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From the desk of Rabbi Yosef Sanders

A Slap for the Ages
 
Shalom Shul family, 
 
It was in the times of the horriffic Cantonist decree, wherein the Czarist government would snatch young Jewish boys away and forcibly conscript them into the army for 25 years, hoping to relieve them of their religious beliefs along the way.
 
Troops arrived in the city of Brisk, and all who could made themselves scarce, so as to avoid capture.
 
The local Melamed, teacher, was a very holy man. He was known as "der blinder", the blind one, because he would habitually shut his eyes when in the street so as to spare himself from seeing anything impure. "Der Blinder" was studying Torah with a group of young students, and in marched one of the Czar's soldiers, demanding compliance with this evil decree.
 
The Rebbi was upset at having his lesson interrupted. He walked over to the individual responsible for disturbing, and gave him a sharp slap in the face!
 
This was viewed as an insult to the Czar himself, and it was only after much effort that the community leaders were able to secure a release for the Melamed from this seemingly unpardonable crime.
 
When it was all over, the esteemed Rabbi of Brisk, Rabbi Yosef Dov haLevy Solovocheichik, approached the teacher and asked him how he had the temerity to do such a thing.
 
The Rebbi did not seem to understand the question. "We were in the middle of a passage of Talmud, and this man had the Chutzpah to interrupt!"
 
Years later, this man's grandson studied under the sainted Chafetz Chaim, who told him that his Zeidy's slap will stand by his descendants until the Messiah arrives.
 
In our times, Jewish traditions are not forcibly challenged by armies and soldiers. But the forces that are at work today to erode our Jewishness are not less threatening; perhaps even more so. 
 
We must draw upon our internal  - and eternal - reserves, and deliver a determined, figurative "slap in the face" to everything that seeks to shift us away from the path and destiny entrusted upon us.
 
Shabbat Shalom!
 
Thank you, 
 
Yosef S

REOPENING UNDER COVID

The risks associated with COVID-19 are still significant and we must remain vigilant. We must ensure that Services take place in compliance with the social distancing requirements and all relevant 
provincial health guidelines.
 
•  Individuals who have experienced any of the following symptoms in the last 48 hours are asked not to participate at this time: Fever, cough, muscle aches and tiredness, difficulty breathing, sore throat, diarrhea, or loss of smell and/or taste. 
 
•  Individuals who have had unprotected (without full PPE) exposure to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days are asked not to participate at this time. 
 
•  Individuals who have been outside of the Province during the past 14 days are asked not to participate at this time. 
 
•  Individuals above the age of 70 or those who have a chronic medical condition, physical disability or a weakened immune system (due to medical or health condition) are asked to consult their doctor prior to participating.
 
•  At present time, the Shul will only be open for Services and no other activities.
 
•  A minimum physical distance of 6 feet (ideally, 8 feet) must be maintained at all times between Congregants. The Shul will be prepared in a way so that placeholders are clearly marked to assist 
in the process.
 
• Current medical advice strongly preferences wearing a mask when in the shul. WE MUST ASK ALL IN ATTENDANCE TO WEAR MASKS. Please bring your own mask. 
 
•  All are asked to use hand sanitizer or wash hands with soap and water upon entry and exit from the Shul , as well as upon entry and exit from the washroom.
 
• Aliyah to the Torah.
 
Please do not mount the Bima, with the exception of the Reader. 
 
Those getting an Aliya will stand outside the Bima, at the SW corner, and look on from a distance. 
 
Lifting the Torah and rolling it closed will be preformed by two members of the same family. 
 

 
Choose a Siddur and Chumash, and leave it at your seat. Please do not collect Siddurim and Chumashim. 
 
Please use your sleeves to open the door upon exiting the building.