Community Magazine November 2009

Torah Riddle, Rhyme & Reason Answers: Riddle: The sky’s color should remind us of the Kiseh Hakavod (Hashem’s Heavenly Throne), which is described for our benefit as being made of turquoise. Whenever we see the sky, which we do so often, we are reminded of the One Who runs the world and cares for all our daily needs. Rhyme: Our neshama (soul). Reason: “In the future the Jewish nation would be exiled to foreign lands, among unholy, corrupt people, exposing us to strong, negative influences and posing the very real danger of assimilation. By having our ancestors raised in such environments, Hashem ensured that our “spiritual genes” would hold the potential to withstand those powerful influences. Riddle: Why did Hashem make the sky blue? Rhyme: I am a part of you that you have never seen, But not your spine, liver, lungs or spleen. Some of our Rabbis maintain, That the resting place for me is within your brain. Others hold I fill your entire being – a unique feature, That is not to be found in any other creature Each night I ascend to Heaven so your deeds are reviewed, and then each morning I return and you are renewed. Reason: Why did Hashem cause our matriarch Rivka to grow up in such an unholy environment, in a family of idolaters? 82 Community magazine Magen Abraham’s Extracurricular Sukkot Although the yeshiva was not officially in-session, the boys at Yeshivat Magen Abraham got together throughout their Sukkot break for various activities organized by the school. Some of the fun-filled hol hamoed programs included a Simhat Bet Hashoeva celebration in Crown Heights where Jews from all walks of life gathered together for singing and dancing. The boys even met some state officials who attended the event. They also enjoyed a Sukkah party at Rabbi Raymond Beyda’s home and heard an inspirational speech about refraining from improper business activities. To top it all off, many of the boys stayed up throughout the night of Hoshana Rabba to learn, and were treated to breakfast at Oh Bagels in the morning. A total of $1,200 in cash prizes were awarded to the boys who remained awake and learned through the night. Community Chest