Shabbat Kidoshim
Leviticus 19:1-20:27
Candle Lighting Time: Friday, May 2, 2008 7:35 P.M.
Some wag once said, “All the world’s a stage, with most of us playing
the critic’s role.” This week’s Torah portion teaches us the
commandment to rebuke those who have gone astray as it is written,
“Reprove your kinsman but incur no guilt because of him” (Lev. 19:17).
“The Sages forbid carrying reproach to the point of embarrassing
someone, thus incurring guilt because of that exchange.” (Etz Hayyim
commentary below the line page 696)
You might remember Rabbi Tarfon and Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah from the
Passover Haggadah. There were two of the 5 rabbis talking about the
Exodus all night at Bene Brak. The Babylonia Talmud Arachim 16b records
another one of their discussions. “Rabbi Tarfon said: ‘I wonder if
there is anyone in this generation capable of accepting reproof…’ Rabbi
Elazar ben Azaryah said: ‘I wonder whether there is anyone in this
generation who knows how to reprove’ (without humiliating the one being
criticized). What was true then is still true today
The fact remains that exhorting and rebuking is our Jewish obligation,
but it must be done discreetly and correctly. Our verse above is
preceded by warnings against spreading slander and nursing a grudge.
You can easily determine, therefore, when you should criticize and when
you shouldn’t by asking yourself these three questions: 1) Am I
motivated by an earnest desire for the welfare of the person I think
needs correcting? 2) Am I going to face him honestly, but gently? 3)
Do I find the task thoroughly disagreeable, or am I secretly getting
some pleasure out of it?
Yes, if you are sincerely seeking the other person’s welfare, are you
planning to confront him in private lovingly, and are fervently wishing
you didn’t have to do it, go ahead. If you can’t pass these three
tests, keep still.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Gary Greene
Services Schedule:
Friday night 7:00 p.m.
Shabbat 9:00 a.m.
Mon. & Thurs 6:30 a.m.
Sun. -Thurs night 7:30 p.m.
Announcements:
Monday, May 1st Yom Hashoa observances at Marathon Jewish Center
6:45 p.m.
Wednesday, May 7th at 7:00 P.M. for our final film in our series “Like a
Fish Out of Water” In honor of Israel Independence Day a dinner before
the movie of falafel, chumus, and Israeli salads at 6P.M. Cost $15.00
(includes the movie) Movie alone only $5.00 in advance or a $7.00
donation at the door. RSVP for dinner a must by May 2nd.
Save 10% off your automobile liability and collision insurance for 3
years. Come to Traffic Survival Workshop Wednesday May 14 and 21,
7-10PM Seating limited. $35.00 per person RSVP by May 7
MJCC Sisterhood presents a Mah Jongg/Card Party, Thursday, May 22 at
12noon. $15.00 per person. Lunch will be served. RSVP by May 13th.
A gift from METNY Celebrating Israel’s 60th Birthday. Thursday, May
22. A free concert for the entire family at Shelter Rock Jewish Center,
Roslyn. Blue Fringe, the Jewish Rock Band and Tismoret, and outstanding
a cappella group. Admission by reservation only. Call Don Schiller:
211-533-7800 ext 212544
Sunday, June 1st Salute to Israel Parade Join family and friends as
we march in this year’s Salute to Israel Parade. Spectators also
welcomed! RSVP required. Cost is only $18.00 per person and includes
round trip air-conditioned bus (from MJCC and back), special
commemorative T shirt, a light snack and bottled water. Even if you
can’t attend show your support by donating $18.00 or more by May 5th and
receive the official Salute to Israei Parade T shirt as our gift.
July 13th MJCC is going to another Brooklyn Cyclone’s Game! It is
Jewish Heritage Night at the stadium where the Cyclones will be playing
the Spikes. Tickets are only $18.00. RSVP at the synagogue office no
later than May 14th for our block of tickets to be purchased on time.
An Important Flyer
from Sisterhood:
SAVE 10% OFF YOUR
LIABILITY & COLLISION INSURANCE FOR 3 RENEWAL YEARS AND......
REDUCE UP TO FOUR POINTS ON YOUR DRIVING RECORD IN ONLY SIX HOURS!
TRAFFIC SURVIVAL WORKSHOP
(LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 7PM - 10PM
AND
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 7PM - 10PM
$35.00 per person
payable to Marathon Jewish Community Center by May 7
call: Estelle Lefkowitz 718-229-1008 or temple office 718-428-1580
sponsored by: Sisterhood
name_____________________________________________
address___________________________________________
phone____________________________________________
number attending________
amount enclosed________
Marathon Jewish Community Center
245-37 60th Avenue
Douglaston NY 11362
