Youth Meeting

ANNUAL YOUTH GROUP LEADERS MEETING

Rabbi Jensen would like to invite all present and potential High School Youth Group Leaders at GNS on Tuesday, September 8th at 5pm, 8th graders are welcome.

Sponsorships:September 5, 2009

Kiddush is sponsored by Michelle & Norman Rutta in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Rebecca

Bima Flowers are sponsored by Alina & Lev Dynkin in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Rachel

Within Our Family: September 5, 2009

Mazal Tov to Michelle & Norman Rutta on the Bat Mitzvah for their daughter Rebecca.

Mazal Tov to Cheryl & Lawrence Sneag on the engagement of their son Darryl to Jennifer Wertman, from Brooklyn, NY.

Mazal Tov to Helene & Mark Gersten on the birth of their granddaughter born to their children Eliezer (Larry) & Batsheva Gersten in Israel, joining siblings Esti & Tova.

Mazal Tov to Sydelle & Israel Slochowsky on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter Rebecca, daughter of Michelle & Benjamin Hering.

Mazal Tov to Alina & Lev Dynkin on the Bat Mitavah for their daughter Rachel.

Mazal Tov to Gloria Faizakoff on the engagement of her son Daniel to Debra Dickstein, daughter of Sharon & Alan Dickstein of Middletown NY.

Shabbat Announcements, September 5, 2009

September 5, 2009

Jobs

Avi Schoenbrun, a mispallel at Rabbi Sherer’s shul, has started collecting and transmitting information on employment opportunities on a near daily basis. That information is being distributed to 18 shuls in Flatbush with more to come. To help our chaveirim who may be looking for work in these difficult times as well as the chaveirim of our chaveirim we will be forwarding these messages to you. Feel free to forward these messages to anyone who may find them valuable.
As we are only passing on this information, we cannot respond to any questions. Please address any comments, questions or, most importantly, job referrals to Avi Schoenbrun @ parnasahreferrals@ verizon.net . Inquiries about the specific positions should be directed to the contact information listed for each position.
1)
Title: Whole Loan Accounting Supervisor/Controll er Salary: $160,000 to $200,000 annually, plus bonus, plus benefits Industry: Hedge fund
Location: Fairfield County, CT (must be able to drive to lower CT, no move allowances, client wants a local person) Duties, responsibilities and requirements:
Coordinate all whole loan accounting and tax and operations related to the purchase, sales, securitizations, put-backs, buy outs and buy backs. Maintain and prepare all G/L accounting, all information to complete tax returns and financial statement information for disclosure for whole loans and SPVs. Develop whole loan, REO accounting, reporting tax and custodial reporting systems. Develop whole loan pricing modules for month end evaluations. Manage and monitor data flow from services.
MUST HAVES: Bachelor degree in accounting. In addition, an active CPA certification is preferred. Five years of experience in whole loan accounting, tax and operations. Real estate owned accounting.
Proficiency in Excel. Familiarity and/or experience with mortgage backed securities, mortgage backed derivatives, Asset backed securities, global interest arbitrage, management of domestic and non-US portfolios (including pension funds, endowments, foundations, commercial/private banks, insurance companies).
(2)
Tax Manager with Financial Services Exp.Salary: $120-$150Mid Sie CPA firm basced in Midtown Manhatan.
Thanks
Alan T. Ernst
NYCPAJOB
aernst@nycpajobs. com
516-385-3339
Online jewelry high fashion jewelry manufacturer seeks person with expertise in marketing optimization. Need to increase visibility of our site, and move it up in the rankings. Work in the comfort of our home, part-time and flexible. Understanding in high fashion jewelry is a plus. This is a great opportunity for resume and portfolio building.
This is commission based on each sale that you help bring in. Also, discount on jewelry for yourself, family and friends. Call Mr.
Rabbani@
516-569-9267, or email to info@jewelrynest. com.
Accounting firm in midtown seeks accountant with at least five years experience of business tax.
Please email resumes to moshe@ny.pcsjobs. org We are currently seeking MIS professionals for the following roles- 1)Senior Systems Analyst- American Healthware Regular Full-Time (Sabbath accommodations will be made) JOB SUMMARY:
* Conducts system analysis to determine user needs for systems applications. Design and implements new systems features and customizations. .. (AHS). Performs on-line and batch custom modifications. Provides maintenance and production support for existing system.
* Designs, codes and implements systems and systems reporting customizations.
* Collects and analyzes data and troubleshoots system issues. Conducts testing of system and application, monitor changes and enhancements.
* Chairs/participates in system implementations and committees, including conducting meetings.
* Addresses and resolves system/application issues including third party application and interfaces in a timely manner.
* Interfaces with users in order to define system requirements. Trains users regarding new systems functionality.
* Acts as a liaison for MIS and end users. Acts as a resource for staff for technical programming and system issue resolution.
* Analyzes, tests and de-bugs new functionality and software upgrades. Researches and resolves any referred help desk calls. Documents system procedures.
* Updates users on new features of system — AHS. Assist users to develop reports. Work with other Financial Departments to maintain systems and applications.
* Ensures that State and City Financial data are maintained and that application is updated to manage changes in City/State requirements. Maintains all system documentation security and QA as per department policy.
* Assist team members with problem resolution. Provide support/guidance to systems users (American Healthware, Network and PC operating systems, hardware etc.)
Requirements-
Required : 2 years of college or technical training
Preferred: 2 years of college or technical training with certification ( e.g., CNE, Network Engineering) .
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: 3 - 5 YEARS OF FINANCIAL SYSTEMS EXPERIENCE, INCLUDING PROGRAMMING. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH AMERICAN HEATLHWARE APPLICATION IN PROGRAMMING AND DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING EAGLE.
2)System Administrator- HMED
Regular Full-Time (Sabbath Accommodations will be made) JOB SUMMARY:
* Maintains and contributes to the smooth flow of activities necessary for the department’s effective provision of service to customers by ensuring the information application for which he/she is responsible for, functions properly; provides on-call service for system/application emergencies.
* Assist with monitoring of interfaces between clinical financial systems when appropriate and addresses/resolves problems with he appropriate MIS Staff.
* Recognizes system problems when they arise and repairs either hardware or software as appropriate. Reports serious problems to the appropriate MIS Staff and document the issue and resolution.
* Maintains log of all system/interface problems encountered. Establishes CQI and statistical reports and monitors to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
* Maintains and updates departmental personnel on other systems as necessary (e.g., assign new passwords to employees, deletes former employees.) *Develops and maintains MIS policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety and environmental standards pertaining to that system.
* Updates and maintains all required files for appropriate system and documents same. Maintains change Control policies and procedures as related to adding or revising any data for system/application.
Requirements-
EDUCATION: BS in Computer Science required. Previous experience with the System/Application required
EXPERIENCE: 1 - 2 Years of System experience and/or health care experience. KNOWLEDGE OF ALLSCRIPTS ED PREFERRED.
TECHNICAL PC SKILLS REQUIRED; NETWORK ADMINISTRATION, MCSE, AND MS OFFICE SKILLS POWER USER.

Damian Michael Perrone
Human Resources Recruiter
Maimonides Medical Center
(718)283-7550 phone
(718)635-8157 fax

–
============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ===== This position will work under our IT manager to help facilitate and manage the companies growing IT needs.
Support a robust Microsoft based network running 2000/2003 and Exchange 2007. Server, PC, and Laptop expertise are needed to perform the duties of this position. Provide Level 1 and Level 2 support. Helpdesk needs include phone support. In depth knowledge of Windows XP/Office 2003/2007, Exchange/Outlook 2003. Familiarity with troubleshooting TCP/IP protocol, DNS, WINS, and DHCP. Install and maintain network hardware and software. Setting up user desktop profiles, configuring Blackberries and network and local printers.Perform optimization of personal computer operating system; apply OS patches, troubleshoot communication of devices. Must be detail oriented with a concern for quality expressed by continually initiating system and process improvements. Must possess excellent analytical and communication skills (both written and oral), independently resolves hardware break-fix issues, network connectivity and application related questions for third party  products. Demonstrate strong problem solving skills. Ability to provide TrackIt reports and analyze trends to make recommendations to management.
Please e mail resumes to resume11207@ gmail.com ============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ====== Well-regarded real estate service company is seeking to hire an attorney on a permanent basis. The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of insurance and real estate litigation experience. A big plus will be any experience working on title insurance litigation matters. The permanent salary range is $100,000+, depending upon your experience. Please note that there will be a significant amount (50%) of domestic travel. You must have excellent analytical skills and kindly apply only if you have a litigation and a real estate background. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please forward your resume to mlevi@strategiclega l.com . Thank you.
============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =====Position Summary:* This position is responsible for managing all aspects of the Education Program in order to develop and disseminate materials to teach children science, math, language arts and social studies fundamentals by introducing them to Junior Energy.
Junior Energy’s mission is to work in classrooms and schools to help children discover how they can positively impact the planet by engaging their parents, family, friends and neighbors in small, simple actions. Our philosophy is to bring education and empowerment into the classroom around environmental issues. We pair a curriculum and other learning tools with an action students can take to ensure that the learning sticks.
*Essential Duties and Responsibilities: *
- Develop and maintain relationships with strategic partners, including schools, nonprofit organizations, and environmental education organizations;
- Establish school-wide adoption of curricula through close partnerships with at least 50 schools;
- Establish partnerships with school districts nationally;
- Ensure educational materials are updated, accurate, and engaging;
- Recruit, hire and manage consultants to help create and evaluate Junior Energy educational materials;
- Conduct media campaigns to disseminate our educational resources;
- Oversee and coordinate fundraising and implementation of grant-funded projects, including managing deliverables from partners and reporting on results;
- Work on program budgets, grant writing, and reporting on deliverables;
- Present program successes at regional and national conferences;
- Other responsibilities as assigned by the director.
*Supervisory Responsibilities: *
Oversees work of vendors
Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
*Qualifications: *
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in education or environmental studies or related field; advanced degrees in education or environmental studies, or equivalent experience in a nonprofit organization, program management, and education and outreach preferred;
- A minimum of two years experience in a managerial-level in environmental education and conservation;
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook with a working knowledge of PowerPoint;
- Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills;
- Ability to develop budgets and analyze financial reports;
- Collaborative and energetic work style, superior people skills and ability to motivate and delegate;
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities in a time sensitive manner;
- Entrepreneurial spirit is a must
- Ability to travel a minimum of 10% per year, nationally and internationally; and
- Dependability, ability to juggle responsibilities, enthusiasm for the issue and a sense of humor.* *
* Contact: *Please submit CV and cover letter to Ronnie Aroesty at ronnie@juniorenergy .org– Erika Diamond
516-776-2267
DataBit, Inc, is a single source solution provider specializing in a comprehensive range of hardware and software, integration and implementation services. DataBit offers global end-to-end solutions to its customers, and provides optimal service and support. Headquartered in Mahwah NJ, DataBit is a leading provider of Managed Network and Security Services, and Network Integrator, to small and medium enterprise businesses. DataBit sells directly in the NY Metropolitan area.DataBit designs, installs and supports robust local and wide-area network infrastructure and back office solutions, network security, remote access, and network management solutions. NETWORK/FIELD ENGINEER DataBit Engineers provide high level field support and consulting to our clients. Candidates must be comfortable interfacing with company senior executives and able to maintain a high level of service. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong problem solving skills, the ability to be prompt and courteous plus the ability to work independently and in a team environment are necessary.Successfu l candidates must be knowledgeable of · MS Office 2000/XP/2003 · PC/server Hardware/support/ troubleshooting · MS Windows 2007/2003/2000/ · Windows Vista/XP/200 · MS Exchange 2007/2003/2000 · Active Directory · Veritas Backup Exec · Symantec/Trend Micro antivirus · Linux is not necessary however is a plus for any candidate · Firewall experience is a must The successful candidate will have:
· MSCE or equivalent certification
· 3 - 7 years of proven experience administering a LAN/WAN - TCP/IP environment using Windows 2000 and 2003, including MS Exchange · Experience with design, implementation, and migration of Active Directory · Experience migrating to and from Exchange 2000/2003/2007 · Backup and Recovery of Windows and Exchange 2000/2003/2008 · Experience managing LAN/WAN connectivity through maintenance and troubleshooting of routers, switches, hubs, network cards, and dial up networking · Configured and deployed Layer 2 and routers · Configured and deployed a Cisco PIX and Netscreen/Juniper or other type hardware firewall into a production environment · Working knowledge of Internet email (smtp, mx records and rbl troubleshooting) · Working knowledge of DNS, Internet Infrastructure, and IP informational tools · Thorough knowledge of Desktop Operating Systems - Windows 2000/XP/Vista prior migration experience highly preferred · Experience rebuilding servers and workstations · Deployed and managed BackupExec and NAVCorp · Microsoft MCSE certification preferred · Excellent quantitative, analytical, and verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills DataBit offers competitive salaries and our generous benefits package includes health and dental insurance at great employee rates, life insurance, short/long term disability, paid time off and holidays, a 401k plan and performance incentives. Come work for the leader in cutting edge technology and see for yourself how we value our clients and employees alike.
Databit, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please submit resume and salary requirements to jobs2009@databitech .com DEBT COUNSELOR Part-time: Non-profit Community agency has an immediate opening for a P/T Debt and Budget Counselor. Flexible hours available.
Brooklyn location
Responsibilities include ascertaining client’s assets, liabilities and cash flow and working with them to develop a monthly budget.
When appropriate, Debt Counselor will analyze clients’ specific circumstances, providing customized recommendations and courses of action to enable them to reduce/eliminate debt through education, and/or referral to other assistance organizations. This position may develop customized budget and/or debt management plans to enable clients to reduce debt and re-establish good credit, to include proposing/coordinat ion acceptable payment schedules with creditors.
Must have BA or BS plus 2 years relevant experience.
Email Resumes Word Format or in the body of the email only: info@angelfundnetwo rk.org ~Joanne Grazi Angel Fund 718.787.1400 x15 www.angelfundnetwor k.org ============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= === Job opportunities available to work on Mayor Michael Bloombergs campaign. Looking for people to work approximately six day’s a week at $10 per hour. Jobs available till November 3rd, 2009. Job requires to get out the vote. Canvassing and making phone calls.If you are interested please email mbotnick@mikebloomb erg2009.com Avi Schoenbrun Parnasah Referrals Please forward all job referrals to parnasahreferrals@ verizon.net

Great Neck Scholars Kollel:September

Great Neck Scholars Kollel

Schedule for September

08/31/09	09/01/09	09/03/09
Rosh Hashana: The books of life, death, and everything in between	Rosh Hashana: The books of life, death, and everything in between	Rosh Hashana: The books of life, death, and everything in between
Mesilas Yishurim: Discovering the proper path	Mesilas Yishurim: Discovering the proper path	Parsha

09/07/09	09/08/09	09/10/09
Yom Kippur: Finding the right way home	Yom Kippur: Finding the right way home	Yom Kippur: Finding the right way home
Mesilas Yishurim: Discovering the proper path	Mesilas Yishurim: Discovering the proper path	Parsha

09/14/09	09/15/09	09/17/09
Yom Kippur: Finding the right way home	Sukkos: The mitzvah of building a sukkah	Sukkos: The mitzvah of building a sukkah
Mesilas Yishurim: Discovering the proper path	Mesilas Yishurim: Discovering the proper path	Parsha

09/21/09	09/22/09	09/24/09
Sukkos: The mitzvah of building a sukkah	Sukkos: The mitzvah of building a sukkah	Sukkos: The mitzvah of building a sukkah
Mesilas Yishurim: Discovering the proper path	Mesilas Yishurim: Discovering the proper path	Parsha

Includes Breakfast

Shiva Notice

Great Neck Synagogue notes with sorrow the passing of Celeste Weber, beloved mother of our member Harriet Cooper.

The funeral took place, Monday August 31, 2009 at 9:30 AM at Sinai chapels in Queens.

The period of Shiva ending Sunday morning,  September 6, will be observed at the Cooper residence, 34A Warwick Road in Great Neck.

May the family be comforted amongst those who mourn for Zion and Jerusalem.

Ki Savo 5769 S. Rabinowitz, MD

In Parshas Ki Savo, the last pasuk of the second aliyah (Devarim 26:15) occurs at the end of the so-called Tithe Confession, „Vidui Ma‟asros.‟ Rabbi Hirsch says that this concludes the Lawgiving of the Torah. One declares on the last day of Pesach of the fourth year and the seventh year of the Shmittah cycle that he has given all his required tithes, including the tithe to the poor. Recall that we give the following (not a complete list):
1) Trumah Gedolah (about 1/50 of the harvest) must be separated and given to a Kohen.
2) Ma’aser Rishon (a tenth of what’s left after Trumah is taken) is separated and designated as a gift for a Levi. Trumas Ma’aser (1/10 of the Ma’aser) is taken by the Levi and given to a Kohen.
3) Ma’aser Sheni (one tenth of what’s left after Trumah and Ma’aser are taken). This is taken to Yerushalayim and is used for celebration with family and friends. In case it cannot be taken there, its “holy status” is transferred to coins of that value (plus 1/5) and those coins are taken to Yerushalayim, where they are spent on food and drink with which to celebrate.
4) (Alternate 3) Ma’aser ‘Oni (one tenth of what’s left after Trumah and Ma’aser are taken). This is given to the poor wherever they are. In the seven-year Shmittah cycle, in years 1,2,4 and 5, Ma’aser Sheni is taken. In years 3 and 6, Ma’aser ‘Oni is taken. In the 7th year, no ma‟aser is taken.
5) Neta Revai is the fruit of the fourth year of a tree‟s produce, treated like ma‟aser sheni, after the completion of the three years of forbidden orlah fruit.
6) Bikurim are the first fruits of the seven species indigenous to Israel: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates, without any specified quantity. The firstborn of herds and flocks are also given.
7) Challah is 1/24th of a householder‟s batch of about five pounds or more of dough made from wheat, barley, rye, oats or spelt. Originally, this was given to a Kohen. A commercial bakery takes 1/48th of a batch of dough.
Leket, shich‟chah, and peah are gleanings, forgotten sheaves, and field corners which comprise gifts to the poor.
Bereishis Rabbah 1:4 quotes Rabbi Huna in the name of Rabbi Matna, “The world was created in the merit of three things, challah, ma‟asros, and bikurim.” The special feature of these three, says the Zohar 2:79b, is that they emphasize to the individual that his existence in the land of Israel depends not on his own merit, but on Divine goodness and kindness.
With these points in mind, our pasuk (Devarim 26:15) is as follows:
הַשְׁקִיפָה מִםְׁעוֹן קָדְׁשְׁךָ מִן-הַשָמַיִם, וּבָרֵךְׁ אֶת-עַםְׁךָ
אֶת-יִשְׁרָאֵל, וְׁאֵת הָאֲדָמָה, אֲשֶר נָתַתָה לָנוּ–כַאֲשֶר
נִשְׁבַעְׁתָ לַאֲבֹתֵינוּ, אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְׁבָש.
Gaze down from Your holy abode, from heaven, and bless Your people Israel, and the land that You gave us, as You swore to our forefathers, a Land flowing with milk and honey.
We can ask four questions: Why is this confession? Why do we ask HaShem to “gaze?” Why specifically from a place called “mi‟ohn?” What is the bracha we receive for this?
In his notes to the Sforno, Rabbi Pelcovitz explains that HaShem originally wanted the firstborn of each family to serve Him. Only after the sin of the Golden Calf, when the firstborn did not actually worship the calf, but stood idly by, was this privilege and responsibility transferred to the Cohanim and the Levi‟im, who took an active role in restoring order. Had Israel not sinned, the
trumah and ma‟aser would have remained in each Jewish home and belonged to the firstborn. The fact that they must be removed is an acknowledgement of our sin. The Midrash Tanchuma says that a man would go to his field and see that a vine, or a fig tree, or a pomegranate tree had produced their bikurim. He would place those fruits in a basket, bring them to the courtyard in the Beis haMikdosh, and plead for mercy on his own behalf, on behalf of Yisroel, and on behalf of the Land of Israel. The statement is therefore called a vidui, a confession in this sense: “although I confess that my giving the tithe to the Levi is an admission of the sin of my fathers‟ passivity at the time of the Golden Calf, nonetheless, hashkifo, look down from heaven and bless me.
We learn about “gazing” in Sefer Bereishis, Parshas Vayeira (18:16). The Torah tells us regarding the angels who visited Avrohom:
וַיָקֺמוּ מִשָם הָאֲנָשִים, וַיַשְׁקִפוּ עַל-פְׁנֵי
סְׁדֹם; וְׁאַבְׁרָהָם הֹלֵךְׁ עִםָם, לְׁשַלְׁחָם.
The men arose from there, and gazed toward Sodom; and Abraham walked with them to send them off.
The Be‟er Mayim Chayim says that they gazed at Sodom to focus evil on it, as a prelude to its destruction. Rashi comments “kohl hashkofoh she‟ba‟mikro l‟ro‟oh, chutz may „hashkifoh m‟mi‟ohn kodsh‟cha‟ (our verse Devarim 26:15) she‟godol koach matnos aniyim she‟hofaych midas ha‟rogez l‟rachamim (Any „gazing‟ that is mentioned in Scripture is to the detriment of that which is gazed upon, except for „gaze from Your holy abode,‟ for the power of gifts to the poor is so great, that it transforms the Divine attribute of anger into mercy (Rashi apparently bases his statement on Yerushalmi Ma’aser Sheni 5:5).” Despite the fact that the word “hashkofoh” signifies “gazing with harsh critical intent,” says Rabbi Sorotzkin, and despite the fact that there are very few truly righteous people in the world who can withstand such scrutiny, the Torah reveals to us a secret: gifts to the poor, the Levite, the proselyte, the orphan, and the widow, bring us so much merit, that gift-giving time is a good time to invite G-d to focus His scrutiny on us. Even if it turns out that all is not entirely as it should be, the merit of giving to the poor will fill Him with mercy for us.
Why does the Torah say that we should ask HaShem to gaze down specifically from a place called “mi‟ohn?” The Baal Haturim says that the gematria of hashkifoh is 500, the distance of 500 years travel that lies between heaven and earth, according to the Gemara Chagiga 13a. On daf 12b Chagiga says that there are seven levels in heaven, and the fifth is called “mi‟ohn.” This is a place where angels sing praises to HaShem, where joy originates. Some angels sing every day, some once a week or once a month, some only once ever. We learn from the angel who wrestled with Jacob that he was desperate to report for work on time. This was to be his one and only time to sing praise.
And what is our bracha? The Gemara Chulin 91b says “v‟ayn malachay ha‟shorays omrim shiroh l‟ma‟aloh, ad she‟yomru Yisroel l‟matoh (angels are not permitted to sing in mi‟ohn until the Jews first sing kedushah to Him on earth). It is therefore a matter of great concern to the angels that there will always be Jews to sing on earth, so they will be able to sing in heaven. The Sifrei explains, says Rabbi Sorotzkin, that the blessing HaShem gives us is to be fruitful, to have sons and daughters. Our children are also our fruits, says the Ma‟ayanah shel Torah, whose first years are bikurim that are dedicated to HaShem in yeshivas, to raise them in the spirit of Torah.
Finally, we can understand the blessing “she‟ha‟simcha bimi‟ohno (in Whose dwelling is joy),” which is recited in the preamble to the Grace after Meals only at weddings and Sheva Brachos. The angels in mi‟ohn rejoice when a new Jewish family is founded to provide more Jews on earth, enabling the angels to sing praises in mi‟ohn.

Parashat Ki Teitzei: Jeroen Reuven Bours

The Parasha of Common Sense.
Should anyone ever ask you what Parasha to read to get a good feel of Jewish common law, this is the one. Seventy-four of the 613 mitzvot we find in the Torah, are packed into this Parasha. The sensible theme that runs through all these rules and regulations is very easy to understand. And if read with a normal attention span, one quickly begins to think like the Torah. And that’s the idea. It’s a pity that there still are people who do not pay attention to this Parasha that has such a clear and defined moral. There are still Jewish businessmen around us that do not adhere to any common sense of ethical behavior even though the Torah is written with such clear words.

Let’s list the Mitzvot quickly and then pick one apart.
There’s the law of the “goodly formed” captive of war and how to treat her; the inheritance rights of the first-born; the wayward and rebellious son; burial and dignity of the dead; returning a lost object; sending away a mother bird before  taking her young or eggs, the duty to install a fence around someone’s roof, and the forms of kilayim; the forbidden plants and animal hybrids.Then there are the ways to deal with adultery, for seduction and rape of an unmarried girl; for a husband who has falsely accused his wife of infidelity; the rules that a bastard, a male Moabite, Ammonite and first or second-generation Edomite or Egyptian cannot marry a person of Jewish lineage. Furthermore, the laws of purity in a military camp; the prohibition of turning in an escaped slave; the duty to let a worker or an animal eat on the job and to pay the worker on time. Also, the proper treatment of a debtor and the prohibition against charging interest on a loan; the laws of divorce (from which we have derived some of the
laws of marriage); the penalty of 39 lashes for transgression of a Torah prohibition; and the procedures for yibbum (”levirate marriage”) of the wife of a deceased childless brother or chalitzah (”removing of the shoe”) in the case that the brother-in-law does not wish to marry her in the first place.

According to Machmonides this sidra contains 72 (!) positive and negative precepts. The mitzvah to let the mother bird go before taking the eggs or young with you, is continued with the promise that following this mitzvah correctly it “may prolong your days”.

All through this Parasha we are reminded that if we do good; i.e. adhere to these rules, we will get good in return; “length of days”.
Our Sages, and Rabbis have commented in the most detailed ways about these mitzvot but no matter how they disagree about the details, the moral is the same. That’s because the words the Torah chooses are clear and very easy to understand for all.

One such detail many Rabbis talked about over the ages, is the notion that “letting the mother bird go” is an act of mercy, since various animals can feel danger when it comes to their young. Says Machmonides (about the killing of animals): “…that this should be done as painlessly as possible…It is also prohibited to kill an animal with its young on the same day to prevent people from killing the two together in such a manner that the young is slain in the sight of the mother; for the suffering of animals under such circumstances is very great…and does not differ from that of man…”

I often wonder about the order of things written in the Torah. For instance, why does this Parasha in between laws pertaining human issues write about a law pertaining the taking of eggs or the young of an active bird’s nest? I found in Machmonides’ writing a possible answer: “If the Law provides that such a grief should not be caused to cattle or birds, how much more careful must we be that we should not cause grief to our fellowmen.” With other words, if you pay attention to just this example alone and follow Rambam’s theory, then it should be enough to make you a good person. This example alone should give you enough ‘common sense’ to do good in life and in business.

Machmonides is aware that the Talmud (Berachot 33b) rejects the phrase ‘Thy mercy extended to birds…’ being used in prayer.
Nachmonides also rejects that we are taught mercy towards the bird, but rather believes that the moral of the story is solely educational to teach us kindness and compassion towards fellowmen.

Here the differences between Rambam and Ramban still lead to the same conclusion; that the example of consideration (I’ll stay away from the word kindness) towards an animal, leads towards better behavior towards another person.

Another conclusion is that a person who is sensitive enough to fully understand the bird example by itself, understands the complete Torah.

Shabbat Shalom.

High Holiday Seating

Please return your seating forms and your outstanding balances to the shul office ASAP to assure seating for the holidays.

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