Dear Shaare Family,
It is wonderful to write to you again after a two week break. For this week’s Hakarat HaTov Corner, I am grateful to Hashem that we were able to spend time with my parents, where I haven’t been in four years, since before COVID (our two daughters hadn’t been at all). Our time in Rochester was lovely and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect- the temperature never went above 80 degrees! I am also grateful to Hashem that, over a summer in which I individually and we as a family traveled quite a bit, we encountered only a few flight delays of significance. Indeed, our flights to Rochester in both directions were all on time, even more remarkable considering that there were stopovers in each direction. Only the last flight- when Shaya and I (and Joe and Shachar Ravitsky) traveled back from New York after he spent a great second session at Camp Dora Golding- was rerouted on account of weather and a crew member timing out, resulting in us spending the night in Oklahoma City. I am also grateful to Shaya, who handled the entire frustrating situation with relative equanimity, and to (most of) our other kids, who proved to be excellent travel companions.
Rabbi’s Recommendations
This week, on the third of Elul, the Yahrtzeit of Rav Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook will be observed. For more insight into the philosophical world of this path breaking thinker and leader, check out this series of classes (the link is for the first) about his letters. On Shabbat afternoon, in our responsa class, we will discuss the Halachic world of Rav Kook.
Check out my Elul and Yamim Noraim playlist, with new additions since last year. Featuring selections from Chassidic, Cantorial, Sephardic, classical and popular music.
Shul Of The Week Trivia
Congratulations to Elana Shulkin, who correctly identified the mystery shul two weeks ago. It was Congregation Ramath Orah in Morningside Heights in Manhattan, started by refugees from Luxembourg under the leadership of their Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Dr. Robert Serebrenik. Ramat Orah means “mountain of light,” which is the direct translation of “Luxembourg.” She also correctly answered the question of why an Orthodox shul has Organ pipes- they purchased the building from a Unitarian church that ran out of money after installing them. An honorable mention to Bill Finkelstein for answering this question. To learn more about the amazing story of Ramath Orah, click here
This week’s shul of the week:
Name the shul and its location. Extra points for those who can identify the origin of its unique name (hint!) and what its connection is to my family.
Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov!
Rabbi Ariel Rackovsky
