5/1/08

This weekend, my family and I travel to Montreal, Canada to spend Shabbat with my parents, my six siblings and their families (more than 50 of us in total k9hora) in celebration of my father’s 70th birthday, may he be well until 120, gezunterheit, together with my mother.

This birthday celebration brings up many thoughts and emotions. Firstly, if my father’s turning 70, I gotta be over 18 by now. Secondly, I’m reminded of the importance Judaism places on honoring one’s parents. Honor Thy Father & Mother is included as one of the 10 commandments along with such fundamental mitzvos as Belief in G‑d, Though Shalt Not Kill, etc.

Commentaries point out that one cannot experience a true connection to G‑d if they don’t respecting their connection to their parents. If I don’t respect my source, I cannot respect the Original Source of it all. Our faith also places great emphasis on our heritage being passed down through the generations, from parent to child to grandchild. Every day in our prayers we mention our connection to the Fathers and Mothers of our people as the foundation of all that we are.

I’ll miss you in shul on Shabbat. Make sure to be there to celebrate with Rabbi and Devorah Weinberg, in honor of their daughter, Esther Sara. Pay close attention to Rabbi Weinberg’s sermon which I’m sure, as always, will be great – hopefully not too great.....

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Shalom M. Paltiel

P.S. If you'd like to send birthday wishes to my father, his email address is [email protected].

	Remembering Claire Salzbank

In loving memory of Claire Salzbank (yartzeit 5/1)
Cha’yka Perel bas Yosef Aharon

All of us who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing the amazing Claire Salzbank remember her fondly and miss her terribly. Such a fine woman, a true Eishet Chayil, one does not come across very often. Even after five years I still vividly remember my annual visits to the Salzbank home on Hamilton Ave. for my visit with Julie (may he be well until 120). Claire would brew up some delicious coffee and offer some of her famous chocolate chip cookies. What a fine person she was. She had a magical way of making every one feel comfortable and special. She was a very happy person and brought happiness to others as well. It’s no wonder that this gem of a woman had such wonderful sons like Rob & Alan.

This time of year as we prepare for Lag B’Omer I think of the annual BBQ’s we used to have in Karen & Alan’s backyard (until we grew out of the space). Claire was always there with her warm, tongue in cheek (literally) smile spreading good cheer, enjoying her six children (her “in-laws” were no different to her than her own children) and six grandchildren, and taking in the whole situation, plus helping set up and clear off the tables.

I am proud that our kitchen at the Chabad is called “Claire’s Kitchen”. In some way, Claire, who so loved to feed people and took so much pride in her dishes, still feeds all of us at Chabad every single week.

Claire, I miss you.

Rabbi Paltiel

	Upcoming Events

May 6: Mah Jongg for Women - Final Game Night of the Year!
Chabad Women’s Circle invites all women to the final event for the year! Join us for a thrilling social evening at Chabad, 7:30 pm - meet other women and enjoy and fun hour of Mah Jongg play. RSVP by emailing [email protected].

May 22: Lag B'Omer Shul BBQ
This year's exciting event includes a baseball game for teens & adults in a local park, beginning at 6:30 pm. We’ll be serving hero sandwiches, cracker jacks and more – bring the whole family! There is no charge but reservations are required so that we may plan accordingly. Please email [email protected] to let us know the names of players (13 and over) as well as how many people in total so that we have a count for the caterer.

June 1: Torah Studies Adult Education Course begins:
Titled "Heading Somewhere", this 10-week course is sure to jumpstart your week and enrich your life. Students meet every Sunday, 10:00 - 11:30 AM in the social hall at Chabad. Instructed by Rabbi Paltiel, this course is open to all men and women regardless of affiliation or background. Further details to follow.

June 12: Annual Dinner - Save the Date!

	Yom HaShoa

Today, The Jewish community the world over will be observing Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Remembering this most tragic of events in our people’s history is critical to the future of our people. We honor the memory of six million (plus) of our brothers and sisters who were brutally murdered just for being Jewish, and we vow to do whatever we can to keep their memories alive through continuing Jewish life and Jewish observance into the future.

Some years back the UJA Federation came out with a campaign that every Seder table keep one empty seat to honor one of the 6 million who perished. When they approached the Lubavitcher Rebbe asking for his support of the campaign the Rebbe refused. Rather than an empty seat, the Rebbe suggested that we fill that seat with a fellow Jew who would otherwise not have celebrated the Seder. The Rebbe’s message: The best way to guarantee the perpetuation of the legacy of the 6 million is by actively spreading living Judaism to those around us, who will carry Judaism into the future.

VISIT WWW.IMAGINESUMMER.ORG FOR INFO & REGSTRATION FOR THE UPCOMING CAMP SEASON