Parshat Vayikra March 12, 2011 6 Adar 2, 5771

Rabbi Frand on Parshat Vayikra

TORAH
ARTSCROLL, 544 generation whose ruler sets his different insight, which I
Fortunate Is The
HERTZ, 409
heart to bring an atonement for believe may be closer to the
Generation Whose
HAFTORAH his unintentional sin." There are simple interpretation (p'shat)
ARTSCROLL, 1165 Leaders Goof... And a variety of comments recorded of the pasuk. People in power
HERTZ, 424
Then Admit It by later commentaries on the are normally not inclined to
intent of this statement by Rashi. admit that they did something
Times In this week's parsha, we wrong. A person in power is
Candle Lighting 5:39 pm learn about the laws Rav Zalman Sorotzkin in his normally afraid of criticism
Friday Mincha 5:40 pm concerning the situation sefer Oznayim L'Torah suggests and second guessing by his
Hashkama 8:00 am "When a ruler sins (asher that aveyros [sins] come about opponents. He is very leery to

Youth 8:30 am nasi yechtah), and commits as a result of new initiatives. A publicly admit, "Guess what? I

Parsha Shiur 8:30 am one from among all the person will normally not commit goofed!"
commandments of Hashem an averah when he sticks to the
Main Minyan 9:00 am
that may not be done - straight and narrow, merely How many times have we
Intermediate 9:00 am
Minyan unintentionally - and repeating that which has been heard the President of the
Beit Midrash 9:15 am becomes guilty." [Vayikra done in the past without United States - any President
Gemorah Shiur 4:30 pm 4:22] attempting new approaches or of the United States - admit, "I

Mincha 5:30 pm enactments. Innovation and have made a mistake." The

Shabbat Ends 6:48 pm Rashi comments on the change sometimes leads to few times when a president

Sun. March 13 7:30/8:30 am peculiar expression "asher inadvertent mistakes. The pasuk does admit to a mistake, he
nasi yechtah" which literally [verse] is praising the Nasi gets lambasted by the press
Monday 6:35/7:45 am means "THAT the prince [leader] who is willing to change and all his political

Tues.Wed.Fri. 6:45/7:45 am sinned." The more common and to try something new. Even adversaries. Rare is the

Thur. Taanit Esther usage throughout the parsha though such boldness can public leader who is prepared
6:20/7:45 am is "v'im" (AND IF). Rashi sometimes lead to inadvertent to stand up in front of his
See page 2 for times
explains that the word error, the generation is fortunate nation and admit to having
Late Maariv 8:15 pm
"asher" comes from the to have a leader who is at least made a mistake. Happy is the
(The last week)
same root as willing to try. generation that has a leader
Mincha Sun/Fri. 6:45 pm
"ashrei" (meaning fortunate) who is not ashamed to admit
Latest times for
Shema/Shmoneh Esrei as if to say "Fortunate is the Rav Dovid Feinstein provides a that he erred. Fortunate are

March 12 9:08/10:07 am those led by one secure

enough to admit that he is not
March 19 10:01/11:02 am
Kiddush Is perfect.

Next Shabbat Sponsored by Rav Shimon Schwab explains

Tzav-Zacher
Great Neck Synagogue the very same lesson in
Candle lighting 6:47 pm
Mincha 6:45 pm
26 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023 (516) 487-6100 Shabbat Announcements Parshat Vayikra 5771

explanation of a very perplexing Gemara [Chagiga 14a]. The PURIM SCHEDULE

Gemara states that the prophet Yeshaya cursed the Jewish
people with 18 different curses but his mind was not put at ease
until he foretold the ultimate indignation: "The youngster will
domineer over the elder and the base over the respectable" (lo TAANIT ESTHER
niskarera da'ato ad) [Yeshaya 3:5]. Thurs., March 17, 2011

Fast begins at 5:42 am and ends at 7:37 pm

What is the meaning of this Gemara? Did Yeshaya the prophet
hate the Jewish people so much that he said, "I'm going to really
give it to them and I won't rest until I give them the ultimate
punishment"? Obviously not! That is not the role of a prophet.
The role of a prophet is not to beat up the people or to indict
them.
Rav Schwab explained that this Gemara is teaching the very
same lesson as the pasuk quoted above from Parshas Vayikra
as elaborated by Rashi. This final 'curse' actually includes a
positive and optimistic message. When the children will point out
the foibles of the elders - and perhaps the children were out of
line for having such brazenness - but when their criticism will
prompt the elders to respond, take stock, and admit that they in
fact did make some errors, that is positive. That is in fact what
appeased the mind of the prophet Yeshaya. In spite of the fact
that the criticism was perhaps not offered with the proper derech
eretz (manners and protocol), but the leaders were big enough
that they could take the criticism and react with corrective action.
That is the hallmark of a fortunate generation. It was this good
fortune of the Jewish people that put the Prophet's mind at ease.
Shacharit 6:20 am/ 7:45 am (with selichot)
Mincha at 6:40 pm
PURIM EVENING
Saturday night, March 19, 2011
Please note that there will be three
Megilah readings this year
1)Megilah at 8:15 pm in Beit Midrash
2) Megilah at 8:30 pm in Main Shul
We will be using a microphone in the Main Shul
this year
3)Megilah at 8:40 pm in Youth Center
Youth Purim program at 8:30 pm in Gym
Purim Extravaganza at 9:30 pm in Main Ballroom
Purim Tisch 11:15 pm
PURIM DAY
Sunday, March 20, 2011
1st shacharit at 7:00 am in Beit Midrash
2nd shacharit at 8:00 am in Main Shul
3rd Shacharit at 9:00 am in Youth Center

Megilah reading approximately 25 minutes after

start of minyan
Please remember to set your clocks ahead Womens Tefilah Megilah reading 9:00 am sharp
Saturday night March 12, 2011 in Beit Midrash
Early Mincha 1:35 pm
Regular Mincha 6:55 pm
Late Ma’ariv 8:15 pm

Great Neck Synagogue

Shabbat Activities Program
Great Neck Synagogue
Shabbat Activities Program

Dale Polakoff, Rabbi

Ian Lichter, Assistant Rabbi
Dr. Ephraim Wolf ,z”l, Rabbi Emeritus
Michael Bleicher, Daniel Schwechter, Rabbinic Interns
Zeev Kron, Cantor
Eleazer Schulman, z”l, Cantor Emeritus
Mark Twersky, Executive Director
Joseph Hecht, President
Harold Domnitch, Chairman of the Board
 Strategic Planning Committee
DEAR MEMBERS,
Hal Chadow, Chairperson Hlcmd@aol.com
At a recent Board Meeting I announced the forming of a
Michael Aryeh reismybag@aol.com
Strategic Planning Committee. Under the chairmanship of
Bart Baum bart.baum@gmail.com
Dr. Hal Chadow this committee will begin the process of Dov Berkowitz dberk2020@aol.com
developing a strategic plan for Great Neck Synagogue Carol Berlin carol4@optonline.net
which will not only tell us where we currently stand, but will Sarita Greszes sgreszes@metooamerica.com
help us plot a course for the future. Dina Hamerman dinahamerman@hotmail.com
We are a large shul with many members and a diversity of Edward Mazur
views and opinions. In order to facilitate the work of the Grant Reichlin greichin@applemortgagecorp.com
committee we have established an email address for your Dov Sassoon dovs@panor.com
thoughts, concerns, questions and recommendations. Roya Shavolian shavoli@aol.com
The committee can be reached at strategic@gns.org. We
have made the individual members emails available to you
Ex Officio Members
as well. We have accomplished many wonderful things but Rabbi Dale Polakoff
there is still much more to be done. I look forward to your Rabbi Ian Lichter
participation in this important project. Rebbitzen Elaine Wolf
Joseph Hecht
Sincerely, Scott Danoff
Avery Modlin
Joseph Hecht Mark Twersky
President

Purim 2011
This year our Purim Spectacular Show will take place on
Saturday evening, March 19, at 9:30 pm, in the Grand Ballroom.
Our infamous BBQ Tisch will take place in the Braun Youth Center beginning at 11:15pm.
Please sponsor according to your family participation.

Sponsorships:
Purim Sponsor $36 with special gift.
Show Sponsor $72 with special gift and VIP Seating
BBQ Sponsor $72 with special gift & VIP BBQ Seating
All Access VIP Purim Sponsor $136

To become a sponsor please contact Isaac Greszes, Rabbi Ian Lichter or Mark Twersky.
As always we appreciate your support.

Courtesy transportation will be available after the Tisch to those that request it.

Womens Rosh Chodesh & Sisterhood

Come and bake hamantaschen together,
Wednesday evening, March 9th, 7:45 pm in the Braun Youth Center.
Please submit your favorite hamantaschen recipe to
Rebbetzin Katie Lichter at katielichter@gmail.com.
We are asking that everyone give $5 at the door which will be donated to the
“Soldiers in Israel” in honor of Purim
This months Rosh Chodesh Program is being sponsored
by Roslyn Korman and Cindy Hodkin in honor of the
Yahrzeit of their husband and father Bernard Korman.
 ANNOUNCEMENTS
MENS’ CLUB UPCOMING EVENTS
Sun, March 27, 9:30 am: The Annual Three Rabbi Dialogue
being held this year at Temple Beth El.
Thur, April 7, 8:00pm: Do you or your parents live part-time or
full-time in Florida? Come and learn about Senior Solutions—a
private care management service company, who deal with the
geriatric population in Florida, overseeing their care, and who
understand their culture, mentality and needs.
Sun, June 6: The semi-annual Blood Drive.
Mon & Tues, June 28 & 29: The Annual Defensive Driving
Course.
Sun, July 17: Trip to NYC. Holocaust Museum.
INTERMEDIATE MINYAN
The Intermediate Minyan with Rabbi Skydell will resume its monthly
service this Shabbat.
The Minyan takes place on the second floor of the NSHA Wing.
RABBI REISMAN The Rabbi Reisman simulcast takes place
Saturday evenings in the Weinstein Torah & Tech. Center. The time
for March is 8:30 pm.
PURIM HUNGER INITIATIVE APPEAL
The GNS Hunger Initiative is assisting many families during these
challenging times. Your donation to our special Purim appeal
would be much appreciated. Please make your check payable to
Great Neck Synagogue and note "Hunger Initiative" at the
bottom of your check. Thank you for your help.
SISTERHOOD ROSH CHODESH ADAR II EVENT WITH
REBBETZIN KATIE LICHTER Please join us on Wed. evening,
March 9th, to bake hamantaschen together at 7:45pm in the
Braun Youth Center. Please submit your favorite hamantaschen
recipe to Rebbetzin Katie Lichter at katielichter@gmail.com. We
are looking forward to a fun evening! Thank you very much to
Cindy Hodkin for organizing this event.
AM HASEFER On Tuesday, March 8th, Am Hasefer presents the
book: “The Prime Ministers: An Intimate Narrative of Israeli
Leadership by Yehuda Avner.” Rabbi Dale Polakoff will lead
the discussion of this book, 7:45 pm at the home of Sarita &
Ben Greszes. The book is available on Amazon.com.
DOS YIDDISH VORT A video in Yiddish (with English subtitles)
of funnyman, Shimon Dzigan On “Life in Israel” and other
sketches will be shown at Dos Yiddish Vort On Wednesday,
March 16, at 1:30pm, at Braun Youth Center. Purim
refreshments! All Welcome. For more information, call
Roz Wagner 487-9795.
SISTERHOOD FREE TRIAL ZUMBA CLASS
Please join us on Wednesday evening, March 23rd at 8:00pm in
the Braun Youth Center for a free trial Zumba class presented by
the Sid Jacobson JCC. “Please bring a water bottle, towel and
dress in comfortable clothes and shoes.” To make a reservation
please contact Judy Lillien at syny98@gmail.com. Thank you very
much to Judy for arranging this fun class for us!
SISTERHOOD PRE-PESACH BOUTIQUE AND BUY-BYE BLING
GOLD SALE Please join us on Wednesday, March 30th, 7:00pm to
10:00pm at Great Neck Synagogue to shop at our Pre-Pesach
xc boutique. Also, on that same day, there will be an opportunity
for you to come to Great Neck Synagogue to receive cash on the
spot for your valuable gold and silver items. (Gold Sale hours are
10:30am – 3:00pm and 5:00pm – 9:00pm). Appts. available,
walk ins welcome. Highest prices paid! The Sisterhood will receive
a percentage of all sales. Use your cash at the boutique! Thank
you to Lisa Kagan and Susan Sheena for co-chairing this event.
Within Our Family
Mazel tov to Rebbetzin Elaine Wolf on the Bat Mitzvah of her
great–granddaughter in Baltimore, Ahuva Alyeshmerni.
Mazal Tov to Phyllis and Arthur Kirsch on the engagement
of their son David to Allison Wosk from West Hempstead.
Mazal Tov also on the birth of a grandson, Elimelech Chaim,
born to their children Rachel and Avi Berger.
PURIM 2011
See page two for this years Purim schedule.
RABBI REISMAN SIYUM IN BROOKLYN
To attend this Siyum please contact Gil Aronowitz,
Michael Hoenig or call the shul office and leave your name.
If enough people respond a bus may be provided.
Please answer promptly.
OU PASSOVER BOOKLETS
The OU Guide to Passover is available in the Synagogue
office. Copies are limited, so please come in and pick-up a
copy while they last.
SAVE THE DATE
Annual Family Luncheon, Shabbat, May 7th. Details to follow.
MARATHONS FOR CHARITY Arnie and Viviane Breitbart will be running
in Jerusalem on March 25, where Arnie will be running the Jerusalem
Marathon and Viviane will be running the 10K, to support Shalva.
Contributions can be made out to American Friends of Shalva and mailed
to Arnie Breitbart, 10 Imperial Court, GN, NY 11023.
March 20, Tami Kramer will be running in the NYC Half-Marathon as
part of Team Sharsheret. To sponsor please visit her profile page at
https://www.sharsheret.org/halfmar2011-tamisecunda.php.
AMIT MISHLOACH MANOT: We need people to deliver mishloach
manot packages on Purim. This is a wonderful family project and perfect
forHigh School and College age drivers. Please contact Sara Shapiro at
ilovered18@gmail.com or 829-4390 if you'd like to help.
Lynda Mandelbaum and family would like to thank
Rabbi Polakoff, Rabbi Lichter, Cantor Kron, the
entire congregation and especially Ellen Polakoff for
their support and sympathy following the death of her
mother Jennie Friedlander, z”l.
FYI Michelle Miller, daughter of Elaine & Albert Miller authored an exciting
new play “ Mother of G-d”, written by a Jewish mother about the ultimate
Jewish mother. Tickets are available at Theatremania.com or
866 811-4111 at the Richmond Sheppard Theatre March 12-26.
Y
A Saturday, 13 Adar 2
H Phyllis Weinberg for Sadye Herschkowitz
R Monday, 15 Adar 2
Z Naeema Pomerantz for Rachamim Soleimani
Tuesday, 16 Adar 2
E
Kenneth Magida for Frieda Magida
I
T