9:00 pm

Wednesday
Twice-a-month Lunch and Learn at the Health Sciences Campus – 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Sinai Scholars – 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Thursday
Pizza and Parsha – 12:15 – 1:45 pm
Discussion Group on Jewish philosophy and open forum in Parkside #631 – 9:30 – 11:00 pm

6) Free Trips to Israel – Registration Opening Soon
Yes – that’s FREE trips to Israel this summer with Mayanot Birthright. All you need to be is Jewish, 18-26, and have never been on an organized peer trip to Israel before. Eligible? Pre-register now at http://www.mayanotisrael.com/. Not eligible? If you recruit 15 of your friends, you can go again as a staff member. And if you end up with less than that, there are other great prizes. www.mayanotisrael.com/recruit
Registration opens Feb. 15, and is expected to fill up quickly. We’ve been guaranteed that anybody eligible that signs up and sends in their deposit for our trip within the first week of registration will DEFINITELY get a spot. So don’t delay!

Rabbi Dov will be leading the trip from USC tentatively scheduled to leave from LA on May 27th.

http://www.mayanotisrael.com/

7) Save the Dates: Persian Shabbat, Jewnity Shabbat, and Purim Extravaganzas
Schedule these on your calendar now:

Friday, February 16
Persian Shabbat
Once a year in honor of the approaching Purim holiday we pull out the Persian food. Kabob, ghormo sabzi, Persian rice, and much much more. You don’t want to miss this one.

Friday, February 23
Jewnity Shabbat at Chabad
Join USC’s entire Jewish community for an amazing joint Jewnity Shabbat at Chabad. Co-sponsored by Chabad, Hillel, and the Sig Delt’s (USCs Jewish sorority).

Monday, February 26
Pre-Purim Carnival
Everybody loves a carnival! Joust, ride the orbitron, bake-a-hamantash, throw a pie at the Rabbi, or much more at the annual pre-Purim Carnival benefiting the Friendship Circle. In Alumni Park.

Saturday, March 3
Purim in the Wild West
Watch as the Chabad House is transformed to a saloon straight out of the Wild West as the Purim festivities get under way. One thing’s certain: This is THE party of the year!!

8) Announcements: Nishmat Rabbi lecture, and David Olesker speaks on Israel advocacy
TONIGHT: Hear Rabbi Tzvi Leshem of Nishmat Institute in Jerusalem talk about “Moshe’s kiss and Miriam’s well: Models of Masculine and Feminine Divine Service”. It’s happening tonight – Wednesday, February 7 – at Hillel at 6:45 pm. Desserts will be served. This is definitely worth your time.

Next Week: Hear David Olesker talk about “Five Basic Skills for Effective Israel Advocacy”. Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 6:00 pm. It’s happening at USC Hillel, as a joint project of Caravan for Demcoracy, SC Students for Israel, Chabad, Hillel, and the Trojan Israel Public Affairs Committee.

9) Thought for the Week
The Torah portion of Yitro contains what is probably the most momentous and defining moment in the history of the Jewish people to date: The Giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.

It's got all the makings of a major spiritual event. The sound effects were there--"there was thunder and lightning, a heavy cloud on the mountain, and an extremely loud blast of the ram's horn." The visual effects have yet to be outdone by Hollywood--"The whole of Mount Sinai was in smoke because G-d had descended upon it in Fire. Its smoke rose up like the smoke of a lime kiln..." There were even a couple of special "reality" effects thrown in--"the entire mountain quaked violently."

You've got the sounds and sights, you've got Divine revelation, you've everything a spiritualist could possibly want.

But what does G-d actually speak about?

The people are witnessing all of the Divine levels and degrees that the mystics can only study about and ponder. Are they told the mystical secrets of creation? Does G-d impart the ingredients for successful meditation, or the path to inner peace?

"I am the L-rd your G-d...Remember the Sabbath Day...Do not murder...Do not steal..." etc.

Simple, practical--one might even argue obvious--statements.

The mystical was seen and felt tangibly. But G-d chose to impart a lesson. Judaism is about doing what G-d wants us to do. It may sometimes not feel so spiritual; there may be times when it doesn't "turn us on." And, on the other hand, there may be times when we consider these things to make sense for purely rationalistic reasoning--no need for any Divine element at all.

At the Giving of the Torah G-d chose to remind us of two important factors:

a) Moral rights and wrongs without a Divine element or consciousness are completely unreliable--to the point of being almost meaningless. If we choose to refrain from murder because that's what makes sense to our moral sensitivities, what guarantee do we have that we will not stray--that our moral sensitivities will not come to accept that which we once thought repugnant. Look through any century in the history of mankind, and you will find acceptance of that which was once rejected and rejection of that which was once considered acceptable. Look at Nazi Germany: A nation that prided itself on its scientific and ethical standards, that chose to consider mass murder of any race but their own an ethical and moral imperative. It is only when we are conscious of the objective right and wrong, of the Divine element and commandment behind our actions, that we can hope to be sure of being morally grounded.

b) It is doing what G-d wants that counts. We are finite human beings. If we try to connect spiritually based on our own emotional sway, we are severely limited in our ability for connection. But when we follow G-d's commandments, even those that don't seem spiritually uplifting or exciting at any given moment, we are not attempting to connect on our terms, but rather on His, infinite and unlimited as only He can be.

One more short--but powerfully important--message:

As the preparation for the Giving of the Torah, the Jewish people arrived at Mount Sinai six days earlier. Says the Torah: Israel encamped there facing the mountain. The word used for encamped--vayichan--is used in the singular, prompting our Sages to explain: "They encamped there as one man with one heart. Every other encampment included the natural petty jealousies or arguments, but in this one instance, the entire Jewish people was truly united."

Again, the preparation was not primarily focused on mystical and spiritual purifications or incantations. It was peace. "The entire Torah was given," says Maimonides, "to make peace in this world." That is the nature of Torah. It creates peace and love between G-d, His people, and His world. And ultimately, it is also the tool through which all of the Jewish people--and ultimately all of mankind--can unite once more as one, ushering in a better world for all eternity.

Shabbat Shalom,

Dov, Runya, Mushky, Menachem, Shneur, and Moshe

Welcome Back - Israel Shabbat, ASB in Argentina, and much more

2007-01-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hi!
Welcome back to school. It seems everyone I’ve been talking to echoes the same thoughts about winter break – it was great but too short.

We had a blast at the Ski and Learn program up in Big Bear – lots of pictures on my facebook profile. But we’re excited to be back.

This semester is looking amazing so far – the annual West Coast Shabbaton will be held this year down in S. Diego in a couple of weeks, there are the usual awesome Purim plans, we’re joining Chabad on Campus from around the country for an Alternative Spring Break in Argentina, we’re hoping to bring a full bus of USC students with us to Israel this summer with Mayanot Birthright (and if you’re not eligible, you really should think about being a recruiter – see below), and much more. And, of course, until then there are all the regularly scheduled classes, events, special Shabbat experiences, Food for Thought lectures and all the rest. You can find information on everything at our website, www.chabadusc.com. Some items are still in the process of being updated.
As always, I can only say: Whatever you may be looking for in a Jewish experience at USC, we’re bound to have something up your alley. If it’s not already on the list, just ask. All you’ve got to do is choose to get involved.
Looking forward to catching up with you soon – at a Shabbat, in person, on campus, or wherever. Don’t be a stranger!

Dov and Runya

1) Student Involvement Fair
2) Pizza and Parsha
3) Welcome Back – Israel Shabbat
4) Sinai Scholars Society
5) Alternative Spring Break: Argentina
6) Confronting Stereotypes: Behind the Mechitzah
7) Save the Date: West Coast Shabbaton in S. Diego
8) Birthright Israel Recruiting Positions Available
9) Work Study
10) Special Announcements – Rachel Astrahan’s Wedding
11) Thought for the Week

1) Student Involvement Fair
Stop by our table on Trousdale tomorrow (Wednesday, January 10) at the Student Involvement Fair to say hello and catch up. 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. If you’re new, or if you just haven’t taken the plunge yet, this is your chance to find out everything you need to know about USC’s exciting and vibrant Jewish community. See you there!

2) Pizza and Parsha
The longest running Jewish discussion at USC returns for yet another semester. Now in it’s seventh year, Pizza and Parsha is a weekly opportunity to dissect the weekly Torah portion, discuss its practical modern relevance, air Jewish topics of interest, challenge your own or Rabbi Dov’s beliefs, and enjoy delicious Kosher pizza. All at the same time. All right on campus.
Every Thursday, 12:15 – 1:30 pm. On Trousdale, right behind the Chabad table.
Make it a part of your week!

3) Welcome Back – Israel Shabbat
This is it. The center of Jewish life on campus, around which all else revolves. Food. Friends. Discussions. More food. Singing. Socializing. Inspiration. Yet more food.
Those, and who knows what else, are all some of the ingredients that create that incredible, unique experience.
Shabbat.
At Chabad.
Thousands have tried it. Hundreds have been hooked and try to never miss a week. And you won’t know what the buzz is about. Unless you show up…

This week we’re kicking off the new semester with one of the annual favorites: Israel Shabbat. Feast on Israeli favorites like falafel, schwarma, schnitzel, and much more (of course in addition to the all the usual Shabbat delicacies such as Challah, chicken soup, etc.), while hearing about the experiences of dozens of USC students who spent this winter break in the Holy Land.

Friday, January 12
Candle Lighting: 4:46 pm
Services: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 7:00 pm

There may be some very special post-dinner festivities – we’ll keep you posted J

Saturday, January 13
Mystical Insights into the Weekly Portion – 9:00 am
Services: 10:00 am
Lunch: 12:30 pm
Havdalah: 5:45 pm

4) Sinai Scholars Society
If you haven’t yet heard about this learning sensation that’s been sweeping across the nation, it’s high time you checked it out. The Ten Commandments as you’ve never heard about them before. 8 classes. 20 participants. A lifetime of difference! Fellowships for qualifying applicants.
More info at www.sinaischolars.com or contact Mike at mdgreene@usc.edu or Logan at lhitchco@usc.edu.

5) Alternative Spring Break: Argentina
This spring break, I encourage you to have a blast. And, make a difference at the same time!
Argentina’s Jewish community is still suffering the after-effects of the region’s economic meltdown. This spring break, join students from across the US and Argentina in a mission to help some of the neediest segments of the community. Explore an exotic locale, meet great friends, have a great Jewish experience, and do a world of good! How can that be beat?
I’ll tell you how. Because the bulk of the trip is being underwritten by the Rohr Family Foundation, you will only need to raise a fraction of the costs to participate. (Of course, any additional funds you can raise can be applied towards the Argentine community.) Just $399!
www.jewishspringbreak.com for more info and to apply.

6) Confronting Stereotypes: Behind the Mechitza – A Food for Thought event
This semester, the popular Food for Thought lectures tackle a new series: Confronting Stereotypes. First up: Behind the Mechitza

Two religious feminists share their views abut the role of women in traditional Judaism.

Tuesday, January 23, 6:30 PM
Chabad House 2713 Severance St. (just off the row )

Ms. Jackie Stern
At one time a regional director for the National Organization of Women (N.O.W.), Ms. Stern is currently the principal of a Jewish girls’ middle school in Los Angeles. She is a popular—and very funny—lecturer, who has led talks and discussions at locations throughout the world.

Tamar Frankiel, PhD.
Dr. Frankiel has taught comparative religion and history of religion at several universities, including Stanford, Princeton, Berkeley, and the Claremont School of Theology. She is author of many acclaimed books on Jewish mysticism and the feminine role in Judaism, including The Voice of Sarah: Feminine Spirituality and Traditional Judaism.

Don’t miss the remaining parts of this series – Jews in Sports, Behind Matisyahu’s Lyrics, and Life of an Immigrant. Info at www.chabadusc.com

A Food for Thought event
A project of the Paul and Judy Cohen Learning Center of Chabad @ USC

7) Save the Date: West Coast Intercollegiate Shabbaton in S. Diego
For the last three years, we here at Chabad @ USC have hosted hundreds of students from throughout California, Arizona, and Nevada for a West Coast Intercollegiate Shabbaton. This year, the Shabbaton heads south to S. Diego, as we head over to Chabad at SDSU.
Join hundreds of Jewish students from all major schools on the West Coast for the weekend of February 2-4.With a Shabbat dinner for 500, BBQ on the Beach Saturday night, and a trip to Mexico (plus Super Bowl Party) on Sunday, this is truly an experience you don't want to miss.

8) Birthright Israel Recruiting positions available
No longer eligible for a free Israel trip through Birthright Israel? Well, you can still get in on the excitement. Apply to be a Mayanot Birthright recruiter, sign up your friends for the trip, and you can find yourself staffing this summer’s trip.
Age eligibility requirements have just been lowered from 21 to 18.
Contact runya@usc.edu for more details.
Of course, if you are eligible, this is an opportunity you’d have to be crazy to miss. 10 days in Israel doing everything you could possibly imagine. Jeeping in the Desert, white water rafting, floating in the Dead Sea, swimming in the Mediterranean, riding camels or donkeys, sleeping in a Bedouin tent, experiencing the awe of Jerusalem and the Western Wall, and so much more. And all for free.
www.mayanotisrael.com for info and to pre-register. Registration opens Feb. 15, and is expected to close in less than three weeks.

9) Work Study
Are you work-study eligible? Have some extra hours? Chabad @ USC is a great place to work and make a difference for Jewish life on campus. Lots of different positions available. Very flexible hours. Contact Runya at runya@usc.edu for more details.

10) Special Announcements
Mazal Tov to our dear alumnus, Rachel Astrahan ’04 on her marriage to Jack Kupershmith this coming Monday. May you build an eternal Jewish home built on the foundations of Torah and Mitzvot that acts as a source of light to your families, friends, and the entire community.

Friends and random people of interest are invited to join in the dancing:
Sephardic Temple
10500 Wilshire Los Angeles, CA 90024
7:15 pm to 9:00 pm

11) Thought for the Week
Interesting idea in this week’s portion – the start of a new book, Exodus.
Pharaoh is trying to subjugate and control the Jewish people. So he issues a decree. “All the baby boys that are born shall be thrown into the river.”
Fine, he’s a despot. His astrologers have foretold the birth of a Jewish savior, and he’s trying to pre-empt the trouble that will bring. But what’s up with the river? And more importantly, what’s the message here? What is relevant about that detail, that makes it important enough to be included in the Torah’s narrative?

Let’s think about the river for a moment. This isn’t just any river. It’s the Nile. (Not De nial. The Nile.)
The Egyptians worshipped the Nile as a deity.For a pretty obvious reason, actually. Egypt didn’t get much rain. Their source of sustenance wasn’t some blessed water falling from the sky. Rather it was the river. Tap into it, build irrigation ditches from it, and your were in good shape.

So the Nile didn’t just represent a pretty gruesome way for Pharaoh to exercise population control. It was the culture of Egypt. It was their glorification of their source of sustenance – of career, of the stock market, of everything represented by wealth and wellbeing.

And that’s what Pharaoh wanted to do. Not just get rid of the Jewish children. He wanted them to drown in the river. He wanted them to get so caught up in their physical source of sustenance that they’d ignore what it meant to be Jewish. He wanted them so focused on “the Egyptian Dream”, so intent on having their kids grow up to be successful doctors and lawyers, that there wouldn’t be any Jewish problem any longer.
He wanted them to assimilate into Egyptian culture. To drown in the river.

And that’s the thing. It’s ok to drink from the river. It’s even ok to swim in it once in a while. As Jews, we have nothing against hard work, career goals, material success. In fact, they’re required of us. “Six days a week you shall work,” but “on the seventh day a Shabbat for the L-rd your G-d.”

Drink from the river of success. Swim in it. But don’t drown in it. Don’t get lost in thinking that it’s what life is all about. Keep some compass to a deeper reality, keep your lifelines and life boats. Because it’s the awareness that there’s ultimately higher priorities in life that define our material involvement that keeps us afloat in all those stormy waters.

Shabbat Shalom! Hope to see you soon,
Dov and Runya

Chanukah, Jazz and Ribs Chanukah Festival, and Winter Break Ski Getaway

2006-12-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

Hi,

As you head off to wherever you may be going for Winter Break, please take with you our wishes for a very Happy Chanukah. Don’t forget to light the Chanukah candles each night, starting tomorrow afternoon (before Shabbat). There’s also a huge Menorah Lighting and Chanukah festival at City Walk this Sunday – don’t miss it.
Check www.virtualchanukah.com for full info on Chanukah, how-to light the Menorah, Chanukah celebrations wherever you’ll be, stories and insights, and much more.

Staying in LA for Winter Break? Make sure to check out info below and at www.winterbreak.info on our amazing Ski Trip/Getaway. Time is running out!

And of course, current undergrad or alumnus, family or friend, please come join us this Saturday night for an exciting Jazz and Ribs Chanukah Festival. Details below.

1) Chanukah Shabbat
2) Free Menorah Giveaway
3) Jazz and Ribs Chanukah Festival
4) Winter Break Ski and Learn – Only a few spaces left
5) Work Study Positions Open
6) Thought for the Week

1) Chanukah Shabbat
Still around? Join us for a quiet Shabbat at the Chabad House, celebrating the start of Chanukah!
Please let us know if you’re planning to join us. And note the earlier schedule…

Friday, Dec. 15
Menorah Lighting 4:15 pm Check www.virtualchanukah.com for a how-to
Candle Lighting 4:27 pm
Services 4:30 pm
Dinner 5:30 pm

Saturday, Dec. 10
Services 10:00 am
Lunch 12:30 pm
Shabbat ends 5:26 pm
Menorah lighting after Havdalah

Please come in to say goodbye before you head out for winter break.

2) Free Menorah Give-away
Need a Menorah? Chanukah’s tomorrow night. And we’ve got a Menorah for you.

Just call Rabbi Dov at 213-748-5884 and arrange a time to meet pick one up!

3) Jazz and Ribs Chanukah Festival
Celebrate Chanukah in style! Join alumni, young professionals, and graduate students for a night of networking, socializing, Jazz and, of course, great food. BBQ Ribs, Latkes, doughnuts, and much more. Giant Menorah lighting…
Open Bar for 21 and over: ID required.

$18.00 Cover charge
$12.00 for current undergraduates

Saturday, Dec. 16. 8:00 pm
At Chabad House. RSVP required, chabad@usc.edu

4) Winter Break Ski and Learn – Only a few spaces left

Enjoy the Winter Break Experience of a Lifetime! The Winter Break Ski and Learn Experience is an opportunity for Jewish students to enjoy an amazing week of skiing/snowboarding and outdoor fun, coupled with an engaging Jewish learning experience.

The Winter Break Ski and Learn Experience will run in two shifts:

• Men - Thursday, December 21- Wednesday, December 27, 2006.
• Women - Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006 - Monday, January 1, 2007

The cost to you will be an incredible $50- only, covering everything except for transportation and ski package. (Our group rate for skiing will translate into approximately $160- for three days of skiing with equipment rentals. Students will have the option to choose whether to ski each day or not.)

It will be held at Chabad of California’s beautiful Kiryas Schneerson Lodge at the Panikoff Center for Goodness and Kindness in Running Springs, CA. The Lodge is 6,353 feet above sea level in the beautiful mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest near Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead. The property has beautiful cabins, lodges with gorgeous fireplaces, and magnificent grounds. Dozens of ski slopes are within fifteen minutes of the Lodge.

For more information and to register please visit www.winterbreak.info .

5) Work Study
Looking for a great job next semester? We’re your place. Contact Runya at runya@usc.edu

6) Thought for the Week
Chanukah Thoughts
A little band of Hasmoneans
A contemporary application of Chanukah's lessons

The Chanukah Lights which are kindled in the darkness of night recall to our minds memories of the past: the war that the Hasmoneans waged against huge Syrian armies, their victory, the dedication of the Temple, the rekindling of the Menorah, the small quantity of oil that lasted for many days, and so on.

Let's picture ourselves members of the little band of Hasmoneans in those days. We are under the domination of a powerful Syrian king; many of our brethren have left us and accepted the idolatry and way of life of the enemy. But our leaders, the Hasmoneans, do not commence action by comparing numbers and weapons, and weighing our chances of victory. The Holy Temple has been invaded by a cruel enemy. The Torah and our faith are in grave danger. The enemy has trampled upon everything holy to us and is trying to force us to accept his way of life which is that of idol worship, injustice, and similar traits altogether foreign to us. There is but one thing for us to do-to adhere all the more closely to our religion and its precepts, and to fight against the enemy even if we have to die in this fight.

And wonder of wonder! The huge Syrian armies are beaten, the vast Syrian Empire is defeated, our victory is complete.

This chapter of our history has repeated itself frequently. We, as Jews, have always been outnumbered; many tyrants attempted to destroy us because of our faith. Sometimes they aimed their poisoned arrows at our bodies, sometimes at our souls, and, sad to say, many of our brethren have for one reason or another turned away from G-d and His Torah and tried to make life easier by accepting the rule of the conqueror.

In such times of distress we must always be like that faithful band of Hasmoneans, and remember that there is always a drop of ‘pure olive oil’ hidden deep in the heart of every Jew, which, if kindled, bursts into a big flame. This drop of ‘pure olive oil’ is the ‘Perpetual Light’ that must and will pierce the darkness of our present night, until everyone of us will behold the fulfillment of the prophet's promise for our ultimate redemption and triumph. And as in the days of the Hasmoneans ‘the wicked will once again be conquered by the righteous, and the arrogant by those who follow G-d's laws, and our people Israel will have a great salvation.’

A Chanukah Message from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory

Happy Chanukah and Shabbat Shalom,
Dov

CBS Correspondent Tonight, Homecoming/Sinai Shabbat tomorrow, and Test Tube Torah on Tuesday

2006-11-09T15:32:00.000-08:00

Hi,
As many of you know, we just got back from an amazing weekend in NY, where we went with a group of USC students to join over 500 students from all around the country and beyond.
You can see pictures and videos (among other things, of Matisyahu’s live performance Saturday night – singing about his baby son who was born just 12 hours earlier) at www.chabad.edu

In any event, we’re back now and ready for Shabbat. A couple of big things happening before and after too, including a Thursday night presentation by the Middle East correspondent for CBS as well as next Tuesday nights final installment of the Food for Thought – Jewish LAS series with world-renowned Rabbi Immanuel Schochet. Please scroll down for details.
Believe it or not, we’re already into the last few weeks of the semester. We’d love to see you some time this week.

1) Is there a media bias? An evening with David Gilbert - CBS Middle East correspondent
2) New and improved - Pizza and Parsha
3) Homecoming Shabbat honoring the Sinai Scholars
4) Test Tube Torah - last Food for Thought with Rabbi Dr. Immanuel Schochet
5) Announcements
6) Thought for the Week

1) Is there a media bias? An evening with David Gilbert – CBS Middle East Correspondent TONIGHT
David Gilbert is a Middle East Correspondent for CBS, based in Jerusalem, who will be speaking about his experiences covering the current Intifadah.

Where: Taper Hall Room 106
When: Thursday November 9th at 8:00 pm.

This is a great opportunity to hear about the conflict in Israel from a journalist's perspective.

Hope to see all of you there.

2) Pizza and Parsha – New and Improved
TODAY
12:15 – 2:00 pm
On Trousdale
Kosher pizza.
Open discussion.
Spiritual sustenance.

Today’s discussion: Revelation vs. rationale. Which is Judaism really?

3) Homecoming Shabbat honoring the Sinai Scholars
You haven't been to Shabbat at Chabad in a while.
Holidays, midterms, weekenders, whatever....
Well, this is the week to make it happen!

Join us for a very special Homecoming Shabbat celebration. Our signature delicious home-made five course dinner, the amazing atmosphere of warmth, family, and community, and so much more.

Believe it or not, the semester is almost over. As our Sages once said: "If not now, when." Sort of like Nike said: "Just do it!"

Honoring the 60 participants past and present in the Sinai Scholars Society. There’s also a bunch of birthdays happening/happened this week, including Rabbi Dov’s Jewish birthday coming up on Tuesday, so come celebrate with us!

This Shabbat is sponsored by Martin and Klara Shandling, our guest for the weekend.

Friday, Nov. 10
Candle Lighting: 4:35 pm
Services: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 7:00 pm
By popular request: Shabbat dinner will be followed by a Farbrengen at 10:30 pm.

Saturday, Nov. 11
Morning discussion topic: Al Qaeda or Akeida – Martyrdom in Jewish thought: 9:30 am
Services: 10:15 am
Beat the Ducks – come to Minyan!
Lunch: 12:45 pm
Shabbat ends: 5:28 pm

4) Test Tube Torah - last Food for Thought with Rabbi Dr. Immanuel Schochet
Followed by Rabbi Dov’s Birthday Farbrengen

Jewish Letters, Arts and Sciences concludes with an in- depth look at Jewish scholarship and attitudes about medical ethics. Explore our heritage’s stance on euthanasia, cloning, abortion and much more. Enjoy alternative healing with a full buffet of Chinese food.
Rabbi Dr. J. Immanuel Schochet is a noted author, lecturer, professor of philosophy and congregational Rabbi.

This is truly an event you don’t want to miss!

Tuesday, Nov. 14.
6:30 pm
At Chabad House
Farbrengen 9:00 pm

5) Announcements
Shalom!
My name is Daniel Orlik and I am a student at the University of Southern California. I am conducting research about the experiences and assimilation levels for Jewish immigrants to America and their family members. I have created a survey that I believe can provide much insight into how immigrants' host countries have impacted their experiences as immigrants and Americans. Below is a link to the survey I created. I ask of you to please send this link to your students as soon as possible and encourage them to fill the survey out with their families. It is imperative to my research to have as many people as possible complete the survey by November 9, 2006. As stated in the survey instructions, all responses will be kept completely confidential and will be used for research purposes only. As a graduate from a private Jewish high school in the Los Angeles area, I have always been fascinated with Jewish sociology within the American social and cultural environment. The link is included below:

http://www.my3q.com/go.php?url=soci142gm/16705

The success of this survey will greatly impact my ability to study the trends of Jews in America.

6) Thought for the Week
The young boy was studying Chumash. Every verse presented a new challenge, each new understanding an added joy. But at the beginning of Vayerah (this week's Torah portion) he burst out in tears.
“What’s the matter,” asked his grandfather, the famed Tzemach Tzedek.

“G-d showed Himself to Abraham,” complained the boy. “Why can’t I see Him?”

“Abraham did something to deserve that revelation,” replied the Tzemach Tzedek. “He was ninety-nine years old, and yet he decided to circumcise himself.”

Abraham circumcised himself because of his realization that he was only “ninety-nine.” He felt that he was not yet “one hundred”; he had not yet reached perfection. Despite his having achieved degrees of spiritual connection never before even attempted, Abraham felt that matters could not stay as they were; he had to continue to change. He recognized that man is always imperfect, and constantly needs to strive to change for the better.

It is this understanding, expressed at the conclusion of the preceding portion, that sets the stage for Vayerah. It made Abraham worthy of G-d’s revelation, and ultimately allowed Yitzchak to be born.

We may not reach Abraham’s level, but, like the boy in our story, (a boy who grew up to be the revered Rabbi Shalom Dov Ber of Lubavitch,) we do need to strive towards it. It is a person’s recognition that there is always room for improvement that enables him/her to grow. When not limited by ego, there is truly no end to the possibilities.

It is only our own creation of a "box" for ourselves, our own pretensions to having reached everything we need or want to, that limit our capacity for growth, and that prevent us from achieving our true potential.

At the end of this week's Torah portion, Abraham passes the hardest of his ten tests, the Binding of Isaac. In that case, too, Abraham transcended his own self -- even his own spiritual self -- and exhibited a capacity for connecting to the Infinite.

Abraham's nature was the epitome of kindness. He excelled in welcoming in guests, in showering even the undeserving with acts of love. Every aspect of his Divine service up to this point had always been expressed through the dimension of giving and loving-kindness. Even his argument with G-d recorded in this week's Torah portion is all about wanting to show mercy even to the completely evil and rotten people of Sodom.

But Abraham recognized that all of that was not enough. He appreciated the fact that if he continued to serve G-d in a single-dimensional manner, from within the confines of his own emotional makeup, then -- despite all of his great spiritual achievements--he remained limited and bound by the borders of his own personality. He could not truly be selfless, he could not truly become one with the Infinite Essence of G-d, for all of his work was no more than an expression of his own self--good and holy as that self may have been.

It was only by the Binding of Isaac that something was proven. Here, Abraham was not tested to see how far the limits of his kindness and patience would stretch. The test was quite the opposite. He was asked to commit a cold, cruel act; an act unfathomable in its brutality. He was asked to take his only beloved son and offer him as a human sacrifice to G-d. He was asked to exhibit the ultimate in severity and harshness.

G-d never intended for Abraham to actually offer his son. But by his willingness to do so, something had changed. Abraham had once again shown that same lack of ego that had allowed him to circumcise himself; that willingness to completely ignore his own self. By his willingness to heed G-d's every command, Abraham proved once and for all that his Divine Service was not about himself, was not for the sake of any personal agenda at all, not even one of holiness.

It was this true self-abnegation that characterized Abraham's loftiest achievement. It is the merit that continues to stand us in good stead to this very day.

We may not achieve Abraham's complete selfless devotion to G-d. But, like the child in the story we began with, we should at least recognize that such a level of connection exists, and at least be moved to tears by our comparatively self-centered natures. This feeling is the first and most meaningful step towards actually reaching beyond ourselves and our egos.

Have a Great Shabbat.

Dov and Runya

Holy Hollywood, Gift of Life, and Shabbat @ Chabad

2006-10-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

1) Holy Hollywood – “Walk the red carpet” with award winning actor and comedian Shelley Berman TUESDAY night
2) Gift of Life – Bone Marrow Registry Drive Wednesday
3) Shabbat change of schedule – we will be at Chabad this Shabbat, Jewnity Shabbat has been rescheduled to Nov. 17
4) Next weekend – Shabbat dinner w. Chabad in Stanford or at the New York Shabbaton w. Matisyahu concert
5) Thought for the Week

1) Holy Hollywood – walk “the red carpet” with award winning actor and comedian Shelley Berman
Don’t miss part 2 of our exciting lecture series: Jewish LAS. A Food for Thought event.
Is Hollywood really about Jewish values? What’s it like being Jewish in “the industry”? Does it help, hurt, or neither?
Hear over 50 years worth of Hollywood memories from a true industry legend –award winning actor and comedian Shelley Berman. Whether it’s through his Grammy-award winning comedy recordings, his big-screen appearances in such movies as “Meet the Fockers” and “The Aristocrats”, his roles in such TV hits as Friends, King of Queens, or most recently Curb Your Enthusiasm, or his teaching of humor writing in the MPW program right here at USC, Shelley Berman has done it all. And throughout everything, he has maintained a very clear awareness and connection with his Jewish identity.
Walk down the red carpet, munch away on popcorn, movie treats, and a full salad bar, and enjoy Shelley’s anecdotes, reminisces, and insights.
Due to technical difficulties, we have had to drop Mel Gibson from our list of speakers for the evening….
Tuesday, Oct. 24th. 6:30 pm at the Chabad House. RSVP at www.chabadusc.com or at the Facebook event “Holy Hollywood”.

2) Gift of Life – Bone Marrow Registry Drive
Another Helping Hands social action opportunity.
Do you want to save a life? Maybe it’s a child with leukemia? Or an adult with lymphoma?
You’ll never know if you could have done something, if you’re not in the national bone marrow registry.
Statistics show that it’s most likely for matches to be found for marrow transplants from people with similar ethnic backgrounds. So the more Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews in the registry, the more likely it is that a match can be found when someone from that background is in need. That’s what Gift of Life was founded for. And that’s why we’re doing a drive for Gift of Life this coming Wednesday.
What: Bone marrow registry
Where: In front of the JEP house, at Trousdale and 34th (right near the Finger Fountain).
When: Wednesday, October 25. 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
A cooperative effort between Gift of Life, Chabad @ USC, and AEPi.

3) Change of Schedule – Shabbat at Chabad this week, Jewnity Shabbat has been rescheduled for Nov. 17
Due to technical difficulties, our joint Shabbat with Hillel has been rescheduled for a couple of weeks from now.
What that means is that you can enjoy another of Runya’s delicious home-cooked Shabbat dinners with the unique atmosphere and ambience of the Chabad House this Friday night. So if you’ve been MIA due to the holidays for a bit, this is the week we’d like to see you back.

Friday, Oct. 27
Candle Lighting: 5:48 pm
Services: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 7:00 pm
Saturday, Oct. 28
(yes, that’s Rabbi Dov’s secular birthday, but since we celebrate the dates in the Jewish calendar—it’s not until later this month)
Morning Discussion: 9:15 am
Services: 10:00 am
Lunch: 12:30 pm
(we’re starting a bit early so that if anybody needs to be somewhere at 12:30 – say due to the game or something – they can still make itJ. Remember that the Trojans have still never lost a game on a Shabbat that we’ve gotten a Minyan together. It’s been tight getting Minyans the past several weeks, but we’ve been pulling them out…)
Shabbat ends: 6:43 pm

4) Next Weekend’s schedule
Just a note for anyone planning their schedules around Friday night dinners:
Next weekend (Nov. 3) we will not be having Shabbat services or meals at the Chabad House at USC. We will be offering Shabbat dinner through Chabad in Stanford for those making the trip up to the Weekender, and of course we will be in NY for the International Shabbaton.
We were very excited this week to hear that Matisyahu will be one of the performers at the concert at the Shabbaton on Saturday night. It’ll be a closed event only for Shabbaton attendees, so if you’ll be in the NY area make sure to register now. And if you’ve been wavering until now – as of today there were still tickets available at a reasonable price, and we have made a couple more spots available. Don’t delay – frankiel@usc.edu to register.

5) Thought for the Week
I looked around for something to share but couldn’t find anything more appropriate than my thought from a couple of years back, so here it is:
Tell me if this strikes a chord. You feel like you're on a small boat, being buffeted about by huge stormy waves. Wave upon wave of pressures, stresses, classes, and (shudder) midterm tests crash about you, threatening to drown you beneath the onslaught.
It's not just midterm season. Life is like that. We're constantly faced by a deluge of obstacles and pressures, whether they are emotional, financial, social, etc.

It reminds you of this week's Torah portion. It reminds you of the Great Flood in Noah's days.

Yet, Noah declared: "The great waters, i.e. the great pressures of the world around me, cannot extinguish the flames of my love for G-d."
The Sages refer to the waters of the flood, not as a negative punishment, but as positive and purifying, comparable to the waters of the Mikvah on a global scale.

The same is true of the obstacles we face. They may seem, at times, purely negative--like a pain in the neck that we would much rather be without. Yet, we know that the opposite is true. Without applying pressure, no oil issues forth from the olive. Without facing obstacles, we never truly grow.
The more we apply internal pressure to ourselves, i.e. recognize the personal need for constant movement and growth, the less need there is for us to be faced with external pressures.
Let's discuss this a little bit more in-depth.
When you think of the Flood, what normally comes to mind?
The picture usually painted for us is one a fire-breathing, vindictive G-d, out to get His revenge by meting out a terrible punishment upon mankind for their sins. G-d created man. Man turned away from G-d. G-d punishes him by wiping him out.
That whole perspective lies underneath so much of people's problem with religion, and has greatly colored the way we look at the Bible. (This follows on last week's discussion of G-d's imperfect creation. Did He just make a mistake and choose to wipe out the evidence?)
Chassidism looks at the whole story and paints a completely different picture.
Sure, we believe in reward and punishment. We even believe in Hell and Heaven. (A comment I often hear from students when I say this: "Noo! You're kidding, right? Judaism doesn't believe in Hell!")
The difference is that we don't believe in Hell as purely punishment.
G-d isn't petty. He's not looking to get back at people who have angered Him. What He is interested in is people following the path He has laid out for them, people fulfilling the mission He has charged them with.
That mission includes a spiritual journey. He created us with a soul, and He wants us-- through involvement in the world around us in a positive manner, through actually fulfilling the commandments of the Torah--to elevate that soul, to bring it to a higher degree of spiritual perfection.
Sometimes we deviate from this path. We spiritually dirty and harm our souls, by getting involved in things that we shouldn't, in things that have been forbidden to us because of the spiritual danger they pose.
But, G-d still wants us to succeed. He still wants us to be able to reach the goals we've set out, to achieve the degree of spiritual connection that is our soul's greatest desire.
In order to do so, we have to get rid of the dirt.
That's what Hell is perceived as in Judaism. Just as a rug may be beaten to clear it of dirt and allow its beauty to shine, just as clothing is scrubbed to remove stains and restore its pristine cleanliness, so too are our souls put through a cleansing process, a process which involves intense spiritual pain, so that they may once again connect to G-d in purity and perfection.
This same is true of the Great Flood. If all G-d was trying to do was punish those who had angered Him, why waste all that good water? (After all, G-d's a conservationist. He created nothing without purpose.) What purpose was there in all that tumult, and that great deviation from the rules of nature He had implemented? Why not just kill them off with a plague or something?
The Flood seems to be about something completely different as well. In Judaism, water is purifying. When someone has become ritually impure, they immerse in a Mikvah, a body of water. Before a man and woman can join in marriage, or rejoin in familial relations after the woman's menstrual period, she immerses herself in a Mikvah. Similarly, when the world had become filled with improper and immoral behavior, it had to be immersed in a Mikvah.
It wasn't about revenge. It wasn't about vindictiveness. It was about allowing the world to refresh and re-focus on fulfilling its Divinely ordained spiritual journey.
Have a great Shabbos!

Challahs of Love, Holy Hollywood, & Runya's Birthday

2006-10-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
Thank you to all who made the Sukkot and Simchas Torah holiday celebrations so amazing and memorable. Now that the holidays are all done, it’s back to just the regular craziness of school and midterms. But, don’t worry! We still have plenty of excitement going on. Whether it’s social action (Challahs of Love & Gift of Life), Food for Thought (Holy Hollywood), our signature Shabbat events, learning opportunities or trips, there’s something going on for you to get involved in.
Hope to see you soon! Check out the opportunities below.
Dov and Runya Wagner

1) Challahs of Love – tonight
2) Turn Friday Night into Shabbat – Runya’s Birthday
3) Holy Hollywood – walk “the red carpet” with award winning actor and comedian Shelley Berman
4) Gift of Life – Bone Marrow Registry Drive
5) Last Chance for NY Trip
6) Weekly Learning opportunities – updated
7) Winter Break Ski Retreat
8) Thought for the Week

1) Challahs of Love – tonight
You get just one chance each month for this amazing opportunity. Bake 2 challahs. One for your own Shabbat enjoyment, and the other to be given to a local struggling family.
No prior baking experience necessary!
Learn Runya’s world-famous recipes and methods – not to be missed.

TONIGHT - Thursday, October 19. 7:30 – 9:00 pm at the Chabad House.
Next chance: Nov. 16

Part of our Helping Hands social action series.

2) Turn Friday Night into Shabbat – Runya’s Birthday
Holidays are over. However, our tradition does teach that Shabbat Bereishis (this Shabbat, when we start the reading of the Torah anew) is in many ways the key to the entire year that follows. Find out why, while enjoying the inimitable Chabad @ USC Shabbat experience. Fresh Challah, multi-course home-cooked banquet, amazing energy, and so much more.

In addition, this Shabbat we’re celebrating Runya’s birthday. This is your opportunity to show her your appreciation for all that she does for the USC Jewish community. Please don’t bring gifts on Shabbat, in accordance with the laws of Shabbat observance. But your presence means so much more than your presents.

Friday, Oct. 20
Candle Lighting: 5:56 pm
Services: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 7:00 pm
Cake Cutting: 10:15 pm
Remember, we have a strict “come when you can, leave when you want to” policy!

Saturday, Oct. 21
Discussion on Genesis and the story of Creation: 9:15 am
Morning Services: 10:15 am
Lunch: 12:45 pm
Shabbat ends and Havdalah: 6:50 pm

3) Holy Hollywood – walk “the red carpet” with award winning actor and comedian Shelley Berman
Don’t miss part 2 of our exciting lecture series: Jewish LAS. A Food for Thought event.

Is Hollywood really about Jewish values? What’s it like being Jewish in “the industry”? Does it help, hurt, or neither?
Hear over 50 years worth of Hollywood memories from a true industry legend –award winning actor and comedian Shelley Berman. Whether it’s through his Grammy-award winning comedy recordings, his big-screen appearances in such movies as “Meet the Fockers” and “The Aristocrats”, his roles in such TV hits as Friends, King of Queens, or most recently Curb Your Enthusiasm, or his teaching of humor writing in the MPW program right here at USC, Shelley Berman has done it all. And throughout everything, he has maintained a very clear awareness and connection with his Jewish identity.

Walk down the red carpet, munch away on popcorn, movie treats, and a full salad bar, and enjoy Shelley’s anecdotes, reminisces, and insights.

Due to technical difficulties, we have had to drop Mel Gibson from our list of speakers for the evening….

Tuesday, Oct. 24th. 6:30 pm at the Chabad House. RSVP at www.chabadusc.com or at the Facebook event “Holy Hollywood”.

4) Gift of Life – Bone Marrow Registry Drive
Another Helping Hands social action opportunity.
Do you want to save a life? Maybe it’s a child with leukemia? Or an adult with lymphoma?
You’ll never know if you could have done something, if you’re not in the national bone marrow registry.

Statistics show that it’s most likely for matches to be found for marrow transplants from people with similar ethnic backgrounds. So the more Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews in the registry, the more likely it is that a match can be found when someone from that background is in need. That’s what Gift of Life was founded for. And that’s why we’re doing a drive for Gift of Life this coming Wednesday.

What: Bone marrow registry
Where: In front of the JEP house, at Trousdale and 34th (right near the Finger Fountain).
When: Wednesday, October 25. 11:30 am – 2:30 pm

A cooperative effort between Gift of Life, Chabad @ USC, and AEPi.

5) Last Chance for NY Trip
The trip is awesome. The memories will last a life time. And all it’ll cost you is $200-
Dozens of campuses. Hundreds of students. One amazing weekend!
Thursday, Nov. 2 – Sunday, Nov. 5
www.chabad.edu/shabbaton or contact Chava at frankiel@usc.edu for details

6) Weekly Learning Opportunities – updated
No previous learning experience needed. Join Rabbi Dov for one of these exciting weekly learning opportunities to discuss virtually any topic relating to Judaism.

Monday
Dental School Lunch & Learn: 12:00 pm
Contact uscjewishclub@yahoo.com

Discussion over Dinner in Parkside Restaraunt: 6:00 pm
You bring the topic. Any topic.
Contact Chava at frankiel@usc.edu for details.

Genesis – ongoing text study and discussion @ Tuscany 426: 9:00 pm
Rad, think, talk, and debate about the Biblical story of Creation
Contact Omer at osinger@usc.edu for details.

Tuesday
Law School Lunch & Learn – twice a month
Contact Brian at brianlundin@yahoo.com for details

Kabbalah and Kabob: 6:30 pm once a month
Enjoy BBQ and discussions about the spiritual reality of our world.
Contact runya@usc.edu for details.

Talmud and Tanya: 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Taste the intellectual delight of a page of Talmud, followed by a short reading from the mystical teachings of the Tanya
Contact Rabbi Dov at chabad@usc.edu for details

Wednesday
Medical School Lunch & Learn – twice a month
(Starting Wednesday, November 1)
Contact Rabbi Dov at chabad@usc.edu for details

Thursday
Pizza & Parsha: 12:15 – 1:45 pm
Currently in its 7th year. On Trousdale.

Friday
Making Shabbat: All day
Learn how to cook the delicious components of a traditional Shabbat dinner and help out with the preparations
Contact Runya at runya@usc.edu for details

7) Winter Break Ski Retreat
An opportunity not to be missed. Dec. 24-31. Ski retreat in a beautiful lodge in Running Springs, CA. Women only. Just $50- (plus ski package).
www.winterbreak.info

8) Thought for the Week
This week, we begin reading the Torah anew. The first portion is of course Bereishit -- "in the beginning" -- which relates the story of Creation.

Jack was about to travel for business. A week before he left, he stopped by Yankel the tailor's shop. "I need a pair of pants," said Jack, "but it's got to be ready within a week."
"No problem," promised Yankel. He measured and cut and marked and pinched, and Jack went on his way.
When he came back a week later, he was extremely upset to find that the pants were not yet ready. Having no choice, he traveled off without them. When he returned a month later, he stopped by Yankel's shop again.
"Jack," cried Yankel, "I'm so happy to see you. I just finished your pants yesterday!"
"I don't understand," Jack complained. "G-d created the entire world in just seven days, and it takes you five weeks to make a pair of pants?"
"Aha!" was Yankel's response. "Look at the mess G-d made of the world, and look at these beautiful pants!"

Any talk of creation is often greeted with some comment of this sort. "If there really is a G-d, why is there so much pain and suffering?" "How could G-d exist if there's so much darkness and confusion?" "Where was G-d in the Holocaust, or by 9/11?"
Yet, if you read the story of creation, you will notice an interesting thing. When "G-d saw that the light was good" He did not abolish darkness; He merely "separated between the darkness and the light." Darkness is G-d's creation as well, and it serves a necessary purpose in our world. In order to be fully effective, light must be contrasted with darkness, enlightenment with uncertainty, clarity with mystery, objectivity with subjectivity, rationality with irrationality.
Furthermore, G-d had no intention of giving us a complete and perfect world. Where He to do so, there could be no purpose served by the creation of this world in the first place. Rather, as the verse in this week's portion says, He created a world where man would have a purpose; He created a world which would be in man's hands "to cultivate it and guard it." When there is no choice, actions are meaningless. If I buy flowers for my wife because she has somehow programmed me to do so, she will derive no joy from it. Only if it were my choice, my decision, rendered in a situation where either of the two choices were indeed viable possibilities, does it attain meaning and value.
It is sometimes only the fact that the possibility for darkness exists that makes the light worthwhile and good.
However, we must also remember that our job is to indeed change this phenomenon. Darkness has to exist to give us the choice, but our job is to take that darkness and transform it to light.

The students of the Maggid of Mezeritch (leader of Chassidism about 250 years ago) were sitting around relaxing after a day of intense study. After a few minutes, the conversation turned a bit whimsical.

"If I were G-d," said one, "I would have created the world in such a way as to eliminate poverty."

"If I were G-d," said another, "I would create the world without the ability for evil."

"If I were G-d," said a third, "I would create the world without any pain and suffering."

And so it went, each student choosing a particular area of improvement he would have wrought were he to create the world.

Finally it was the turn of the youngest of the students, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi.

"If I were G-d," said Rabbi Shneur Zalman, "I would create the world exactly the way He did indeed create it."

Wishing you a week in which you do your part to improve on G-d's creation, not by wishing He had done it differently, but by fulfilling your own personal mission within the reality that does exist.

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!”

Simchas Torah Bash, NY Trip, and more

2006-10-12T00:53:00.001-07:00

Hey Everybody,

So Sukkot is already halfway done. And despite midterms and other stresses, so far the joy has been infectious. Here’s a run-down of the rest of the week. And of course I you’re your attention once again to the main event – The Simchas Torah Bash on Saturday night. PLEASE scroll down and check it out. (Of course, it’s also on facebook!)

Make sure to scroll down past the holiday stuff for info on two exciting trips for which time to sign up is quickly running out – free Birthright Israel trip for this winter, and our amazing New York Trip – International Student Shabbaton coming up on Nov. 2-5.

One last thing for the intro. We’re in the process of putting together an amazing Winter Break Ski Retreat for women. The price is too ridiculously low for me to even say here, but make sure to check out our new website (still under development) at http://www.winterbreak.info/

See you soon!

Sukkot Happenings and Simchas Torah Bash

1) Tonight – Tuesday, Oct. 10. 6:30 pm.
Kabbalah and Kabob – BBQ in the Chabad House Sukkah
Come over for some delicious BBQ in the Sukkah, relax a little bit with a Hukkah, enjoy some Sukkot celebration.

2) All Week – Shake the Lulav.
10:00 am – 5:30 pm. Right on campus, at the Sukkah in front of Taper Hall.
Or 11:00 am – 2:00 pm on the Health Sciences Campus, in the Sukkah on the quad.

3) Tomorrow – Wednesday Oct. 11 – Make and design a Havdalah candle
Part of our Jewish Art Forms series
Along with delicious kosher BBQ for sale.
12:30 – 2:30 pm at the Sukkah on Trousdale in front of Taper Hall

4) Also Tomorrow – Wednesday, Oct. 11
Grad and Alumni EventWine and Cheese and Fondue – Comedy Night
At the Kravitz Residence in the Pico-Robertson area
Contact Zalman@jewsforjudaism.org for more info and to rsvp

5) Thursday, Oct. 12 – 7th annual Pizza in the Hut
Enjoy hot, kosher pizza and some insights about Sukkot.
12:15 – 2:15 pm in the Trousdale Sukkah in front of Taper

6) Friday, Oct. 13. Torah Dancing Warm-ups
A beautiful tradition has the Jews of the Diaspora dancing Hakafot on Friday night as well, as a way of feeling a part of our brethren in Israel who are celebrating Simchas Torah that night.
Services: 6:00 pm
Kiddush and hors d’ouvres: 6:55 pm
Dancing: 7:45 pm
Shabbat and Holiday Dinner: 9:00 pm

7) Saturday, Oct. 14 – Pre-game
9:30 am. Morning Learning
10:15 am Services
12:00 pm Yizkor Memorial services
1:00 pm Lunch-Tailgate

8) Saturday Oct. 14. The Main EventS
aturday Night LIVE – Simchas Torah Bash
Horah with the Torah, L’chaims (w. id), dancing and celebrating all night long.
Come for services or come celebrate after the game – either way, this night’s for you!
7:30 pm – Services
8:00 pm – 2:00 am Dancing with the Torahs and celebration

9) Sunday, Oct. 15 – The aftermath
Morning Services: 10:30 amTorah reading, dancing, and celebration all day long

10) Last call for Birthright – Registration extended until the day after tomorrow
There are no more chances for this winter after this. 10 free days that will last a lifetime. http://www.mayanotisrael.com/ or contact Chava at frankiel@usc.edu for more info

11) NY TripNov. 2 – 5.
$200- all-expense paid (including food, lodging activities, and ticket). For USC students only.
Sightseeing. Shabbat with 500-600 Jewish students from universities throughout the country and around the world. Hasidic reggae and rap artists in live concert. And much, much, more.
Time is running out, and spaces are filling up. Contact Chava at frankiel@usc.edu for more details.

12) Thought for the Week
Love, Marriage and Hakafot

By Yanki Tauber

Men usually don't sit over coffee talking about their marriages. That's why a particular conversation between three males stuck in my mind -- we were discussing the joys of wedded life.

"I love my wife," said Berl. "That's why I do everything she asks me to do. She says, 'Berl, please take out the garbage,' and right away, I take out the garbage."

We all agreed that Berl loves his wife.

Not to be outdone, I said: "I also do everything my wife asks me to do. In fact, she doesn't even have to spell out what she wants. It's enough that she says, 'Whew! That garbage bag is sure smelling up the kitchen!' for me to understand that she wants me to take out the garbage. Which I do, of course."

We all agreed that I love my wife even more than Berl loves his.

But in the end it turned out that Shmerl's marriage was the most loving of all. Shmerl's wife doesn't have to ask her husband to do things for her. She doesn't even have to drop hints. "I wake up in the morning" Shmerl explained, "and I just know that she wants me to take out the garbage. Or buy her a diamond ring. She doesn't have to crinkle her nose or mention the ring her cousin Sarah got for her birthday. I just know what she wants me to do for her, and I do it."

It is with our observance of the Jewish traditions and customs that we express the depth of our love for G-d
The month of Tishrei is replete with mitzvot--full of opportunities for carrying out G-d's will. For more than three weeks, our days are filled with praying, repenting, fasting, feasting, dancing, building a sukkah, acquiring a set of Four Kinds or a bundle of hoshaanot, and dozens of other mitzvot, customs and observances.

The observances of Tishrei fall under three general categories. There are biblical precepts that are explicitly commanded in the Torah, such as sounding the shofar on Rosh HaShanah, fasting on Yom Kippur or eating in the sukkah on Sukkot. There are also a number of rabbinical mitzvot--observances instituted by the prophets and the sages by the authority vested in them by the Torah. For example, the five prayer services held on Yom Kippur and the taking of the Four Kinds on all but the first day of Sukkot are rabbinical institutions.

Finally, the month of Tishrei has many minhagim or customs--such as eating an apple dipped in honey on the first night of Rosh HaShanah or conducting the kaparot in the wee hours of the morning on the day before Yom Kippur. The traditions are not mandated by biblical or rabbinical law, but by force of custom: these are things that we Jews have initiated ourselves as ways to enhance our service of our Creator.

Most amazingly, the climax of the month of Tishrei--the point at which our celebration of our bond with G-d attains the very pinnacle of joy--is during the hakafot of Simchat Torah, when we take the Torah scrolls in our arms and dance with them around the reading table in the synagogue--a practice that is neither a biblical nor a rabbinical precept, but merely a custom.

For it is with our observance of the customs and traditions that we express the depth of our love for G-d. The biblical commandments might be compared to the explicitly expressed desires between two people bound in marriage. The rabbinical mitzvot, on which G-d did not directly instruct us but which nevertheless constitute expressions of the divine will, resemble the implied requests between spouses. But the traditions represent those areas in which we intuitively sense how we might cause G-d pleasure. And in these lie our greatest joy.

So join us please for the celebration on Simchas Torah, as we dance with the Torahs and express our delight in the relationship we share with G-d and with each other!

Chag Sameach,
Dov and Runya Wagner

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

2006-09-28T21:53:00.000-07:00

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!

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

2006-09-12T22:36:00.000-07:00

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!”

Mexican Shabbat, Shofar Factory, and Torah Dedication

2006-09-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

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

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

New Pictures

2006-08-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

New pictures are now up on the website of Welcome Week events as well as of today's Hope for the Hungry event.
Check them out!

(Of course, they're also on Facebook at Rabbi Dov's profile!)

Trojans Shabbat, Hope for the Hungry, and Big Bear

2006-08-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Hope you're getting back into the rhythm of school. There's tons of great stuff going on here at Chabad, and we hope to see you at something soon. And make sure to keep an eye out for info on High Holidays services and meals, just around the corner.

Check out our website at www.chabadusc.com for info on upcoming events and pictures! Were you at the BBQ or Falafel Fiesta? Your picture might be up there! Just go to www.chabadusc.com and click on "Pictures" on the sidebar. You can also use the website to sign up for upcoming events. (Or you can look for pictures by facebooking Rabbi Dov.)

Also, lots of special occasions happening this weekend. As you'll read about below, we're hosting the women of Alpha Gamma Gamma, celebrating Tali Golan's birthday together with her family as they join us as sponsors of this Shabbat, and celebrating Ari Wiener's ('04) "aufruf" (shabbat before the wedding) as he and Stella ('05) prepare for their wedding this coming Thursday. Hey, they met at our Shabbat table. Who knows? Maybe you'll meet someone special here this week! :-)

Also, a great big Mazal Tov to Steve (Israel) Shahramzahd-Nemani ('04) on his engagement this week.

Hope to see you soon!

1) Big Bear Getaway - Labor Day Weekend
2) Work Study
3) Hope for the Hungry - Social Action this Wednesday
4) Pizza and Parsha
5) Trojans Shabbat - with AGG
6) Kabbalah and Kabob
7) Save the Date: Torah Dedication Celebration
8) Sinai Scholars Society
9) Hebrew Reading Course
10) Free Trips to Israel - Birthright
11) Thought for the Week

1) Big Bear Getaway – Labor Day Weekend
Our fourth annual Labor Day weekend Big Bear Getaway is just days away. Reservations due by Thursday, August 31. There are more than a dozen students from other schools who are currently on the waiting list – Trojans have precedence, but any spaces still open on Thursday night will be given away. Boating, biking, alpine sliding, hiking, bbq, ropes course, and much more in a fun-filled and adventure-packed two days.
Sunday, Sept. 3 - Monday, Sept. 4. Just $28-!! Incoming Freshmen, just $22-!! Reserve your spot now by emailing runya@usc.edu or call 310-801-4571 for more information.

2) Work Study
Don’t miss your chance for a dream job – working at the heart of USC Jewish life with a position at Chabad. If you are work-study eligible, capable, and friendly, please inquire about one of our open positions. Whether it’s helping to prepare Shabbat community dinners, working on our social action events, or maintaining/designing our website, you’ll get paid while you have a great time.
Chabad@usc.edu for details or to apply.

3) Hope for the Hungry – Social Action Tomorrow
Make a difference!
Join us for the first in our series of monthly opportunities to do a good deed, right on campus at lunchtime. First up: Hope for the Hungry. Make sandwiches to be distributed to the local indigent and homeless.
Wednesday, August 30. 12:00 – 1:30 pm. In Alumni Park, right behind Trousdale.
See the flyer at www.chabadusc.com/hands.pdf

4) Pizza and Parsha
Always one of our most popular classes. Right on Trousdale behind the Chabad table, join us for insightful discussions and delicious Kosher pizza. Explore the relevance of the weekly Torah portion to modern-day life while enjoying a free lunch.
Every Thursday, anytime between 12:15 – 2:00 pm.

5) Trojans Shabbat – with AGG
Show your USC spirit as we cheer our football team on to victory at yet another amazing Shabbat at Chabad.
As mentioned in the opener, there are a bunch of special events happening this Shabbat:

a) It’s the football opener. History has shown that the USC football team has never lost a game on a Shabbat when we had a minyan for morning services here at Chabad. That’s in over 6 years!!
Keep the winning tradition alive by showing your Trojan spirit this Friday night, with Trojans Shabbat at the Chabad House.

b) USC’s only Jewish sorority, Alpha Gamma Gamma, is joining us for Shabbat. Let’s show them how it’s done at Chabad, and that Greek, Trojan, or just plain Jew – everybody has a great time.

c) Ari (’04) and Stella (’05) met at our Shabbat table a couple of years back. The rest, as they say, is history. They were supposed to get married in Israel earlier this month, but due to the security situation many of their wedding party could not travel. So they had just under a month to plan a completely new event several thousand miles away, and are getting married next Thursday in NY.
Although Runya and I are flying out for the wedding, many of their LA friends won’t be able to make it, so we’re making a special celebration this Shabbat for Ari at the Chabad House. Traditionally, on the last Shabbat before the wedding the groom is called up to the Torah and showered with candies and sweets, along with our blessings for a sweet life together with his new wife. Don’t miss it!

d) Shabbat is being sponsored by the Golan family in honor of Tali’s birthday.

That’s all in addition to the usual wonderful lineup of such favorites as Challah, Matzah ball soup, Runya’s amazing selection of salads, and so much more.

Here’s the schedule:
Friday, September 1
Candle lighting and services: 7:00 pm
Dinner: 8:00 pm.

Saturday, September 2
Mystical Insights into the month of Elul (and cholent!): 9:30 am
Services: 10:15 am sharp
Lunch and cholent tailgate: 12:45 pm

Come and bring a friend…

6) Kabbalah and Kabob
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: Next Tuesday, September 12.
RSVP chabad@usc.edu

7) Save the Date: Torah Dedication Celebration
Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006
Join the USC Jewish community for this historic event as a qualified scribe fills in the last letters of 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 coming soon at www.chabadusc.com/torah

8) Sinai Scholars Society
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 (up to $500-). Very limited spots available. Wednesday nights, 7:30 – 9:30 pm. Full details at www.sinaischolars.com. Inquire by contacting Julie at lindeen@usc.edu or Danya at dburakof@usc.edu

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 www.israelexpress.org or contact Chava at frankiel@usc.edu for more details.

11) Thought for the Week
Just a quick though on this week’s Torah portion – Ki Tetze.
The portion begins with the verse:
“When you go out to war upon your enemies, and the L-rd your G-d will deliver him into your hand.”
The Torah goes on to discuss some of the ethical issues that are raised during a war and how they should be properly dealt with.

Who are these enemies of whom the verse speaks? And why does the Torah start talking about enemies (plural), and then switch mid-verse to talking about him—one single enemy?

Throughout our history, the Jewish people have faced two main categories of enemies. There are those who would destroy us physically. The Hitlers, the Chmielnickis, the Husseins or Nasrallahs, the Hamans. They do not care about the details of the Jewish religion, or how devout a particular Jew is. They hate Jews and wish to kill them.

Then there were others who waged a more subtle battle. The Stalins, the Torquemadas, the Crusaders, or the Greeks of old. Their battle was against the laws and teachings of Judaism. They waged war against the spirit of the Jew, and attempted to crush it.

At first glance, these are very disparate enemies. They come from a very different mindset, are attempting to achieve a very different goal.

But ultimately, when we dig beneath the surface and get to the core, these enemies are one and the same. The body and the spirit of the Jew are not distinguishable. Through thousands of years of Jewish existence—throughout countless eras, locales, and cultures—there has been one uniting factor, one thing that maintained our shared identity and kept us existing throughout.

Mark Twain, an unabashed anti-Semite, wondered about it:

"The Egyptian, the Babylonian, and the Persian rose, filled the planet with sound and splendor, then faded to dream-stuff and passed away; the Greek and the Roman followed, and made a vast noise, and they are gone; other peoples have sprung up and held their torch high for a time, but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, or have vanished. The Jew saw them all, beat them all, and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert and aggressive mind. All things are mortal but the Jew; all other forces pass, but he remains. What is the secret of his immortality?"

But as in every scientific inquiry, we need do no more than search for the common denominator to reach that secret. What has united the medieval Jew with the modern, the Eastern Jew with the Western, the affluent Jew with the poor throughout all of the centuries? Ultimately there is but one shared essence: The Torah.

And so the enemy that attacks our spiritual connection is no different than the enemy who beats our physical bodies. And, in fact, the opposite is true as well. The underlying context of the hatred exhibited by our mortal enemies throughout history—even when not couched in spiritual terms at all—ultimately comes back to that one inherent difference, to the bond created so many years ago at Mount Sinai.
So when we go out to wage war against our enemies we might at first presuppose that there are many. But as we continue to look, as we strip away the “Emperor’s clothes”, we get to the core of the issue. We have but one enemy, expressed in many different ways. And that enemy is the evil inclination with ourselves. That very same spiritual balance within each and every one of us, that struggle between good and evil inclination, is expressed on the macro level as the struggle between good and evil in the world at large. And every step we take in the right direction within our own struggle is magnified and amplified, and ultimately manifested, in the fragile spiritual balance of the entire world.

So do a Mitzvah. It might be small. Lighting candles for Shabbat. Donning Tefillin. Putting up a Mezuzah. Making a sandwich for a homeless person. Smiling at your friend. Calling your grandmother.
But those small actions are the start of a huge change. Those small steps are often the first sounds of the ultimate victory.

To quote a wise man :-) “Your next act will change the world. Make it a good one!”

Shabbat Shalom,
Dov and Runya Wagner

Q & A about Elul

2006-08-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

Q:
Hello Rabbi I am once again a little confused.
If the month of Elul is when G-d is accessible to us, what is he for all the months preceeding it? I have always felt that G-d should be a daily part of my life, a thought for all of my days. That my connecting with him is an always existent part of life, not that I need to be especially deserving to gain his attention.
When the King is in the castle and in his chambers I find it hard to believe that the peasant even acknowledges his existence. The peasant would only think of him when the peasant is doing wrong-doing. The same as in a business model a good person may be keeping tabs on the overall idea, but most focus is on the day-to-day. I feel as though G-d should be in the day-to-day always. Why is it that in this month he is supposed to be more accessible?
Is it really that in this month we want to think of him as more accessible, because we know of the impending decisions he will make regarding the Book of Life. That in this month our minds have realized that we will be coming before him in a very different way, and we seek to believe that he is more understanding. That G-d is truly as accessible this month as he was last month, only in this month we see him differently?

Thank you for reading my reply. I look forward to meeting you soon.

A: Sorry once again for the delayed response. Things are very hectic beginning of the school year. But thanks for writing – I love the opportunity to think.

BTW, if you don’t already have plans for Friday night we’d love if you could join us for Shabbat dinner. Let me know.

So the question is: Isn’t G-d always there for us? Isn’t He supposed to be part of our every day life? How could we say that He is available one month and not others.

Consider for a moment a relationship you have. It can be a child’s with a parent, a person with their spouse, a sibling. There’s a relationship there. They are – at least on some level – always available to one another, always connected. But that doesn’t mean that all times are equal. An anniversary, a birthday, a family reunion, a holiday – all of those are things that bring the relationship out into the open. The love that was there all along is suddenly in greater focus, sharper, more real.

Or even consider something so mundane as a doctor’s office. The doctor may be on call at all times for emergencies. He/she may be available always for an appointment, if the patient only chooses to come looking. But open clinic hours create a different type of opportunity – a certain ease of entry and accessibility that, though it might really be there at all times, is tangible and clear on a whole different level.

G-d always exists. He is always “there” for us. To stick with the analogy, even when the King is in his palace, his entire being is completely and totally wrapped up in being king to his people. His days are spent on improving their lot. And the peasants, too, are essentially and really subjects of the king. (We don’t relate much to the whole monarchy analogy any more because it’s almost ceased to exist on a real level in the Western world.) So the connection is always there and the reality is always there.

But then there comes a “special time.” In this case, a special month. A month during which, in addition to the constant ability to turn towards G-d in prayer and bring Him into our lives, we’re actually given an even greater pass, a sharper focus. A month during which G-d makes a point of making it easier, of removing more of the obstacles, of getting rid of even imaginary obstructions. It is the anniversary, or the birthday; a time when “love is in the air” and there’s just such an opportunity to connect.

But He still leaves it up to us. The month of Elul isn’t about G-d reaching out to us, revealing His glory as it were, as He does during the High Holidays. It’s about Him making Himself available for us to reach out to him. The accessibility is there – to use the relationship analogy, the candles are lit, the table is set, the bottle of wine is open – but He’s still waiting for us to make the first move.

Hope this helps,
Dov

Falafel Fiesta, Gaming Night and much more

2006-08-22T01:49:00.000-07:00

Hi,
So school has started. It’s back to classes, labs, homework, papers. But of course, you’ve got to make time for you as well. Yes, you as in partying, hanging out, having fun. But also you as in who you really are. You as in your soul. You as in your Jewishness.
We’d love to see you at one of the following events, at a Shabbat dinner or a discussion. And we’d love to hear your ideas for continuing to make Jewish life at USC as vibrant and fulfilling as it possibly can be.

So whether you make it to the Falafel Fiesta tomorrow night or just stop by to say Hi at the Involvement Fair on Wednesday, we’re looking forward to seeing you.

Check out the full calendar for the semester and much more at http://www.chabadusc.com/.

Do you need a Mezuzah for your room? Get one free (w. deposit) at www.chabadusc.com/mezuza

Got a comment, question, or argument about something in one of our emails? Please share your thoughts by emailing us or by commenting at the blog, jewsc.blogspot.com

Dov and Runya

1) Falafel Fiesta – Israel Night
2) “The Inside Scoop” – Involvement Fair on Trousdale
3) Open Board Meeting - Leadership Opportunities
4) Pizza and Parsha
5) Gaming Night at Arena Lounge
6) Friday Night Live – Shabbat @ Chabad
7) Sinai Scholars Society
8) Work Study Positions
9) Big Bear Getaway (Labor Day Weekend)
10) Save the Date – Torah Dedication Celebration
11) Thought for the Week

1) Falafel Fiesta – Israel Night
Care about Israel? Find out what you can do to help and how you can get there. Join us for a special evening of free Falafel and Schwarma, information on Birthright free trips to Israel and other Israel opportunities, and presentations by SC Students for Israel and AIPAC representatives about Israel advocacy opportunities and programming.

It’s all happening at the Chabad House tomorrow night – Tuesday, August 22, 6:30 pm.

2) “The Inside Scoop” – Involvement Fair on Trousdale
Make sure to stop by our table at the Involvement Fair on Trousdale for some great Kosher ice cream and information on everything you need to know. Special treat: coupon for a free Shabbat dinner for you and a friend. (Of course, we don’t charge anyway. But how can you resist a free coupon? J)Wednesday, August 23. 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

3) Open Board Meeting and Leadership Opportunities
Do you have good ideas about events you’d like to see? Is there a particular area of activities you’d like to see strengthened? Do you feel that you are leadership material?If you answered yes to any of the above, you belong on our student board.But don’t take our word for it. Check it out before you join.Whether you plan to commit long-term, just have some ideas to share, or want to find out how to volunteer for a specific event, please join our Student Board in an Open Board Meeting on Wednesday, August 23, from 4:15 – 5:30 pm.Email Michal at michalco@usc.edu or Chava at frankiel@usc.edu for more details.

4) Pizza and Parsha
Always one of our most popular classes. Right on Trousdale behind the Chabad table, join us for insightful discussions and delicious Kosher pizza. Explore the relevance of the weekly Torah portion to modern-day life while enjoying a free lunch. Every Thursday, 12:15 – 2:00 pm.

5) Gaming Night at Arena Lounge
Check out a whole new gaming experience in West LA's newest video lounge. Info at http://www.chabadusc.com/www.arenalounge.com. Free for incoming freshmen or transfer students. Just $5- covers the entire evening for everybody else. X-box, PS2, and Game Cube on super big screens! Linked tournaments in Halo 2, Call of Duty, and much more, with great prizes!Thursday, August 24. Carpool from Chabad House at 6:30 pm.
RSVP Chabad@usc.edu

6) Friday Night Live – Shabbat @ Chabad
As it does every week, Shabbat happens this Friday night at Chabad. Feel right at home at our family-style Shabbat dinner. Find out why so many students have made Shabbat at Chabad the highlight of their week. Last week we started the year off in style with almost 100 students enjoying the unbeatable Shabbat experience far past midnight. This week, make sure you—and your friends—are among the lucky ones.Friday, August 25Candle Lighting and Services: 7:00 pm.Dinner: 8:00 pm.Saturday, August 27
Morning Learning: 9:30 amServices: 10:15 am.Lunch: 12:45 pm.

7) Sinai Scholars Society
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 (up to $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

8) Work Study Positions
Don’t miss your chance for a dream job – working at the heart of USC Jewish life with a position at Chabad. If you are work-study eligible, capable, and friendly, please inquire about one of our open positions. Special need: Qualified website maintenance and design. Chabad@usc.edu

9) Big Bear Getaway – Labor Day Weekend
Our fourth annual Labor Day weekend Big Bear Getaway. Boating, biking, alpine sliding, hiking, bbq, and much more in a fun-filled and adventure-packed two days. Sunday, Sept. 3 - Monday, Sept. 4. Just $28-!! Incoming Freshmen, just $22-!! Reserve your spot now by emailing runya@usc.edu

10) Save the Date – Torah Dedication Celebration and Processional
Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006
Join the USC Jewish community for this historic event as a qualified scribe fills in the last letters of 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 information to follow…

11) Thought for the Week
This Thursday and Friday mark Rosh Chodesh -- the beginning of a new Jewish month. Not just any month; the month of Elul.

Elul is very much characterized by, not so much anything that takes place within it, but rather what it acts as preparation for. It is completely overshadowed by the coming High Holy Days, by the solemnity and seriousness of the coming Days of Judgement and Days of Forgiveness. It is a month of Teshuvah, of return to the ideals and standards we may have drifted away from.

"Starting from Rosh Chodesh Elul," writes Rabbi Joseph Schneersohn in his memoirs, "a palatable change came over the streets of Lubavitch. A wind of seriousness began to blow, a wind of Elul..."

Consider a basic business model. Throughout most of the week, month, or even year, one has to focus on the business of doing business, on achieving whatever the goals of that particular enterprise are. But once in a while, every business owner must stop and take inventory. Without a thorough accounting—even, sometimes, an audit—there is no way of being certain where things stand. Have things been profitable, or are the earnings going to need to be restated, as another in a long line of financial scandals?

That is the character of the month of Elul. It is a month of accounting, a month of inventory. A chance for every person – each according to their own individual situation – to stop and take stock of what has been accomplished over the preceding months. What qualities were worthwhile, and should be continued and built upon. And in which areas has he or she failed and not lived up to the fullest potential; character traits and behavior patterns that require a complete overhaul.

In addition to that somewhat somber ideal, however, the Jewish mystics regarded Elul as a month of opportunity.All year long, the king resides in his palace. It is not easy to get to see him. Only someone who has been granted an audience, only someone with the proper credentials, is allowed into the palace. At every doorway there are guards, examining those who wish to pass through, determining their worthiness. Even after being found deserving of entry, the supplicant approaches the king as he sits in his royal chamber, awesome and unapproachable in his overpowering glory.

Once a year, though, the king leaves behind the majesty of his palace, and the glory of his capital city. He walks out into the fields, amongst the common people. There he is accessible. Anyone who but desires can approach the king. The king receives each person graciously, with a smile, and grants to each one their request.
In fact, one who takes advantage of the opportunity to approach the king in the field, will also find it much easier to request and gain an audience with His Majesty after his return to the royal chambers, too.

The king is of course G-d. Normally, there are pathways through which to approach Him--prayers and good deeds through which to be worthy of His attention. But for this a person must be deserving, truly deserving, of such Divine favor.
During the month of Elul, on the other hand, the King is in the field. G-d has made Himself accessible to us, easy to reach through repentance and good deeds. Even then, we must choose to approach Him; we must take the step of going out of our way to get in touch. But when we do so, there are no checks and balances. We are assured good grace; we are assured reception and forgiveness.
And when we take advantage of the days of Elul properly, during the following Days of Awe--Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur--when the King sits in judgment in all His glory and majesty, we can still have faith in G-d's kindness and forgiveness.

Every day presents its own special opportunities. May we all utilize properly the potential of every moment, using this time of Elul to connect with and become more aware of our spiritual selves. And may we and the entire world around us be inscribed and sealed for a good, sweet, and peaceful year!
Shabbat Shalom!

Welcome - Hawaiian Luau, Shabbat, Israel Night and more

2006-08-22T01:47:00.000-07:00

Welcome to USC, or welcome back, as the case may be. As in past years, now that school’s starting, we’re returning to the format of once a week emails to let you know what’s going on. (If you know anyone who would like to receive these emails, or if you need to update your contact info, please email me at Chabad@usc.edu.)

So you just started school. You’re away from home, maybe for the first time in your life. You’re walking around campus wide-eyed, almost overwhelmed by all the new things you can try.
Or you’re a returning super-senior. You’ve been there and done that. Nothing interesting, nothing new. The party scene is so over. Just gotta finish those last few courses for the double major.
Or anything in between.
It’s a new school year. We’re about to start a new Jewish year. Get involved!
Involved means anything. It can mean a Shabbat dinner with that incomparable Chabad flavor. It can mean the Big Bear Getaway, the Shofar factory, one of a host of exciting discussions and classes, Shabbat services, or so much more.
But whatever it is, it means you’re exploring. You’re asking questions; hopefully you’re even moving towards some answers. This is your thing – not your parents’, not your teachers’ – yours. That’s what new years are for.

We’d love to hear from you – What would you like to see happening? What are your interests? Just need some help adjusting, figuring out where things are at, or whatever? Speak up. Drop by the Chabad House for a visit. Stop by at the table on Trousdale (as soon as Rush is over J) and say Hi. That’s what we’re here for.

If you can, let us know what you’re planning to come to by emailing Chabad@usc.edu or at www.chabadusc.com
Also – while we’re still in the middle of upgrading our site (and if you’re Work Study eligible and capable – we want to talk to YOU) – you can check out information on upcoming events, see some of the beautiful fliers, or browse through our pictures from years past at our website www.jewsc.com

Here’s what’s happening in the next couple of days. We hope to see you sometime during the Welcome Weekend.

1) Hawaiian Luau
2) Welcome Shabbat
3) Falafel Fiesta – Israel Night
4) “The Inside Scoop”
5) Video Game Night
6) Pizza and Parsha
7) Morning Minyans
8) Sinai Scholars Society
9) Big Bear Getaway (Labor Day Weekend)
10) Free Mezuzah Rentals
11) Thought for the Week

All events at the Chabad Jewish Student Center at 2713 Severance St. (just steps off the "Row"), unless otherwise noted.
1) Hawaiian Luau - Enjoy a delicious BBQ with a Hawaiian luau theme, while finding out all you need to know about life – and Jewish life – on campus. A chance for incoming freshmen and transfer students to pick the brains of our returning students. Right on campus, on the grass across from Tommy Trojan.Thursday, August 17. 5:00 – 6:30 pm
2) Welcome Shabbat – THE weekly Jewish event on campus. Reconnect with old friends or make new ones as we gather for the first Shabbat celebration of the new school year. “Often imitated, never duplicates” unique Shabbat at Chabad atmosphere and all of the Shabbat favorites, including home-cooked Challah, chicken soup, sushi, and so much more. Find out why Shabbat @ Chabad is the most popular Jewish experience on campus!Friday, August 18. Meet and greet: 6:30 pm. Services: 7:00 pm. Dinner: 8:00 pmSaturday, August 20. Early-morning Discussion: 9:30 am. Morning Services: 10:15 am. Lunch: 12:45 pm. RSVP at www.chabadusc.com or Chabad@usc.edu Come and bring a friend!
3) Falafel Fiesta – Israel Night – Got Israel? Delicious falafel party, info on Birthright and other Israel experiences, and all you need to know about Israel advocacy and programming on campus. Presentations by SC Students for Israel, AIPAC, and more. Tuesday, August 22. 6:30 – 8:30 pm
4) “The Inside Scoop” – Make sure to stop by our table at the Involvement Fair on Trousdale for some great Kosher ice cream and information on everything you need to know. Special treat: coupon for a free Shabbat dinner for you and a friend. (Of course, we don’t charge anyway. But how can you resist a free coupon? J)Wednesday, August 23. 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.
5) Video Game Night - Check out a whole new gaming experience in West LA's newest video lounge. Info at www.arenalounge.com. Free for incoming freshmen or transfer students. Just $5- covers the entire evening for everybody else. X-box, PS2, and Game Cube on super big screens! Linked tournaments in Halo 2, Call of Duty, and much more, with great prizes!Thursday, August 24. Carpool from Chabad House at 6:30 pm.
6) Pizza and Parsha – Always one of our most popular classes. Right on Trousdale behind the Chabad table, join us for insightful discussions and delicious Kosher pizza. Explore the relevance of the weekly Torah portion to modern-day life while enjoying a free lunch. Every Thursday, 12:15 – 2:00 pm.
7) Morning Minyan – Start your day off on the right foot. Morning services at the Chabad House, Monday and Thursday, 7:00 am. Followed by breakfast & discussion.
8) Sinai Scholars Society - 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 (up to $500-). Very limited spots available. Wednesday nights, 7:30 – 9:30 pm. Full details at www.sinaischolars.com. Inquire at Chabad@usc.edu
9) Big Bear Getaway - Our fourth annual Labor Day weekend Big Bear Getaway. Boating, biking, alpine sliding, hiking, bbq, and much more in a fun-filled and adventure-packed two days. Sunday, Sept. 3 - Monday, Sept. 4. Just $28-!! Incoming Freshmen, just $22-!! Reserve your spot now by emailing runya@usc.edu
10) Free Mezuzah RentalsYou can rent your very own Mezuzah for your dorm room or apartment. For free.A deposit of $26- gets you a Mezuzah with full customer service. Return the Mezuzah at the end of the year and you receive your full deposit back. And a Mitzvah. Or keep it. www.chabadusc.com or Chabad@usc.edu to order.
11) Thought for the Week:
The Tests of Life

By Yossy Goldman
Reprinted from www.chabad.org

Will the real prophet please stand up? There are false prophets out there, always have been. Way back in the Bible (Deuteronomy 13), the Torah was already warning us that we would encounter individuals who looked like prophets. They might even seem to make miracles like prophets but, in truth, they are really false prophets.

Why then would G-d allow a false prophet to make a miracle or do wondrous things that are really impressive? The answer, says our Parshah, is that G-d is testing us. If we really and truly love G-d with all our heart and soul then we won't be impressed by any fancy wonders or miracles. The acid test will always be: does this would-be prophet encourage us to follow G-d's laws or to ignore them? And if this "prophet" is not faithful to the word of G-d then he is no prophet but an imposter and a false prophet.

If you thought that life's tests were over when you finished school, guess again. There are many tests in life and they can be much more difficult than chemistry or physics. And there isn't that much homework we can do to prepare for these kinds of tests either.

Poverty is a big test of faith. Even affluence can be a test that's tougher than we think. Failing health is no easy one, and tragedy is worse. Every individual faces his or her own unique tests and challenges. We might wish the other fellow's tests upon us but our tests are ours and ours alone to deal with. What tempts one person may not tempt the next. What is difficult for me might be simple for you and vice versa. If we remember that the challenge of the moment is, in fact, a test, we might be better able to handle it and pass the test.

But we don't always realize that this may just be our very own personal, spiritual challenge, perhaps even the most important one of our entire existence. We don't necessarily appreciate that our souls might have come down to this world for the express purpose of passing these tests.

So we rationalize.

If there is a G-d in the world where was He at Auschwitz?

If G-d didn't intend for me to take the money why did the boss leave the cash register open?

If this relationship is wrong why does it feel so right? This poor woman is locked in a loveless marriage. Isn't she entitled to a little happiness? Shouldn't I be there for her?

If G-d really wanted me to keep Shabbat why is my biggest turnover on Saturday?

If a yarmulke was meant for me to wear, why am I bald? I can't even find any hair for the darn clip!

But if we accept the concept of a test of faith then it becomes easier to deal with the challenges, as formidable as they may be.

The question remains: Why does G-d test us? Is it really--as our Parshah explains--"to know whether we do, in fact, love G-d with all our heart and soul"? Doesn't G-d know all that already? How will we enlighten Him one way or the other? Is there anything G-d does not know?

The answer, according to Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi in his classic collection of chassidic discourses, Likutei Torah, is that it is not for G-d to know but for us to know. Of course G-d knows. But He places tests and obstacles in our path so that when we overcome them we develop and bring to the fore the inner, latent love of G-d that was always there inside our hearts and souls.

When we pass life's tests, we discover that we do have that inner strength after all; that we really are believers who are profoundly connected to G-d and that our commitment is true and genuine. In passing life's tests we become more confident in our own moral strength and enriched and ennobled with a higher awareness of G-d. This is why we are stronger after conquering these hurdles than we were before we faced them.

We don't go looking for tests. Every morning in our prayers we ask G-d, "lead us not to temptation." But if it does come our way we must appreciate that it is critical to our success as moral human beings and as committed Jews that we face up to the challenge.

May we never be tested. But if we are, let us remember that it is a test. Please G-d, we will pass with flying colors.

Shabbat Shalom! We look forward to seeing you soon.

Dov and Runya Wagner

More Discussion

2006-08-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

Q: Thank you. I had never heard of this holiday before, and am very interested in your inturrpretation of it's purpose.
I must confess that I am a little confused... The rebuilding of the temple will happen when the messiah comes, right? So, for all our planting, the harvest will come when the whole world is reunited and celebrates together. What is it that we will gain by mourning right now?

According to your explanation we mourn the loss to more deeply appreciate and help bring about the celebration. The celebration will be felt by all, not just us, right? It seems to me that to say we mourn for something in order to help bring about the future something dosen't make any sense. Our mourning is a solitary moment, when others do not see us doing good in the world; when, if anything, people are less likely to see the Jewish ideas and way as the chosen one. How will we help to bring about a celebration by spending the day in solitary, inward mouring? That seed of redemption and awareness will only be spread amongst ourselves, and even then it dosen't seem to be spreading very much.

It also seems to me to throw in the face of Passover. Was the joy of that Exile the celebration of Redemption? It seems that the way we remember that holiday, through stories and questions, to mandate the reliving of that tale; we have stated that the exile in Egypt is by far the more important one. It has never seemed to me that the purpose of the exile, the tears and the hardship was to enjoy and celebrate in the redemption.

If you could elaborate more upon this idea, I would be very thankful. May your fast be easy and your day be filled with contemplation.

A: Hi,

Sorry for the delayed response. I started this email last week, got distracted, and things have been hectic since.

Really great questions – thanks for asking.

As I understood it, you had two basic questions:

a) How can we be changing anything by what we do alone in a synagogue or room? Shouldn’t we be out in the streets doing something/sharing a message?
b) Isn’t Passover a focus on the tale of exile in Egypt?

I’ll try to address each of those:

a) The old cliché’ tells us that “there are two sides to every coin.” On a deeper level, though, there are actually two elements to the reality of the coin – the direct and tangible body, and the inner core—i.e. it’s makeup, it’s essence, etc.

When we talk about impacting the world, there are two ways to go about it. Think of the two major types of medical treatment that exist. Let’s look at cancer treatment for example. The traditional mode focuses on the problem directly. There’s something there that doesn’t belong. Burn it, poison it, cut it out.
A more holistic view, though, tells a patient to look beyond just the specific part that is currently troubled. Strengthen the body with vitamins, with exercises; reinforce the body’s ability to fight off the invader, and you may be able to deal with the problem without any – or with minimal – direct interaction.

On a more basic level, think about taking a medication. A person with limited exposure to science may not understand: I don’t need something to drink, I have an infected wound. But of course we understand the extended impact of one part of the body on another.

Just last week, my daughter suddenly complained about a painful lump behind her ear. When we took her to the doctor, he explained that it was an inflamed lymph node. Interestingly, the problem probably resulted from a scratch elsewhere on her head that had gotten infected. And the cure suggested wasn’t anything to do with the lymph node itself, but rather a prescription for antibiotics that would fight off the infection. So the problem neither stemmed from where it was visible, nor was it helped by addressing directly the visible symptom. Because in one body, all of the elements affect every other part.

Applying that to our impact on the world: We see a particular problem. Say it is the need for redemption and celebration. Or say it is a war going on in Israel, Lebanon, Iraq, or anywhere else. Say it is the general problem of human suffering.

There are two elements of the problem, and so there are also two elements to the response.

One is the very real, tangible, physical problem. The real suffering. The actual hunger, or hatred, or injustice, or disease, or anything else. Or the real and actual ignorance or apathy towards the meaning of life, the message of redemption, etc.

It’s a real practical problem. And the way to solve it is through real practical solutions. Finding ways to help. Getting involved in advocacy, in information drives, in fundraising, in volunteering; in whatever it real practical assistance we can offer.

But there’s another element to the problem. The infection hidden beneath the surface, if you will. The belief that when something is wrong in the physical world it is because of an imbalance in the spiritual core. Something that we’re all tied into, something that we all have an impact on. On that level, treating the symptom alone is—though temporarily helpful—missing the long-term point.

Which is why we believe that, in addition to doing everything we can in the physical realm to treat the symptoms of our suffering world, we need to look within as well. Spending a day in mourning over the Destruction of the Temple – in other words, spending a day looking at the root causes of the ills of our society, and concentrating on the promise of redemption and the path towards it – is not being myopic or withdrawing from reality, but is actually the key to ensuring that the underlying issues are truly being addressed, and that the spiritual balance is being corrected.

To make a long story short my answer is: Yes. We do believe that what each of us does locked in a room or synagogue has an impact on the world. Because we believe that reality comprises more than just the tangible world we see and touch.

That being said, however, it’s important to note that Tisha B’av is only one day a year. We each have to tap into the spiritual message that lies underneath, but we also have to find a way to translate that message into real-world behavior, into living a life that is infused by the spiritual messages we believe in.

(It’s a similar dynamic that we experience on a weekly basis. One day a week is Shabbat. One day a week is for withdrawing from the workday mundane world to recharge our spiritual batteries. But during the six days that follow, we’ve got to translate that energy into reality by engaging with the world around us. And the ratio is not an even one – most of the year, most of the week, most of each and every day is spent in the implementation model.)

b) With regard to Passover, I think a careful reading of the holiday’s observances will show that the focus is in fact on celebrating the Redemption from the exile in Egypt. There, too, the emphasis on the hardship of the exile is primarily to provide the context for the joy of Redemption that follows.

Please let me know if I misunderstood the questions, or if you have any further comments or questions. And again, thank you for asking. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate questions and discussion.
Dov

Tisha B'Av Dates

2006-08-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

I received the following question from a Professor here at USC about my previous post:

Dov,Thanks for your Tisha B'Av message.
I am puzzled, however, by the two historical dates that you gave. The destruction date for the First Temple was 586 BCE (the generally agreed year, though some would put it one or two years earlier or later, but no where near your value of423 BCE); and 70 CE for the Second Temple (your 69 CE is close, but Roman dates are not in doubt).
Best wishes,

Attached is my response:

Hi Dr. xxxxx,
It's great to hear from you. I hope all is well.
Re: the dates. I quoted the dates from "The Jewish Timeline Encyclopedia" by Mattis Kantor (published by Aronson).
Although he doesn't list the entire discussion, there are two issues at hand:
a) The date for the Destruction of the Second Temple. This is much more commonly acknowledged as having taken place in 70 CE. There is however a bit of debate within traditional Jewish circles, and some additional reason for confusion:
1) There are two methods of calculating the Jewish calendar. R. Saadiah Gaon and others point out that the calendar dates recorded in the Talmud and in Seder Olam (a historical work from Talmudic times which is the source of much of Jewish historical dating) used the creation of Adam as their starting date. The Jewish calendar as it is universally computed nowadays actually uses the date of creation as year 1, and starts year 2 on the sixth day of creation (Rosh Hashana) with the creation of Adam. That allows for some discrepancies of one year depending on which system is being used, and can translate into the same discrepancies of one year in translation into secular dates as well (69 or 70).
2) There is additionally some dispute as to the exact year of the Destruction of the second temple, depending on whether it was destroyed in its 420th year or after 420 years. Thus, Rashi (avodah zarah 9b) places the Destruction in the year 3828 (68 or 69), while Tosafos contends that it was in the following year (3829 - 69 or 70). Similarly, Maimonides (shemitah v'yovel 10:4) places the destruction in 3829 (presumably 69, but possibly 70).

b) As you noted, the date for the Destruction of the First Temple involves a much greater discrepancy.
Jewish tradition contends that the Second Temple stood for 420 years. In addition, there was a period of 70 years between the Destruction of the First Temple and the building of the Second. A simple count backward of 490 years from the year 3828 would give the date for the First Temple's Destruction as 3338. Translating that to secular date would require subtracting 490 years from 68 CE and then subtracting one more (because there is no year 0 in the secular calendar), which gives us a date of 423 BCE. (Admittedly, for me to have been consistent I should have put either 68 CE for the Second, or 424 BCE for the First).

To explain the discrepancy of some 150 years from the secular dates, I quote from an appendix in the back of Artcroll Publication's "History of the Jewish People: The Second Temple Era":

"These dates are based primarily on the traditional chronology given in Seder Olam, an authoritative work dating back to Talmudic times, and of course on the Talmud itself. Based on Scriptural and Rabbinic source, Seder Olam is founded on an uninterrupted tradition and forms the basis for such halachic determinations as the dating of Shemittah. Secular historians, however, have adopted a sharply divergent chronological system for this period. They date the destruction of the First Temple and the construction of the Second Temple 167 years earlier than does Seder Olam and all other traditional Jewish sources.
Secular history identifies 538 BCE (3223) as the year Cyrus conquered the Babylonian Empire, while our tradition puts this event at 371 BCE (3390). As Scripture states clearly (Ezra 1:1ff and II Chronicles 23:22-3) it was in the first year of Cyrus' reign that the Jewish exiles were permitted to return to Jerusalem. Cyrus' reign began a year after he and Darius the Mede conquered Babylon (see Daniel 9:2 with Rashi, Megillah 12a, and Seder Olam ch. 28-29). 18 years after that the Second Temple was built (see Seder Olam ch. 30, Megillah 11b). Jewish tradition also states frequently and unequivocally that the Second Temple stood for 420 years (see Seder Olam ch. 30, Arachin 12b et al). According to the secular dating of Cyrus' victory, the Second Temple era would have had to be far, far longer than that ascribed to it by every Talmudic source.
Another discrepancy involves the duration of Persian domination of the near East. In the Rabbinic tradition, Persian rule spanned the relatively brief period of 52 years, from 370-318 BCE (3391-3443), 34 of these years being after the construction of the Second Temple. Secular history assigns 208 years to Persia, from 538-330 BCE (3223-3431). According to this latter version, ten Persian kings reigned during those years: Cyrus the Great, Cambyses II, Darius I, Xerxes I, Artaxerxes I, Xerxes II, Darius II, Artaxerxes II, Artaxerxes III, and Darius III. Jewish tradition, however, recognizes no more than four Persians as rulers of the entire known civilized world: Cyrus, Achashvairsoh, Darius, and possibly Cambyses....
This discrepancy has been noted by numerous Jewish scholars throughout the centuries who have insisted that the traditional chronology is incontrovertibly supported by Scripture.
Don Isaac Abarbanel (in his comm.. to Daniel) suggests that some of the Persian kings mentioned in the ancient sources may have ruled Persia prior to its conquest of Babylonia. The Talmudic reference to a 52-year Persian hegemony, however, refers only to the years when Persia ruled the former Babylonian Empire...."

They go on for a while, but that's the gist of it.
Hope this helps. I'd love to hear your comments.
Let me take this opportunity to again extend our invitation to you to join us some time for a Shabbat dinner. I know that our students would gain immensely from an opportunity to interact with you and hear your thoughts.
Dov

Destruction & Renewal

2006-08-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

1) Tisha B’Av – Mourning the Destruction
2) Unity Torah
3) BBQ Sunday in Temescal Canyon
4) Work Study
5) Save the Date: Hawaiian Luau and Welcome Shabbat
6) Thought for the Week

1) Tisha B’Av – Mourning the Destruction
The ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av begins tonight at sunset. This day marks the anniversary of the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, in 423 BCE and 69 CE by the Babylonians and the Romans respectively. Throughout Jewish history, many other calamities of note happened or began on this same day. It is observed as a day of fasting and mourning, because it is only through our awareness of where we came from and what we’ve been through that we can continue to move forward and appreciate who we are and who we can become. (More on that in the Thought for the Week.)

The basic observances of the day include:
No eating, drinking, bathing, marital relations, or wearing leather shoes from sunset tonight (Wednesday, August 2) until nightfall tomorrow night (Thursday, August 3.
Hearing in the synagogue or reading the book of Eicha (Lamentations).
Refraining from any study of Torah not directly pertaining to the story of the Destructions or the laws of mourning, for Torah study is the truest form of joy.
Giving charity (some say at least the value of the meals we are not eating) to the poor.

For more information on the history and detailed observances of Tisha B’Av, click http://www.chabad.org/holidays/3weeks/calendar/article.asp?AID=144575

Here in Los Angeles, the fast begins tonight just after 7:50 pm, and ends tomorrow night just before 8:30 pm.

2) Unity Torah
As rockets continue to rain down on our brethren in the Holy Land and the violence swirls all around (just today there were 210 rockets and missiles! Do you realize that there are over 1,000,000 refugees from the current violence in Israel alone? And another million people living in bomb shelters! This in a country of some 6 million people.), I strongly encourage each of you to join in a spiritual act of solidarity:
Join thousands of other Jewish students around the world in purchasing a letter in a special Torah scroll being written to express our unity and solidarity. It’s just $1-, but the message it sends is priceless.
More info at www.unitytorah.com

You can also read up on other things you can do to help the current situation at www.chabadoncampus.org/crisis www.standwithus.com or www.aipac.org

Also, make sure to check out www.jnet.org for an awesome opportunity for Jewish learning on your schedule at your pace.

3) BBQ Sunday at Temescal Canyon

In case you can’t read the image:
The Persian Jewish community has a tradition of congregating outdoors on the Sunday following “Shabbat Nachamu” – the Shabbat after Tisha B’av. This year, the local campus Chabad Houses will be there with a fully catered Persian BBQ.
You’re invited to join us: Sunday, August 6. 12 – 6 pm. At Temescal Canyon Park.

4) Work Study
Just a reminder that we’re looking for a few good men and women to work with us at Chabad this coming school year. If you are Work Study eligible please contact Runya at runya@usc.edu
Work in a friendly environment, make a real difference in Jewish life at USC, all while getting paid!

5) Save the Date
School is almost here. I’ll give the full rundown of upcoming activities next week, but save these dates already:
Thursday, August 17 we’ll be kicking things off with an amazing Hawaiian Luau BBQ right on campus at 5:00 pm.
And on Friday, August 18, USC’s best weekly Jewish experience returns with our long-anticipated Welcome Shabbat. Catch up with old friends and make new ones as we kick another semester off in style.

6) Thought for the Week
I don’t know if the following story really happened or is a legend, but either way the point is true.

During the height of his conquests, Napoleon was once riding with his entourage when he heard sounds of a commotion coming from a nearby structure. As they drew near the sounds of mournful wailing reached their ears.
Napoleon himself strode into the structure to see what the crying was all about. He saw a classic scene of mourning: dimmed lights, people sitting on the floors, and weeping and crying throughout the room.
“Find out what this is about,” he commanded his courtiers.
It took just a moment. “This is a Jewish synagogue,” they reported back. “And they’re crying over the destruction of their Temple.”
Napoleon was outraged. “This was obviously a building of import. How could such a thing have taken place in my empire without my knowledge and authorization? Where and when was this Temple destroyed?”
The answer shocked him. “The Temple was destroyed in Jerusalem over 1700 years ago. Today is the ninth day of the month of Av, the anniversary of that Destruction.”
“If a people can mourn a loss so deeply and truly for so long,” declared Bonaparte, “surely they will merit to see it rebuilt once again.”

Unknowingly, Napoleon had struck on a teaching of Judaism. “Whoever truly participates in mourning for the destruction of Jerusalem,” our sages taught, “will merit to see in its rejoicing.”

But what exactly is this mourning? Why is it so important? Isn’t mourning centuries later just a sign of paralysis and stagnation? Why not move on?

Of course, on a basic level, there’s no reason to want something unless you truly recognize what it is that you’re missing. So learning about the Temple, recognizing what it meant to the Jewish people, even feeling how much we currently lack that type of relationship with the Divine, are all necessary components of being able to truly want to have it again.

And we all know the quote, “those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.” So on a purely nationalistic level, the awareness of our history and consciousness of the suffering and persecution in which our nation was forged again and again are key components of understanding what it means to be a Jew.

But I believe the mourning for the Destruction of the Temple achieves more than just that.

“He who plants in tears harvests in celebration” declared the Psalmist.

We’re not just crying for wood and stone. If we were, we’d just go out and build a new structure.
We’re not just weeping for lives lost – bitter as that period in our history was. The reality of the Jewish people and our world as a whole is that there have been many more calamities since.
We’re not just focusing on the grief and sadness of events in our past. Because if we are stuck on a long-ago reality we are failing to live up to the potential that exists in each and every day.

We’re planting in tears. We’re sowing a seed. A seed of awareness. A seed of consciousness. A seed of redemption.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe often pointed out a fascinating phenomenon: The Hebrew word for exile – golah – is comprised of the very same letters as the Hebrew word for redemption – geulah, with just one important difference. The word for redemption has an added aleph.

What is an aleph? It is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It’s the first letter of the Ten Commandments, with which G-d introduces himself. It’s the Hebrew symbol for one: One G-d, unity within creation. As it is spelled out, aleph also means teaching, as in the verse aalephca chochma, aalephcha binah – I will teach you wisdom, I will teach you understanding.

Aleph essentially is consciousness. Consciousness of a Higher Being. Consciousness of a higher purpose. Consciousness of an inherent and essential design within all of creation.

Introduce an aleph into exile and you’ve got redemption.

The planting in tears is not something separate from the celebration of the harvest. It’s through the planting that we can reach the harvest. And it’s often through the tears that we can reach the celebration. Because if we get down and deep, if we understand what lies within the tears and perceive the purpose of the exile, we come to recognize that it was all about the joy of the redemption in the first place.
That’s what the tears over the Destruction of the Temple are about. We’re not stuck in the past. Our tears are focused on the future. Our mourning for the destruction is the way through which we get in touch with the glorious promise of its ultimate rebuilding.

May this be the last time we commemorate – even outwardly – the pain and suffering of our exile, as we speedily merit the day when “the L-rd your G-d will erase all tears from the earth” with the coming of Moshiach.

Shabbat Shalom,
Dov and Runya

Do Something for Israel

2006-07-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

Dear all,

After several trips, we are finally back in LA. It feels like we’ve been out of touch forever. Now that we’re back, here are a few things we’d like to invite you for:

a) BBQ, Wed. night. As we do whenever we’re in town during the summer, we’ll be having a BBQ this Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Chabad House backyard. Nothing big or fancy; just a chance for whoever’s in town to get together and hang out for a bit. This week: Special video presentation about our spiritual connection to the Holy Land.
b) Prayer Vigil for Israel. As you’ll read about below, Jewish tradition believes very strongly in the impact of our prayers. As I told a friend this week: we’ve got tilim (missiles) and they’ve got tilim. What they don’t have is Tehilim (Psalms) and Tefillin.We’ll get together to recite a few Psalms and share some heartfelt prayers for the wellbeing of our brethren under attack and in captivity. Friday, July 21 at 7:30 pm. At the Chabad House.
c) Shabat Dinner this Week. Regardless of what is going on in the world, we always have Shabbat. If you’re in town, join us this Friday nihgt for Shabbat services and a very special summertime Shabbat dinner. Among other things, after four years of almost perfect attendance we’ll be saying goodbye to Jared Leshin, who’s heading off to a job in South Korea. This is his last Shabbat here for a while, so don’t miss it.Friday, July 21Prayers for Israel followed by services: 7:30 pm.Candle Lighting: 7:44 pmDinner: 8:30 pmIf you’re not in LA, please check www.chabad.org for a Shabbat dinner near you.
d) Newsletter and Calendar – It’s that time of year. We’re about to mail out our yearly newsletter and Jewish Art Calendar. If you think we may not have your current home mailing address—or better yet, if you’re not sure that we do—please send it to us so that we can update our records and keep you connected. Thanks!

Thought for the Week – What can we do about what’s going on in Israel?

Over the last several days, it has been difficult to concentrate on day to day activities. I am sure that many of you are like me, checking the news websites every few minutes for an update on what’s happening in Israel, anxiously skimming the news and hoping that it will take a turn for the good. All of us are worried about the safety of friends and family in the IDF and in towns and cities in Northern Israel that have come under attack.

(Some Israeli news sites in English to keep you up to date: www.ynetnews.com www.jpost.com www.israelnationalnews.com )

Some of us have ways that we can help. We can use political contacts to improve the political climate in which Israel is operating. We can advocate Israel's position in the media, and to friends and acquaintances. We can support Israel financially. Some of us can actually go to Israel and be directly involved. Those are all good things to do.

NOTE: If you’re in LA, there’s a big solidarity rally planned for Sunday, July 23 at 4:00 pm in front of the Jewish Federation building on Wilshire. If you’re looking for info on rallies elsewhere, check www.standwithuscampus.com.

But after all is said and done, the available options often leave us with a sense of inadequacy, with the feeling that much more needs to be done.

As Jews, we must know that we are not helpless! Jewish tradition teaches that we are all connected. That everything that one of us does, affects in a very real way our brothers and sisters throughout the entire world. And that the Mitzvahs and good deeds that we do can have a very meaningful impact.

In this time of crisis, we must stand with our brothers and sisters. We must set aside any political consideration, and realize that even if there is little that we can do to physically aid the IDF in its mission to ensure the safety of the people that dwell in Israel, there is much that we can do spiritually.

Here are a few suggestions for Mitzvahs you can do. Please visit www.chabadoncampus.org/crisis to learn more.

1. Prayer
3000 years ago the Jews were led by one of their greatest leaders – King David. This great king was the first to have Jerusalem as his capital, and he united the people of Israel under his rule leading them to great heights, both materially and spiritually.
King David wrote poems and songs to G-d. His holy words have reverberated for the Jewish people throughout the ages. For every voice, be it joyful, triumphant, sad, plaintive, desperate, beseeching or anything else, there is a Psalm in which it is perfectly expressed. For the people of Israel, the book of Psalms (Tehillim) has become the book of prayers we turn to in times of need.
Our sages have explained the power of the reciting of Tehillim. These holy prayers can literally pierce the heavens, ascending to the very throne of G-d, and causing one’s prayers to be heard.
The Rebbe taught that three chapters of Tehillim, in particular, have a strong effect on the safety of the Jewish people. They are Psalms 20, 22 and 69. An index of all the chapters of Tehillim can be found here - http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=6242 .
Please take a few moments to visit this webpage, and read chapters 20, 22 and 69 either in Hebrew, or English.

2. Mezuzah
A Mezuzah is the mark of Hashem (G-d) on every Jewish home. According to our tradition, the Mezuzah acts as a symbol of G-d’s protection on our home.
Written inside the Mezuzah are two sections from the Torah which detail our basic beliefs, and our basic obligations to G-d. These two paragraphs comprise the Shema, one of Judaism’s most foundational prayers.
On the back of the Mezuzah, there are three letters, which spell one of the names of G-d. But, they also stand for Shomer Daltot Yisrael – Guardian of the Doors of Israel. A valid Mezuzah protects the Jewish people and their homes.
During the 1970’s, there was a terrible terrorist attack in the northern border town of Ma’alot. Tens of Jewish children were cruelly murdered in their school. At the time, the Rebbe advised that the school check its Mezuzot, and a number were found not to be Kosher. It was exactly the same number as the number of children that were murdered. The Rebbe explained that the Mezuzah is like a helmet. When a soldier goes into battle, his helmet protects him from the random attacks of his enemies. So it is with the mezuzah.
If you don't yet have a mezuzah, get one now! Subsidized Mezuzahs for students to put in their dorm rooms—or even Mezuzahs for free with a fully-refundable deposit—are available from the Chabad House. Contact Chabad@usc.edu for more details.
If you already do have one, it may be time to have it checked to ensure that the words on the parchment have not faded.

3. Tefillin
"And all the nations of the earth will see that the name of G-d is read upon you, and they will fear you." (Deuteronomy 28)
Rabbi Eliezer the Great taught: this refers to the Tefillin that are placed on the head.
In May 1967, the entire Jewish world was gripped by fear of an impending Holocaust in Israel, as 7 Arab nations pledged to "finished Hitler's job." The Lubavitcher Rebbe spoke boldly about an upcoming Jewish victory that would amaze the entire world. The Rebbe cited the above Talmudic statement. The Tefillin, which is the symbol of G-d that is placed on the head and arm of every Jewish male, so that "the name of G-d is read upon you," has an amazing affect. It causes that "the nations of the world will see...and fear you." The Rebbe said that the most effective way that Jews could assist the people of Israel in their life and death struggle was through putting on Tefillin daily. Since all Jews are interconnected, the Tefillin of a Jew in America aids the Israeli soldiers halfway across the world, so that their enemies fear them.
The people of Israel need our help. We are all doing whatever we can to try to somehow make a difference. One way we can do so is by putting on Tefillin. Tefillin is the spiritual weapon that G-d gave us, to help our soldiers fight our enemies. Let us use this weapon.
If you are already putting on Tefillin every day, you can help others put on Tefillin.
If you do not currently put on Tefillin, now’s a good time to give it a try. You can resolve to begin putting them on every day. It is only a five minute Mitzvah, but it has a lot of meaning. (There is a special fund that can help you get your very own pair of Tefillin. Contact Rabbi Dov at Chabad@usc.edu for info.)
Or you can resolve to do it for a month, or for a week, or once or twice a week.
To learn more about Tefillin click on http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=102436

4. Shabbat Candles
Every week, we mark the day of Divine rest – the Shabbat. According to our tradition, this day is ushered in by Jewish women, who light candles in honor of the holy time. The Zohar teaches us that the light of the Shabbat candles brings actual light in the form of peace to the entire world.
In 1973, the Rebbe initiated a call to all Jewish women, even those who were not married, to begin lighting Shabbat candles. The Rebbe emphasized the need for light in the world to combat the spiritual darkness that was so commonly experienced. The Rebbe also pointed out that the acronym for Nerot Shabbat Kodesh (the candles of the holy Shabbat) spelled the Hebrew word NeSHeK, which means ammunition. This indicates clearly that the Shabbat candles can serve as spiritual weapons in the war against darkness and evil. What better time to employ this spiritual ammunition?!
Jewish women, please be sure to light Shabbat candles this Friday. You can find the appropriate time for anywhere in the world by visiting www.chabad.org.

One last recommendation: Since you may have some extra time now during summer vacation, why not take some of that time to study a bit about your heritage. You don’t have to go anywhere. All you need is a phone. Visit www.jnet.org to find out how you can get a phone “study buddy” wherever you may be.

Let us hope to soon hear news of peace in the Holy Land of Israel and throughout the entire world.

An early Shabbat Shalom,
Dov and Runya Wagner

The Lamplighter

2006-06-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

I started this blog a year ago and then promptly left it alone. But at the prodding of a dear friend H.N. I'm going to give it another try.

I'll post here the Thoughts for the Week from the emails that I send to my constituents at Chabad @ USC. During the summer they're a bit intermittent, but as the year gets underway they should be fairly steady.

Thought for the Week

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to share some thoughts with the Chabad community in Irvine. The Rabbis there, Rabbis Tenenbaum and Andrusier, asked us to join them as the scholar-in-residence for a community Shabbaton. We were very impressed with the warmth and dedication of the community, and enjoyed a beautiful Shabbat.

In keeping with the Torah portion of the week, one of the topics I talked about was the Menorah – the candelabra lit every day in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The Torah instructs Aaron, the High Priest, to kindle these lights. However, there is actually an interesting point of law: The Torah actually requires that the preparation of the candles every day be done specifically by one of Aaron’s descendants, the Kohanim. The kindling itself, however, can be done by any Jew.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains this detail in the context of the spiritual ideal behind the lighting of the Menorah. The Menorah’s seven branches, Jewish mysticism teaches, represent the manifold different types of personalities and people included within the Jewish nation. But all seven branches are part of one, single candelabra. All of the many different characteristics and attitudes that so clearly delineate us as distinct individuals cannot separate us from the essential bond that unifies us all.

This was the job of Aaron – to seek out the many different candles, the many different Jewish souls. “G-d’s candle is the soul of man” says the Scripture. Just as a physical wax, oil, or wick, man’s soul may appear at times to be cold, dark, and inanimate. But Aaron recognizes that the person is still a candle. All that he lacks is someone to apply the flame—someone to show a little bit of warmth, to share a little bit of illumination, and his soul too will flicker to animated and passionate life.

“Be of the students of Aaron,” we are instructed in Ethics of our Fathers. Recognize that Aaron’s occupation—that of lamplighter, of kindler of souls—is one that is relevant to us all. We each can—we each must—do our part in reaching out to the people around us. The lighting of the Menorah was not and is not a job reserved for Aaron.

That being said, the preparation of the wicks did require a Kohen’s involvement. Setting the path, establishing the parameters, requires someone who is steeped in purity and holiness. For it is easy to get lost in compromise, to dilute the message in an effort to make it more palatable or popular. We can’t each go around deciding on our own how Judaism should be taught or what Judaism means. But once the way has been prepared for us, and the rules of engagement have been set out, we are each responsible and obligated to bear the torch forward.

I think of this message now as we approach, yet again, the 3rd of Tammuz (Thursday, June 29). On the 3rd of Tammuz 2488 (1237 BCE) Joshua bade the sun stand still, so that the Jewish people could conclude a battle against their enemies… and the sun listened. And on the 3rd of Tammuz 5754 (1994 CE), for tens of thousands of Jews around the world, the sun once again stood still as our revered and beloved Rebbe was taken from us. Many people talk of the Rebbe’s erudite scholarship, of his revolutionary leadership. But to me, the core of what the Rebbe meant and continues to mean is in his role as a lighter of lamps. Not just lighting and illuminating the lives and souls of so many of us, but more importantly by inspiring us—his Chassidim—to each ourselves take up the role of lamplighter.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, described what struck him when as a young man he had an audience with the Lubavitcher Rebbe. “This was not a man who was interested in creating followers. This was a man who was passionate about creating leaders.”

In an article in the Jewish Journal a couple of weeks back, entitled “We Must Treat Others with Kindness by Rabbi David Wolpe”, there was the following anecdote:

‘Rabbi Reuven Kimmelman told me a wonderful story about the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Apparently, the Rebbe once had a meeting with Sen. [Daniel] Moynihan. After the senator asked him for his support, the Rebbe said, “Now I have something to ask you.”

Moynihan, used to the requests of constituents, smiled and asked the Rebbe what he could do for him.

“Well” he said, “there is a population of people in New York who are good people, law abiding, good families, who do not really understand the system. I think they are not being treated as well as they should be. I want you, senator,” concluded the Rebbe, “to make sure you take care of the recent immigrants in Chinatown.”’

There’s no end to the stories. Every day spawned dozens. And every day continues to do so. Every life that is touched—every soul that is set aflame—by the work that we do here at Chabad @ USC is directly attributable to the Rebbe’s inspiration. And the same is true of each of the 100 campus Chabad Houses, or the 125 Chabad institutions in the West Coast, as it is of the approximately 3,400 Chabad centers throughout the world.

The Kohen established the path and prepared the candles. We’ve got to step up and light the Menorah.

As in the past, I will be spending the 3rd of Tammuz in study and prayer at the Rebbe’s gravesite in Queens, NY. It is customary on the anniversary of a Tzadik’s passing to visit his grave and mention the names of family in friends, praying to the Almighty for a blessing in the Tzadik’s merit. If any of you would like me to pray for a blessing on your behalf, I would be happy to do so. Please email your Hebrew name along with your mother’s Hebrew name—if you know it—to Chabad@usc.edu and I will be happy to include you in my prayers.

Yahrtzeit - Part 2

2005-04-15T15:59:00.000-07:00

But I wanted to talk about one other event I personally commemorated this week: the Yahrtzeit (anniversary of passing) of my father, Mr. Menachem Wagner of blessed memory.

In Jewish tradition, a yahrtzeit is not a sad occasion. It is an opportunity to reconnect to a loved one’s memory, to focus on the feelings of connection that never go away. It is a day commemorated by leading the services, reciting Kaddish, studying Mishna in memory of the departed, etc.

First of all, the services themselves were a very touching experience. We’re not a very large community of regular “minyan-goers” here at USC. Usually, we struggle quite a bit to gather the necessary quorum of ten men for early morning services on Mondays and Thursdays. Yet, with one brief mention in an email that I needed a Minyan this past Wednesday morning for a Yahrtzeit, more than 15 students showed up at 7:00 am. Some students who’ve never before attended a weekday minyan here at USC, or possibly anywhere. I was very touched by this support, and I’d like to thank all those who participated Tuesday evening, Wednesday morning, and/or again on Wednesday evening.

But I also wanted to share some reflections about my father.

My father was born in 1939 in Tel Aviv, Israel (or Palestine, as his passport states). His parents—from Roumania and Germany—had not liked the developing European climate in the preceding years, and had each decided to make Aliya to the Holy Land, where they met and married. He spent his formative years experiencing the birth of the state of Israel and the War of Independence. (He described to me the “political arguments” that would take place among the young children about the differing approaches of the Haganah, the Irgun, and the Lechi. Together with all of Tel Aviv, he could never forget the experience of gathering in the harbor watching the Altalena burn and slowly sink.)

Ironically, in 1952 his parents felt that they could not provide the type of Jewish education for their children that they wanted in Tel Aviv. They moved to Toronto, where my grandfather started a factory manufacturing chairs and tables.

After attending a Jewish day school, my father spent one year of Yeshiva high school in the Lubavitch Yeshiva in New York. He then returned to Toronto to complete high school, and went on to earn an engineering degree from the University of Toronto before joining his father in the manufacturing business. He was a very active leader for the Bnai Akiva youth group in Toronto. (I always got the sense that he felt a great pride in being able to provide to his children a better Jewish education than he himself had received. Despite the vast scholarship he amassed through his own continued love of learning, he always made us feel that we had a special opportunity to “learn” and encouraged us to make the most of that opportunity.)

The way my parents met—though I only remember hearing the story after I was already here at USC—may have played a part in my career choice. As my mother started her own studies in the University of Toronto, she joined her father for a private audience with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, in order to receive his advice and blessing. Among other things, the Rebbe encouraged her to start a Jewish group on campus (known as Yavneh), suggesting that she gather the involved Jewish students to share their lunch hour together, and to arrange lecturers of interest to speak to them at that time. One of the repeat lecturers she found was my father, who had already graduated, and the rest is history.

My parents went on to raise 11 children, providing each of us with the best and most complete Jewish education possible. It never struck me as unusual at the time, but now that I am myself a father I cannot imagine how he could have found the time to read us stories from the Torah and prophets every single night as we went to bed, providing us with a big headstart in knowledge of Hebrew and Nach. I can’t fathom how he had time to study with each and every one of us as we grew—never being satisfied with just school homework, but rather studying with each of us a wide variety of extra-curricular studies, ranging from Mishna to Talmud to science, etc. How could someone build a successful business, while at the same time being there every day to drive his children to school, pick them up from school, study and talk with each one of them every evening, even just always be home for a family dinner? Now I know it’s just a question of priorities, and an extraordinary commitment to living up to those priorities.

My father was one of the only people in the Jewish community in Toronto at the time to drive a 15 passenger van – something that meant that every time there was a school trip that needed a parent to volunteer he was the one who was asked, and never refused. When my parents built their home, my father wanted to create a way that he could spend yet more time with his children and their friends. So despite avoiding any extravagance in the home at all, they built in an indoor swimming pool, providing a lifetime of shared family memories.

He always wanted his children to excel. He once had a dream of training some of his kids to be the youngest to swim Lake Ontario. My mother suggested to him at the time that he choose a more scholarly goal – so instead he decided that he would study with each of us the entire Mishna as preparation for our Bar Mitzvahs. I probably speak for all seven of my brothers when I remember that as a 10, 11, and 12 year old I was not always blessed to share the patience for that goal. But he managed to make it work, not once but seven times.

At my father’s funeral there was a man visibly sobbing who quite obviously did not fit in with the rest of the community. Nick is a Lebanese Arab who worked as a printer. In the 90’s—adjusting to the changing realities of the Canadian economy—my father moved away from manufacturing chairs and tables and began to import them instead, leaving him space in his factory to rent out to various other businesses. Nick was one of those tenants. When times were hard, my father gave him a break on the rent. When seeing him looking down one day and being told that it was worry over a sick child, my father comforted him and encouraged him to have faith and remain strong for his family. Nick felt our loss, saying his world would never be the same.

It wasn’t just Nick. My father’s business practices exemplified for me the notion of Kiddush Hashem – sanctification of G-d’s Name. In all of his interactions, people walked away with a respect and admiration for the man and for the faith tradition he visibly represented. In the months after his passing, person after person came forward to tell us of stories of secret charity or interest free loans, of support and kindness, of love and respect.

When his father passed away, my father bought the house next door to us for his mother to move into. Throughout the rest of his life, she ate every dinner in our home, every Shabbat meal. A day did not go by without him also making some time in the evening to go and visit her – to help her manage the finances, pay the bills, or just to talk. He acted as a living example to all of us of the Mitzvah of honoring one’s parents.

My father loved public speaking, and – though I can’t say he imparted that love, at least to me – he trained us from an early age to do the same. I gave my first public speech at my Opshernesh, an event in honor of my third birthday. He painstakingly prepared and practiced with me some Torah though of several lines, until I had it just right. For every one of our birthday’s, he would have all of us speak at a nearby synagogue, sharing insights and thoughts from our holy tradition. And there was no prouder moment for him than the first time each of us, instead of the carefully written out prepared speech he would compile, were able to develop our own composition to share.

In the thirty or so year that my parents were raising children together, they never took a private vacation. Every vacation was transformed into a family trip, every family trip into a living lesson. Whether it was repeated trips to Israel—experiencing the length and breadth of the Land, and bringing to life events from our history with every step—to the Redwood forests in California, outings for family occasions in New York, or anywhere else, a trip was just another opportunity to educate and learn.

I cannot forget one specific instance: We were reading the story in the Book of Judges about Gideon – how he split his small band of men into three groups, and in the middle of the night they surrounded the camp of Midian each one with a shofar and a covered light in his hand. As the watch changed, they each revealed their torch, sounded their shofar, and cried out: “Whoever is for G-d with me!”. The unexpected “light and sound” show threw the camp of Midian into turmoil, and they proceeded to confusedly attack each other before retreating in disarray. That night, my father gave us a live demonstration, waking us in the middle of the night with a flashlight and a shofar blowing. It brought the story to life in a way that no amount of lessons could.

This email’s gotten way too long, so I’ll stop rambling here. I share these thoughts in honor of my father’s memory, and in the hope that we may all find some relevant lesson that will spur us to better things—thus creating a blessing and elevation for his soul as well.

2005-04-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

It seems that everybody's blogging now, so I couldn't stay out of the loop forver.

We'll see how this goes.

Meanwhile, here's a bit from my email of this week:

This week has been a hectic one. In addition to the regular press of classes, events, discussions, meetings, etc. we had quite a few major events.
Last Shabbat, we celebrated Jewnity Shabbat, with Hillel reciprocating for our visit to them earlier in the year. 120 students packed in to the Chabad House to hear Stanley Gold – chairman of the Board of Trustees at USC – talk to them about their responsibility as Jewish Trojans, about utilizing their skills to benefit not just themselves but also their larger community.
Shabbat had an amazing, as we talked, learned, and celebrated straight through to Saturday night.
Sunday night, we celebrated the wedding of one of our very close friends and alumni, Michael Hakimi. We’ve known Michael for almost five years; during that time his commitment to Judaism has grown into full bloom. It was an amazing experience participating at the wedding of such a close friend – something between marrying off a brother and marrying of a child.
Monday and Tuesday were filled with interviews. Rabbi Shemtov from Mayanot Educational Institute in Jerusalem was in town (see above), and many of the students planning or considering to attend the summer program there used the opportunity to meet with him. I don’t think there is a better feeling than knowing you are helping connect a student with our homeland and our heritage.
Tuesday night, we arranged a Sheva Brachos celebration in Michael and Na’ama’s honor here at the Chabad House. Many of the first group of friends we made here at USC came out to celebrate. Memories of the early days, of specific moments in our shared development, of the amazing growth throughout the years defying most people’s expectations, made for a truly unique experience.
We’re currently also preparing for the engagement party of another dear friend and alumnus, David Homami and Shoshana Salehani, to be held in our house on Sunday. May the Simchos and happy occasions keep on coming.
Continued in Part 2