Mazal Tov To Reb & Rebbetzin Dixie Yid on the birth of a new girl.
Check out the pictures of the beautiful new addition to the family.
Author: Administrator
Post Retirement Planning
Has anybody been involved with trying to convince non-observant relatives to do a Tahara? What was you approach and the relatives reaction?
To help us all become more informed in such matters, the Jewish Heritage Center presents:
A Series of Shiurim on The End of the Jewish Life Cycle
Presented by Rabbi Elchonon Zohn
Director-National Association of Chevros Kadisha
Despite great leaps forward in nutrition, hygiene and medical technology increasing our longevity, the mortality rate stands still at 100 per cent. Old age, quality of life, and death are issues that many of us now face and that all of us MUST deal with in the future. This fascinating series will deepen our understanding of Jewish end-of-life traditions and empower us to rise above the deep-seated anxiety, fears and the uncertainty that shroud the end of our lives.
All Classes Mondays @ 8:30 PM, Doors open at 8:15 PM
At the Jewish Heritage Center: 68-29 Main Street Flushing
**PLEASE NOTE THE SCHEDULING CHANGES OUTLINED BELOW**
July 30-How Death Gives Meaning to Life
Living meaningful lives, time-management, embracing our own mortality, providing compassionate elder care, understanding euthanasia, DNR orders, hospice care through the prism of the value of and sanctity of life.
August 6 August 13 -Paying Last Respects Respectfully
Tzava’ah (wills), pre-need planning for ourselves and for others, last rites and confession, cremation / above ground burial / in ground burial, purchasing a burial plot in Israel or at home, monumentation.
August 13 August 20 -Profound Beliefs and Meaningful Practices
Takhrikhim (shrouds), Tahara (post-mortem ablutions), Shmira (guarding the remains), Hespedim (eulogies), Shiva–shloshim–shanah, the Torah way in mourning, Gilgulim (reincarnation), Tekhias haMesim (resurrection).
Free with RSVP or $5 at the door
To RSVP please call 1-888-4JUDAISM (458-3247)
or email: series@theJHC.org
Mazal Tov to Chaya and Gili Houpt on the Birth of Twin Girls
Mazal Tov to Chaya and Gili Houpt on the birth of twin girls Yemima Bracha and Bara Avigayil Ness this week.
Chaya is a contributor and commentor on Beyond BT. Chaya and Gili attended last year’s Shabbaton, where Gili was our Ruach and music coordinator. They have recently moved to Passaic and were set to attend this year’s Shabbaton, but thank G-d their two bundles of joy will keep them busy this Shabbos.
Beyond BT Shabbaton in Passaic this Shabbos – Leave Early if Possible
We’ve emailed out the information packets for those registered and if you haven’t received it, please email us as soon as possible at beyondbt@gmail.com.
Here is the Eruv map for Passaic. Here’s the schedule for the Shabbaton
Friday night meal: at your home in Passaic or at the host family you are staying. If you are being hosted, please see the time that your host davens Mincha on the email you received.
Oneg Friday Night – 9:30 PM – (contact us for the address)
Shabbos Day: Davening and Meals at Ahavas Israel – 181 Van Houten Ave.
Shacharis – 8:30 AM
Kiddush – 11:30 AM
Shabbos Day Seudah – 12:30 PM
Special Shiur
Integrating into the Frum Community – 5:00 PM – Sharp
Rabbi Yitz Greenman – Executive Director of Aish NY and Producer of Inspired Films (contact us for the address)
Mincha – 6:15 PM OR 6:45 PM
Shalosh Seudos – 7:15 PM
Maariv – 9:18 PM OR 9:40 PM
We recommend that people leave as early as possible (by 3:00) as the traffic can be pretty bad. Please note that Google and Map Quest will probably take you through the city, which is not a good idea, but you can use them for the directions in Passaic. Here is one set of recommended directions (thanks Tzvi Noach) for those coming from Queens or Long Island.
Take the Triboro Bridge to the GW Bridge to NJ. Take I-80 West to Exit 61 – Elmwood Park, make a left at the light, go about 1/2 mile and make a left onto Route 46 West, then stay to the right and then to the left to get on Route 21 South to Passaic. You can take exit 11 or exit 10, depending where you’re going in Passaic.
What are the Issues Facing BTs?
What are the main issues facing BTs and what small steps can we can take to help alleviate the problems. These are some of the things we’ll be shmoozing about at the Beyond BT Shabbaton in Passaic this coming Shabbos. We’re just about out of space for accommodations, but if you live in Passaic we’d really love for you to join us. Email us at beyondbt@gmail.com for reservations or additional information.
Here is the Eruv map for Passaic and the Davening Schedule for Ahavas Israel. We’ll be davening at the 6:37 or 7:00 minyan on Friday (depending on your host), the 8:30 Shacharis minyan on Shabbos and the 6:45 Mincha minyan on Shabbos afternoon.
The first issue we have is not so universal, but a number of us from KGH want to know how long do you think it will take to get to Passaic from Kew Gardens Hills if we leave around 4:00-4:30? Also, what route would you take?
Here are some of the other issues we’ll start to look at:
– Understanding the details of lifecycle events like, Bris, Pinyon Haben, getting into Yeshiva Ketana, Bar & Bat Mitzvos, getting into Yeshiva Gedolah, dealing with teenagers, dealing with school administrations, finding a Shidduch for your children, making a Wedding, taking care of with ederely parents.
– Finding a good Rav for Hadracha (life guidance). This is one of the biggest issues BTs face.
– Filling the gaps in our Torah knowledge.
– Finding a chevra in your community and integrating into the large community.
What are some of the other issues that you feel are pressing.
Integration at its Finest at the Passaic Beyond BT Shabbaton
There have been many threads on integration here at Beyond BT. Next Shabbos, July 20-21 we’ll all pass the integration test as we join together for the first Passaic Shabbaton. If you live out of town, we’ll find you accomodations and if you live in the Passaic area, we’re hoping to see you there. For those of us who like to wait till the last minute, well the last minute has arrived, so please send in your reservations asap.
The Shabbaton is an excellent time to meet and create friendships with other Baalei Teshuva. We’ve avoided a lecture format so that all those attending can have time to talk to each other in a relaxed atmosphere. There will be plenty of D’vrei Torah, but primarily limited to 10 minute talks during the Friday Night Oneg , the Shabbos Day meal and Shalosh Seudos. If you’re planning on attending and would like to share your thoughts, experiences or words of Chizuk, please let us know.
The venue is Friday night meals at the host houses, an Oneg Shabbos on Friday night and catered meals together for Shabbos Lunch and Shalosh Seudos at Congregation Ahavas Israel -181 Van Houten Avenue, where we’ll also be davening.
The pricing per person is as follows:
$35 – Adults
$25 – 13-17
$20 – 6-12
$10 – 2-5
$0 – 0-1
Email us at beyondbt@gmail.com for reservations or more info.
Shiur in KGH Area – This Shabbos: Kiruv Rechokim: The Key To Bringing Moshiach?
Shiur This Shabbos In Kew Gardens Hills Area: Kiruv Rechokim: The Key To Bringing Moshiach?
This Shabbas afternoon (7/14) Michael Gros will be delivering a shiur in his shul titled “Kiruv Rechokim: The Key To
Bringing Moshiach?” There are several hints in the Torah and Nach about the Kiruv revolution, and specifically that it will precede the coming of the Moshiach. We’ll explore some of these sources, along with some great stories of peoples’ teshuva journeys and practical ways for more people to get involved in kiruv.
Mincha is at 8:05 and is immediately followed by the shiur.
The shul is Ohr Moshe in Hillcrest, 170-16 73rd Avenue, (corner of 171st and 73rd).
It’s a 15 minute walk from Main Street.
The Shabbaton Is Coming!
If you see two guys on a street corner in Passaic with a sign proclaiming “The Shabbaton Is Coming”, you know who it is.
We’ve be getting some very good feedback recently on possible projects for Beyond BT. That’s extremely important to us because the only reason we’ve created Beyond BT is to provide chizuk, ideas, connection and support for those of us traveling along this path together.
The Shabbaton is an excellent time to share your thoughts and concerns face to face. We’ve avoided a lecture format so that all those attending can have time to talk to each other in a relaxed atmosphere. There will be plenty of D’vrei Torah, but primarily limited to 10 minute talks during the Friday Night Oneg , the Shabbos Day meal and Shalosh Seudos. If you’re planning on attending and would like to share your thoughts, experiences or words of Chizuk, please let us know.
The venue is Friday night meals at the host houses, an Oneg Shabbos on Friday night and catered meals together for Shabbos Lunch and Shalosh Seudos at Congregation Ahavas Israel -181 Van Houten Avenue, where we’ll also be davening.
The pricing per person is as follows:
$35 – Adults
$25 – 13-17
$20 – 6-12
$10 – 2-5
$0 – 0-1
We think it’s only appropriate at this point to pay tribute to that master Shabbaton publicist and kiruv maniac from NCSY – Reb Shmulky Gebrokts.
Read more The Shabbaton Is Coming!
Shabbos Links and Stuff
Beyond BT Passaic Shabbaton July 20-21. Please join us for a Shabbos of chizuk, shared experiences and friendship. Don’t miss this great event. Email us at beyondbt@gmail.com for reservations, hosting, volunteering or more information.
Torah.org articles on the 17th of Tammuz and the Three Weeks.
Aish articles on Tisha B’Av and the Three Weeks.
Rabbi Noson Weisz on Parshas Balak – The Power of a Curse.
The Beyond BT Passaic Shabbaton is Coming – Hope To See You There!
We are about 4 weeks away from the Beyond BT Passaic Shabbaton on July 20-21, Shabbos Chazon (the Shabbos before Tisha B’Av). We hope that everybody who can, will join us. Please try to reserve early so that you are assured of a place. The rooms where the meals are held have about a 100 person seating capacity and we will not be able to exceed the limits
The pricing per person for the meals is as follows:
$35 – Adults
$25 – 13-17
$20 – 6-12
$10 – 2-5
$0 – 0-1
Friday night meals will be at the host houses and we will be having an Oneg Shabbos on Friday night. We’ll be having catered meals together for Shabbos Lunch and Shalosh Seudos.
We will find accomodations for anyone coming from out of town.
The meals will be held at Congregation Ahavas Israel -181 Van Houten Avenue, where we’ll also be davening.
For reservations or if you have any question, email us here at beyondbt@gmail.com.
A Site of Interest – Ner L’Elef
There’s been a lot of talk about Kiruv in the last few weeks and it seems clear that bringing Jews closer to G-d is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor.
One site that you might want to add to your Kiruv bookmarks is Ner L’Elef. From their Website they state that “Since its inception in 1998, and now with just under 600 graduates in the field, Ner LeElef has established itself as a major force working to stem the tide of assimilation and in promoting Jewish literacy and vibrancy. ”
But the reason you’ll want to visit the site is for the wealth of information they have in the form to links to articles and booklets.
Rational Hedonism – The Jewish Answer To “Why Are We Here?”
Rabbi Dovid Schwartz of the Jewish Heritage Center (and Beyond BT contributor and commenter) recently gave a shiur on the “Man’s Duty in This World” chapter that we are currently learning in Mesillas Yesharim. One thing is for certain, this isn’t your zaidey’s Mussar Schmuz.
Rabbi Schwartz turns some of our assumptions about Judaism on their head in a thoroughly entertaining and educating fashion. You’ve probably never had so much fun learning Mussar.
Download the shiur here. And download the notes for the shiur here.
With this post we’re going to move on to the next chapter. But first here’s a few questions from the first chapter:
1) What does the Ramchal see as the purpose of life?
2) How many levels of human achievement does he discuss?
3) What is the role of physical pleasure according to the Ramchal?
For your convenience, here is the Shraga Silverstein Feldheim translation of the first chapter which can be purchased here.
The foundation of Saintliness and the root of perfection in the service of God lies in a man’s coming to see clearly and to recognize as a truth the nature of his duty in the world and the end towards which he should direct his vision and his aspiration in all of his labors all the days of his life.
Read more Rational Hedonism – The Jewish Answer To “Why Are We Here?”
Getting Scholarships to Study in Israel
If you’d like to study at a yeshiva or a seminary in Israel but you’re afraid you can’t afford it, we’ve got good news for you – there are loads of scholarships to help you pay for your studies.
If you’re an American or Canadian citizen between the ages of 21 – 30, here are just a few of the scholarships that you can apply for:
* $500 airfare scholarship from Jeff Seidel
* $3,000 – $4,500 tuition scholarship from MASA
* $500 – $2,500 tuition scholarship from your local Jewish Federation or Bureau of Jewish Education
A new Web site – StudyinIsrael.org – lists all of the different scholarships that you can apply for. It also lists the yeshivas and seminaries, FAQs about learning in Israel, and a robust list of resources to help you afford studying in Israel.
Just to give you an idea of what is possible, one of the students profiled on the Web site, Rebecca, raised almost $12,000 for 10 months of studies at a seminary! Another student profiled on the Web site, Daniel, raised $2,250 for 3 weeks of studies at a yeshiva!
So check out the scholarships on StudyinIsrael.org. We wish you much hatzlacha in your Torah learning in Eretz Israel!
I Can’t Be An Observant Jew Because….What Would You Respond?
Say somebody you know tells you they can’t be observant because they can’t see ever giving up a specific activity which is forbidden by the Torah. Let’s assume that the prohibition is Rabbinic in nature. What would you say to the person?:
a) I’m sure you could give it up if it was important enough to you.
b) Take it one step at a time, do what you can do now.
c) You don’t have to give it up to be observant.
d) Focus on the big four, Shabbos (and Yom Tov), Kashrus, Taharas Mishpacha and Davening
Let’s say four years later the person is keeping the big four and they ask your advice about the prohibited activity again. What would you say then?
Do you see the primary thrust of Torah Observance as:
1) Continually striving to increase your general and specific observance levels in all areas.
2) Do as many mitzvos as you can and avoid as many aveiros as you can.
3) Focus on keeping the big four, the rest is extra credit.
Beyond BT Passaic Shabbaton Scheduled for July 21st
Fire up your Outlook and add an entry on July 20-21 for the Beyond BT Shabbaton in Passaic. Passaic is one of the most BT-populated and BT-friendly communities in the world and it’s great to be holding this event there. But besides the great venue, this is an opportunity to deepen the connections we have made reading, writing, commenting and growing together at Beyond BT.
The pricing per person is as follows:
$35 – Adults
$25 – 13-17
$20 – 6-12
$10 – 2-5
$0 – 0-1
Friday night meals will be at the host houses and we will be having an Oneg Shabbos on Friday and catered meals together for Shabbos Lunch and Shalosh Seudos.
The meals will be held at Congregation Ahavas Israel -181 Van Houten Avenue, where we’ll also be davening.
For reservations or further information, please contact dimensch@verizon.net, sljban@verizon.net or email us here at beyondbt@gmail.com.
Although anybody can come to Passaic that Shabbos (or any Shabbos for the matter) we do have space limitations for the meals, so please contact us as soon as possible so you don’t get closed out.
Have You Voted in the JIBs
The JIB Awards are underway and we made it to the Finals in four categories thanks to the Beyond BT community. Since Beyond BT is between 93% and 99% L’Sheim Shmayim (for the sake of heaven) there’s a possibility that if you vote for us and more people get involved with the community, you’ll get credit for a mitzvah.
Click here to vote for Best Group Blog
Click here to vote for Best Jewish Religious Blog
Click here to vote for Best Torah Blog
Click here to vote for Best Jewish Music Post
After (or before) you vote you can perform the mitzvah of Talmud Torah by learning the following Mishna from the second Perek in Pirkei Avos:
“Rabbi said, What is the proper path that one should choose for himself? Whatever is glorious / praiseworthy for himself, and honors him before others. Be careful with a minor mitzvah (commandment) like a severe one, for you do not know the reward for the mitzvos. Consider the loss incurred for performing a mitzvah compared to its reward, and the pleasure received for sinning compared to the punishment. Consider three things and you will not come to sin. Know what is above you – an eye that sees, an ear that hears, and all your deeds are written in a book.”
Chumash Workbook
Rabbi Horowitz is involved in the publishing of a Chumash Workbook. Click here to find out more about it and to get a free pre-publication download of the workbook.
Beit Shemesh Melava Malka and Passaic Shabbaton
The Beit Shemesh Melava Malka is scheduled for May 26th at the home of Menachem Lipkin from 9:00 PM till 11:30 PM. We hope our readers, writers and commentators will join us there. Please e-mail us for the address. beyondbt@gmail.com
The Passaic Shabbaton is currently scheduled for July 21st due to the many camp comings and goings in June and early July. There looks like there will be a limit on the number of people we can accomodate, so if you think you’re coming it would make sense to let us know as soon as practical.
Please Email us at beyondbt@gmail.com with your expressions of intent or if you have any questions.
Rebbetzin Heller on April 30th and Rabbi Schwartz on May 1st in KGH
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller will be speaking for Women in Kew Gardens Hills: Monday, April 30th
At 2:00 PM in a private home, email us for details
“Taking Tehillim to the Next Levelâ€
At 8:30 PM at Congregation Ahavas Yisroel 147-02 73rd Avenue
“Finding Inspiration From Withinâ€.
Shiurim Series in Kew Gardens Hills with Rabbi Dovid Schwartz: Great Books and their Authors
The Jewish People gave the world the Bible, the “Good Book†that has done more than any other to shape the course of human history. Since then Jewish civilization has produced authors of genius who have composed works that profoundly influence the way we think, feel and behave. This fascinating series will examine texts from some of the “Great Books†and reading between the lines, will familiarize the “People of the Book†with these influential “Books of the Peopleâ€.
All classes Tuesdays 8 PM, Doors open at 7:45 At the Jewish Heritage Center – Queens Division 68-29 Main Street – Flushing
May 1st – Nachmanides: The Meaning of Holiness
May 8th – Bachya Ibn Paquda: Don’t Be an Ingrate
May 15th – Maimonides: The Messianic Era
May 29th — Luzzato: Why are We Here?
June 5th – Chaim of Volozhin: Unseen Worlds
Each shiur is free if you RSVP or $5 at the door
To RSVP please call 1-888-4JUDAISM (1-888-458-3247) or Or email Series@theJHC.org
A Few Reasons to Vote for Beyond BT in the JIB Awards
Please go vote for us in the JIB awards, because a vote for Beyond BT is a vote for …
Go here to vote for Beyond BT in Best Group Blog.
Go here to vote for Beyond BT in Best Jewish Religious Blog.
Go here to vote for Beyond BT in Best Torah Blog.
We’ll give you lots of reasons to vote for the Beyond BT community later this morning, but for now consider voting for us in the Naaseh V’Nishma tradition.
Updated: Ok, here are some reasons:
If you’re a BT, you should vote for Beyond BT because this is your community and if you are not for yourself, who will be for you.
If you’re a FFB, you should vote for Beyond BT because you’re thankful for the growth-oriented perspective that BTs add to your community. And you probably feel guilty that you haven’t given all you can to BTs (remember when you said no to that lunch guest) and this is a good first step in your Teshuva process.
If you’re not observant, you should vote for Beyond BT, because we share your common not-born-frum roots and can empathize with you’re perspective the best. Please forgive us for our first few years, when we might not have been the models of acceptance and understanding. But we’ve doing Teshuva for that.
Updated Again: In the comments, Bob Miller asks: “Beyond BT is a very good blog, but what are your grounds for believing it is the best?”
Here are some reasons:
1) We’re totally focused on supporting other Jews
2) We’ve had much real life chesed occuring as the result of this blog
3) We’ve succeeded to some degree in building a virtual Torah community
4) We have extremely diversified content due to the number of topics and posters
5) We have extremely dignified commenting
6) We have contributors that cross the whole frum spectrum
7) We have contributors from around the world including a significant presence in Israel
8) We have backing by some very prominent NY based Rabbanomim
9) We’ve had many offline events including Melava Malka’s and Shabbatons
10) We’ve actually refused money when it was waved in our direction
All these factors taken together objectively make us the best in our collective humble opinion.
The reality is we don’t need to be the best, we’re working on being happy with what we are (have), but unfortunately the JIB awards are structure around “the best”. Another reason to vote for us is that if we win, we’re *really* going to work on the sometimes negative trait of being competitive.
