Community Corner

Much is discussed and written about leadership. Historically, the Jewish people crave effective, responsible, and dignified leaders. This has been especially evident, again, during the current pandemic, when we hold our breath hoping that a reasonable and proper voice will emerge every time someone speaks on our behalf.

In normal times, the odds of a new restaurant in New York City lasting a year or longer are not good – maybe 50-50, according to much anecdotal and statistical evidence.

Rabbi Dov Keilson, well-known speaker, shared an inspiring shiur virtually on behalf of Chazaq, Asher to The Yatzar, and 5 Towns Central on the theme of appreciating our bodies. This shiur was part five of a series and was dedicated in memory of Dr. Nachman Schorr z”l, Mrs. Dvora Leah Hecht a”h, and Mrs. Shoshana Strickman a”h.

With Rosh Chodesh Kislev approaching, Chanukah is on the way. There is a famous machlokes [dispute] in the Gemara (Maseches Shabbos) on the following question: Madlikin mi’ner l’ner, o lo? (Can you take a Chanukah candle and use it to light another Chanukah candle? Yes or no?) On this there is a machlokes [between] Rav and Shmuel: Rav says no, Shmuel says yes. Rav says no because ka mach’chish mitzvah – you diminish the mitzvah. If I take a light to light another light, then I’m going to spill a little of the oil, or a little of the wax and the result is that I will diminish the first light. And Shmuel doesn’t worry about this. Now, we know, in general, Machlokes Rav u’Shmuel, halachah k’Rav – the law is always according to Rav (against Shmuel) with only three exceptions, and this is one of them.

Every day I am profoundly grateful for the interconnectedness of my personal and professional lives.

(a complete recovery)

Please recite Psalms 20, 30, 88, 121, and 130.

Chaim Avraham ben Shifrah Zisel