Community Magazine January 2021

TEVET - SHEVAT 5781 / JANUARY 2021 31 Ask the Rabbi Ohr Halacha recently launched its halacha hotline which invites community members to pose halachic questions and receive answers from knowledgeable rabbis. Berit Milah and Pidyon Haben Rabbi Arking has been serving as a mohel in the Deal community for the past ten years. And, as a kohen , who is occasionally called upon to participate in the pidyon haben ceremony for a firstborn baby boy, Rabbi Arking has produced special “ pidyon haben cards” to enable all participants from all backgrounds to appreciate and follow the ceremony. His institution, Ohr Halacha, accompanies young couples through the deeply emotional process of berit milah and pidyon haben , helping them to fully appreciate the meaning of these special mitzvot and ensure they are properly fulfilled. Ohr Halacha has published English-language booklets to enhance the experience of the Zohar reading before the berit , the berit itself, and the pidyon haben . JSOR and Home Kosher Ohr Halacha trains kashrut administrators and mashgihim , helping our community adhere to the highest standards of kashrut . Reflecting on the unique importance of this field, Rabbi Arking says, “ Kashrut is the interface between the world we live in and the greatest depth of halacha .” Applying ancient halachic principles to modern-day food production epitomizes the everlasting relevance of halacha . Organization of Marital Guidance When, unfortunately, marital conflicts arise, experts inmany different areas often need to come together to help the couple make the best decisions for the family and reduce levels of stress and friction. Ohr Halacha works together with a team of rabbis, therapists, attorneys and dayanim to assist couples facing crisis in marriage. One couple in distress that had decided to divorce reached out to Ohr Halacha, and the team showed them how to reorient their perspective and sort through their problems. This process changed the couple’s mind, and they are now happily married and thankful that they approached this unique organization for help. Torah Classes and Havrutot Ohr Halacha runs a wide range of Torah classes and learning programs, and arranges havrutot (study partners) for those interested in expanding their knowledge in an intimate, one-on-one setting. Havrutot and classes are available any time of day or evening, on both weekdays and weekends. Publications Ohr Halacha has produced numerous valuable publications, including Zohar and Hanukat Habayit books with explanation, Ketuba in Halacha , Musarei HaTorah , and FAQs on many Jewish topics and holidays. Rabbi Arking looks forward to expanding this enterprise and producing many more volumes of quality Torah literature to enhance our community’s knowledge, appreciation and observance of our sacred traditions. For more information about Ohr Halacha and its wide range of programs, please call the organization at 732-359-3080, or send an email to office@ohrhalacha.org. You can also visit Ohr Halacha’s website, www.ohrhalacha.org. This article is dedicated in memory of Linda bat Estrella Arking, a”h. May it be l’ilui nishmata. Kashrut Training Course Rabbi Shlomo Teherani inserting the parshiyot in the tefillin for Daniel Bailey. Rabbi Edmond Nahum watching Rabbi Arking as he completes the Sefer Torah donated by Stanley Cayre.