Newsletter

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. 

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

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 6th!
  
• 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
• 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 6th at 8:30pm. 

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 6th!

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: 7:10pm
 
Shekiah (Sunset): 7:28pm

Shabbat - Saturday
 
Shacharit: 9:00am

Latest Shema: 8:45am or 9:25am

Latest Shacharit: 10:32am

Kiddush Lunch ​​​​​​​following Tefillah

Kids Learning with the Rabbi: 5:45pm

Shiur/Class: 
5:30pm

Mincha: 6:30pm

Seudah Shelishit 7:00pm
 
Shabbat Ends: 8:09pm

Arvit

Mazal Tov! Mazal Tov!

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!

• Pesach Preparation Seminar VIDEO
• Communal Pesach Seder Advanced Registration Required 
• Communal Pesach Meals Advanced Registration Required (Sponsorships Available)
• 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

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 Preparation Seminar VIDEO
• Communal Pesach Seder Advanced Registration Required 
• Communal Pesach Meals Advanced Registration Required (Sponsorships Available)
• 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

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 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 Preparation Seminar VIDEO
• Communal Pesach Seder Advanced Registration Required 
• Communal Pesach Meals Advanced Registration Required (Sponsorships Available)
• 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
• Download your own Haggadah FREE
• Our Pesach Kashrut Forum is OPEN! Facebook
• Mimouna Celebration Advanced Registration Required

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 for eating Chametz
סוף זמן אכילת חמץ

10:45am

Latest time for burning Chametz
סוף זמן ביעור חמץ

11:48am

The Rabbi will be burning Chametz publicly this year at his home 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!