Parshat Tzav-Zahor March 19, 2011 13 Adar 2, 5771

Rabbi Dov Kramer on Parshat Tzav and Purim

TORAH
ARTSCROLL, 568 the "Day of Atonement, "Yom celebrate on that day? And if
HERTZ, 429 On Purim we celebrate G-d Kippur." The Vilna Gaon says they didn't celebrate
saving us from Haman and that we should have a "seudah," receiving the second Luchos
MAFTIR his decree "to destroy, to a festive meal, every year on until they were saved from
ARTSCROLL, 1066 kill and to wipe out all of that date to celebrate our Haman, why not?
HERTZ, 856 the Jews" (Esther 3:13). The receiving the second set of
Vilna Gaon (Likutay Ha- Luchos, but because it is a day Chazal tell us (in several
HAFTORAH Gera, quoted by Gevuros of fasting and prayer, this places) that when the Torah
ARTSCROLL, 1214 Yitzchok 15) says there's an "seudah" is done on Purim tells us that we "stood under
HERTZ, 995 additional aspect to our instead, as Purim is also a day the mountain" (Shemos
celebration, that of our that was a sort of "kabbalas 19:17), it doesn't just mean
receiving the Torah. haTorah," since we accepted that we stood at the foot of
Times
upon ourselves the additional Mt. Sinai, but that G-d held
Candle Lighting 6:47 pm Although Moshe broke the mitzvos of Purim (Esther 9:27), Mt. Sinai over our heads (so
first set of Luchos on the and, by extension, the entire that we were actually
Friday Mincha 6:45 pm 17th of Tamuz when he saw Torah. underneath it) and
the golden calf, after 40 threatened us with death if
Hashkama 8:00 am Even though we don't eat on we didn't accept the Torah.
days of Moshe beseeching
Youth 8:30 am G-d to forgive us (and Yom Kippur, we do have a In the Talmud (Shabbos
working on us to be worthy festive Yom Tov type of meal 88a), Rav Acha bar Yaakov
Parsha Shiur 8:30 am of being forgiven), G-d told right before Yom Kippur starts, says that this undermines the
Moshe to carve out a new and some have the minhag to whole notion of our
Main Minyan 9:00 am
set of stone tablets, upon have a "Seudas Yom Tov" when "accepting the Torah"
Beit Midrash 9:15 am which He would write the they break the fast to willingly, as it was forced
"Ten Commandments," compensate for the "Seudas upon us, to which Rava
Gemorah Shiur 5:40 pm indicating that the covenant Yom Tov" that couldn't happen responds that after the
that the nation had broken during the day. Why couldn't miracle of Purim, we
Mincha 6:40 pm
by worshipping the golden we include the celebration of reaccepted the Torah, this
Shabbat Ends 7:55 pm calf was being restored. getting the second Luchos time willingly. If the Torah
Moshe went back up on Mt. then? Why do we include it 5 was originally forced upon
Sun. March 20 See page 2 Sinai for another 40 days, months later with our Purim us, we can easily understand
Purim
and came back down on the celebration rather than only a why they never "celebrated"
Mon., Thur. 6:35/7:45 am 10th of Tishray with the few hours later, when we could getting it until after the
knowledge of how to include celebrating our personal Purim story happened and
Tues.Wed.Fri. 6:45/7:45 am achieve forgiveness (the "13 forgiveness on that day with the why that was the day chosen
attributes"), the communal experience of being to celebrate it. After
Mincha Sun/Fri. 6:55 pm commandment to build the forgiven for the golden calf and appreciating what G-d did
Mishkan (with all of its being given the second Luchos? for us in Persia, we
Latest times for
Shema/Shmoneh Esrei details), and the second set What did they do for hundreds retroactively appreciated that
of Luchos. From then on, of years before the Purim He gave us the Luchos. Since
March 19 10:01/11:02 am the 10th of Tishray became miracle? If they celebrated on a this retroactive appreciation
different day, why don't we also happened on Purim, this is
March 26 9:54/10:56 am
Kiddush Is
Seudah Shlishit is sponsored by
Next Shabbat Sponsored by Roya & Ben Shavolian
Shemini Great Neck in memory of his mother
Candle lighting 6:54 pm Synagogue Hoori Shavolian, z”l.
Mincha 6:55 pm
26 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023 (516) 487-6100 Shabbat Announcements Parshat Tzav 5771

when we celebrate receiving the second set of Luchos.

PURIM SCHEDULE
Nevertheless, if we weren't so thrilled with having to accept
the Torah, after the golden calf, we should have felt relief, not
remorse. Yet, the nation mourned upon hearing that they had
broken the covenant, and was overjoyed that they were given a
second chance, a joy that manifested itself in the zealousness TAANIT ESTHER
with which the materials were donated for the Mishkan. Thurs., March 17, 2011

How can it be suggested that they didn't want to celebrate Fast begins at 5:42 am and ends at 7:37 pm
receiving the second Luchos until centuries later if they Shacharit 6:20 am/ 7:45 am (with selichot)
showed how glad they were to receive them only days later? Mincha at 6:40 pm

The Meshech Chuchmuh is among the commentators that

explain the Talmud in a non-literal manner. After seeing the
10 plagues, being taken out of Egypt, experiencing the
splitting of the sea, and having G-d provide their daily bread
and water, the nation didn't really have a choice but to accept
G-d's proposal of the Torah. G-d's presence was so obvious
that they couldn't say "no." This can be contrasted with the
miracle of Purim, which happened "behind the scenes,"
through many steps that could all be explained naturally.
When we put all the pieces together we can see how it was G-
d's hand that moved all the pieces into place, but His name isn't
even mentioned in the Megilah. There was "hester panim,"
with G-d's face being hidden from those who didn't look for
Him. When we reaccepted the Torah even when G-d was
hidden from us, there was an added layer of appreciation. We
weren't keeping the Torah because we "had to," we were also
keeping it because we want to, because we want to maintain
our relationship with Him. On Yom Kippur we celebrate the
gift of teshuva (returning), the ability to recover from our
mistakes, and it was this "gift" that led to the eagerness to
donate to the Mishkan. We "returned" to the covenant we had
agreed to before the golden calf, the one we knew we had to
accept. On Purim, though, we realized how beneficial it is to
have this special relationship with G-d, and so we celebrate not
just the miracle of Purim, but also receiving the second Luchos,
which symbolize our covenant with Him.
PURIM EVENING
Saturday night, March 19, 2011
Please note that there will be three
Megilah readings this year
1)Megilah at 8:15 pm in Beit Midrash
2) Megilah at 8:30 pm in Main Shul
We will be using a microphone in the Main Shul
this year
3)Megilah at 8:40 pm in Youth Center
Youth Purim program at 8:30 pm in Gym
Purim Extravaganza at 9:30 pm in Main Ballroom
Purim Tisch 11:15 pm
PURIM DAY
Sunday, March 20, 2011
1st shacharit at 7:00 am in Beit Midrash
2nd shacharit at 8:00 am in Main Shul
3rd Shacharit at 9:00 am in Youth Center

Megilah reading approximately 25 minutes after

start of minyan
Womens Tefilah Megilah reading 9:00 am sharp
in Beit Midrash
Early Mincha 1:35 pm
Regular Mincha 6:55 pm
Late Ma’ariv 8:15 pm

Great Neck Synagogue

Shabbat Activities Program
Great Neck Synagogue
Shabbat Activities Program

Dale Polakoff, Rabbi

Ian Lichter, Assistant Rabbi
Dr. Ephraim Wolf ,z”l, Rabbi Emeritus
Michael Bleicher, Daniel Schwechter, Rabbinic Interns
Zeev Kron, Cantor
Eleazer Schulman, z”l, Cantor Emeritus
Mark Twersky, Executive Director
Joseph Hecht, President
Harold Domnitch, Chairman of the Board
  
 
 
 
 
This year our Purim Spectacular Show will take place on  
Saturday evening, March 19, at 9:30 pm, in the Grand Ballroom. 
Our famous BBQ Tisch will take place in the Braun Youth Center beginning at 11:15pm. 
Please sponsor according to your family participation.   

Sponsorships:
Purim Sponsor $36 with special gift.
Show Sponsor $72 with special gift and VIP Seating
BBQ Sponsor $72 with special gift & VIP BBQ Seating
All Access VIP Purim Sponsor $136
To become a sponsor please contact Isaac Greszes, Rabbi Ian Lichter or Mark Twersky. 
As always we appreciate your support. 
Courtesy transportation will be available after the Tisch  
to those that request it. 
 
Sponsors as of March 14, 2011 
To add your name to this list please contact the Synagogue office. 
 
Alan & Lisa Adler  Gregory & Tami Kramer 
Dan & Marcy Aharon  Jeff & Carol Kaufman 
Nathaniel Aryeh  Michael & Mindy Leventhal 
Reuben & Rona Askowitz  Myles & Rona Mittleman 
Bart & Emma Baum  Zachary & Yifat Mittleman 
Jeff & Lisa Benjamin  Milton & Ruth Mitzner 
Mark & Linda Bunim  Avery & Ellen Modlin 
Hal & Debbie Chadow  Michael, Tricia & Gladys Moslin 
Elie & Laura Cohen  Jonathan & Daniella Muller 
Dov & Roz Davidovics  Jon & Dina Ohebshalom 
Asher & Mehri Davoudpour  Jared & Liz Ort 
Mitch & Janet Feldman  Moshe & Esther Pinsky 
Andrew & Sara Feldschreiber  David & Diane Rein 
Arnie & Kathy Flatow  Jonathan & Amy Reiss 
Tom & Debbie Furst  Dov & Aliza Sassoon 
Martin Ghodsi  Josh & Nadine Shatzkes 
Abe & Lynn Glassman  Evan & Jessica Shusterman 
Ben & Sarita Greszes  Robert & Karen Spitalnick 
Isaac & Ina Greszes  Alan & Orly Steinberg 
Natan & Dina Hamerman  Baruch & Pam Toledano 
Joseph & Donna Hecht  Sam & Melissa Toledano 
Eliot & Erica Heisler  Ruvane & Stephanie Vilinsky 
Ethan & Michelle Heisler  Nathaniel & Rebecca Weisel 
Michael & Alisa Hoenig  Howard & Michele Wolf 
Larry Horn  Jordan & Rivka Wolf 
Adam & Didi Hutt  Marc & Davida Yehaskel 
Gabriel & Neta Jansenson  Adam & Karen Zalta 
Erran & Lisa Kagan  Glenn & Heidi Zuckerman 
Marc & Amy Kalter  Ross Zuckerman 
  Steven & Shellie Zuckerman 
 ANNOUNCEMENTS
MENS’ CLUB UPCOMING EVENTS
Sun, March 27, 9:30 am: The Annual Three Rabbi
Dialogue being held this year at Temple Beth El.
Thur, April 7, 8:00pm: Do you or your parents live part-
time or full-time in Florida? Come and learn about Senior
Solutions—a private care management service company,
who deal with the geriatric population in Florida, overseeing
their care, and who understand their culture, mentality and
needs.
Sun, June 6: The semi-annual Blood Drive.
Mon & Tues, June 28 & 29: The Annual Defensive Driving
Course.
Sun, July 17: Trip to NYC Holocaust Museum.
PURIM CARNIVAL Annual NSHA /GNS Community Carnival
Purim Day, Sunday, March 20th at the Cherry Lane Gym
12:45PM- 3:00PM $5.00 per person, Great rides, booths, lots
of food and prizes!
OU PASSOVER BOOKLETS
The OU Guide to Passover is available in the Synagogue
office. Copies are limited, so please come in and pick-up a
copy while they last.
PURIM HUNGER INITIATIVE APPEAL
The GNS Hunger Initiative is assisting many families during
these challenging times. Your donation to our special Purim
appeal would be much appreciated. Please make your check
payable to Great Neck Synagogue and note "Hunger
Initiative" at the bottom of your check. Thank you for your
help.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
The Sisterhood had a hugely successful Rosh Chodesh
Hamantaschen Baking event this week! Thank you very
much to Rebbetzin Katie Lichter for her beautiful Dvar
Torah which was dedicated in memory of Cindy Hodkin’s
father and Roslyn Korman’s husband, Bernard Korman z”l
on the occasion of his 35th yahrzeit. We are grateful to
Cindy Hodkin, Katie Lichter, Judy Lillien and Vivian Kron for
organizing this wonderful event!
DOS YIDDISH VORT A video in Yiddish (with English
subtitles) of funnyman, Shimon Dzigan On “Life in Israel”
and other sketches will be shown at Dos Yiddish Vort On
Wednesday, March 16, at 1:30pm, at Braun Youth Center.
Purim refreshments! All Welcome. For more information, call
Roz Wagner 487-9795.
SISTERHOOD FREE TRIAL ZUMBA CLASS
Please join us on Wednesday evening, March 23rd at 8:00pm in
the Braun Youth Center for a free trial Zumba class presented
by the Sid Jacobson JCC. “Please bring a water bottle, towel and
dress in comfortable clothes and shoes.” To make a reservation
please, contact Judy Lillien at syny98@gmail.com. Thank you
very much to Judy for arranging this fun class for us!
SISTERHOOD PRE-PESACH BOUTIQUE AND BUY-BYE BLING
GOLD SALE Please join us on Wednesday, March 30th, 7:00pm to
10:00pm at Great Neck Synagogue to shop at our Pre-Pesach
boutique. Also, on that same day, there will be an opportunity for
you to come to Great Neck Synagogue to receive cash on the spot
for your valuable gold and silver items. (Gold Sale hours are
10:30am – 3:00pm and 5:00pm – 9:00pm). Appts. available,
walk ins welcome. Highest prices paid! The Sisterhood will receive
a percentage of all sales. Use your cash at the boutique! Thank
you to Lisa Kagan and Susan Sheena for co-chairing this event.
Within Our Family
Mazal Tov to Randi & Michael Barenholtz on the birth of a
grandson, born to their children Melissa & Baruch Pelcovitz.
Mazal Tov To Elena & Anthony Berkowitz on the birth of a
grandson, born to their children Kimberly & Jonathan
Berkowitz and to big sister Anya.
Mazal Tov to Susan & Irwin Lieberman on the birth of a
grandson, born to their children Esther & Avi Lieberman in
Israel.
Mazal Tov to Marilyn Druker on her engagement to
Harry Wanderer of Brooklyn and to their children, Rabbi
Daniel and Audrey Rosenstein, Jill and Noam Kaminetzky,
Joshua and Leslie Wanderer, Rochelle and Richard Senior,
Helaine Rubin-Green, Amy Rubin, and their grandchildren.
YOUTH SNACKS
Youth snacks are sponsored by Diane and David Rein in honor
of their daughter, Sophia’s, 8th birthday.
MARATHONS FOR CHARITY Arnie and Viviane Breitbart will be
running in Jerusalem on March 25, where Arnie will be running the
Jerusalem Marathon and Viviane will be running the 10K, to
support Shalva. Contributions can be made out to American
Friends of Shalva and mailed to Arnie Breitbart, 10 Imperial Court,
GN, NY 11023.
March 20, Tami Kramer will be running in the NYC Half-Marathon
as part of Team Sharsheret. To sponsor please visit her profile
at https://www.sharsheret.org/halfmar2011-tamisecunda.php.
PLEASE KEEP THE NEEDY IN MIND
If you have extra goodies for Shalach manot, please drop them in
the cooler at 18 Birchwood Lane on Friday before 1 pm. Also,
please be generous this week in your donations of food so that we
may enable others to have a freilich Purim.
This year your extra or free matzah (from the supermarkets), can
be donated to Tomchei Shabbos.Please leave your boxes in front of
the Frumkin garage, 31 North Clover, Great Neck Estates, during
daylight hours. Thank you.
FYI Michelle Miller, daughter of Elaine & Albert Miller authored an
exciting new play “ Mother of G-d”, written by a Jewish mother about
the ultimate Jewish mother. Tickets are available at Theatrema-
nia.com or 866 811-4111 at the Richmond Sheppard Theatre
March, 12-26
Saturday, 13 Adar 2
Elliot Diamond for Louis Diamond
David Lax for Sara Lax
Sunday, 14 Adar 2
Marilyn Druker for Bernard Druker
Y Monday, 15 Adar 2
A Benny Hakimi for Aaron Hakimi
H Tuesday, 16 Adar 2
Frank Bachrach for Lotte Bachrach
R Peter Epstein for Ann Epstein
Z Wednesday, 17 Adar 2
E David Miller for Rubin Miller
I Thursday, 18 Adar 2
T Leonard Samansky for Frank Samansky
Ben Shavolian for Hoori Shavolian
Mervin Verbit for Yetta Verbit
Friday, 19 Adar 2
Brenda Parver for Sol Altman