Torah Outreach Program Weekly Update
Candle Lighting: 7:07 PM
Havdalah (Motzai Shabbos): after 7:00 PM
TOP News – A Purim to Remember
Before we close out Purim, we must share what was truly the most incredible Purim celebration TOP has ever hosted.
On Purim day, between 11:00 and 12:00, buses arrived at Shaaray Tefilah carrying 30 seniors from five different assisted living facilities, along with additional independent seniors. They were welcomed by a lively group of yeshiva boys in costume, filling the room with singing, dancing, and genuine joy.
At 12:15, the Megillah reading began. Rabbi Yisroel Wiengarten leined the Megillah beautifully, while Rabbi Yisroel Bodkins provided meaningful explanations throughout. Every senior received a gragger and enthusiastically made noise at the mention of Haman’s name.
Following the Megillah, everyone enjoyed a full Purim seudah. With music playing in the background, each course was served by a wonderful group of young women led by Miss Ava Golberg.
After dessert, buses and car services returned to take everyone home. Before leaving, each senior received Shalach Manos, and many happily traded with one another to fulfill the mitzvah of mishloach manos.
TOP extends heartfelt thanks to:
- Mr. Mark Bodkins
- Mr. Shlomo Friedman
- Dr. Richard Bennet
- Dr. Eli Berman
- Mr. Aryeh Mandel
- Mr. Yair Lapchic
for their generous sponsorships.
Thank you to Ava Golberg and her team, Chef Aryeh Hochner for the beautiful catering, Rabbi Yisroel Wiengarten for his expert kriyas HaMegillah, and a special thank you to Mr. Conrad Siegal for coming through when it mattered most.
May we all merit to celebrate together next year in Yerushalayim.
Parsha Outline
1st & 2nd Aliyot
The parsha opens with the mitzvah of Shabbos and the consequences of its violation. The verse prohibiting the kindling of fire on Shabbos serves as classic proof of the Oral Law, clarifying that the Torah forbids lighting a fire, not benefiting from an existing flame. Moshe calls upon Bnei Yisroel to donate their time, talents, and materials for the construction of the Mishkan, and they respond with overwhelming generosity.
3rd–5th Aliyot
The people donate so enthusiastically that Moshe must instruct them to stop. Betzalel and Oholiav are appointed as chief craftsmen. The coverings, tapestries, beams, Aron Hakodesh, and Shulchan are described in detail.
6th & 7th Aliyot
The Menorah, the golden inner altar, the outer ramped altar, the washstand, and the Mishkan’s surrounding enclosure are outlined.
Dvar Torah – The Fire We Must Avoid
The Torah commands:
“Lo Seva’aru Aish Bechol Moshvoseichem Bayom HaShabbos” — Do not kindle a fire in your dwellings on Shabbos.
Among the 39 melachos prohibited on Shabbos, why does the Torah single out fire?
The Kotzker Rebbe explains that the Torah is also hinting to another kind of fire: the fire of anger. On Shabbos, we must ensure that this fire does not burn in our homes.
Rav Shimshon Pincus adds that on Shabbos we are guests in the home of the Ribono Shel Olam. A guest behaves with refinement and respect. Anger and conflict do not belong in such an environment.
He further notes that the word “Lo” (לא) has a numerical value of 31, corresponding to the 31 hours during which we should avoid anger in honor of Shabbos. This period begins from chatzos on Friday, when the pressures of Shabbos preparation can raise tensions.
Specifically at that moment, when stress can peak, we are called to remain calm.
If we succeed in removing that “fire” from our homes, Shabbos becomes a source of blessing for the entire week.
This Week’s Sponsors
This week’s newsletter is sponsored by Mrs. Chanu Goldis as a zechus for a Refuah Shelaima for Leah bas Ida.
This week’s Shabbos Bags are sponsored by Mr. Michael Siegal in honor of his grandchildren, Brady and Violet Siegal.
This week’s Inspirational Video is sponsored by South Florida Jewish Cemetery, in honor of TOP’s dedication to preventing cremation and preserving kavod hameis.
Have an over-the-TOP Shabbos.
Rabbi Bodkins
