vital information: Fwd: What's New This Week

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Fwd: What's New This Week

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Agudah <info@agudahil.org>
Date: Tue, Mar 4, 2025, 4:12 PM
Subject: What's New This Week
To: <agentemes4@gmail.com>

TUES, MAR 4, 2025 | 4 ADAR 5785

This newsletter contains flyers and information about the following topics:

Government and Legal

Neighborhood security enhanced with license plate reader cameras

Skokie residents: order your mail ballot now for the critical upcoming municipal election.

Family and Children

Shaar Habitachon shiur for Yahalom fathers

Youth Programming and Camps

Updated Pirchei Mishnas Shabbos Shiurim information

Hiring

Galei Avigayil is now hiring an aquatics director.

Q: What is the ideal time to have the Purim seudah this year?

A: Rav Moshe Kaufman responds:

The Tur cites a gemara that one should not hold a seudah on Erev Shabbos, as eating too much will minimize one's appetite for seudas Shabbos. The Beis Yosef explains that this is only referring to an elaborate seudah; a regular seudah is allowed. He adds that even so, it is a mitzvah to refrain from any seudah after the ninth hour. This is how it is codified in Shulchan Aruch. The Rema comments that this halachah only applies to a seudah that could possibly be held on a day other than Erev Shabbos. A seudah that cannot be delayed, such as a seudas bris or pidyon haben, may be held on Erev Shabbos. This includes seudas Purim, as it cannot be postponed to a different day.

In Hilchos Purim, the Rema writes that if Purim is on Erev Shabbos, the seudah should be held in the morning, in deference to Shabbos. The Mishnah Berurah explains that this means that the seudah should be held before chatzos (1:00 p.m. Chicago time), as the Rema writes elsewhere. The Aruch Hashulchan maintains that it is sufficient to wash and start the seuda before chatzos. He then cites the Yad Ephraim in the name of the Maharil, who says that it may be held until the tenth hour of the day (3:55 p.m. Chicago time). One who does start the seudah then should preferably daven minchah first.

Each approach has its challenges. The Ketzos HaShulchan writes that even if a seudas mitzvah like a bris or pidyon haben may be held before the tenth hour, the Purim seudah should still be held much earlier, as the performance of the mitzvah of "ad delo yada" can create a conflict with Shabbos. He therefore encourages one to have the seudah early in the day. This is the view of most poskim. On the other hand, others are concerned that one who begins the seudah before chatzos might be too drunk to be able to daven minchah. They suggest it is better to daven mincha first and begin the seudah before the tenth hour.

In practice, the preferred times to begin the seudah are as follows:

One should have the seudah, or at least wash before chatzos (1:00 p.m. Chicago time).
One who cannot begin so early may start the seudah before the tenth hour (3:55 p.m. Chicago time).
One who did not manage to wash before these times should see below.

Click here for the full article

Newly Installed License Plate Reader Cameras (LPRs) Enhance Neighborhood Security

An effort championed by Agudath Israel to improve neighborhood security with the installation of new license plate reader cameras (LPRs) recently came to fruition. Alderman Debra Silverstein and the Chicago Police Department worked with the city to install the devices at key intersections throughout the neighborhood. AIOI will continue to work with the Alder, law enforcement, and the city to ensure more LPRs are installed in additional strategic locations.

It's important to note that these are not red light or speeding cameras; these devices work to automatically scan license plates that are being searched for by the Chicago police to track vehicles suspected to be involved in a crime. As Alderman Silverstein explains, "They have been used across the nation to find suspects in Amber Alerts, vehicular hijackings, and more. I am pleased that the local police now have another tool to keep our community safe." AIOI is grateful to Alderman Silverstein, the Chicago Police Department, and the City of Chicago for their efforts to keep our neighborhood and community safe.

Skokie Residents: Order Your Mail Ballots for the Critical Upcoming Municipal Election

Agudath Israel's Voter Concierge Service is here to assist Skokie residents with ordering mail ballots for the critical upcoming municipal election. Registered voters can order mail ballots online to be delivered to their home or any other address in the country (e.g. students attending school out-of-state, snowbirds, etc.). Simply click here to order your ballot, or contact us for assistance. Upon request, our Voter Concierge Service can provide secure ballot pick up and delivery as well.

Please note, if you order a mail ballot, you can still choose to vote in-person at early voting locations beginning March 17, or at your polling place on April 1, as long as you bring the mail ballot with you, or sign an affidavit that you lost/destroyed the mail ballot.

It's a great way to vote from the comfort of your home, as well as a way to ensure you cast a ballot if unanticipated circumstances make it difficult to get to the polls.

For all your voting needs and questions, reach out to Zahava Weldler, GOTV Coordinator via email or phone at vote@agudahil.org or 773.318.6011.

Agudath Israel of Illinois is a 501 (c) (3) and does not endorse political parties or candidates.

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Yahalom Fathers Chaburah

This past Sunday night, Yahalom fathers gathered for a chaburah at the home of Tuviyah and Hadassa Spector. The Chabura was led by Rabbi Moshe Revah, Rosh HaYeshiva , HTC – Beis Hamidrash LaTorah. The men learned Shaar Bitachon and gained valuable insight and chizuk. Yahalom Chicago is looking forward to continuing this Chaburah on a regular basis.