Newsletter

7:00am - Shacharit with Selichot and Torah reading (with Tefillin)
 
7:30pm - Mincha with Torah reading (without Tefillin)
 
8:10pm - Arvit
 
8:32pm - Break the fast

NOTE: If you are interested in sponsoring a break-the-fast dinner at the Bet Knesset for $126, you are welcome to respond to this email. If there is no sponsor, the fast will be broken in every person's respective home. Tizku L'Mitzvot! 

Fast Begins
 
4:18am dawn degrees
or at:
4:34am dawn fixed minutes
Eating of a settled character may not be started during the half hour immediately preceding dawn. Please consult the Rabbi for details. 
 
Fast Ends
           
Rabbi Tukaccinsky
The fast ends no later than the emergence of three average stars at: 
8:32pm
           
Rabbi Moshe Feinstein
One who finds fasting difficult may eat at:
8:36pm
One who does not find fasting difficult should wait until the time for Motzaei Shabbat at:
8:44pm

Laws and Ideas based on the writings of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef zt"l

 This Thursday is the fast of the Seventeenth of Tammuz (may Hashem renew it as a joyous and festive day). From the times of the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash, the Jewish nation began to fast on this day. This day likewise marks the beginning of the “Three Weeks” between the Seventeenth of Tammuz and the Ninth of Av. There are a number of laws that apply to both the actual fast of the Seventeenth of Tammuz and the period following it, as we shall discuss.
 
The Fast of the Seventeenth of Tammuz
The prophet Zecharia (8, 19) states: “So says Hashem, G-d of Hosts: The fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth fast days shall be for the house of Yehuda for gladness, joy, and good times; [only] love of truth and peace.” Our Sages (Rosh Hashanah 18b) explain that the “fourth fast day” refers to the Seventeenth of Tammuz, for Tammuz is the fourth month when counting from Nissan (Nissan is the first of the months of the year according to our holy Torah). The “fifth fast day” refers to the fast of the Ninth of Av, for Av is the fifth month when counting from Nissan. The “seventh fast day” refers to the Fast of Gedalya which falls out on the third of Tishrei, which is the seventh month from Nissan. The “tenth fast day” refers to the fast of the Tenth of Tevet, which is the tenth month from Nissan.
 
The Essence of the Fast
The Rambam writes that the entire Jewish nation must fast on these days because of the tragedies that befell them on these days. This will serve to awaken their hearts and open the pathways to repentance. This will also serve as a reminder of our evil deeds and the deeds of our ancestors that resembled our current deeds which eventually caused these tragedies to befall them and us. Upon remembering these things, we shall mend our ways, as the verse states, “And they shall confess their sins and the sins of their fathers.”
 
What Occurred on the Seventeenth of Tammuz?
The following five terrible events occurred on the Seventeenth of Tammuz: The two tablets bearing the Ten Commandments were broken, the daily Tamid offering brought in the Bet Hamikdash ceased, our enemies breached the walls of Jerusalem in the Second Temple era, the wicked Apostemos burnt the Torah, and an idol was erected in the sanctuary of the Bet Hamikdash.
 
The Time of the Fast
Everyone is obligated to fast on the Seventeenth of Tammuz; the fast begins at dawn and ends at nightfall with the emergence of the stars. Although the fast begins at dawn, if one wakes up in the middle of the night before dawn, one may not eat unless one specifically makes a condition before going to sleep that one intends to wake up and eat before the fast begins.
 
Who Is Obligated to Fast?
Minors, meaning boys under the age of thirteen and girls under the age of twelve, are completely exempt from these fasts. They need not even fast for several hours. Even if they have the understanding to mourn over the loss of the Bet Hamikdash, as long as they have reached Bar/Bat Mitzvah age, they are completely exempt from these fasts. Even if they wish to act stringently and fast, one should object to them doing so. Some are stringent to only feed minors bread and water on public fast days. This is indeed customary among some Ashkenazi communities who hold that if the child is able to understand the gravity of the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash, he should only be fed bread and water. However, Sephardic and Middle Eastern Jews customarily do not rule this way, as Maran Ha’Chida testifies that the custom among the Sephardim was to feed their children whatever they needed on public fast days.
 
Pregnant and nursing women are exempt from fasting on the Seventeenth of Tammuz, the Fast of Gedalya, and the Tenth of Tevet. (Their law regarding Tisha Be’av will, G-d willing, be discussed at a later time.) Even if they wish to be stringent and fast, one should object to them doing so.
 
Regarding this matter, a pregnant woman is defined as when her pregnancy is noticeable, meaning when the first trimester of pregnancy has elapsed. However, if she suffers from aches, pains, vomiting, and the like, she is exempt from all of these fasts even before three months of pregnancy have elapsed; this is especially true if forty days from the start of her pregnancy have already elapsed.
 
Regarding a woman who is nursing whom we have said is exempt from these fasts, the Poskim disagree about what actually defines “nursing.” Some say that only a woman who is physically nursing is exempt from these fasts, however, if she is not physically nursing, even if she finds herself within the twenty-four month period following birth, she is obligated to fast. On the other hand, others say that it is not important that she is not physically nursing, for within the twenty-four month period following birth a woman’s body is extremely weak, as our Sages say that “her limbs become dismembered,” and she is thus exempt from fasting.
 
For many years, HaRav Ovadia Yosef zt”l would rule leniently on this matter and would say that any woman who is within the twenty-four month period after giving birth is exempt from fasting. Indeed, this is what he has written in his Chazon Ovadia which deals with these laws that regardless of whether the woman is physically nursing or not, if she is within the twenty-four month period after birth, she is exempt from fasting. Nevertheless, he adds that after delving deeply into this matter, it is only correct to rule leniently on this matter when she feels exceptionally weak, for she then shares the same law as a nursing woman. However, if she feels no special weakness, such as dizziness and the like, it is correct to rule stringently and she should fast. HaRav Meir Mazuz, Rosh Yeshivat Kisse Rachamim, and HaRav Shalom Mesas rule likewise. Some say that any woman who is within the twenty-four month period following giving birth is exempt from fasting, for in general, she is usually involved with many household chores and the fast will only serve to weaken her extensively.

In this newsletter:

• Full Shavuot Schedule 2023/5783
• First Night Shavuot Dinner RSVP Required
• All-Day Learning: Most Class Topics Announced!

• Second Night Shavuot Dinner: Special Event! RSVP Required

• Friday and Shabbat Lunch at KSH! 
  

• Don't Want To Cook? Sponsor A Shavuot Meal at KSH!

Advanced registration is required to attend most Shavuot programming. Programming is open to Kehillah members and regulars only.

First Night Shavuot Dinner - RSVP Required

(Thursday, May 25)

All Day Learning: Most Class Topics Announced!

(Friday, May 26)

Bringing you the best of Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim's Torah learning!
 
An entire day of inspirational subjects, controversial topics, intellectually stimulating discussions and wholesome spiritual experiences!
 
Stay tuned for the full learning schedule.
 
2pm - 7pm
Followed by Kabbalat Shabbat and Dinner

Second Night Shavuot Dinner: Special Event! RSVP Required (Friday, May 26)

Join us on the second night of Shavuot for an exciting evening featuring a delicious Shabbat dinner (meat) and exciting Torah insights from your friends at the Kehillah!

This event is generously sponsored by Dr. Roneet Lev with gratitude to HaKadosh Baruch Hu for miracles performed for the Lee family. 

In this newsletter:

• Brief Update From The Rabbi Shabbat Classes Continue!
• Why Celebrate Lag BaOmer? VIDEO
  
• Judaism Demystified: A Podcast for the Perplexed 
  Episode 57: Rabbi Yonatan Halevy "Bridging the Religious Divide"
• SAVE THE DATE! 
  ​​​​​​​Shiviti Bet Midrash of New York In-Person Class on June 26th!
• Shiviti Bet Midrash of New York: Classes Resume Monday!
• Shiviti Podcast Update! 153+ episodes
• New Shulchan Aruch Playlist! VIDEO
  
• Shiviti Bet Midrash - Classes resume this week
• Shiviti Bet Midrash - Updated Zoom Guidelines
• Join us for Kiddush Lunch THIS Shabbat
• Seudah Shelishit with Q&A! Please plan to join us!
• Shabbat Times and Schedule
• Mazal Tov Announcements Baruch (Barry) Savin, All Our Graduates!
• Join our Google Classroom to participate in online classes
  Some classes resume this week

What a wonderful turnout for our event on Tuesday!

Shiur video posted below

Shalom!

SHABBAT SCHEDULE

We will meet in our regular Bet Knesset location for Shabbat. All members and regulars are invited to attend. 

Friday night Tefillot will stay at a regular time, regardless of candle-lighting changing week-by-week. This Friday we will meet at 6:30pm.

Join us for Shabbat Tefillah with Torah reading followed by a Kiddush Lunch! Kiddush Lunch is generously sponsored by Baruch and Rachel Savin in honor of Baruch's birthday and Bar Mitzvah anniversary! Baruch will be reading from the Torah this week in honor of his Bar Mitzvah. Tizku L'Mitzvot and Mazal Tov!

Shabbat summer classes have begun! Join us for a mini-series on "Early Sephardic Zionist Ideals" in the writings of Rabbi Dr. Jose Faur.

Join us for Mincha followed by Seudah Shelishit. Seudah Shelishit is missing a sponsor. Kindly consider sponsoring it!

Thank you to our generous sponsors from last week!

EVENTS

NEW YORK. Save the date!
The next in-person Shiviti Bet Midrash of New York class is scheduled for June 26th at 8:30pm. 

Shabbaton at Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia!
Dates are Shabbat of 6/30-7/1. More details to follow!

CLASSES

Class schedule will be announced in the Google Classroom.

Wishing you and yours a Shabbat Shalom when it arrives,
Rabbi Yonatan Halevy

Why Celebrate Lag BaOmer? VIDEO

Judaism Demystified: A Podcast for the Perplexed
Episode 57: Rabbi Yonatan Halevy "Bridging the Religious Divide"

SAVE THE DATE! 
Shiviti Bet Midrash of New York In-Person Class on June 26th!

NEW YORK. Save the date!
The next in-person Shiviti Bet Midrash of New York class is scheduled for June 26th at 8:30pm. 

Shabbaton at Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia!
Dates are Shabbat of 6/30-7/1. More details to follow!

Join us as we delve into some of the most sensitive and profound details of Jewish national law, and explore how our lawmakers approached the most controversial and relevant social justice issues of our time. Text-based and ongoing, this course will offer an inside view of the legal system that provides the basis for our national vision of a just and truly free society.

This course will largely be based on the Rambam’s Laws of Sanhedrin, with a special focus on the commentary of Rabbi Chaim David Halevy, former Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv-Yafo.

44 Aggadeta episodes
+
38 Expanding Horizons episodes
+
71 Rambam’s Mishneh Torah episodes
=
153 total podcast episodes available to listen to!

It has been more than a year since we announced the launch of our Shiviti podcast which is officially live across the web, featuring our most popular playlists!
Search “Shiviti” or “Rabbi Yonatan Halevy” on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify - and subscribe!

Thanks to the hard work of Shiviti’s volunteer audio/video team!

Erev Shabbat - Friday

Kabbalat Shabbat: 6:30pm
 
Candle Lighting: 7:20pm
 
Shekiah (Sunset): 7:38pm

Shabbat - Saturday
 
Shacharit: 9:00am

Latest Shema: 8:36am or 9:18am

Latest Shacharit: 10:27am

Kiddush Lunch ​​​​​​​following Tefillah

Kids Learning with the Rabbi: 5:45pm

Shiur/Class: 
5:45pm

Mincha: 6:45pm

Seudah Shelishit 7:15pm
 
Shabbat Ends: 8:21pm

Arvit

Mazal Tov! Mazal Tov!

Mazal Tov to Baruch (Barry) Savin on his birthday!

Mazal Tov to all our graduates upon their graduations this month! We are so proud of you!

To have your joyous occasion mentioned here, kindly email info@kshsd.org the week before. Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim does not have a record of occasions and announces only what we are provided by our members each week!

We are utilizing state-of-the-art technology to continue our Torah classes.

Each class series has its own unique login code.

For classes, see the information below on joining our Google Classroom.

If you are not part of one of our regular Google Classrooms and wish to join, send an email to info@shiviti.org, requesting to join our "Special Shiviti" Google Classroom. Or just reply to this email!

For those who plan to only use this temporarily during this period, you can join our special Google Classroom setup just for the current situation. You will receive all live updates about any relevant classes being offered online without having to subscribe to one of the dedicated classrooms.

A tremendous tool in bringing our Shiviti Bet Midrash online is our official Shiviti channel on YouTube.

Please take a moment and subscribe by following this link and CLICKING "subscribe"!
  www.youtube.com/c/shiviti

Communal Lag BaOmer Bonfire

with Tamales and Cafe De Olla

Lag BaOmer at Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!
Tuesday Evening, May 9th - 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Join Rabbi Yonatan and Rabbanit Devorah at their backyard for an intimate evening of singing, learning, socializing and delicious food around the bonfire which will warm your heart and ignite your soul!

Please bring a sweater or blanket (or both!), as this event will be entirely outdoors.

Fresh Chicken Tamales and Cafe De Olla will be catered by Silvia and Lucy Lopez. Vegetarian option available upon special request!

This event is open to Kehillah members and regulars only.

Registration Required
FREE
$18 Suggested Donation
$180 Lag BaOmer Co-Sponsorship
$360 Lag BaOmer Sponsorship

In this newsletter:

• Brief Update From The Rabbi Shabbat Classes Continue!
• Judaism Demystified: A Podcast for the Perplexed 
  Episode 57: Rabbi Yonatan Halevy "Bridging the Religious Divide"
• SAVE THE DATE! 
  ​​​​​​​Shiviti Bet Midrash of New York In-Person Class on June 26th!
• Shiviti Bet Midrash of New York: Classes Resume Monday!
• Shiviti Podcast Update! 153+ episodes
• New Shulchan Aruch Playlist! VIDEO
  
• Shiviti Bet Midrash - Classes resume this week
• Shiviti Bet Midrash - Updated Zoom Guidelines
• Join us for Kiddush Lunch THIS Shabbat
• Seudah Shelishit with Q&A! Please plan to join us!
• Shabbat Times and Schedule
• Mazal Tov Announcements Rabbi Yonatan Halevy
• Join our Google Classroom to participate in online classes
  Some classes resume this week

Shalom!

SHABBAT SCHEDULE

We will meet in our regular Bet Knesset location for Shabbat. All members and regulars are invited to attend. 

Friday night Tefillot will stay at a regular time, regardless of candle-lighting changing week-by-week. This Friday we will meet at 6:30pm.

Join us for Shabbat Tefillah with Torah reading followed by a Kiddush Lunch! Kiddush Lunch is missing a sponsor. Kindly consider sponsoring it!

Shabbat summer classes have begun! Join us for a mini-series on "Early Sephardic Zionist Ideals" in the writings of Rabbi Dr. Jose Faur.

Join us for Mincha followed by Seudah Shelishit. Seudah Shelishit is missing a sponsor. Kindly consider sponsoring it!

Thank you to our generous sponsors from last week!

EVENTS

NEW YORK. Save the date!
The next in-person Shiviti Bet Midrash of New York class is scheduled for June 26th at 8:30pm. 

Shabbaton at Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia!
Dates are Shabbat of 6/30-7/1. More details to follow!

CLASSES

Class schedule will be announced in the Google Classroom.

Wishing you and yours a Shabbat Shalom when it arrives,
Rabbi Yonatan Halevy

Judaism Demystified: A Podcast for the Perplexed
Episode 57: Rabbi Yonatan Halevy "Bridging the Religious Divide"

SAVE THE DATE! 
Shiviti Bet Midrash of New York In-Person Class on June 26th!

More information to follow.

Join us as we delve into some of the most sensitive and profound details of Jewish national law, and explore how our lawmakers approached the most controversial and relevant social justice issues of our time. Text-based and ongoing, this course will offer an inside view of the legal system that provides the basis for our national vision of a just and truly free society.

This course will largely be based on the Rambam’s Laws of Sanhedrin, with a special focus on the commentary of Rabbi Chaim David Halevy, former Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv-Yafo.

44 Aggadeta episodes
+
38 Expanding Horizons episodes
+
71 Rambam’s Mishneh Torah episodes
=
153 total podcast episodes available to listen to!

It has been more than a year since we announced the launch of our Shiviti podcast which is officially live across the web, featuring our most popular playlists!
Search “Shiviti” or “Rabbi Yonatan Halevy” on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify - and subscribe!

Thanks to the hard work of Shiviti’s volunteer audio/video team!

Erev Shabbat - Friday

Kabbalat Shabbat: 6:30pm
 
Candle Lighting: 7:15pm
 
Shekiah (Sunset): 7:33pm

Shabbat - Saturday
 
Shacharit: 9:00am

Latest Shema: 8:40am or 9:21am

Latest Shacharit: 10:29am

Kiddush Lunch ​​​​​​​following Tefillah

Kids Learning with the Rabbi: 5:45pm

Shiur/Class: 
5:30pm

Mincha: 6:30pm

Seudah Shelishit 7:00pm
 
Shabbat Ends: 8:15pm

Arvit

Mazal Tov! Mazal Tov!

Mazal Tov to Rabbi Yonatan Halevy on his birthday!

To have your joyous occasion mentioned here, kindly email info@kshsd.org the week before. Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim does not have a record of occasions and announces only what we are provided by our members each week!

We are utilizing state-of-the-art technology to continue our Torah classes.

Each class series has its own unique login code.

For classes, see the information below on joining our Google Classroom.

If you are not part of one of our regular Google Classrooms and wish to join, send an email to info@shiviti.org, requesting to join our "Special Shiviti" Google Classroom. Or just reply to this email!

For those who plan to only use this temporarily during this period, you can join our special Google Classroom setup just for the current situation. You will receive all live updates about any relevant classes being offered online without having to subscribe to one of the dedicated classrooms.

A tremendous tool in bringing our Shiviti Bet Midrash online is our official Shiviti channel on YouTube.

Please take a moment and subscribe by following this link and CLICKING "subscribe"!
  www.youtube.com/c/shiviti

We try to send no more than 1-2 emails a week. We ask for your understanding that this changes temporarily during the busy holiday season. Thank you!

• Communal Pesach Meals Advanced Registration Required
  ​​​​​​​(Sponsorships Available)
• Maot Chittim - Pesach Charity
• Our Pesach Kashrut Forum is OPEN! Facebook
• Mimouna Celebration Advanced Registration Required

Download to your device and print one for your home!

Don't want to cook again?

Consider sponsoring a Pesach meal at the Bet Knesset!

Advanced registration required!
All meals are free-of-charge, and sponsorship opportunities are available!

Pesach meals are open to Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim members and regulars only.

As per Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim's policy, no one will be turned away for lack of funds!

Please contact Rabbi Yonatan privately if you would like to join us and require assistance.

When registering, kindly consider sponsoring a reservation for someone else by leaving us a note in the proper field.

In the opening paragraph of the Haggadah recited at the Seder, we declare: "All who are hungry, let them come and eat." Each of us as individuals make up a singular entity, and in order to experience freedom ourselves, we must ensure that our brothers and sisters have the means to celebrate freedom too.

Don't be left out of this special Mitzvah!

We try to send no more than 1-2 emails a week. We ask for your understanding that this changes temporarily during the busy holiday season. Thank you!

• Pesach Schedule - First Days
  
• Pesach Preparation Seminar VIDEO
• Communal Pesach Seder Advanced Registration Required Last day!
• Communal Pesach Meals Advanced Registration Required Last day!
• Mechirat Chametz - Sell Your Chametz Form Closed
• Maot Chittim - Pesach Charity
• Bedikat Chametz - Searching for Chametz
• Fast of the Firstborn
• Latest Time to Eat/Burn Chametz
• Destroying Chametz Burning canceled this year
• Download your own Haggadah FREE
• Our Pesach Kashrut Forum is OPEN! Facebook
• Mimouna Celebration Advanced Registration Required

Download to your device and print one for your home!

We have posted last year's video for your convenience. 

You are invited to join us for a dynamic and refreshing Pesach Seder with Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim!!

This year's Seder will be full of inspirational teachings, uplifting customs, soulful songs, and lively discussions - with you as an active participant! The Seder meal will feature Soft Matzot and a full-course dinner.

Members Rates
$60 per adult/$20 per child (4-12)

Non-Members Rates
$75 per adult/$30 per child (4-12)

Students and Active Military
$50 per adult

The Seder is open to Kehillah members and regulars (and their guests) only.

Gold and Platinum Members receive (2) complimentary tickets to this event.
Reply for details.

The KSH Seder is meant to be an uplifting and transformational spiritual experience, not merely a communal dinner. As such, the Haggadah portion of the Seder is not rushed, but rather intentionally focused and elaborated on.

You are strongly encouraged to eat lunch and take an afternoon nap so that you will be well fed and rested for the Seder.

Don't tell us that you weren't warned! :)

As per Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim's policy, no one will be turned away for lack of funds!

Please contact Rabbi Yonatan privately if you would like to join us and require assistance.

When registering, kindly consider sponsoring a reservation for someone else by leaving us a note in the proper field.

Don't want to cook again?

Consider sponsoring a Pesach meal at the Bet Knesset!

Advanced registration required!
​​​​​​​All meals are free-of-charge, and sponsorship opportunities are available!

Pesach meals are open to Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim members and regulars only.

Rabbi Yonatan will be selling Chametz this year for Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim through Rabbi Moshe Benzaquen shlit"a of our Shiviti Bet Din in Los Angeles.

Sale will only work for those who will spend the entire holiday of Pesach in the Pacific time zone  

You may sell your Chametz by submitting your name, address, phone number and email address, using the form below.

Deadline
Due to the fact that Rabbi Benzaquen left the United States for Pesach, the deadline for selling Chametz through Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim was Tuesday, March 28th at 11pm.

In the opening paragraph of the Haggadah recited at the Seder, we declare: "All who are hungry, let them come and eat." Each of us as individuals make up a singular entity, and in order to experience freedom ourselves, we must ensure that our brothers and sisters have the means to celebrate freedom too.

Don't be left out of this special Mitzvah!

(Halachot from the Bet Midrash of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef zt"l)

The Laws of Searching for Chametz

One must search for Chametz by candlelight.  One is obligated to search in every room in the house where Chametz is found. The same applies regarding balconies, gardens, cars, and the like.

The Proper Time for the Search
The proper time for searching for Chametz is when three stars come out (if one was unable to search at this time he may still search and recite a blessing even later on during the night). One may not partake of bread or cake more than a “Kebetza” (approximately 54 grams) before searching for Chametz starting from a half-hour before the proper time of the search. Nevertheless, less than a Kebetza of bread or cake or even more than a Kebetza of fruits, vegetables, rice, and the like, may in fact be eaten before performing the search.

Sunset this year in San Diego is at approximately 7:11pm, which would make the proper time to search for Chametz 7:48pm.

The Customary Ten Pieces of Bread
Some have the custom to hide ten pieces of well-wrapped bread throughout the house, so that they may be found by the person searching for Chametz. Those who follow this custom should be exceedingly careful to write down the locations of the ten pieces of Chametz, so that in the event that one (or more) piece(s) is/are not found, they will be able to be located using this list.

Renouncing Chametz
After completing the search for Chametz, one must verbally nullify the Chametz by reciting:

“Kol Chamira De’Ika Birshuti De’La Chazitei U’dla Bi’artei Livtil Velehevei Ke’Afra De’Ar’ah.”
(English Translation: “Any Chametz (leaven) which is in my possession, which I have not seen and I have not destroyed, is hereby nullified and should be considered like the dust of the earth.”)

One must recite this verbal renunciation in a language one understands, for if not, one does not fulfill one’s obligation of renouncing Chametz. It is customary to repeat the text of the renunciation three times in order to strengthen the matter.

As with every year, firstborns have a custom to on the Eve of Pesach.

Fast begins:

6:31am

This year, it is suggested to study something short that will be considered an accomplishment for you - and make a Siyum with the members of your household tomorrow morning.

A suggested text to study is Pirke Avot, Mishnah of Sukkah, or the Laws of Pesach in the Rambam. Links below.

Latest Time to Eat/Burn Chametz

Burning canceled due to funeral

Latest time for eating Chametz
סוף זמן אכילת חמץ

10:45am

Latest time for burning Chametz
סוף זמן ביעור חמץ

11:48am

The Rabbi will NOT be burning Chametz publicly this year at his home due to the funeral of Michael Cohen z"l.

at 11:15am.
Do not bring aything wrapped in plastic or aluminum.

On the morning of the 14th of Nissan, meaning this year (5783) which falls out on Wednesday morning, one must eliminate Chametz before the last time to do so arrives. All Chametz must be burnt (or renounced), and sold by this time. 

The Mitzvah is to get rid of the Chametz - not burn it, necessarily.

The following options are suggested for those who cannot burn Chametz:

1. Donate to the poor, homeless, or non-Jewish organization that helps provide food for the needy.
OR
2. Discard in the black trash cans outside, as they become city property. 

A special Hebrew/English Sephardic Haggadah has been made available for your use!

We regret to inform you of the passing of

Michael (Mike) Cohen z"l
(Michael ben Avraham and Julia)
of blessed memory

longtime neighbor of Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim at "State Farm"

and friend of the entire Shiviti community, may they live and be well.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to the entire Cohen family.

.מן השמים ינוחמו
May they be comforted from Heaven.

בִּלַּע הַמָּוֶת לָנֶצַח וּמָחָה ה' אלוקים דִּמְעָה מֵעַל כָּל פָּנִים וְחֶרְפַּת עַמּוֹ יָסִיר מֵעַל כָּל הָאָרֶץ כִּי ה' דִּבֵּר
He will swallow up death for ever; and Adonai Elohim will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the reproach of His people will He take away from off all the earth; for Adonai has spoken it.

Amen,
Rabbi Yonatan and Rabbanit Devorah Halevy
on behalf of the entire Shiviti/Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim family

Levayah (Funeral) Information
​​​​​​​
Funeral will be held on Wednesday (4/5) at 11:15am at:

Miramar National Cemetery​​​​​​​
5795 Nobel Dr

San Diego, CA 92122

A short memorial service will be conducted onsite by Rabbi Yonatan Halevy after the formal military honors.

If you are able to join us to ensure a Minyan for Kaddish, please text the Rabbi at (858) 752-1025.

Shiva Information

Shiva will be observed in privately.