SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM
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Day 153 ¨C Exaggerations
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The rule that slander cannot be justified, even for a constructive purpose, would seem to be without exception. The Chofetz Chaim, however, speculates that if one cannot bring about a given constructive result without exaggerating,
then it may be acceptable. The case he cites is where one is attempting to dissolve a friendship between two children, one of whom is a bad influence upon the other. If the victim will not be influenced to end the relationship unless the evils of his friend
are exaggerated, this may be permissible.
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The guidelines for such an exemption are very sensitive and one cannot rely upon it without prior consultation with a competent halachic authority.
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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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Sanctity upon Sanctity
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¡°Do not contaminate yourselves through them lest you become contaminated through them. For I am Hashem your God ¡ª you are to sanctify yourselves and you shall become holy, for I am holy¡± (Vayikra 11:43-44).
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In commenting on the above, the Sages state:
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¡°If a person contaminates himself a little, they contaminate him a great deal; [if he contaminates himself] below, they contaminate him Above; [if he contaminates himself] in this world, they contaminate him in the World to Come. [Conversely,] if a person sanctifies
himself a little, they sanctify him a great deal; [if he sanctifies himself] below, they sanctify him Above; [if he sanctifies himself] in this world, they sanctify him in the World to Come¡± (Yoma 39a).
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Zohar states that when a person utters forbidden speech a ruach hatumah, spirit of impurity, is manifest upon his words. Spiritual forces of destruction then take this spirit of impurity and use it to contaminate words of Torah and prayer that this person has
uttered. Thus, if a person contaminates himself a little, they contaminate him a great deal.
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Conversely, Hashem, Whose loving-kindness is boundless, seeks to uplift us with an abundant flow of kedushah, sanctity. He calls to each and every Jew, as it were, ¡°Open for me an aperture like the eye of a needle and I will open for you an opening like that
of a hallway¡± (Shir HaShirim Rabbah 5:3). When a Jew overcomes his evil inclination and fulfills the Divine will, a spirit of sanctity is drawn upon his soul. If a person sanctifies himself a little, they sanctify him a great deal. |
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Dedications and Sponsorships
Do you know someone who needs a refuah shleima? A shidduch? Or perhaps a meaningful yahrtzeit is approaching? As a merit for a recovery from illness or
for a departed family member you can sponsor a daily email and have over 8,000 people, every day, learn and be inspired as a z¡¯chus for your loved one. To sponsor a daily email visit? |
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Joy and Sin
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Said the Koretzer: "Joy achieves the forgiveness of sins, since it comes from a higher world, the world of Divine Light. And we know that to forgive is divine."
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Source: Midrash Pinchas
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Shalom Everyone!
Wednesday, the 5th of Adar - March 5, is my mother's 12th yahrzeit.
Please put a few coins in any charity box in memory of:
Hennia Rachel Bat Shmuel Moonie a"h
Thank you!
You can read an article I wrote in memory of my mother at:
May her memory be for a blessing.
Please continue to pray for and support Israel.
May the wounded have a complete and speedy recovery.
May the hostages be freed now.
May God protect the IDF, the police, the security forces
and all of Am Yisrael.
Have a good night,
Jacob
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Ah the nachas, it was all worth it!! Seeing moms and kids ? leave my Bar mitzvah kiddush w/ plates full of nourishing revitalizing food!!
It is possible!!??No food coloring causing hyperactivity and anger, no MSG causing slow brain damage, no processed? white flour or white sugar causing inflammation, bloating and gas. No pesticides causing rashes,?eczema and allergies. No Genetically Modified?noshes with corn or peanuts?causing behavior issues and mental and?emotional?problems.??Organic. food just the way Hashem made it. Just food full of life and the basic foundations for our lives. Food before it's been tampered with.? We are a dignified nation of princes and princes. We need to eat refined exquisite?food?not common food for the peasants.? We need to reclaim our royalty and stop looking for the bandaids for the problems that we create by forgetting who we are.? There's a special kind of nachas (prideful joy) that comes from watching people leave with plates full of healthful food - food that energizes rather than depletes, that nourishes rather than harms.
This past Shabbos, I hosted a kiddush for my bar mitzvah boy. As I watched our community gather and celebrate, what struck me most was seeing guests fill their plates with options that would give them energy and life, rather than the usual fare that often leads to stomach aches and hyperactivity.
In a world where celebrations are typically synonymous with foods that leave us feeling sluggish and unwell, there was something profoundly meaningful about creating a space where joy and wellbeing could coexist. Where the food on our tables honored both the simcha (celebration) and the sacred vessels of our bodies.
What I witnessed was more than just people eating differently - it was a subtle shift in consciousness. A recognition that what we put into our bodies matters, even (and perhaps especially) in our moments of celebration.
The greatest gift wasn't just honoring my son's milestone, but doing so in a way that honored everyone present - body, mind, and spirit.
Malka Kornreich - Energize Healing Medical intuition/ Intuitive Therapy Transform your life now!
For times and availability or to set up a discovery call?click?
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?The best way to prepare for Purim/Pesach is w/ revitalizing Water Aerobics- a few spots left tonight 8:30!
?????? ?????- ?????? ?????!
????? ????? ??????????? ?????? ???? ???!
??? ?????? ?????? ????????????? ?? ????, ????
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Shalom?
We are looking for an honest accountant who has affordable rates and gives guidance so that we can grow. Must be someone who understands KDP,? PayPal,? Payoneer,? Patreon,? website membership,? having YouTube channel and selling art, creative gifts plus coaching online in addition to taking care of an elderly mother.?
Also Must be someone who helps with Bituach Leumi. Preferably English speaker in Jerusalem.?
Many thanks?
Shoshanah?
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Rabbi Zev Leff¡¯s Weekly Shiur resumes!
After a two-week break while Rabbi Leff was abroad, we¡¯re excited to resume his regular Wednesday shiur in halacha and hashkafa. Join us at 8:50 pm Israel time (1:50 pm EST), live on Zoom. As always, the shiur is accessible worldwide, free of charge, via Internet or phone. Mark it on your calendar for every Wednesday.
Currently, Rav Leff is guiding us through the laws between Man and his fellow, followed by an in-depth study of Even Shlayma, where the Vilna Gaon's profound insights into human nature and character development come to life.?
Know someone who might be interested? Feel free to forward this message to a community email list or WhatsApp group. Anyone who wants a weekly reminder can email me, and I¡¯ll add them to the list.
Missed the shiur? It¡¯s recorded! To access recordings, write to Rav Aaron at raaronk@....
Everything is free, and donations or dedications are always welcome. Contact me at szjessel@....
Zoom details below. Please remember to mute yourself upon joining.? Meeting ID: 634 639 6447 Passcode: 613 One tap mobile: +97239786688,,6346396447# Israel Dial by your location: +972 3 978 6688 Israel +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)? +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +44 203 481 5237 United Kingdom Meeting ID: 634 639 6447 Find your local number:?
See you there! Shlomo Jessel? ? ? ? ?
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Reminder to order Spelt and Gluten-free Oat Chabura Shmura Matza
As in previous years, we are taking orders for organic GF oat and spelt Chabura Shmura matza- both hand and machine. Email specialtymatzos@... and?I will send you a product and price list.
-- ?
Mindy Peltz ?????? ???
Re-forming?Sensations?Emotions and?Thoughts ????? ?? ??????, ?????? ??????
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SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM
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Day 152 ¨C When Rebuke is not Required
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We have seen that at times reproof may be counterproductive and is therefore out of place (See Days 45, 72, 143). There are several other factors which must be considered when determining whether or not it is necessary to approach
an individual privately before speaking against him.
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In a case where an individual has regularly violated a given commandment, and means are being sought to encourage his repentance and to prevent others from following in his ways, the need for reproof as a first step is obvious. There is no justification for
publicizing a person¡¯s negative behavior if a meaningful discussion with him could convince him to change his ways. Even if it is obvious that the person will not respond to rebuke, failure to approach him directly before speaking about him could be misconstrued
by others as insincere chanufah, flattery ¨C an approach where the speaker deliberately exhibits tolerance in the perpetrator¡¯s presence to gain his favor, while speaking negatively of him behind his back (See Day 58).
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If, however, the person being discussed has harmed someone, and the purpose of publicizing his actions is to correct the situation, one need not fear suspicions of insincerity. In such a case, rebuke would not be a prerequisite unless there is reason to believe
it will achieve results.
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In the case of a prospective business or marriage partnership, where certain aspects of the subject¡¯s history cast doubt on the correctness of the proposed relationship, rebuke would not affect matters and is therefore unnecessary. Even if the person would
pledge to mend his ways, the other party would have to be warned of the possibility that he may return to his previous mode of behavior. However, one should attempt to encourage the person to inform the other party of his past, thus lessening the need for
involvement of a third party.
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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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Torah Study vs. Loshon Hora
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The Talmud states (Arachin 15b): ¡°R¡¯ Chama bar Chanina said: If one has spoken loshon hora, how can he rectify his sin? If he is a Torah scholar, he should toil in Torah study, as it is written, ¡®A healing for the tongue is a tree of life¡¯ (Mishlei 15:4). Torah
is the ¡®tree of life,¡¯ as it is written (ibid.?3:18), ¡®It is a tree of life to all who grasp it.¡¯ ¡±
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¡°Death and life are in the power of the tongue¡± (ibid.?18:21). Evil speech can deny one the eternal bliss
of the Next World. One who seeks to heal his tongue of this terrible malady should partake of the tree of life that is Torah. At the same time, he must be on guard to avoid repeating past sins.
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This can be likened to a person who is being treated for food poisoning. It is not enough to take the necessary medicines; one must also be careful to avoid eating more contaminated food.
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The Talmud further states that immersion in Torah study is itself a preventive measure against speaking loshon hora. As Scripture states, ¡°For man was born to toil¡± (Iyov 5:7). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99b) understands ¡°toil¡± as a reference to speech, specifically
the speech of Torah study. The Talmud is teaching us that man¡¯s tongue differs from his other limbs in a very important way. Use of man¡¯s other limbs requires energy. If man is lazy, his limbs will not be put to maximum use. Such is not the case with the tongue.
Man need not overcome any innate laziness to engage in conversation. To the contrary, he is naturally bent toward speech and it is to refrain from speech which requires effort. Thus do the Sages state that ¡°man was born to toil¡± refers to the toil of speech.
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It is for the toil of Torah study that man was born. However, man has free choice to decide what the nature of his speech will be. If he will not use his natural inclination toward speech for the study of Torah, then inevitably he will speak other matters and
will transgress the laws of forbidden speech.
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The Joyful are Immune
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Said the "Yud": "We read: 'And it grieved Him at His heart. And the Lord said: "I will blot out man" (Genesis 6:6). In the era before the Flood, men knew not grief and sadness; hence no penalties could be meted out to them, since retribution cannot affect those who are joyous. Therefore the Lord caused each man to feel grief in his heart, and then He was able to blot out humanity."
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Source: Tifereth ha-Yehudi
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Struggling with a Challenging Relationship?
Feel free to download the first module of my relationships course free - it's close to 1.5 hours long, and invites you to participate?actively in a powerful, experiential process from the world of NLP and parts work.?:??  ?
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Educational and Fun Resources for Purim
Hi Everyone!
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Purim, the fun-filled Jewish holiday, falls on the
14th of the Hebrew month of Adar. This year Purim
begins Thursday night - March 13, 2025.
In Jerusalem it begins on Saturday night.
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The following resources will help you appreciate and?
enjoy the holiday.
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The Jewish Trivia Quiz
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Purim Trivia
Why do people eat poppy seeds on Purim ??
From what tribe was Mordecai ??
Why was Haman angry at Mordechai ??
Who was queen of Persia before Esther ??
Esther had another name, what was it ??
How many times is Haman's name mentioned in the megillah ??
What did the king do when he couldn't sleep ??
What does the word "Esther" mean ??
How many advisors did king Achashverosh have ??
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The above questions are examples from the multiple choice?
quiz. There are two levels of questions, two timer settings.
Both kids and adults will find it enjoyable.
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Learn Hebrew Words - Purim
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Free Purim Clipart?
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Whether you need a picture to attach to your "Mishloach Manot",
a picture for your child's class project, a graphic for your?
synagogue, Hillel or JCC Purim announcement, the Jewish Clipart?
Database has the pictures for you.?
You can copy, save and print the graphics in three different sizes.?
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Purim Stickers for Whatsapp
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Purim Stickers for Telegram
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Purim Humor Files - Purim Shpiel / Plays and funny stuff
Worth printing several to entertain your guests at the?
Purim Seudah - festive meal.
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Purim Videos on YouTube
Over 700 videos ranging from Purim Shpiels to funny gags.
For 2025, the Hebrew song "Tamid Ohev Oti" - Always Loves Me
is featured by 3 groups: Six13, The Maccabeats and TV Newscasters.
New videos will be added as we get closer to Purim.
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My Playlist of Purim Songs on Spotify
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Purim Photo Gallery
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Purim Coloring Pages:
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Megilat Esther - Online and PDF - English and Hebrew Versions
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Purim Hebrew song pages.
including Hebrew videos, Hebrew lyrics,
English translations and English transliterations
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To learn more about Purim, I posted on my website?
94 site links, ranging from from laws and customs to games and?
recipes. Site languages include English, Hebrew, Russian,?
Spanish, French, Portuguese, German and Italian.
The address is:
All the links in this message are included on the hotsites page.
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Feedback is welcome.
Enjoy!
Please share. Thank you!
?
Please continue to pray for and support Israel.
May the wounded have a complete and speedy recovery.
May the hostages be freed now.
May God protect the IDF, the police, the security forces
and all of Am Yisrael.
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Shavua Tov!
and an early Happy Purim!
Jacob?
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SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM
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Day 151¨C Accuracy vs. Justification
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Obviously, the requirement that one be certain of the accuracy of his information applies to all situations where loshon hora or rechilus is to be spoken for a constructive purpose. There is, however, an aspect of this requirement
that does not apply in all cases.
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We have seen (Days 52-54) that the Torah requires us to judge our fellow Jew favorably and refrain from concluding that he has sinned when an alternative way of explaining his behavior can be found. As noted, even when it is clear that the person has sinned,
one must consider the possibility that this may have been the result of ignorance or unusual circumstances.
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While the Torah does insist that we give people the benefit of the doubt, this should not be done at the expense of others. Consequently, if one has witnessed one person harming or attempting to harm another, the need for accuracy does not require an attempt
at justifying the perpetrator¡¯s motives. Even if the act is out of character it must be rectified, and one may, therefore, inform the appropriate parties.
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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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Two Failures
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I passed by the field of a lazy man, and by the vineyard of a man devoid of understanding, and lo! It had become overgrown with thorns, briars had covered it over, and its stone fence had been destroyed. I perceived this and considered it well, I looked upon
it and took from it a lesson (Mishlei 24:32-33).
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These verses describe two individuals who took divergent paths, both ending in failure. I passed by the field of a lazy man ¡ª a man whose laziness caused him to neglect the study of Torah, or to forget what he had already learned. The owner of the vineyard
was a man devoid of understanding ¡ª a foolish man who did not take care to hold on to those mitzvos which he had accomplished through much time and effort. The first man, instead of planting seeds of spiritual attainment, allowed his field to become overgrown
with thorns, the thorns of idle chatter and fruitless endeavors. As for the second man, the sacred words of Torah study and prayer which he had uttered with fervor and devotion, which could have ascended Heavenward as a song of praise to the One Above, had
become unrecognizable ¡ª briars had covered it over ¡ª the briars of spiritual impurity wrought by evil speech.
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Dedications and Sponsorships
Do you know someone who needs a refuah shleima? A shidduch? Or perhaps a meaningful yahrtzeit is approaching? As a merit for a recovery from illness or
for a departed family member you can sponsor a daily email and have over 8,000 people, every day, learn and be inspired as a z¡¯chus for your loved one. To sponsor a daily email visit? |
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Coming on Wednesday: Improv for Resilience
The
Place is proud to the women of the community to:
???????????????????????????????????????? Improv
for Resilience
????????????? ???????????????????Facilitated by Lauren Stein,
MA
???????????????????????????????????????????
Wednesday, March 5
???????????????????????????????????????????????????
20:00 - 21:30
Discover the transformative power of Therapeutic Improv, where creativity meets healing in a safe, supportive environment. This unique program combines the spontaneity of improvisational theatre with therapeutic techniques to help you build emotional resilience, reduce stress, and improve communication skills.? ?In Therapeutic Improv, you¡¯ll engage in fun, low-pressure exercises that encourage self-expression, adaptability, and collaboration. No prior acting experience is required¡ªjust an open mind and a willingness to explore. Through improv games and exercises, participants learn to embrace uncertainty, cope with failure, and stay present in the moment¡ªall vital tools for building resilience in everyday life.
Beyond the laughter and creativity, Therapeutic Improv fosters connection. It strengthens teamwork, enhances problem-solving skills, and creates a supportive community where vulnerability is celebrated. You¡¯ll leave the session with a deeper sense of confidence, emotional agility, and the tools to face life's challenges with a positive mindset. Whether you¡¯re looking to reduce stress, break through emotional blocks, or simply have fun, Therapeutic Improv offers a fresh and powerful approach to personal growth. Join us and start building resilience through the power of improvisation. Ready to embrace the unexpected? Let¡¯s improvise your way to a stronger you!
About the Facilitator:
Lauren Stein has a Master¡¯s degree in Expressive Arts Therapy from the European Graduate School. She has taught hundreds of improv workshops over more than 15 years across four continents. She has created and starred in many improvised one-woman plays, including Laurentina¡¯s Couch, a live therapy show performed in Canada and Israel.? ?Lauren has written a book about the therapeutic benefits of improv theatre, called Fun At Work: Play Your Way to Better Mental Health. She?made Aliyah from Canada in June 2022, and has been teaching improv?classes with Olam Hafooch Improv weekly in Nachlaot since January?2023.
For
info or to register write lnaproductions@... or call 053-373-3798 100
NIS for this Wonderful Evening
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The
Place, The Jerusalem Centre for Emotional Wellbeing Phone:
02-5818299 WhatsApp:
054-2601468 Website:
2/19
Sheshet Hayamim, Kneissa Gimmel, Ramat Eshkol Bus
Lines:? 22, 25, 39, 45, 59, 65, 68, 69,
77, 77 Light
Rail:? Ammunition Hill Stop
The
Place is under the Rabbinical Guidance of Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz, Shlita -
Rav Kehillas Ohr Somayach
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The Etched Bottle offers a unique custom gifting experience. We etch?your message?on whiskey or wine and create a beautiful gift package. You can include a matching wooden box and a set of glasses. For more information go to theetchedbottle.com or Whatsapp +972-53-593-3877.
?
You can also check out our Purim catalog here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_8D3p9TPE8TPFVucTEQ-3EmeAtMzplnj/view?usp=drive_link
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If Your Fundraising Emails Feel Boring¡ They Probably Are.
Ever read a fundraising email and think¡ meh? Now imagine your donors feeling that way about your emails. Not great, right? I help NPOs write copy?and content that makes people stop, feel, and give¡ªwithout sounding like a corporate memo or a guilt trip. Just real, engaging messaging that works. Need better emails? Let¡¯s fix that. ? Step 1: Visit .
? Step 2: Sign up for my newsletter?
? Step 3:?Get in touch and let¡¯s craft messaging that gets results. Speak to you soon! - Danny (Small local business) --  Danny LouisCopywriter
Ads - Websites - Brochures - Flyers
Campaign Pages - Email Sequences Click to book?a free 15-minute Call to see if we're a good fit:
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Shiva information for Shlomo Mansour ???, the oldest of the hostages, who was murdered on October 7
*What:* Shiva information for Shlomo Mansour ???, the oldest of the hostages, who was murdered on October 7?
*When*: Shlomo¡¯s brothers will be sitting shiva in Jerusalem on Monday and Tuesday from 9:00am-9:00pm
*Where:* Shalva Center, Yahalom Hall, Shalva Road 1
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For those of you who wished to see this superb film in February but were unable to, I have good news. Because of temporarily irremediable technical problems, we were not able to present the movie. We have corrected the issues with our equipment. We thus will screen this film on March 18. We HIGHLY recommend it.
For those of you who sat through that long, futile effort on our part to repair the problem, we again offer our most sincere apologies for the inconvenience and waste of time. We hope you will return to view this movie. It will be well worth your effort and time.
If you do come, please bring the exact change if possible. We would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
?Best wishes for a very enjoyable Purim. PURIM SAMEACH!?? ??
We are pleased to announce the next Movie Matinee at Beit Knesset Hanassi. On Tuesday, March 18 we will present the award winning, highly acclaimed film SEVEN DAYS IN MAY.
The movie is based on the blockbuster novel of the same name. The book and the movie came out during high tensions of the Cold War. In the few preceding years there were the Bay of Pigs incident, the building of the Berlin Wall and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Of most relevance to the plot of the film, there was the Missile Gap. This was the perception in the United States that the Soviet Union was quickly developing an intercontinental range ballistic missile capability earlier, in greater numbers and with far more capability than that of the United States.
Campaigning for the presidency in 1960, Senator John Kennedy attacked the Eisenhower administration stating ¡°the nation was losing the satellite-missile race with the Soviet Union¡±. It was claimed that the Soviets would soon have 2000 intercontinental ballistic missiles, enough to launch a first-strike and take out America's strategic forces. According to Kennedy, the United States was in a position of ¡°grave peril¡± that threatened ¡°our very survival as a nation.¡±
In the film, an American president negotiated a disarmament agreement with the Soviets. Powerful figures opposed this deal. Instead of waiting for the next election to vote the president out, they conspired to overthrow the government.
For seven days, the fate of the nation hung in the balance. Would there be a military coup in America? Would the United States become a ¡°banana republic¡±? The movie covers those seven shocking days in the life of the country.
This 1960s edge-of-your-seat thriller has an all-star cast including Kirk Douglas, Burt Lancaster, Ava Gardner and Frederic March. A brilliant script and superb acting make this film one not to be missed.
Characters in the movie are based on real-life persons.
The Movie Matinee is at 2:00. The film is two hours in length. There are English subtitles for the convenience of individuals with hearing challenges.
There will be a brief introduction of the film, a short talk and discussion after the screening. There will be an essay about the movie provided to attendees.
There will be refreshments. No reservations are required. Beit Knesset Hanassi is located at 24 Ussishkin Street. The admission is 20 shekels for members of the shul and 30 shekels for non-members.
If you can please bring the exact change, we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
For more information, please contact Mark at 0548 01 1957 or markpollock@....
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Mitzvoth and Joy
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The Besht said: "The chief value of a mitzvah is its performance with pleasure. But continuous pleasure loses its relish, and therefore it is natural for a man to descend at times in his service to the Lord. But when he ascedns again to his former place, he expreinces new pleasure therein."
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Source: Kesser Shem tov
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Torah Tuesdays Invites you To Attend Class, March 4
BE'H?classes will take place at the Claman home next week.
The schedule will be as follows: Rebbetzin Friedman 9:30-11:30 Rebbetzin Lagumsky 11:30-12:30
We look forward to seeing you.
There will be drinks, but no food. 21 Shonei Halachot St. (FROM the main square, turn at the bank onto Bonei HaHoma Street. At the end of Bonei HaHoma turn right on to Shonei Halachot, first house on the right)
Please note there will NOT be a calling-in option.??
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Jacob Richman
