Dear Talmidim,
I hope that you have now settled into your shiurim and classes. The beautiful sounds of Torah learning in the batei midrash and classrooms create a melody of harmony and unity. There are so many opportunities to engage in Torah throughout the week--check out the flyers below and find what interests you most and make a commitment today.
The Parsha begins with the mitzvah of Bikkurim, of bringing first fruits to the Beis Hamikdash. We are instructed “ובאת אל הכהן אשר יהיה בימים ההם ואמרת אליו” - to go to the Kohen of the time and tell him [the following pesukim in the Torah]. Rashi comments that the purpose of the passage is to express that we appreciate all that Hashem does for us in terms of our harvest and “שאינך כפוי טובה.” Rav Shlomo Wolbe (Alei Shur vol.2 p.279) notes an extension of this parsha can be applied to our everyday lives in that we must express our gratitude for others in speech, and that it is not enough to think about it in our minds, or to feel a sense of gratitude in our hearts.
As we begin the new Zman and reap the benefits of literally months of preparation by our staff, rebbeim, faculty, mashgichim, etc. we should not only feel a sense of Hakarat HaTov to each of them, but we are also obligated to tell them how much we appreciate their efforts.
One simple example of something we can all work on together - the security guards. Do we ever stop for a second and consider the fact that we have a safe and secure campus because of the presence of the security guards throughout campus? Do we see the security officers as an obstacle to our entrance into our buildings, or a blessing to our safety so that we can learn and enjoy the campus?
Let’s make a strong effort this semester to say “THANK YOU” each time we enter a building and pass a security officer and tell them you appreciate their efforts.
Mazel tov to Rabbi & Mrs. Hershel Schachter on their grandson's upcoming wedding!
Mazel tov to Rabbi & Mrs Aryeh Lebowitz on their son's engagement!
(Mazel tov Yonah Lebowitz!)
Mazel tov to Rabbi & Mrs. Jon Green on the birth of a grandson!
Mazal tov to Rabbi & Dr. Yaakov Werblowsky on their son's Bar Mitzvah!
Mazel tov to Rabbi & Mrs Kalman Laufer on the birth of a baby boy!
Mazel tov to R' & Mrs. Willy Kluger on the birth of a baby boy!
Have a great Shabbos,
