What's the Spiel? - Shabbat Mevarchim

In the telling of the Exodus narrative, the expression, "We will go on a three-day journey in the Wilderness and bring offerings to the Lord, our God, as He will tell us," (Shemot 8:23) is often used by Moshe during his various interactions with Pharaoh. Why a three-day journey? Did not God promise the complete redemption of the Jewish people from Egypt? A simple reading of the verse, "We will go on a three-day journey in the Wilderness, and bring offerings to the Lord, our God," seems to imply that the Jews will return to Egypt after this three-day period is over to resume their servitude. However, if the people were destined to leave Egypt for good, why does Moshe discuss leaving for a mere three-days?

To help resolve this apparent discrepancy, we should turn to Rebbeinu Chananel's commentary on Shemot 3:18, which states, "Heaven forbid that Moshe would speak deceitfully to Pharaoh in order to escape. Rather, [requesting to leave for a three-day journey] was [said] in order to receive the mitzvot! For the Holy One, blessed is He, desired to bring the Israelites into mitzvot gradually."

Rebbeinu Chananel is saying something very important about the nature of the redemption. In essence, the notion of leaving Egypt for a three-day journey into the Wilderness was to teach Israel that redemption is not an event it is a process. We know that "It came to pass in the course of those many days, that the king of Egypt died, and the Jewish people moaned by reason of the bondage and their cry rose up to God...and God knew." (Shemot 2:23-25). The time was ripe for the redemption of this people from their slavery! It was in the air, it was on everyone's lips! God knew it and the people knew it! Redemption seemed close at hand.

However, like freshly-blown glass which is as molten as it is tender, which is as dangerous as it is yet unformed, which, when placed into a vat of cold-water bursts into a thousand shards, so too were the Jewish people yet unformed, yet unable to withstand the full impact of being exposed to complete redemption all at once. Had God taken Israel from Egypt and given them the Torah directly upon exiting the land, what would have happened? The people were not yet capable of internalizing what it meant to serve a king who was not flesh and blood. They did not yet know what the uniqueness of their identity meant. They did not yet understand the concept of sacred time or free-will. As a slave people, how could they? To abstain from work for one day out of the week would spell disaster for a slave. The concept of fasting, meticulously observing the purity laws and taking ma'aser, the giving one's own food to support another, were totally foreign concepts and, from a slave's perspective, self-destructive acts.

Therefore, in order to keep the Jewish people from "shattering into a thousand shards," in order to make sure that they could became a strong, capable, sustainable and yes, eternal people, able to receive God's Torah, God had to introduce the mitzvot to them little by little, bit by bit, so that they could acclimate themselves to a new reality, to a new relationship with themselves, and with the Ribbono Shel Olam.

The assertion that redemption must occur as a process and not as a singular event, is illuminated by the Midrash Tehillim 18:36, wherein Rabbi Yudan states, "The redemption of this nation does not come all at once, but little by little...Salvation grows progressively for the people of Israel. If the redemption would come all at once, they would not be able to endure it because of the great hardships they now experience...Therefore, it...grows progressively." Had God redeemed the nation from the reality of slavery in an isolated moment in time rather than through a gradual process, the terrifying intensity and grandeur of that redemptive moment would have resulted in the spiritual devastation the people.

This Shabbat, let us reflect on the idea that redemption must always come by way of a "process," so that we may prepare ourselves spiritually in order to embrace it appropriately when it arrives, and may it arrive speedily in our days.

Shabbat Shalom!

-Rabbi Dan

No Shabbat Morning Drasha: "When Things Don't Work Out: An Introduction to the Concept of Exile"

No Shiur After Mincha: "The Staff in the Garden: Grasping the Roots of Torah"

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Schedule of Services

at B'nai Abraham

We encourage everyone to daven privately when unable to attend services. Use the private time to connect to Hashem. Public prayer definitely adds to our prayer experience. Yet we also have the capacity to create a profoundly meaningful private experience with the Divine. Let us seek such an experience in the coming days.

COME FOR CHOLENT!!

Thank you Daniel & Natalie Ledeen for

sponsoring Kiddush in honor of their 11th anniversary!

CTI Announcements

Shalom Austin Mask Policy Update

Based on the increasing COVID-19 reported incidents, the CTI Medical Committee recommended a revised mask policy that was approved by the Board of Directors.

Masks are mandatory for all individuals attending services.
Children are welcome at shul, but all children over the age of 2 must be masked. Children under 2 do not need to wear a mask but must be accompanied by a parent at all times.
We will continue to monitor the local situation and modify these policies as circumstances change.

Additionally, the Medical Committee strongly recommends that all members get vaccinated for the protection of everyone in our community and beyond.

Please bring your mask to synagogue.

Backup masks will be available if needed.

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home in Israel

JANUARY 4, 2022 @ 10AM (CST)

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home in Israel

with Capitil Real Estate and Partners, Part I

Presented by: Ben Levene, Capitil Real Estate and Partners

This session is constructed with the goal of helping all Anglos who are interested in making the move to the Holy Land fully understand every single detail involved in this lengthy process. These events provide a tremendous amount of value and education to the community.

The team of specialists and experts, all of whom are Olim Chadashim, include a seasoned real estate agent, real estate attorney, mortgage broker, currency transfer specialist, property manager, and interior designer.

The team will cover every aspect of what the process of purchasing property in Israel entails, with a focus on the current conditions of what is hopefully the end of the Coronavirus pandemic in Israel.

The panel is arranged with the goal of giving all prospective buyers a complete understanding and sense of confidence in approaching the purchase process.

Topics covered on the presentation will include:

The step-by-step process of buying property in Israel
The current state of the market
The expertise your realtor needs
The differences between purchase contracts in Israel and America
The fees and taxes involved in purchasing property in Israel
The process of obtaining mortgages in Israel
How to deal with Israeli banks

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE PROGRAM.

As a service to the wider community, the Orthodox Union has researched various online platforms and has organized, collected and curated many key resources in one centralized location for your convenience. Please visit together.ou.org for a wide range of information covering the following areas: Adults, Leadership, Parenting, Seniors & Elders, Technology, Torah and Youth. Check back at together.ou.org as updates will occur regularly.

CTI is virtually open for all classes! Attend online with video and audio, or join through phone call alone. Visit tiferetaustin.org for more information on how to join these exciting classes:

'Building a Palace in Time: The Many Meanings of Shabbat'

Sunday 7:00pm

In this class, we will not only explore how to keep Shabbat, but why we do so in the first place.

· Why is Shabbat so preciously unique to the Jewish people?

· Why did God make the observance of Shabbat so essential for a spiritual relationship with Him?

· How does Shabbat and its observance help us better understand ourselves as individuals and as a community?

· How do all of the laws and observances of Shabbat help us better understand and experience

· what spiritual freedom is really all about?

“Building a Palace in Time: The Many Meanings of Shabbat” will operate like a book club and will meet via Zoom on Sunday evenings, from 7:00-8:00, beginning on April 11th. With each new unit, a different book will be assigned, and we will work through each book according to scheduled readings and thought prompts. Individual members are responsible for obtaining the assigned books, all of which can be easily found on Amazon.com.

This class is free of charge. No prior background is required, and all are welcome and encouraged to attend!

For more information, please contact Rabbi Dan at rabbidan@tiferetaustin.org, or (512) 410-0336 ex. 101.

TYT Tuesday Night

The Book of Judges

Tuesday 7:00pm

The Book of Judges teaches us about unexpected and underestimated spiritual and political leadership. Prior to the establishment of the Jewish monarchy, the nation was constantly enmeshed in fighting foreign enemies, spiritual and moral backsliding, oppression, as well as tribal in-fighting. It was a vicious cycle. The Judges came about in order to resolve these political, spiritual and moral issues and to set the people on the right track. Who were the Judges of Israel? How were they chosen, and why? While names like Shimshon, Devorah, Gidon and Yeftach may be familiar, their stories, complex personalities and murky legacies require a great deal of study. In this brand new TYT series, we will explore the life and times of the Judges of Israel – who they were, what they did, and what their contributions to Jewish history are all about. You won’t want to miss out on learning about these early leaders of the Jewish people, whose stories and personalities are as captivating as their contributions to the Jewish people are timeless.

TYT Wednesday Mornings

The Book of Second Samuel

Wednesday 8:15am

Come and join the TYT community and learn about the life and times of King David! II Samuel explores how a young David establishes both his kingdom and his kingship. Despite great promise, potential and ability, David is nevertheless beset by external and internal enemies, fighting both physical and spiritual wars. Come and see how David struggles to unite a broken and battered kingdom, establish a capital city and win the support of his people, while at the same time, striving to remain true to God’s Torah and lead a righteous life. No longer the ruddy youth, playing the harp and running for his life, II Samuel takes us through the long journey of David’s maturation process, omitting nothing, all the while exploring larger questions of morality, repentance, power and politics. While we extol David as one of the greatest Jewish heroes and leaders of all time, this book will frame his life and story in its proper context, look under the surface, and examine the complex personality of King David! This class meets each Wednesday morning, except of Jewish holidays, at 8:15am.

Mishne Torah k'Seder Friday Mornings

Mishne Torah k'Seder

Friday 8:15am

Come and join Rabbi Dan on Friday mornings at 8:15am for an in-depth exploration of the Rambam's Mishne Torah. This class will go through the Rambam's classic work on halakha (Jewish law), in a way which both engages and transforms the reader on a spiritual and intellectual level. Why did the Rambam write the Mishne Torah? What was he trying to achieve? How does the Rambam's interpretation of Jewish law, theology, history and culture differ from his rabbinic contemporaries who also wrote comprehensive Jewish legal works? What were some of the great disputes this work sparked, and why? You don't want to miss out on this great opportunity to learn what the Mishne Torah is all about.

Questions? Suggestions? Interested in Volunteering? Please contact our Committee Chairpersons.

Finance Committee: Gary Gerstenhaber

Fundraising Committee: Beth Shapiro

Membership Committee: Sarah Wander

Chesed Committee: Lynn Kane

Kiddush Committee: Henna Tatham

Ritual Committee: Joel Tendler

The next CTI Board meeting is Wednesday, January 12 at 7:00pm. If you are a CTI Member you can login to our website and see all scheduled Board meetings by clicking here.

For those new to the community, check out this introductory video

featuring Rabbi Dan and a few of our wonderful CTI community members!

Birthdays

Marshall Humble on January 2

Suzanne Newberg on January 4

Anniversaries

Stephen & Marcia Sutter on January 4

Jay & Carol Rubin on January 6

If you have any birthdays or anniversaries you would

like to add, please update your profile on our website.

Yahrzeit Remembrances

Minnie Shapiro, Grandmother of Eric Shapiro, on Thursday 4 Shevat

Samuel Steiger, Father of Elaine Orent, on Thursday 4 Shevat

If you have a Yahrzeit that you would like the congregation to acknowledge, or if you have a correction that needs to be made, please update your profile on our website.

DONATIONS

Thank you to Anonymous donors.

Thank you to David and Eileen Hillson for their in Honor of CTI.

Thank you to Sol Stavchansky for his donation in support of CTI’s programs.

NOTICE: On January 2, 2022, the amount of the optional credit card convenience fee donation will be changed to match the change in our processing costs – to [2.5% + $0.15] from [1.99% + $0.49]. Approximately the same calculated fee will apply to transactions of $50, slightly less for transactions below $50, and a little more for transactions above $50. We appreciate our donors’ generosity in contributing to CTI’s credit card processing costs.

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We encourage you to use electronic payments by credit card or eCheck through CTI's website at www.tiferetaustin.org when fulfilling the mitzvah of giving Tzedakah to mark family events and milestones, including Yahrzeits, and in honor of CTI and our community.

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Refuah Shelayma to:

Allene Novy-Portnoy; Hannah Bassa bat Sarah Osnat
Avshalom ben Hannah Bassa
Cindy Newman
Debbie Tendler; Devorah Rachel bat Rivka Leah
Janet Goldberg; Shayna Masha bat Chasha Mina
Ken Friedman
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Sheina Ruchel bat Henya Leah
Tzvi David ben Rivka Golda
Yoel Simcha ben Chaya Risha
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Zvi Aharon ben Bayla
Yaira bat Sarah
Tamar bat Chaya
Ilana bat Gheita
Joel Tendler; Yehoshua Mordechai ben Tziporah Perel
HaRav Avram Meir ben Eli Yosef v'Shira Chanah.
Rabbi Harold Liebowitz, Ha Rav Chaim Alter ben Necha.
Baruch Akiva Ben Rivka
Miriam bat Helen
Rivka Michal bat Sarah Chana
Lori Garza

Shoshana bat Yocheved
Miriam bat Rachel v'Mordechai
Alta Shoshana bat Shulamit
Meir Psachia ben Tziril
Geni Berman Abitbol
Beilya Golda bat Leah
Yosef Yehoshua ben Sarah
Jonathan Malawer (Yosef ben Bracha)
Bowie Alarcon
Fivel ben Sarah HaLevi
Adam ben Chanah
Rafael ben Sheindal Leah
Aharon Asher ben Chaya Naomi
Esther Malka Fraida bat Serel Chaya Raiza
Kalev Boaz Chai ben Aliza
Esther Reva bat Malka
Avraham ben Rut
Peter Janson, Faival ben Tzur
Sheva Eva bat Bella.
Dorit Iken, Dorit Chana bat Orah
Moshe ben Rut
Shulkah Malka bat Tziporah
Yehudit bat Sara
Chandal bat Basia
Shmuel Dovid bat Malka
Anthony Ben Devorah
Shayna Leah bat Yehudit

Wishing all Cholei Yisrael a Refuah Shlayma.

Dear Tiferet Friends,

If you placed a name on the Refuah Shelayma list and G-d willing the person is well,

please let us know. Also, if you have a friend or family member who needs

prayers for healing, again please let us know at admin@tiferetaustin.org

Online Shopping that Benefits CTI

Don't forget to bookmark our special links to AmazonSmile and Artscroll.com -- you will have the same shopping experience and CTI gets a generous percentage of your shopping dollar. Please bookmark and start shopping!

AmazonSmile Info

To Get Started with AmazonSmile

AmazonSmile will make a donation to CTI based on the amount of your eligible purchases made on the AmazonSmile website. The AmazonSmile website looks identical to the regular Amazon.com website, except that when you log in the banner at the top of the window shows that you are on the AmazonSmile website and displays the charity that you are supporting. There is also an additional item in the dropdown menu labelled “Your AmazonSmile”. The AmazonSmile page offers a convenient shortcut icon or bookmark for your browser to take you to AmazonSmile for your shopping.

ArtScroll

Using the CTI Website

Logging in is easy via the login button at the top of the web page. Your login ID is your email address.

Once logged in, many of the fields are pre-filled for you, to make it easier and quicker to register for an event or make a donation, and so on.

But that's not all! You will also have access to the online Member Directory, the CTI Bylaws, the minutes of Board meetings and the President,Treasurer and Rabbi Reports and other documents, all under the Resources tab. With more coming all the time!

If you have any questions or comments about the website, please contact our webmaster Joel Tendler at webmaster@tiferetaustin.org.