Shabbat Sukkot October 3, 2009 15 Tishri, 5770

Rabbi Frand Thoughts on the Parsha

SUKKOT SCHEDULE Why Booths? their dwellings. desert on route to the land of
Friday, October 2 The holiday of Sukkos starts The Aruch HaShulchan (Orech Israel. This protection was not
on the 15th day of Tishrei. Chayim 625 ) raises the following furnished only to the Jewish
Candle lighting 6:17 pm
The holiday of Sukkos is question: Whereas Rabi Eliezer's people while in the desert, but
Mincha 6:20 pm characterized by the unique booths were manifestations of a in His infinite kindness, G-d
commandment of dwelling in great miracle that G-d performed has extended that protection to
Kiddush after 7:15 pm
Sukkos - temporary, hut-like for the Jews in the desert, and our people throughout the
Saturday, October 3, Sukkot I dwellings, as the Torah says ages. This special protection,
certainly merits a commandment
Hashkama 8:00 am in Vayikra (23: 42-43 ) "In commemorating the infinite symbolized by the Sukkah, has
booths you are to dwell for kindness and protection of G-d, ensured the continued
Youth 8:30 am existence and survival of the
seven days ...so that your Rabbi Akiva's interpretation is
Main Minyan 9:00 am generations will know that I most puzzling in light of the Jewish people until this very
caused the children of Israel commandment to dwell in the day.
Beit Midrash 9:15 am
to dwell in booths when I Sukkah. What is the significance of Four Species
Gemorah Shiur 5:05 pm took them from the land of the huts that the Jews lived in
Egypt...." There is another
Mincha 6:05 pm while in the desert? commandment which is also
The Sages in the tractate of The Aruch HaShulchan answers unique to Sukkos - the
Candle lighting 7:23 pm his own question. According to
Succah (11b) disagree as to commandment to take the
Sunday, October 4, Sukkot II what the "booths" that the Rabi Akiva, the Succah Four Species. In Vayikra
Israelites dwelt in refer to. commemorates the greatness of the (23:40) the verse says "And
Hashkama 8:00 am
Rabi Eliezer says that these Jewish people. Their faith in G-d you shall take for yourself on
Youth 8:30 am booths are a reference to the was so complete and so total that the first day the fruit of a
Main Shul 9:00 am miraculous "Ananai they traveled into the uninhabitable goodly tree, branches of palm
HaKavod," the "Clouds of desert wasteland at G-d's trees, the boughs of thick trees,
Beit Midrash 9:15 am command. In this wasteland, the
Glory," with which G-d and willows of the brook, and
Mincha 6:15 pm surrounded the Israelites Jews did not even have permanent you shall rejoice before
throughout their forty year dwellings, but merely booths, Hashem your G-d for seven
Yom Tov ends 7:21 pm
sojourn in the desert after trusting in G-d that He would care days." The Gemora in the
Monday - Thursday having left Egypt. These for their every need in the
October 5 - October 8
tractate of Sukkah ( 35a)
clouds protected the Israelites wilderness, which of course, He explains the verse as follows:
1st Minyan 6:30 am from the elements and the hot did. the "fruit of a goodly tree is an
desert floor, kept the Jews' Based on what we have seen, both Esrog (citron); the branch of
2nd Minyan 7:45 am clothing clean, and guided the Rabi Eliezer's and Rabi Akiva's the palm tree is the Lulav; the
Mincha 6:10 pm nation of Israel through the interpretation of the Israelite's "boughs of thick trees" are
desert. Rabi Akiva maintains, "booths" in the desert relate our Hadasim (myrtle); and, the
Next Shabbat – Hoshanah
Rabbah
however, that these "booths" observance of the commandment "willows of the brook" are
refer to the actual booths or of Sukkos to G-d's miraculous Aravos (willow branches).
Candle lighting 6:05 pm huts that the Israelites built protection of the Jews during their The Sefer HaChinuch (324)
Mincha 6:10 pm while in the desert to serve as forty year sojourn through the
Kiddush on Kiddush on Seudah Shlishit
the 1st Day of the 2nd day of Bima Flowers Is sponsored by
Sukkot in the Sukkot For Sukkot are Marilyn & Jeff
Helene M. Fink is Sponsored by sponsored by the Freedman
Sukkah Frumkin and In Memory of his Father
the Mittleman
And by
is sponsored by Family Notovitz Families Ellen & Mitchell Siegel
Diane & David Rein in honor of In Memory of In memory of
in memory of Myles’ Miriam Frumkin z”l His father
Helene M. Fink z”l 60th Birthday David
26 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023 (516) 487-6100
explains why we have this precept of the taking of the Four
Species. As an introduction to the reason, he writes that man
is influenced by those actions which he does on a regular
basis. His thoughts are drawn to that which he does
constantly, whether it be good or bad. This is why Hashem
has given us many Mitzvos (commandments). By increasing
the number of Mitzvos which we perform, we will always
have opportunity to do Mitzvos, we will always be doing
Mitzvos, and therefore have Mitzvos (and Hashem) on our
mind. Furthermore, we will also be doing good all day long,
for which we will be rewarded. By performing the
commandments, we are to constantly focus our thoughts
toward the good, and we are to remember and assure that we
conduct ourselves in an honest and righteous fashion.
The reason for the taking of the four species is very similar to
this reasoning. The holiday of Sukkos has another name
besides "Sukkos:'' The other name is "Chag Ha'Asif," "The
Harvest Festival." It has this name because at this time of the
year the crops are gathered and fruits are harvested and
brought into the house. The harvest is a time of joy and
happiness. G-d commanded that we have a festival at this
time of happiness, so that we could take this natural reaction
and channel it towards Hashem. Hashem, by His command
that this happiness should be directed towards Him, provided
us with another opportunity to serve Him, thereby
surrounding and accustoming ourselves to the performance of
Mitzvos, and meriting reward at the same time. By merely
being happy, a natural reaction at this time of the year, we are
fulfilling a commandment of Hashem thereby immersing
ourselves in the performance of a mitzvah and meriting
reward.
However, since manifestations of joy and happiness are
accomplished largely through physical and material
expressions, there is a danger that the manifestations of joy
will be in a way that is anything but a channeling of happiness
directed towards G-d. A person may come to forget Hashem
during this highly emotional time and act in a way that is not
in accordance with Hashem's commandments. Therefore
Hashem commanded that we should take in our hands objects
that will remind us that all the rejoicing of our hearts should
be for His sake and for His glory. Hashem also desired that
the "reminder" be something that in it of itself causes
happiness and joy, as the season is a joyful one. Therefore, the
Sefer HaChinuch writes, Hashem commanded that we take
the four species because "it is known in the ways of nature
Great Neck Synagogue
Shabbat Activities Program
Shabbat Announcements Shabbat Sukkot 5770
that all four species gladden the heart of those who see them."
The Sefer HaChinuch adds that there is another significance to
the Four Species, as they resemble certain distinctive organs of a
person. The Esrog resembles the heart, which is, as the Sefer
HaChinuch notes, "the seat of the intelligence." We take a
heart-shaped specie to signify that we should serve Hashem with
our intelligence. The Lulav is like the spine, that which is a main
element in man. We take the Lulav to signify that one should
direct his entire body towards the worship of Hashem. We take
the myrtle, whose leaves resemble eyes, to imply that one, on
this day of happiness, should not let his eyes lead him astray. We
take a willow, whose leaves resemble lips, to signify that one
should focus his words and be cautious not to use them
improperly at this time of rejoicing.
GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK
There are several ways to save energy and water
in the laundry room, from careful selection of
your machines to using cold water. When your
old washing machine clunked out, you cleverly
replaced it with a front-loading model bearing the
Energy Star label. Congratulations! You're already
using 50% less energy and water, and saving $110
a year.
But if you're a renter or otherwise saddled with an
oldie, you can still make running a load of laundry
even more efficient. About 90% of the energy
used for washing clothes is for heating the water.
So wash clothes in cold water whenever possible,
and reduce the number of times you run the
machine by always waiting until you have a full
load.

Dale Polakoff, Rabbi Also, to help conserve our natural resources, opt
Shalom Axelrod, Assistant Rabbi out of liquid detergent which has mostly water
Dr. Ephraim Wolf ,z”l, Rabbi Emeritus content, and use powdered detergent
Michael Bleicher, Rabbinic Intern
instead.
Zeev Kron, Cantor
Eleazer Schulman, z”l, Cantor Emeritus
Mark Twersky, Executive Director
Howard Silberstein, President
Harold Domnitch, Chairman of the Board
 GNS Family
Simchat Beit
Hashoeva
Come and Join us for our
Annual Sukkah Celebration
October 8, 2009
6:00 PM
Family BBQ in the Helene M. Fink Sukkah
6:45-7:30 PM
Families and Children, 2nd Graders and under
are invited to our first GNS
Uncle Moishy Concert
in the Mender Auditorium
3rd Graders and up are invited to a
Magic Show in the Braun Youth Center
7:30 PM
All groups will join together with our
High Schoolers & OHEL guests for
Simcha dancing in the gym
RESERVE IN ADVANCE BY OCTOBER 6th
AND PAY ONLY $18 PER FAMILY
THOSE WITHOUT PRIOR RESERVATIONS
WILL BE BILLED $25 PER FAMILY
CALL 487-6100 or EMAIL MTWERSKY@GNS.ORG
*This program is for GNS members and associate members only*
 ANNOUNCEMENTS
SUKKAH DECORATING
Please join in decorating the Great Neck Synagogue Sukkah
on Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 10 am. Come for an hour or
more and help us beautify our Sukkah.
GNS MEN’S CLUB
The Annual Sukkah Luncheon will be held on the 2nd
day of Sukkot, Sunday, October 4th, in the Synagogue’s
Sukkah. The guest speaker will be Dr. William Helmreich.
A delicious lunch and counselors to supervise the children
will be provided. The charge is $36 per adult, $18 for children
ages 6-16, and no charge for kids 5 and under. Please contact
Al Leiderman 482-0628, Dave Wagner 487-9795, Hilly
Milun 504-0320.
ANNUAL OPEN SUKKAH
Rabbi Dale & Ellen Polakoff are pleased to
invite the GNS family to their Annual Open
Sukkah. Please make plans to join them at their
home, 25 Wooleys Lane, on the first day of
Sukkot, October 3rd, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm for
food, singing, and special treats for the children.
WOMEN’S TEFILA
Women’s Tefila invites you to join us for Davenning and
Hakafot on Simchat Torah, on Sunday October 11th at 8:30
am in the Beit Midrash. All girls and women are invited to
pray, sing, dance and be part of the celebration.
HIGH SCHOOL PIRKEI AVOS CLASS
There will be a Pirkei Avos shiur for High School and college
students every shabbos afternoon approx. 40 minutes before
mincha given by Cary Schwechter in the GNS Youth Center.
Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv vs New York Knicks at MSG
Sun. Oct 18th, at 1pm. All proceeds are donated to Migdal
Ohr. Mid-court tickets at $105 each. Tickets are now available
on a first come basis. For tickets call Steve Blumner 487-
3859, Hilly Milun 504-0320, or Paul Brody 466-5412
MEN’S CLUB BLOOD DRIVE
Our Semi-annual drive for the 56th year will take place on
Sunday, October 25th from 8:15 am until 1:30 pm. Every
unit of blood that we collect helps 5 different people. We
need donors, and remember giving blood is a good way of
earning another mitzvah and starting a new year.
FEEDING THE HUNGRY
To help feed those who have no food for Shabbat, a cooler
will be set up on Fridays only, between 11 am and 1 pm
outside the front door of the home of Morris & Cindy
Hodkin, 18 Birchwood Lane, Great Neck, 11024. Please put
your well wrapped food in the cooler between these hours
ONLY. This food will be picked up and delivered to those
areas where it will be needed. Thank you so much to every-
one who participated in the Rosh Hashanah Food Drive! We
sent out 80 boxes to families, and three carloads of food to
food pantries. Thank you for all your help!
GIVE OLD MAGAZINES A NEW LIFE
Please drop off your current used magazines to the
Synagogue office to be donated to NSUH. Please cut off
labels, do not tear.
WITHIN OUR FAMILY
Mazal Tov to Ellen & Andrew Allen on the Bar Mitzvah of
their son Paul in Mahwah, NJ.
Mazal Tov to Avigail & Danny Arbusman on the birth of their
granddaughter born to their children Tali & Adam Tantleff.
LOST AND FOUND
LOST: A Men’s Calvin Klein Black Suit Jacket, Size 40 was lost this
past weekend. If found please call Harriet Cooper 829-9084.
YOUTH COAT DRIVE
GNS Youth Department is collecting coats for the needy. Please bring
them to Rabbi Moskowitz’s office.
WOMEN’S TEFILA
If you would like to participate in Women's Tefila by reading from the
Torah or leading the davenning, there are opportunities available for you,
whether for Simchas Torah, or for a Shabbos mincha service. Even if you
don't currently have the skill set, we can help you to learn and
participate. Contact Celia at lemonik@optonline.net, or call Nechama
773-3572.
CHOLENT
Stock up on a bag or two of Rabbi Moskowitz’s cholent for your Yom Tov
guests! $50 a pot, goes to Tomchei Shabbos.
SHIVA CHAIRS
There are a number of shiva chairs missing. If there are any that remained
in your home by accident after a shiva please get them back to the
synagogue. Thank you.
SHARE ZEDEK MEDICAL CENTER
The 3rd Annual Children’s Champion Comedy Night at Crash Mansion NYC
will be on Saturday night October 24th from 9-12pm. For full details,
sponsorships, and to register go to www.acsz.org/comedy for more info
contact: Daniella & Jonathan Muller and Emma & Bart Baum.
Harriet Cooper and Family would like to thank Rabbi Polakoff,
Rabbi Axelrod, Cantor Kron, the Chevra Kadisha and the Great
Neck community for their support and guidance following the
passing of her mother Celeste Weber.
Saturday, 15 Tishrei
Harold Domnitch for Goldie Domnitch
Sunday, 16 Tishrei
Paul Brody for Rabbi Jacob Brown
Monday, 17 Tishrei
William Frumkin for Miriam Frumkin
Philip Lanzkowsky for Abraham Lanzkowsky
Y Gail Notovitz for Miriam Frumkin
Tuesday, 18 Tishrei
A Sidney Halitzer for Francis Trosterman
H Rita Litvin for Elya Maryanovsky
Wednesday, 19 Tishrei
R Nettie Halitzer for Hyman Cohen
Z Helene & William Helmreich for Alan Helmreich
E Roselin Wagner for Louis Seider
Thursday, 20 Tishrei
I Jeffrey Freedman for George Freedman
T Gladys Moslin for Morris Kimmel
Mitchell Siegel for David Siegel
Friday, 21 Tishrei
Jack Lipsky for Bill Lipsky
Emil Sobo for Frances Rosenfield