Dumb Ways to Drive

Purim… a time for fun, camaraderie, inspiration, connection with Hashem (G-d) and perhaps a L’chaim (or two!) –
So don’t forget to designate,
a driver that’s sober…
Save two lives!
1. Share this video with at least one friend right now (click on the paper airplane in the top right corner of the video screen)
2. Please drink responsibly on Purim!
This is a public safety message brought to you by TheShmuz.com.

Make this Purim different – gain clarity and understanding about Purim, as the story of the Megillah opens up in front of you! Go to bit.ly/1fnrmKf to listen to Shmuz #25: They Don’t Make Anti-Semites Like They Used To!

Baruch Dayan Emes – HaRav Elya Svei Zt”l

HaRav Elya Svei Zt”l, the Rosh Yeshiva of the Philadelphia Yeshiva was niftar yesterday. The levaya took place today in the Yeshiva and the aron was transported to Eretz Yisroel. The Rosh Yeshiva was a great leader in Klal Yisroel and a pioneer in expanding advanced Torah learning beyond the immediate vicinity of New York City.

May his zechusim protect us.

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

Support Israel by Encouraging President Bush and Secretary Rice

A friend of Sefardi Lady suggest that we sign and publicize the OU-IPA Petition. The petition is to thank President Bush and Secretary Rice for their staunch support of Israel as she struggles for her existence and fights the terrorists on her southern and northern borders.

Please go to the link and sign this important petition. It will only take a few seconds of your time and while you are there, you can also donate to the OU’s Israel Emergency Fund if you are still looking to give during this time of war.

The OU-IPA division will be delivering the petition on Tuesday, so don’t delay.

The text of the petition can be found at the link.

Rally to Free Gilad Shalit

Since Hamas leader Khalid Meshaal operates from Syrian under Syrian protection, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad plays a critical role in the fate of IDF Cpl. Gilad Shalit – Gilad ben Aviva.

The Ad Hoc Coalition for Justice will be hosting a rally in front of the Syrian Mission to the United Nations in NYC demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Cpl.Shalit.

The rally will take place, rain or shine, on Monday July 10, 12 noon at 820 Second Ave. (Btwn 43rd and 44th streets).

For further information, please contact the Conference of Presidents at 212-318-6111 or info@conferenceofpresidents.org.

The following Israeli soldiers remain Missing in Action:

Yekutiel Yehuda Nachman ben Sarah (Katz)

Zecharia Shlomo ben Miriam (Baumel)

Zvi ben Penina (Feldman)

Ron ben Batya (Arad)

Guy ben Rina (Hever)

May Hashem speedily redeem them and bring them all home safely to their loved ones.

Contact Your NY Congressmen to Support The Nonpublic School Employee Background Check Bill

Frequent commentor, Sefardi Lady sent this letter from Mr. Elliot B. Pasik, Esq. urging us to email or NY State representatives regarding a bill that will allow New York yeshivas and other nonpublic schools to fingerprint their employees, and obtain their criminal histories.

I spoke to Rabbi Welcher last night and he strongly supports such legislation as does the Rabbinical Council of America, the Orthodox Union, and Agudath Israel. Please take 5 minutes to help make our schools safer for our children. Here is the letter from Mr. Pasik:

Dear Friends:

A bill that, if passed, will allow New York yeshivas and other nonpublic schools to fingerprint their employees, and obtain their criminal histories, if any, is extraordinarily close to either passage in both houses of the New York State Legislature, or, being delayed for at least another year.

The New York State Senate will vote on the bill Wednesday, June 21, 2006, and the bill is fully expected to pass, since it is supported by the leadership there.
Read more Contact Your NY Congressmen to Support The Nonpublic School Employee Background Check Bill