What’s Going on at Local West Orange Synagogues

The weeks between Pesach and Shavuos are known as the period of Sefiras Haomer. During this time,we fulfill the mitzvah of counting each of the 49 days and corresponding weeks that pass between the bringing of the omer offering and the shtei halechem offering. This is the same period of time that passed between the exodus from Egypt and receiving the Torah at Har Sinai. In addition, it was during these same weeks that Rabbi Akiva’s students died. According to the Rabbis, these weeks are seen as aperiod of time especially conducive to preparing oneself for reaccepting the Torah on Shavuos and also improving their interpersonal relationships.
In that spirit, B’nei Torah has embarked on its first “Count the Days and Make the Days Count”initiative. Aside from attempting to put aside more time during the day for Torah study and focusing on improvement of character, the shul and kollel are joining in the Bais HaVaad Choshen Mishpatcommunity kollel initiative, sponsored by Bais HaVaad Institute of Talmudic Law of Lakewood, to present a series of shiurim with a curriculum that focuses on some of the most fundamental aspects of personal and communal interaction.
The days of Sefiras Ha’Omer are days where we concentrate on perfecting our Bein Adam L’Chaveiro - our interpersonal relationships. We memorialize the 24,000 Torah scholars, all disciples of the great Rebbe Akiva whose lives were taken during this period. Our sages tell us that the reason for this harsh decree was due to an imperfection in the manner that they honored their fellow colleagues. At Har Sinai the Jewish people stood united “like one man with one heart” anticipating the eternal gift Hashem was to bestow upon them. Our great sages tell us that the weeks leading up to the special day of Shavuos, the day of the re-enactment of Kabbalas HaTorah, should be spent immersed in Torah study,as well as working to perfect our interpersonal relationships.
It is with this in mind that Bais HaVaad has developed a unique learning program and why B’nei Torah feels it is so critical for every single one of us as we aspire to reach our fullest potential in acting morallyand ethically in all of our interactions with others.
The program consists of a series of classes that present both a basic overview of a topic, and then allow and encourage a deeper pursuit of each area. Topics to be covered include:
● Embezzlement; From a Penny to a Ponzi
● Torts & Damages: Direct, Causative, & Punitive
● Ono’as Devarim; Painful Words
● Tzedaka: Changing It’s Use
● Nizkei Sh’cheinim; Communities and Communal Living
● Having It All; Thou Shalt not Covet
● Lashon Harah; When the Truth Must be Told
Final dates for the series have not yet been finalized. Due to the significant importance of, and interest in, these topics, B’nei Torah wishes to encourage as much participation as possible, and is attempting to find time slots that will accommodate all of those who have already expressed an interest.
Who We AreTorah study continues to be the focus of Congregation and Kollel B’nei Torah of West Orange. The Kollel will meet this week, as every week, on Monday through Wednesday nights, from 8:15 to 9:45. OnThursday night, it will be from 8:30 to 10. Maariv follows each night. The Kollel is held in the Sefardic Minyan at Congregation AABJD. All are welcome to come and experience the thrill and fulfillment of studying Torah one to one. B’nei Torah, with its minyan and Kollel, is dedicated to uplifting and enriching the lives of every Jew through Torah study, serious tefillah and atmosphere that stresses and encourages personal growth. No experience necessary – everyone is welcome to come and grow along with us.

Davening Times for Shabbos Parshas Behar, Friday May 13
Mincha Erev Shabbos: 7:15 p.m.
Shabbos Day, Saturday, May 14
Brochos: 8:10 a.m.
Shochen Ad: 8:50 a.m.
Kiddush following davening
Daf Yomi: with Rabbi Jungreis, following Kiddush
Learning Seder: 5:30 p.m.
Mincha: 7:45 p.m.
Maariv Motzei Shabbos: 8:55 p.m.
Weeknight Maariv - Week of May 6:
Maariv (M,T,W): 9:45 p.m.  (Th): 10 p.m (following Kollel; at AABJD Sephardic Wing)