Seymour J. Abrams

Cheder Lubavitch Hebrew Day School

Candle Lighting Times for

Skokie:

Friday, Mar. 15

6:38 pm

Message from the Dean

It was deeply troubling to hear Senator Schumer's recent remarks criticizing Israel and advocating for the overthrow of its government, especially during a critical time of conflict when Israel is fighting for its survival.

While I typically refrain from discussing politics in my weekly messages, the situation at hand involves human lives at stake, making it impossible to ignore.

Senator Schumer's remarks come at a critical time. Hamas is close to a state of total collapse. Yet, only when they will be militarily crushed and destroyed can Israel, with the help of G-d rest assured that Hamas' pledge of 'perpetrating October 7th again and again' not be realized.

Furthermore, there are 130 hostages in Gaza and Israel as well as the US and others are trying to negotiate their release by applying maximum pressure on their captors. Calling for the overthrow of the Israeli government is tantamount to strengthen Hamas and their demands, further endangering the lives of elderly women, children and others who are held hostage in the hands of the murderous Hamas animals.

As a child of survivors, I grew up listening to my parents recount the horrors of Nazi atrocities and the tragic reality of Jews who, out of desperation, collaborated with the Nazis. However, it's crucial to understand that their actions were driven solely by the instinct for survival, setting them apart from most other ethnic groups who collaborated with Nazi Germany.

It's apparent that the dynamics of an election year may be influencing the United States to adopt a stance that poses a potential threat to Israel. However, the collaboration of a Jewish individual with those who harbor anti-Semitic views within the Senate and Congress marks a significant and troubling turning point.

As we approach the celebration of Purim, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people and the defeat of Haman, it's essential to reflect on the recurring threats faced by our people throughout history. The Passover Haggadah serves as a poignant reminder: "For not only one arose and tried to destroy us, but in every generation they seek to annihilate us, yet G-d continually delivers us from their grasp."

May we merit to experience the ultimate miracle, the coming of Moshiach and the building of the third and permanent Temple!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Yitzchok Wolf

Parshah in a Nutshell

Parshat Pekudei

The name of the Parshah, "Pekudei," means "Amounts of" and it is found in Exodus 38:21.

An accounting is made of the gold, silver and copper donated by the people for the making of the Mishkan. Betzalel, Aholiav and their assistants make the eight priestly garments—the apron, breastplate, cloak, crown, hat, tunic, sash and breeches—according to the specifications communicated to Moses in the Parshah of Tetzaveh.

The Mishkan is completed and all its components are brought to Moses, who erects it and anoints it with the holy anointing oil, and initiates Aaron and his four sons into the priesthood. A cloud appears over the Mishkan, signifying the Divine Presence that has come to dwell within it.

Learn: Pekudei in Depth
Browse: Pekudei Parshah Columnists
Prep: Devar Torah Q&A for Pekudei
Read: Haftarah in a Nutshell
Play: Pekudei Parshah Quiz