A Great Intro to Shabbat

At the Seder table, we sing DAYEINU, in which we say (among other things) Had You just given us the Shabbat, but not had brought us near to Mt. Sinai, we would have sufficient reason to acknowledge Your Goodness and thank You.

Imagining the experience at Sinai, the receiving of the Torah, and the awe- inspiring presentation of the Aseret HaDibrot, we sometime forget that we were introduced to the Shabbat before hearing the words of Commandment #4.

Not only is it significant to know that Shabbat preceded the Receiving of the Torah, but it is also important to see how it was presented to us and what aspects of Shabbat were presented.

Our first experience with Shabbat in the context of food. The Manna had been falling for a week, and the people had gotten into a daily routine of collecting the Manna, using it all in the course of the day, and repeating the same thing on the next day. Then we were told that Shabbat is different. And we were told that on Friday. That is significant too. Shabbat is to be prepared for. We don't just jump into Shabbat. We prepare for it on a practical basis - the Manna will not fall on Shabbat, so we have to prepare for it. But the acts of preparation are more than practical. They are acts of honoring the Shabbat.

It is as if G-d said to us: On Shabbat Shira, I want you to ease yourself into the Shabbat. Relax. Don't go out of your place. Take the time to smell the chumus. Next week (Parshat Yitro) we'll get down to the details. All the prohibitions. But first see Shabbat as something to truly enjoy and value.

Shabbat was introduced via the Manna, and it remains as a commemorative of that special miracle. Lechem Mishna, the beautiful Challa cover, Seuda Shlishit, preparing the Cholent - it all reminds us of the kindness of G-d, His special relation ship with us.

When we get to Sinai, we get the nitty gritty. In the meantime, we have what to thank G-d for the Shabbat.

SEUDA SHLISHIT - SHALOSH S'UDOT (from past TT)

One of the elements of ONEG SHABBAT is to have (and enjoy) three meals on Shabbat. This idea is linked to the pasuk from this week's sedra (16:25): "And Moshe said: Eat it (the Manna) today, for today is Shabbat to G-d; today you will not find it in the field." The threefold use of the word HAYOM (today) in reference to eating the Manna is considered an ASMACHTA for the Rabbinic rule requiring three meals on Shabbat.

One should be careful not to slight Seuda Shlishit.

The following is based on the halachic section of YEINA SHEL TORAH on SHABBAT KODESH by R. Binyamin Adler (Feldheim Publ.). His sources include Rambam, the Shulchan Aruch, Mishna B'rura, and other halachic works.

Everyone is required to have of Seuda Shlishit; one should be careful to do it, even if one is satiated (from lunch).

Shulchan Aruch states clearly that women are obligated too. The Mishna B'rura elaborates on this point and reiterates that women have equal requirements for all aspects of Shabbat. Furthermore, women were equal beneficiaries of the miracle of the Manna, this being a/the source for Shalosh Seudot. Women should take this mitzva seriously, especially in families where the men have Seuda Shlishit in shul between Mincha and Maariv. Many women in that setting feel it unnecessary for them to have the third Shabbat meal.

One should have KAVANA (have in mind) to fulfill the mitzva of Three Meals on Shabbat when eating Seuda Shlishit.

One need not torture himself in order to eat Seuda Shlishit. If one is stuffed from lunch (and afternoon snacks), he is exempt from Seuda Shlishit. The mitzva is part of ONEG Shabbat and was not given to us for our discomfort. (On the other hand, one should pace himself so that this situation does not occur.)

The third Shabbat meal may be eaten from Mincha time - the earliest time that one may daven Mincha, namely from a half-hour after halachic noon. It is preferable to eat Seuda Shlishit, not just after Mincha time, but actually after one davens Mincha. If this is not practical, the meal can be eaten before Mincha.

How late can one eat Seuda Shlishit? One should be careful to begin the meal before sunset. If begun on time, Seuda Shlishit may continue as late as you like. How much after sunset may one still begin Seuda Shlishit is a matter of differing Psak Halacha; consult your Rav if this situation occurs.

Ideally, one should have the twin loaves of Shabbat for Seuda Shlishit too. The use of two loaves to "break bread" is based on the Manna which fell in double amount on Erev Shabbat, allowing the people to prepare some for the Shabbat, when the Manna did not fall. This is recorded in B'shalach, this week's sedra. If one does not have Lechem Mishna, then HaMotzi may be said on one loaf, or even a slice.

It is proper to use Lechem Mishna for Seuda Shlishit. Can one do less? Yes. But why would you want to?

Does one need to cover the Challot? No, for one reason and yes for another. Recommendation is to cover the Challot at Seuda Shlishit, but to remove the cover for the HaMotzi bracha, even if it is your custom to leave them covered during the bracha at the other Shabbat meals.

There are opinions that Mezonot is sufficient. Some allow other foods as well. One should follow the first opinion, that requires Challah, unless one is too full from lunch to have a whole meal. In other words, "I don't feel like washing" should not be the reason that one does not have bread at Seuda Shlishit.

One should sing Z'mirot at Seuda Shlishit; Mizmor L'David is traditional for this meal; some say/sing it three times. Y'did Nefesh is also a traditional Seuda Shlishit song. One should learn Torah at this meal, and share divrei Torah with family and guests.

R'tzei for Shabbat is included in Birkat HaMazon regardless of how far into the night one's Seuda Shlishit has been extended. If one davened Maariv before benching, or said Baruch HaMavdil bein Kodesh L'chol before benching, then R'tzei is not said.

If one forgot to say R'tzei, one does not repeat the benching. This ruling differs from the other two Shabbat meals, for which forgetting R'tzei does require repetition of the Birkat HaMazon. Since bread is required for the first two meals, it is as if the Shabbat requires the benching, not just the bread. Therefore, leaving out R'tzei invalidates the benching. Since other foods can qualify for Seuda Shlishit, we can say that Shabbat itself does not require the benching. The bread does. If one eats bread (as one should for Seuda Shlishit), then it is proper to mention Shabbat with R'tzei. But leaving it out by mistake is not a "fatal" error, benching-wise.

G'MATRIYA based on L'ORAH SHEL TORAH by R. Yaakov Auerbach z"l

Shabbat has a variety of nicknames, one of which is SHABBAT LA'SHEM, Shabbat to G-d. R. Auerbach found an interesting numeric link between Shabbat and G-d's name. The g'matriya of Shabbat is 300+2+400 = 702. G-d's four-letter name adds up to 26. If one adds all the numbers from 1 to 26, the sum comes to 351. Doubled the value comes to 702.

Remember too that there is a mathematical relationship between G-d's name of 26 and the g'matriya of ECHAD which is 13.

Another G'MATRIYA based on L'ORAH shel TORAH by R. Yaakov Auerbach z"l

The concluding words of the Shira, contain the prophecy of the building of the Beit HaMikdash. ...Mikdash HaShem konenu yadecha. HaShem yimloch l'olam va'ed. ...G-d's Sanctuary which You have established. G-d shall reign forever and ever. The numeric value of this pasuk and a half hints towards the future location of the Mikdash. 444 + 65 + 132 + 44 (685) + 26 + 100 + 170 + 80 (366) = 1061. Where does Divrei HaYamim tell us that Shlomo built the Beit HaMikdash? BI'rushalayim, B'Har HaMori'ah, 588 + 207 + 266 = 1061.

The prophet Ovadya ends his book with V'HA'Y'TA LA'SHEM HA'M'LUCHA, 426 + 56 + 106 = 588. Where is the "seat of G-d's Kingdom" (so to speak)? BI'RUSHALAYIM, in Jerusalem, which is 588.

What is particularly charming about R. Auerbach's g'matriyot is the use of the words of the Tanach, rather than a contrived choice of the g'matriya-maker. Furthermore, unusual spellings or choice of words as in the Tanach make the g'matriya work; taking the "more common" words would not work. In this example, we find the first HaShem spelled in the less-common Alef-Dalet-Nun-Yud way, rather than the common YUD-KEI-VAV-KEI (as we say it). Also, L'OLAM, forever, is spelled without the VAV.

Snack Guide

Let's leave HaMotzi out of this SNACK GUIDE. Washing for bread takes some (not all) of the fun out of brachot - what to say, on what, in what order, etc.

We will deal with the following brachot:

(2) Mezonot

(3) HaGafen

(4a) Ha'Eitz

(4b) HaAdama

(5) Shehakol

(0) She'he'che'yanu

This after bracha (called BOREI N'FASHOT) and the one on the back page, called BRACHA MEI'EIN SHALOSH, which means: a single bracha that contains the themes of the "Three Brachot", i.e. Birkat HaMazon.

Let's refer to it as the 3-fold bracha.

This SNACK GUIDE will touch on a variety of Halachic issues related to Brachot. On some of the issues, there might be different opinions. Dissenting opinions will not usually be presented here. It is best not to take this guide as an exhaustive, authoritative work on Brachot. Because it is not that. It will serve to raise your awareness of Brachot and of several issues related to Brachot.

The Gemara in Brachot says: He who benefits from this world (eats or drinks) without a bracha, it is as if he used something consecrated to G-d. Another version is: ...it is as if he steals from G-d. Yet, one may not make unnecessary or wasted brachot. And then there are the subtle ways we give honor to G-d, Eretz Yisrael, and/or the brachot themselves by saying proper brachot. Come & Learn

The tiniest quantity of food - even a crumb or a sesame seed, require a before bracha. A single drop of a drink requires a before bracha. Chewing gum requires a before bracha.

Tasting without swallowing does not get a bracha.

Water to wash down a pill or clear an obstruction from the throat does not get a bracha.

Juice, on the other had, used to help a pill down DOES require a bracha.

After-brachot are required only for a "significant" amount of eating or drinking. Halacha defines a quantity AND a time period in which the minimum quantity must be consumed in order to require an after- bracha. If a person were to eat a single chocolate chip every minute for a record- breaking 35 hours in a row, although2100 chocolate chips, no after-bracha would be said. There are many much more practical situations where these rules apply, but you get the idea. If this raises a real question in your mind, ask it to your Rav. That's (one of) the purpose(s) of this SNACK GUIDE.

Chewing gum and sucking candies get a before-bracha (#5), but no after-bracha.

Cake and wine: Say #2 on the cake first and then #3 on the wine. The exception to this rule is Kiddush on Shabbat morning (that's when you might have wine & cake). By the rules of brachot, #2 has priority. By the rules of Kiddush, wine goes first.

#2 (for cake, cookies, pretzels, Bisli, pasta, and many other products made with flour) has priority over all other brachot. (Remember, we're leaving HaMotzi out of it.)

#3 has priority over 4a, 4b, and 5. Not only that, but if you make a #3 on wine and at the time you have in mind to drink soda (for example), and the soda is on the table (both factors might not be necessary, but for this statement, consider both factors), no separate bracha is necessary for the soda. The #3 on the wine covers all other drinks (if).

Furthermore, if you drink wine during a meal (I know I said I'd leave HaMotzi out, but...), it requires a #3; the #1 does not cover it. If you had said #3 on Kiddush, then wine during the meal is covered by the wine before the meal.

Fruits and vegetables (#4a & #4b) have priority over #5. In none of the situations mentioned so far does it matter what you like best or what you want more.

Notwithstanding the above statement, there are situations that the order is changed. E.g. when eating an ice cream cone (with a substantial, good tasting cone that is not "subservient" to the ice cream), two brachot are required. One may say #5 first and when he gets to the cone he says #2.

Of course, it's fun to bite off the bottom of the cone and then race the melting ice cream...

If you are about to eat several fruits, all of which get #4a, then honor of the bracha goes to one of the Seven Species. (There are 5 fruits among the 7.) This means that apples and dates, the #3 is said on a date. This honors Eretz Yisrael, which is described in D'varim 8:8 with these particular fruits. Even if you like apples, the dates get the bracha. With more than one of the Seven Species, there is an order of priority based on how close following the word ERETZ are the fruit in question. The order is olive, date, grape, fig, pomegranate.

If one makes a bracha on an apple and then wants to eat a date, he may do so without another #3 only if he had in mind the dates when he made the bracha on the apple. If he did, then he did the wrong thing by taking the apple first, but no bracha is required for the dates. If he did not have the dates in mind, then they get their own #3.

OTOH, a #3 on dates will cover all fruit (except olives) even though none of the other fruit was in mind during the bracha.

If none of the Seven are involved, then honor of the #3 bracha goes to that which you like best. If you like them equally, then the one you want more now gets the bracha. There is more. But no room here.

Now here's a detail that many people get wrong. If you have mixed fruits with 4a and 4b brachot, then the honor of the bracha goes to what you like best. This overrides 7 Species. Grapes and banana, and you like banana better than grapes, you say 4b on the banana and then 4a on the grapes. This is different from all #3fruits, because in this case the #3 fruit will be getting its own bracha. Banana and grapes will each get a bracha. The Halacha allows CHAVIV (what you like better) to determine which goes first. (Remember, this is 4a and 4b only. All other combinations, the lower number goes first.) If you like the choices equally, then4a goes before 4b, because 4a is more exclusive than 4b.

BTW, the determining factor as to whether a 4a or 4b is said on a fruit is what happens to that on which it grows after the fruit is picked or rots. An apple tree survives season after season; its apples come and go, but the tree remains. 4a.

The banana "tree", on the other hand, withers down to the ground each year. A new plant grows from root stocks from below the ground. 4b.

The grape vine might not look like a tree, but it survives throughout the year. 4a. Etc. Etc.

One makes an AL HA'ETZ (back page) after fruits of the Seven Species. One says Borei Nefashot after all other fruits. If one is saying an AL HA'ETZ on grapes, for example, then all other fruit of the tree are covered and do not get a separate Borei Nefashot. Foods other than fruit, though, will require their own Borei Nefashot.

Bracha #0 can follow or precede the fruit bracha. Both opinions are recognized.

The Back Page of TT402

Usual charge for Israel Center classes and lectures is 5NIS for members, 10NIS for non-mem. Life members, free. Single fee for 2 or 3 consecutive classes.

Motza'ei Shabbat, January 22, 8:30pm - The Big 10 - A look at some of the mitzvot in, and differing attitudes towards the Aseret HaDibrot, by Phil Chernofsky

Sundays at 9:30am (women only) - Mystical Insights into the Months of the Year - Golda Warhaftig

Sundays at 10:30am (women only) - MEGILAT ESTHER - Tonia Frohwein

Sundays at 11:30am (women only) - T'hilim Plus - An in-depth study for the mind, heart, and soul, plus The laws of Brachot

Sundays at 12:45pm - MAHARAL - A Depth of Thought - Leah Zitter

Daf Yomi in English SUN thru THU • 3:00-4:00pm

Sunday, January 23rd, 8:00pm - Putting a Dream into Action, Special talk by Mrs. Esther Wachsman, Sponsored by Mothers of Sons in IDF Combat Units, Lectures are geared to the general public and not just moms of combat soldiers

Resumes Sunday, January 30 at 8:30pm, Taharat HaMishpacha Review for married women - Rabbi Moshe Flumenbaum - Further details, call 538-3701 ext. 108

Monday mornings, 9:15am - MISHLEI - Rabbi Eliezer Grunbaum

Mondays at 10:30am - The Shma - Rabbi Zev Leff

Monday, January 24th, 11:35am - You may be entitled to Benefits from Pre-Holocaust Insurance Policies - Question & Answer Session

Mondays 12:30pm (for women only) - Emunah & Bitachon Workshop with Aviva Nissim - based on the book Faith & Trust by Rabbi Shemuel Houminer

Monday, January 24th, 8:00pm - The Role of the Dayan, Din vs. Compromise, Moshe vs. G-d by Rabbi Yosef Adler, Rav of Renat Yisrael Cong. Teaneck, NJ, Principal, Torah Academy of Bergen County

ANGER: THE INNER TEACHER - ongoing workshops with Rachel Trugman, M.A. - MON 8:00pm - Pre-reg. required • 08-9265247

Tuesday mornings, 9:15 - Torah Topics - Dr. Hayim Abramson

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Tuesdays at 7:30pm - Dr. Daniel Stolper with his unique presentation of the Psychology of the Weekly Torah Portion - YITRO - The Psychology of the 10 Commandments - from Relationships to Law

Resumes Tuesday, February 1 at 8:30pm - Taharat HaMishpacha Review for married men - Rabbi Moshe Flumenbaum - Further details, call 538-3701 ext. 108

Tuesday, January 25th, 8:30pm - Insider's Report on the Syrian and PA tracks of the "peace" process - What they are not telling us - David Bedein, Media Analyst

Wednesdays, 9:30am - DAVENING (Prayer) - Know it better, make it more meaningful, and be more comfortable with it - Dr. Joel Luber

Wednesdays, 10:30 - Peace of Mind - Alan Romm, P.C.

Wednesday mornings, 11:30am - Choose Happiness - Shoshanna Lane counseling coach

Wednesdays, 7:45-9:45pm - Jewish Philosophy: Rambam's Guide and Ramban on the Torah - Rabbi Chaim Eisen

Wednesdays, 8:00-10:00pm - Aliya Counseling - Miriam Bass

WED, January 26, 8:00pm - Root & Branch - What's the Gov't Doing?!? - Prof. Herb Sunshine

Thursdays at 10:30am - TT folding in the Library - Shiur while you fold - Parsha or Calendar or both - Phil Chernofsky

Thursdays at 10:30am - SLIM FOR LIFE - Group weight-loss program for women -

Your first class - no obligation - Libby, 651-8061 • Elisheva, 999-6479

Thursday, January 27th, 5:00-8:00pm - Encounter with Healing: If you choose to love and be loved, to search, to be grateful and connected to the higher power of HaShem, and achieve a wholesome level of health, then this group is for you! Allow yourself to find health, joy, acceptance, appreciation and peace through healing your deepest self. We invite you to journey with us into the light to find strength and enough love within to emerge with an awareness of your co-creative self and become the best you can be in order to find and give blessings to the entire world. Elana Wasserman from Tzfat will be giving the class. Thu, Jan 27, 5:00-8:00pm Separate seating. 150 NIS. For further info call 02-656-5680

Thursdays, 8:00pm - What the Chumash Actually Says - Alan Smith - Korbanot - The Offerings

Thursdays at 8:00pm - Stories from the Gemara - Reb Yosef Schreiber

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If you think you know Pirkei Avot but have never learned it with Chaim Eisen, think again! And give this class a try. You'll be glad you did.

UPCOMING (beyond next week):

Motza'ei Shabbat Yitro, Jan. 29, 8:00pm - Memorial Shiur on the 5th Yahrzeit of Etta Ehrman Kossowsky a"h - The Jewish Money Lender in Parshat Mishpatim. Shiur by Gila Rosen

Sunday, January 30th, 8:30pm - Author evening with Rochelle Majer Krich, well-known author of 8 critically acclaimed novels, in addition to 3 Jessie Drake mysteries. Many of her heroines are either Orthodox Jews or are somehow drawn towards Judaism. An interesting evening is in store. Friends and classmates of Rochelle's (Stern College for Women) are invited to a mini-reunion at 8:00pm

Monday, January 31st, 11:35am - Ruth Zeidman, holocaust survivor and author of Light in the Darkness will talk about her experiences

Dating Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them - another "Let's Talk Tachlis" program with Rosie Einhorn L.C.S.W. and Sherry Zimmerman, Esq. authors of Talking Tachlis, a Singles' Strategy For Marriage & the weekly advice column, "Navigating the Dating Maze" - MONDAY, JANUARY 31 at 8:00pm at the Center • 25NIS admission - *website: jewishdating.com, sponsored by Aish Hatorah

TIPUL emergency medical services and the Israel Center are offering Basic CPR

Basic CPR and treatment for choking and stopped breathing for patients of all ages. Recognizing an emergency and how and whom to call for help. Injury prevention, safety measures and reducing the risk of heart disease. The course length is a total of 9 hours and will be spread out over 3 weeks in 3-hr sessions. TUE Feb. 1, 8, 15 - 7:30-10:30pm - Cost: 150NIS/members; 180NIS/non-mem - PRE-REGISTRATION A MUST and there is a minimum registration requirement. - Call Miriam, 500-3333 ext. 204

Motza'ei Shabbat, February 5th, 8:30pm - Caring for One's Elderly Parents - Dr. David Schnall, Visiting Fulbright Professor

Also coming to the Center... TIPUL emergency medical services and the Israel Center are offering Basic First Aid. First aid for all types of injuries and medical emergencies including: choking, bleeding, burns, falls, vehicle accidents, chronic and acute medical conditions. Injury prevention and safety at home, work, outdoors, when traveling. Course length: 9 hours (Three 3-hr sessions) SUN Feb. 13, 20, 27 - 7:30-10:30pm - Cost: 150NIS/members; 180NIS/non-mem - PRE-REGISTRATION A MUST and there is a minimum registration requirement. - Call Miriam, 500-3333 ext. 204

GOLAN

All right. Let's make things crystal clear, unambiguous. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the Golan Question and thought I was being very clear in favor of keeping the Golan as part of the State of Israel. The last sentence in the Lead Tidbit seems to have caused some confusion among TT readers. After receiving a few calls about it, I reread the sentence and realized that I was using the term Piku'ach Nefesh in an inaccurate way.

I sent out a second message to the email list with a clarification, but could not do so with the printed version of Torah Tidbits. Here's what I wrote to the email list:

Several people have questioned the statement towards the end of the lead tidbit this week, which says: It is Piku'ach Nefesh to leave the Golan.

The term I should have used is SAKANAT NEFASHOT, danger to life. That's what I meant by Piku'ach Nefesh. I think that we must not give the Golan to Syria (I thought that was clear from the rest of what I wrote) because it is an integral part of Eretz Yisrael, because it is an integral part of the State of Israel, because18,000 Jews have made their homes there - legally AND with the encouragement and blessing of the State of Israel (left and right governments), AND BECAUSE with the Golan we are far safer than without it. To keep the Golan will save lives. To give up the Golan might, G-d forbid, put us in danger.

Let me add to the above statements. First, I speak for myself, Phil Chernofsky, not for the Israel Center (the title of this page, notwithstanding) and not for the Orthodox Union. I know that I am expressing the feelings of the majority of Israel Center participants and Torah Tidbits readers, but I speak for myself alone. I also know that there are members of the Israel Center family and TT readership who don't agree with me. Not the first time. There are people who don't agree with my stated views on Yom HaAtzma'ut, smoking, "Pluarlism", and other topics that have been mentioned in the pages of Torah Tidbits throughout its 7+ year history.

I refuse to accept the well-meant suggestions of some readers who think I should stay away from anything controversial. And I thank the many readers whose feedback has been supportive to what I write.

I am saddened when I hear that someone refuses to read TT because of something I wrote about Reform Judaism or about Hallel on Yom HaAtzmaut or because I used a picture of Joe DiMaggio in a PPP or because I questioned the kashrut of a favored liquor. My Americanisms often bother some non-American Anglos; my repeated explanations of the Molad and Kiddush L'vana turn some people off; and some people (about 1.7% of the readership - JK) think I tend towards overkill with statistics and initials.

Personally, I agree with those readers who find TT informal, personal and personable, and not just another Parsha Sheet.

Back to the Golan issue. The Center has been bringing a busload of people to the Golan each week for the past several. See the Tiyul pages for details of upcoming Golan tiyulim.

From all that I've heard and seen, in the Golan and from its people, and from David Bedein and others on the latest developments on the Syrian and PA "peace" tracks, I remain firm in my resolve that we must not give the Golan to Syria, AND that I must continue to speak out on this issue. And that includes in Torah Tidbits.

Whether keeping the Golan or giving it up puts us in a better or worse military and security position, is hotly debated among experts. But there are some incontrovertible facts that must be faced. The monitoring of Syrian newspapers, radio and TV has revealed that Asad and Co. are not speaking to their people of peace with Israel. Think about what that tells us of Asad's agenda.

Rabbi Yisrael Haber, a Chispin resident and Chabad rabbi for the "north", spoke to our tiyul group last Sunday. One of the points he made concerned not just the Jews living on the Golan Heights, but those who have passed on. Imagine, he said, burying a loved on in a Jewish cemetery in the Land of Israel (and State of Israel)and then giving that part of the country to a (hostile) neighboring state. What do you do? Leave them buried in Syria? Just an additional piece of heartache to add to the pot.

And then you hear of another idea, another theory, as to what is motivating Syria, the rest of the Arab world, the president of the United States. Why is Israel being asked and pressured into doing something that you just don't ask sovereign states to do?

TAP. Remember those initials. Trans Arabian Pipeline. A very, very, high profit project which was planned to include the Golan. Who do the oil companies and the oil-rich Arab states want to own the Golan? And what would they be willing to do to get what they want. Think about that.

Sixty years ago, Jewish communities were uprooted and moved around. Remember by whom. How can we even think of doing it ourselves? Peace? The Golan residents seem to think it's pretty peaceful as is.

Dear Torah Tidbit Reader,

We launched our Cool Campaign around Rosh Hashana to raise funds to air condition our auditorium. We are immensely grateful to those of you who have so generously donated and we are happy to announce that we are more than half way there. We still have a way to go though and are therefore appealing to you to help us reach our goal. Due to the size of the auditorium and the need for extensive rewiring, the cost is estimated to be about $30,000.

We have designated the MIZRACH wall of the auditorium as a Dedication Wall - one part in honor of, and the other part in memory of loved ones. It is our hope that the learning from the many shiurim in that room will be a merit for our donors and the people inscribed. The prominent display in a room where words and thoughts of Torah are shared by so many people is a fitting tribute.

We are requesting donations of $500 per plaque (smaller amounts will be greatly appreciated too). We will be contacting those who contributed or pledged already - about the text of their plaques. Those who have not yet contributed - we hope you will be contacting us soon.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

We can handle donations in cash, check, or credit card, and donations in installments - shekels or dollars. US$ checks made out to P.E.F. ($50 min.) are US tax-deductible.