September 15, 2020 - 26 Elul 5780 News from the Agudah:
- Unfortunately, over the past weeks, there has been an uptick of COVID-19 cases in our communities. See below a statement that Agudath Israel has released about remaining vigilant during the upcoming Yomim Tovim.
- Agudath Israel's Torah Projects Commission is delighted to Present Teshuvah, Tefilah, Tzedakah, a four-part Aseres Y'mei Teshuvah series on Tefilos Yom Kippur. See below for program and login information.
- For your high school daughters, Bnos Agudath Israel presents Giving is Gaining, an Aseres Yemei Teshuvah program for teenage girls. See below for program and login information.
- Last week, Mr. Sol Werdiger, Agudath Israel's Chairman of the Board, met with Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi, Consul General of Japan in New York. See below for a picture from the meeting.
- The Yerach Ha'eysonim Yarchei Kallah program for hilchos Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkos continues tomorrow with a 11:00 AM hachana shiur followed by a 12:00 PM shiur by Rabbi Zev Smith on the topic of Neilas Hasandal B'Yom Kippur. See below for full schedule and login information.
- Lastly, did you see the latest Ki Heim Chayeinu video? Click here to watch Daf Yomi: Not B'dieved Learning: Volume 4.
| | Unfortunately, the uptick in COVID-19 cases in our communities, noted in Agudath Israel of America's recent statement regarding simchos, continues its upward trajectory. While there have been hospitalizations, boruch Hashem most of the recent cases have not been as serious as those in March and April. Theories to explain this phenomenon abound, and much remains unclear. Some medical experts see the slow rise in cases now in our community as echoing what we experienced in early March, chas v'sholom, and are concerned that we may be at the cusp of an exponential rise. Others see the past month, in isolation, as less alarming. The truth is, we do not know where this is headed. And that is exactly why we must remain vigilant. So, this Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, please remember to daven fervently for tichleh shona v'kililosaho. We must all resolve to improve our limud and support of Torah, kavod hatefila, and kedusha, as the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah has instructed. And, with the guidance of your rabbonim, please also take the precautions you've heard about so many times in the past 6 months – for yourself, and for the people next to you who may have health conditions that put them at greater risk. Medical experts and health officials are recommending that, as much as possible, people mask and social distance, especially given the uptick. They further advise that for indoor gatherings, ventilation should be enhanced by opening windows and/or increasing the fresh air input settings of HVAC systems. This is especially so in the context of the Yomim Noraim, when we spend additional time together in shul.
Of course, the elderly and those at high risk should be especially careful. Individuals who have had exposure to a COVID case or attended a high-risk event should seek medical advice before attending shul. And if you feel at all ill with COVID symptoms, please stay home; do not risk endangering your fellow man. May our renewed focus on bein adam lamakom and bein adam lachaveiro merit a k'siva va'chasima tova for all of us. | | Yom Kippur is the spiritual highpoint of our year. On this day we appeal to our Hakadosh Baruch Hu to remember us fondly in the coming year and erase our past misdeeds. Klal Yisroel has 25 hours to make their case for the upcoming months; it is of the utmost importance that we ensure our tefilos carry weight. This Aseres Yemei Teshuvah, as Klal Yisroel readies themselves for this intense day, Agudath Israel's Torah Projects Commission presents Teshuvah, Tefilah, Tzedakah, a four-part series on Tefilos Yom Kippur.
This unique, eye-opening, series will take place Monday September 21st at 10:00 PM EDT through Thursday September 24th and will feature live sessions on the tefilos with Rabbi Yoir Adler, Rav, Khal Shoavei Mayim, Toronto; Rabbi Benzion Kokis, Rav, Khal Zichron Mordechai, Monsey; Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky, Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshiva of Greater Washington; and Rabbi Betzalel Rudinsky, Rav, Agudas Yisroel Ahavas Yitzchok of Wesley Hills and Rosh HaYeshiva, Ohr Reuven. | | Bnos Aseres Y'mei Teshuvah | | As Yom Kippur approaches and Klal Yisroel readies themselves for these yemei teshuvah, Bnos Agudath Israel is proud to present a tailor-made Aseres Yemei Teshuvah program for high school girls.
The program, Giving is Gaining, will take place from Monday, September 21st until Thursday, September 24th and will feature: Mrs. Yael Kaisman, teacher and Life Coach; Rebbitzen Tobi Teller, Menaheles of Hanna Sachs Bais Yaakov of Chicago; Mrs. Shuli Bengigi, Principal of Bais Yaakov of Miami; and Mrs. Nechama Denebo, teacher in Bais Yaakov of Los Angeles and Pico Bnos advisor.
Now is the time to get inspired, tune in daily by calling 425-436-6277 access code: 244274.
| | Meeting with Ambassador Yamanouchi | | The above photo was taken last week when Mr. Sol Werdiger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Agudath Israel of America, and Rabbi Aaron Kotler, President and CEO of Beth Medrash Govoha, presented a shofar to Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi, Consul General of Japan in New York, in appreciation of the heroism of Japanese diplomats during World War II. The actions of these diplomats saved countless Jewish lives in the midst of the Holocaust.
(L-R) Mr. Sol Werdiger, Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi, Rabbi Aaron Kotler | | Tomorrow, there will be a hachana shiur at 11:00 am EDT and a shiur from Rabbi Zev Smith at 12:00 pm about Neilas Hasandal B'Yom Kippur.
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