ד”בס

MAY 16, 2020 MAY 16, 2020 MAY 16, 2020 MAY 16, 2020 ---- 22 IYYAR 578022 IYYAR 578022 IYYAR 578022 IYYAR 5780

PARSHAT BEHARPARSHAT BEHARPARSHAT BEHARPARSHAT BEHAR----BECHUKOTAI BECHUKOTAI BECHUKOTAI BECHUKOTAI

TODAH RABAH to the sponsors of:TODAH RABAH to the sponsors of:TODAH RABAH to the sponsors of:TODAH RABAH to the sponsors of:

KABBALAT SHABBAT:KABBALAT SHABBAT:KABBALAT SHABBAT:KABBALAT SHABBAT:

Harry & Sandra Aronowicz in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Harry's mother, Miriam Aronowicz z"l

HAVDALLAH & MINIHAVDALLAH & MINIHAVDALLAH & MINIHAVDALLAH & MINI----KUMZITZ:KUMZITZ:KUMZITZ:KUMZITZ:

In honour of Randall Craig and in appreciation for his leadership, by the past and new Executive of Shaarei Shomayim

TOT DAVENING:TOT DAVENING:TOT DAVENING:TOT DAVENING:

Ricky & Dianna Zauderer in honour of the birth of their grandson, Rami Raphael Zauderer

LLLLEARNING BETWEEN MINCHA AND EARNING BETWEEN MINCHA AND EARNING BETWEEN MINCHA AND EARNING BETWEEN MINCHA AND MAARIV FOR THE MONTH OF IYYAR: MAARIV FOR THE MONTH OF IYYAR: MAARIV FOR THE MONTH OF IYYAR: MAARIV FOR THE MONTH OF IYYAR:

Judy Laxer & Je7rey Lipsitz and family in loving memory of Judy’s father, Carl Laxer, Yekutiel Chaim ben Avraham v'Tova z"l

RABBI STRAUCHLERRABBI STRAUCHLERRABBI STRAUCHLERRABBI STRAUCHLER’’’’S TORAH FOR YOUR S TORAH FOR YOUR S TORAH FOR YOUR S TORAH FOR YOUR LIFE:LIFE:LIFE:LIFE:

Elliot Shapiro in commemoration of the yahrzeit of his father, Leonard Shapiro z"l

Edward & Catherine Bierstone in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Edward's father, Samuel Bierstone z"l

CHESSED FUND:CHESSED FUND:CHESSED FUND:CHESSED FUND:

Dedicated in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Charles Kerschenberg z”l

RABBI'S CHARITY FUND:RABBI'S CHARITY FUND:RABBI'S CHARITY FUND:RABBI'S CHARITY FUND:

Michelle Landy-Shavim & Zvi Halpern-Shavim in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Michelle's grandmother, Joan Landy z”l

YAHRZEIT COMMEMORATION:YAHRZEIT COMMEMORATION:YAHRZEIT COMMEMORATION:YAHRZEIT COMMEMORATION:

Tito & Viviane Massouda in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Tito's brother, Daniel Massoudaz"l

Joe & Glory Goldman in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Joe's father, Yaacov ben Avraham z"l

Pesa Vernon in commemoration of the yahrzeit of her mother, Drezla Karbel z"l

Mazal Tov to Lorraine Hanser Lorraine Hanser Lorraine Hanser Lorraine Hanser on the birth of a great-grandson, born to Lee & Tali Abrams of Manhattan. Proud grandparents are Kim & Jon Abrams and Susan & Shuli Moskowitz of New Jersey.

Many of our services, shiurim and programs are now o'ered online via Zoom. To obtain the access information, please email info@shomayim.org. • Tonight, May 15, 7:00 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat Kabbalat Shabbat Kabbalat Shabbat Kabbalat Shabbat with Rabbi Shore Rabbi Shore Rabbi Shore Rabbi Shore and Chazzan Chazzan Chazzan Chazzan Freund.Freund.Freund.Freund.

• Motzei Shabbat, May 16, 9:40 pm - HavdallahHavdallahHavdallahHavdallah & Mini& Mini& Mini& Mini----KumzitzKumzitzKumzitzKumzitz. Please join us for a llll’’’’chaim chaim chaim chaim celebrating Randall & Linda Craig in the completion of celebrating Randall & Linda Craig in the completion of celebrating Randall & Linda Craig in the completion of celebrating Randall & Linda Craig in the completion of RandallRandallRandallRandall’’’’s term as President of Shaarei Shomayim. s term as President of Shaarei Shomayim. s term as President of Shaarei Shomayim. s term as President of Shaarei Shomayim.

• Sunday & Monday, May 17-18, 7:30 am & Tuesday-Friday, May 19-22, 6:30 am – Rabbi StrauchlerRabbi StrauchlerRabbi StrauchlerRabbi Strauchler’’’’s s s s GemaraGemaraGemaraGemara ShiurShiurShiurShiur.

• Sunday, May 17, 10:30 am – Tot Davening Tot Davening Tot Davening Tot Davening withwithwithwith Rabbi ShoreRabbi ShoreRabbi ShoreRabbi Shore. • Sunday-Thursday, May 17-21, 8:25 pm – Mincha and MaarivMincha and MaarivMincha and MaarivMincha and Maariv. • Sunday-Thursday, May 17-21, 8:55 pm – TehillimTehillimTehillimTehillim and Dvar Torahand Dvar Torahand Dvar Torahand Dvar Torah. • Tuesday-Thursday, May 19-21, 9:00-9:30 pm - Bnei Akiva Schools & Shaarei Shomayim Night SederNight SederNight SederNight Seder with Rabbi Hillel Horovitzwith Rabbi Hillel Horovitzwith Rabbi Hillel Horovitzwith Rabbi Hillel Horovitz.

• Tuesday, May 19, 1:30 pm – Rabbi TorczynerRabbi TorczynerRabbi TorczynerRabbi Torczyner’’’’s s s s YeshayahYeshayahYeshayahYeshayah ShiurShiurShiurShiur. • Tuesday, May 19, 7:30 pm - Mindfulness During a Crisis Mindfulness During a Crisis Mindfulness During a Crisis Mindfulness During a Crisis with Dr. Zindel V. Dr. Zindel V. Dr. Zindel V. Dr. Zindel V. SegalSegalSegalSegal. Participants are welcome to read an article on the subject in advance of the session: https://tinyurl.com/yd2mavtl. See flyer on p. 3.

• Tuesday, May 19, 8:30 pm - Rabbi DiamondRabbi DiamondRabbi DiamondRabbi Diamond’’’’s s s s Parshat Hashavua Parshat Hashavua Parshat Hashavua Parshat Hashavua ShiurShiurShiurShiur. • Tuesday, May 19, 9:15 pm - Planning A Bat Mitzvah During A PandemicPlanning A Bat Mitzvah During A PandemicPlanning A Bat Mitzvah During A PandemicPlanning A Bat Mitzvah During A Pandemic: AAAA Zoom Discussion with Rabbi Chaim & Avital StrauchlerZoom Discussion with Rabbi Chaim & Avital StrauchlerZoom Discussion with Rabbi Chaim & Avital StrauchlerZoom Discussion with Rabbi Chaim & Avital Strauchler.

• Wednesday, May 20, 10:20-11:15 am – WalkieWalkieWalkieWalkie----Talkies Talkies Talkies Talkies with Rabbi Shorewith Rabbi Shorewith Rabbi Shorewith Rabbi Shore. • Wednesday, May 20, 12:30 pm - A Business Ethics Lunchtime Series: The A Business Ethics Lunchtime Series: The A Business Ethics Lunchtime Series: The A Business Ethics Lunchtime Series: The Selfish Citizen? The Ethics of Aggressive Tax Avoidance Selfish Citizen? The Ethics of Aggressive Tax Avoidance Selfish Citizen? The Ethics of Aggressive Tax Avoidance Selfish Citizen? The Ethics of Aggressive Tax Avoidance with Rabbi Alex Rabbi Alex Rabbi Alex Rabbi Alex HechtHechtHechtHecht.

• Wednesday, May 20, 4:00 pm – Rabbi ShoreRabbi ShoreRabbi ShoreRabbi Shore’’’’s s s s Thinking Torah Thinking Torah Thinking Torah Thinking Torah ShiurShiurShiurShiur. • Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 pm - Hebrew Homework Chabura Hour with Rabbi Hebrew Homework Chabura Hour with Rabbi Hebrew Homework Chabura Hour with Rabbi Hebrew Homework Chabura Hour with Rabbi Shore. Shore. Shore. Shore. For details email rabbishore@shomayim.org.

• Wednesday, May 20, 7:30 pm - Night Seder Night Seder Night Seder Night Seder with Rabbi BergmanRabbi BergmanRabbi BergmanRabbi Bergman. • Thursday, May 21, 8:45-9:30 am – Co'ee with Rabbi Strauchler Co'ee with Rabbi Strauchler Co'ee with Rabbi Strauchler Co'ee with Rabbi Strauchler (schmooze, kvetch and kibbitz with our rabbi).

• Thursday, May 21, 8:15 pm – ChumashChumashChumashChumash----Rashi Rashi Rashi Rashi Shiur with Melech HalberstadtShiur with Melech HalberstadtShiur with Melech HalberstadtShiur with Melech Halberstadt.

Friday, May 15Friday, May 15Friday, May 15Friday, May 15 7:05 pm Earliest Candles 7:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Online 8:18 pm Candles Count Omer 37 after dark

Friday, May 22Friday, May 22Friday, May 22Friday, May 22 7:11 pm Earliest Candles 7:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Online 8:25 pm Candles Count Omer 44 after dark

MAZAL TOV AND OTHER MEMBERS MATTERS

Shabbat, May 16Shabbat, May 16Shabbat, May 16Shabbat, May 16 9:22 pm Shabbat Ends 9:40 pm Havdallah Online & L’chaim for Randall Count Omer 38 after dark

Torah Reading: Torah Reading: Torah Reading: Torah Reading:

Vayikra 25:1 - 27:34

Hertz P. 531

Stone P. 696

Haftorah:Haftorah:Haftorah:Haftorah:

Yirmiyahu

16:19 - 17:14

Hertz P. 551

Stone P. 1179

SHABBAT MATTERS

• Monday-Thursday, May 25-28 - Shloshet Yemei HagbalahShloshet Yemei HagbalahShloshet Yemei HagbalahShloshet Yemei Hagbalah: Online Pre: Online Pre: Online Pre: Online Pre----Shavuot Tikkun. Shavuot Tikkun. Shavuot Tikkun. Shavuot Tikkun. See flyer on p. 3.

• Shaarei Shomayim Siyum Hatanach Shaarei Shomayim Siyum Hatanach Shaarei Shomayim Siyum Hatanach Shaarei Shomayim Siyum Hatanach - Rabbi Strauchler and Rabbi Shore will be conducting a community project to study all of Tanach. If you are interested in participating, please e-mail them at rabbistrauchler@shomayim.org or rabbishore@shomayim.org. They will assign you a group of 5 chapters or more, and come up with a plan to help you study. We will be partnering with 929929929929, a project dedicated to creating a global Jewish conversation around issues that unite and divide us, anchored in or inspired by Tanach. 929 invites Jews to read Tanach, one chapter a day, together with a website with creative readings and pluralistic interpretations. To learn more go to https://www.929.org.il/lang/en/today.

SHAVUOT MATTERS

ONLINE/PHONE SERVICES, SHIURIM & PROGRAMS

PARSHA MATTERS - by Rabbi Sammy Bergman THE VALUE OF HUMANITYTHE VALUE OF HUMANITYTHE VALUE OF HUMANITYTHE VALUE OF HUMANITY

“How much is a human life worth?” Andrew Cuomo, governor of New York city, recently asked this question rhetorically as a challenge to those who advocate for opening the economy. Putting aside the complex issues involved in ending or continuing lockdown, as Jews we certainly wholeheartedly agree with Governor Cuomo that no price can be placed on a human life. The recent notifications we have received from the COR, OU, and other rabbinic organizations all attest to the utmost importance the Torah attributes to Pikuach Nefesh, the saving of lives.

And yet, in parshat Bechukotai, one of the parshiyot we read this week, the Torah not only seems to assign monetary value to humans, but the price is relatively a'ordable. In Vayikra Chapter 27, the Torah discusses the mitzvah Arachin, or Valuations, in which a person vows to donate their “value” to the Beit Hamikdash. Based solely on age and gender, the Torah prescribes a monetary value for any person who makes such a vow ranging from a maximum of fifty silver shekels for a male between the ages of twenty and sixty, to a minimum of three silver shekels for a female between the ages of one month and five years.

At first glance, the mitzvah of Arachin, seems both troubling and unnecessary. Firstly, how could the Torah prescribe such a small value to the worth of humans? Secondly, what is the purpose of creating such a roundabout method of donating to the Beit Hamikdash? Rather than pledging his value, if a male between the age of twenty and sixty, desires to donate 50 silver shekels to the temple service, can’t they pledge their donation explicitly?

Perhaps we can suggest an approach based on the Midrash. In the Midrash Tanchuma (Bechukotai 6) Hashem tells the Jewish people: “If you bring Me your valuations, I will consider it as if you have brought your souls.” Pledging one’s value to the Beit Hamikdash is about more than the actual funds which are ultimately donated to the temple service. Rather, the idea of Arachin is about dedicating the totality of one’s talents, time, and energy to the service of God.

But saying “I am donating everythingeverythingeverythingeverything I have to God” without pledging any concrete amount, doesn’t guarantee that a person will actually make any changes in their lives. Grand proclamations about what we plan to do often serve to boost our egos but fail to inspire any practical action. Therefore, the Torah prescribes a modest, set value for each person regardless of their net worth, prodigious talents, or physical strength. We don’t need to donate everythingeverythingeverythingeverything. A donation reflecting our basic humanity is suOcient.

The message of Arachin is that while we are each unique, we are also all human. While we isolate in our homes, we may be separated from our most productive environments and struggle to utilize our talents and skills. Work can be more challenging, social relationships feel less rewarding, and religious experiences require more exertion and result in less inspiration. In times like these, it’s important to remember that God also values us as simple human beings, and appreciates our persistence in maintaining basic functionality. We can take pride in the small goals we accomplish even if they aren’t reflective of our full capabilities. Let us continue to appreciate every priceless human life because every soul is valuable to God.

Shul oOce sta' are working remotely and are here to serve you in any way that you may need.

Please contact us either via email info@shomayim.org or by phone, as we are checking our email and voicemail regularly.

Note: Shul Note: Shul Note: Shul Note: Shul ““““Remote OOceRemote OOceRemote OOceRemote OOce” ” ” ” will be closed on Monday, May 18 for Victoria Day. will be closed on Monday, May 18 for Victoria Day. will be closed on Monday, May 18 for Victoria Day. will be closed on Monday, May 18 for Victoria Day.

Rabbi Strauchler (RabbiStrauchler@shomayim.org) and Rabbi Shore (RabbiShore@shomayim.org) are available to answer any of your questions and provide any support that you may need.

SERVICING OUR MEMBERS

A Special Shabbat Celebrating our Youth, Teens and Young Adults! A Special Shabbat Celebrating our Youth, Teens and Young Adults! A Special Shabbat Celebrating our Youth, Teens and Young Adults! A Special Shabbat Celebrating our Youth, Teens and Young Adults!

Shaarei Shomayim will be celebrating our graduates and Youth Leaders at our annual Grad Shabbat,Grad Shabbat,Grad Shabbat,Grad Shabbat, June 13June 13June 13June 13.

The Shabbat Matters will include a special section listing those completing academic milestones in June 2020: SK, Grade 5, Grade 8, Grade 12, University/College Undergraduate, and Graduate School. Please contact Meital at coordinator@shomayim.org to let us know if a member of your family is graduating this year, and from which grade/degree and educational institution.

We welcome sponsorships! We welcome sponsorships! We welcome sponsorships! We welcome sponsorships! All sponsorships will be recognized in Shabbat Matters. To sponsor and to include a Mazal Tov message for your graduate, please go to https://www.shomayim.org/form/gradshabbat2020.

Our Grad Shabbat will include grad gifts, youth Dvar Torah, community challlah bake, cholent contest, and more! Stay tuned for more details.

GRADUATION & YOUTH LEADERSHIP SHABBAT

THE SHARP FAMILY FUND FOR STUDIES IN ISRAELTHE SHARP FAMILY FUND FOR STUDIES IN ISRAELTHE SHARP FAMILY FUND FOR STUDIES IN ISRAELTHE SHARP FAMILY FUND FOR STUDIES IN ISRAEL

The Sharp FamilyThe Sharp FamilyThe Sharp FamilyThe Sharp Family started a fund in memory of Max and Lena Sharp to support our young adults who go to Israel for a year of study. Grants are only provided to members and friends of Shaarei Shomayim. The application closing date this year is May 29. To apply please go to https://www.shomayim.org/study-Israel, and complete the form by May 29.

ZOOM UPDATE: ZOOM UPDATE: ZOOM UPDATE: ZOOM UPDATE: Please make sure to update your Zoom app when prompted, to ensure seamless connection.

We would like to acknowledge your milestones! Please let us know when there is a birth, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, graduation, engagement, aufruf, wedding, significant birthday/anniversary, community recognition, illness, bereavement, or unveiling. Call or email the shul oOce at 416-789-3213 or coordinator@shomayim.org or donate online at Shomayim.org/donate.

Rabbi Chaim Strauchler Avital Strauchler, Rebbetzin Rabbi Jesse Shore, Assistant Rabbi Randall Craig, President Nicole Toledano, Executive Director 470 Glencairn Avenue | Toronto, ON M5N 1V8 | Tel 416-789-3213 | Fax 416-789-1728

WWW.SHOMAYIM.ORG

YAHRZEITS DATEDATEDATEDATE YAHRZEITS BEING OBSERVEDYAHRZEITS BEING OBSERVEDYAHRZEITS BEING OBSERVEDYAHRZEITS BEING OBSERVED

Shabbat, May 16 22 Iyyar

Norm Ringel, brother of Ian Ringel

Sunday, May 17 23 Iyyar

Louis Abramowicz, husband of Esther Abramowicz Lena Sharp, mother of Isadore Sharp

Monday, May 18 24 Iyyar

Miriam Aronowicz, mother of Harry Aronowicz Samuel Bierstone, father of Edward Bierstone David Durbin, father of Karen Ander

Rachel Erlich, step-mother of Harry Erlich Drezla Karbel, mother of Pesa Vernon Denise Perez Robertson, sister of Debby Goldman

Tuesday, May 19 25 Iyyar

Seymour Belkin, brother of Roslyn Bigman Berger

Wednesday, May 20 26 Iyyar

Leonard Shapiro, father of Elliot Shapiro

Thursday, May 21 27 Iyyar

Daniel Massouda, brother of Tito Massouda

Friday, May 22 28 Iyyar

Bev Gurza, mother of Harley Gurza

Rachmiel ben Dvorah (Randall Craig), Michael Mordechai Avraham ben Hinda Rifka, Eliyahu ben Ryejah, Brachah bat Gitl, Noach Shmuel ben Rachel Ethel, Chaim Yakov ben Rivka, Eliyahu ben Ruth, Minah Tzurel bat Ita, Moshe Zvi ben Golda Yocheved, Shira bat Blimah Leah, Meir Zeileg ben Chana, Yehuda Yoseif ben Miriam Yocheved, Eliyahu Yom Tov ben Leah, Zvi Aryeh ben Eidel, Shlomo Shraga ben Esther, Pinchas Mordechai ben Chana.

REFUAH SHLEIMAHz

• Thursday, May 21, 12:00 pm - Jerusalem Foundation of Canada Yom Yerushalayim/Jerusalem Day Watch Party on FacebookJerusalem Foundation of Canada Yom Yerushalayim/Jerusalem Day Watch Party on FacebookJerusalem Foundation of Canada Yom Yerushalayim/Jerusalem Day Watch Party on FacebookJerusalem Foundation of Canada Yom Yerushalayim/Jerusalem Day Watch Party on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JerusalemFoundation/. President Reuven Rivlin and Mayor Moshe Lion will welcome you to Jerusalem as the Jerusalem Foundation hosts a party to celebrate Jerusalem, and to inspire us all with hope for better days to come!

• Mondays-Thursdays, 1:30-2:00 pm - The Orthodox Union Daily Dvar: 30 Minutes to Nourish Your SoulThe Orthodox Union Daily Dvar: 30 Minutes to Nourish Your SoulThe Orthodox Union Daily Dvar: 30 Minutes to Nourish Your SoulThe Orthodox Union Daily Dvar: 30 Minutes to Nourish Your Soul. Watch it live on their website at https://www.ou.org/daily-dvar/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OrthodoxUnion/.

• May & June - The Neuberger @ Home: Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre Curated Series of Virtual ProgramsThe Neuberger @ Home: Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre Curated Series of Virtual ProgramsThe Neuberger @ Home: Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre Curated Series of Virtual ProgramsThe Neuberger @ Home: Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre Curated Series of Virtual Programs. New online programming series that brings Holocaust education, remembrance and commemoration to the safety and comfort of your homes. Go to https://www.holocaustcentre.com/online-programming.

• Thursdays, 7:00 pm - The Yiddish Book Center presents: Free Virtual Public ProgramsThe Yiddish Book Center presents: Free Virtual Public ProgramsThe Yiddish Book Center presents: Free Virtual Public ProgramsThe Yiddish Book Center presents: Free Virtual Public Programs. Talks, readings, conversations, and staged readings. To view the calendar and register, go to https://www.yiddishbookcenter.org/visit/calendar-events.

• Sunday, May 24 - UJAUJAUJAUJA’’’’s Virtual s Virtual s Virtual s Virtual Walk with IsraelWalk with IsraelWalk with IsraelWalk with Israel. With special guests: comedian Elon Gold, the Maccabeats, Israeli singer Rami Kleinstein, and many more! Get up and moving for Israel! Whether dancing to your favourite Israeli beats or going a mile on your treadmill, we want you to show us how far you would go for Israel. To receive a Virtual Walk Kit for the whole family go to https://tinyurl.com/y9yeqw95.

• May 30-June 7 - The 28The 28The 28The 28thththth Toronto Jewish Film Festival Online: TJFF2020Toronto Jewish Film Festival Online: TJFF2020Toronto Jewish Film Festival Online: TJFF2020Toronto Jewish Film Festival Online: TJFF2020. Visit their website https://tj'.com/schedule/ or call 416-324-9121 for information about the films line-up, along with details on how to purchase tickets.

• CHESED VS. COVIDCHESED VS. COVIDCHESED VS. COVIDCHESED VS. COVID----19191919: Volunteers running errands for people who cannot leave the house! Volunteers running errands for people who cannot leave the house! Volunteers running errands for people who cannot leave the house! Volunteers running errands for people who cannot leave the house! Requests for errandsRequests for errandsRequests for errandsRequests for errands: call 647-725-4549 or email ChesedvsC19@gmail.com, or fill out the form at http://bit.ly/Chesed-vs-C19. Want to helpWant to helpWant to helpWant to help? ? ? ? Join the WhatsApp group at https://chat.whatsapp.com/JJgwEOof0bdHdwWeo2rjZq or email ChesedvsC19@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY MATTERS

Online Kabbalat Shabbat $360

Online Havdallah $360

Online Tot Davening Program $180

R. Strauchler’s online Gemara Shiur $180

R. Strauchler’s online Yirmiyahu Shiur $180

Online evening Tehillim $180/week or $36/day

R. Diamond’s online Parsha Shiur $180

Online Walkie Talkies with R. Shore $180

Shabbat Matters $180

R. Strauchler’s Torah for Your Life $180

Yahrzeits (recognized in Shabbat Matters) Starting at $36

NEW! Sponsorships for Yahrzeits, Smachot, Chessed, Zoom Programs & Special Days