Unfortunately, we live in complicated times which has led to an increase in hate, bigotry, and antisemitism. Just this past year our synagogue was subject to a hate crime when a person broke two windows as part of his spree of hate crimes.
Over the past week we have learned of the upcoming Day of Hate, a despicable attempt by sick people to intimidate our community and call upon hateful people to desecrate our spaces with stickers, flyers and graffiti.
While Chicago Police, Homeland Security, Secure Community Network and JUF have reiterated that there is no credible threat and that this event has been posted in prior years without any consequence, nevertheless, this is a reminder that we must always remain vigilant.
If you see something suspicious over Shabbat and feel it may be a threat do not hesitate to call 911, even though it is Shabbat. If such a concern is raised while you are in shul, approach one of our security guards and report it.
In addition, to provide an added measure of calm, we will be adding to our regular security for this coming Shabbat. While this is not necessary, we do not want anyone to hesitate coming to shul.
B’virkat HaTorah, Rabbi Leonard A. Matanky Rabbi Aaron Leibtag Rabbi Yechiel Bresler
DVAR TORAH In discussing the symbolism of the Shulchan that was in the Mishkan, Rabbeinu Bechaye notes that homiletically, the acacia wood - "atzei shittim" from which it and the Ark and the altar were built is an acronym for "shalom," "tova," "yeshua," and "mechila" [lit. peace, good, salvation, and forgiveness]. This, he suggests, teaches us that all of the wonderful things in life came about through the conduit of the vessels of the Mishkan.
But what about today, when we no longer have a Mishkan or a Beit HaMikdash and therefore do not have these utensils made of acacia wood?
Writes Rabbainu Bechate that "now that the Temple is no longer standing, a person receives atonement through his table" [Chagiga 27a]. Because what a person does with his dining room table -- if he feeds the poor and welcomes in the bride and does acts of kindness -- is his altar of atonement.
But then he adds a fantastic comment: "it is a custom of the pious people in France to use the wood from their dining room table to build their coffins for burial." Why? To teach us that we can take nothing to the next world except our good deeds - our charity and goodness shared around the table.
When one considers that the "Shulchan" has always been considered a symbol of material wealth brings an essential dimension to that symbolism. That material wealth is only as valuable as how we use it to help others and bring goodness and kindness into this world!
In a footnote to this comment, Rabbi Chaim David Chavel (HTC class of 1929!) adds that in the commentary Siftei Kohain it suggests that the acronym of ShLChaN (table) are Shamur Likevura Chesed Nideevotecha [lit. saved for your burial is the kindness of your generosity]! HALACHA OF THE WEEK: Women’s Obligation to Hear Parshat Zachor Next Shabbat, March 4th we will read the special section in the Torah describing our obligation to remember to eradicate the nation of Amalek from the face of the earth. According to the Sefer HaChinuch [Mitzva 603], this mitzvah is only incumbent upon men, because men are the only ones obligated to wage wars.
However, the Minchat Chinuch [ibid.] disagrees and argues that even women are obligated in this mitzvah, and therefore, must listen to this special Torah reading. His reasoning is that when it comes to an obligatory war ["milchemet mitzva"], the Talmud states: "everyone must participate in the battle, even the bride from under her chuppah" [Talmud Sotah 44b].
The Sochotchover Rebbe supported the former position and explained that since the mitzvah to kill Amalek is not in effect on Shabbat, therefore, it is a "time-bound" mitzvah for which women are traditionally exempt [Avnei Nezer Orech Chaim 509]. On the other hand, Rabbi Nathan Adler, as well as the Munkatcher Rebbe agreed with the former position and ruled that women are obligated to hear this Torah reading and should attend shul [Binyan Tzion 2:8; Minchat Elazar 2:1,5]. A third position was that women are obligated to hear this reading, but not necessarily as read from a Torah, and can, therefore, fulfill the mitzvah at home [Kaf HaChayim Orech Chaim 685 note 30; Teshuvot v'Hanhagot 2:344].
The most common custom today is that women do attend shul to hear this special Torah reading. However, it may also be fulfilled, either at the regular time that this portion is read (during the summer) or even when the portion of Beshalach is read (on the morning of Purim), and a similar statement about Amalek is found in that portion [Magen Avraham ibid.]. However, the former Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, Rabbi Tzvi Pesach Frank suggested that in such a case, the Torah reader should also have the intention to act on behalf of those wishing to fulfill the mitzvah [Har Tzvi 1:58].
Finally, this year following Shabbat musaf (approximately 11:15 am) there will be a second reading of parshat Zachor at both KINS Main and North
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MAZAL TOV * to Kevin and Adina Greenberg on the marriage of their daughter Atara to Avi Roth, son of Aharon Moshe and Michelle Roth (New Rochelle, New York). Mazal Tov to grandparents Harvey & Leonore Greenberg and Michael & Gayla Neikrug. * to Dr. Eli and Miriam Jacobs on the engagement of their daughter, Rina to Hillel Schoenfeld, son of Alan and Elisa Schoenfeld (Los Angeles). Mazal tov to grandparents, Dr. Alex & Meryl Jacobs, Joe & Maxine Shuman and Alice Schoenfeld.
REFUAH SHLAIMA * to Rachel Silverman who is recuperating at home. * to Esther Meyers who is recuperating at home
SPONSORS @ KINS To sponsor a Kiddush, Seuda Shlishit, or to donate to the Kiddush Fund or Learning Fund please click here.
The Day of Learning, Tuesday February 28th is sponsored by Yisraela Dachman and family in honor of Avy’s birthday.
The Parent/Child Learning this week is sponsored anonymously this week.
Kiddush at KINS North is sponsored by Eric Rothner in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of his father, Nathan Rothner z’l, נפתלי מיכאל בן נתנאל ז'ל
A Donation to the Kiddush Fund was made by Rosanne and Allan Arnet in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Rosanne’s father, Maurice “Bud” Friedman z’l.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT The Annual Tanielle Miller Foundation Lecture, commemorating Tanielle’s 18th yartzeit will be February 26, 2023 via Zoom. 12:00 pm cst., given by Rabbi David Fohrman of Aleph Beta.
This year’s topic is “From Shalom Aleichem to Boruch kel Elyon: A Look at the Hidden World of Shabbat Zemirot”. Meeting ID: 87502211188 Passode: 578492. For more information please contact Glenn Miller or Ruth Rotenberg @ rmrotenberg@gmail.com. We look forward to sharing Rabbi Fohrman’s insightful Torah.
SEFER YESHAYAHU - Sundays, 9:00pm - will resume 3/5
BIRTHDAYS Hadassah Greenberg (2/25) Dov Landman (2/25) Noa Bleichman (2/27) Dr. Stephen Karesh (2/27) Dr. Avy Dachman (2/28) Mrs. Susan Kaplan (3/1) Yakir Reiss (3/2) Rachel Margolin (3/2) Meira Schultz (3/3 Daniel Bachrach (3/4) Eitan Kleinman (3/4) Mrs. Shuli Medow (3/4)
ANNIVERSARIES Elon and Malke Kohn (2/26) Howard and Rosanne Benn (2/27) Steve and Malka Miretzky (3/2)
Congregation K.I.N.S. of West Rogers Park Main: 2800 W. North Shore Ave & North: 3003 West Touhy • Chicago, IL 60645 P 773.761.4000 • F 773.761.4959 • www.congkins.org
SEMICHAT CHAVER PROGRAM - Wed. 8:15pm
SHABBAT WOMEN'S SHIUR - 4:00pm 
TALMUD CLASS – 45 minutes before mincha
PARENT-CHILD LEARNING - 1 hour after havdala
SEFER YESHAYAHU - Sundays, 9:00pm - 