Weekly Newlsetter

We look forward to greeting you this Shabbat! Guests are always welcome!
Please make an extra effort to join us in welcoming Shabbat on Friday Evening! If you have any questions regarding Services, email us at office@countryshul.org or phone 905-709-7485 (SHUL).

SHABBAT EVE - Friday Night Candle Lighting & Services
7:00 PM Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat "Carlebach" Evening services
7:21 PM Earliest Candle Lighting
8:36 PM Latest Candle Lighting

SHABBAT DAY - Saturday   
9:00 AM Shacharit (Morning Service)
9:39 AM Latest Sh'ma
10:15 AM Torah Reading and Insights
10:30 AM Junior Kids Program Ages 2-5
10:30 AM Alternative Minyan  (for those interested in a more casual Shul experience)
11:00 AM Amazing Kids Program! (Ages 6-13)
11:15 AM Rabbi's Message
12:00 PM Kiddush Sponsored by Kateryna Veremyeva

SHABBAT EVENING

8:00 PM Mincha (Afternoon Service)
Followed by Seuda Shlishit (Third Meal of Shabbat)

9:40 PM MA'ARIV (Evening Service)

HAVDALAH
Shabbat Ends July 20, 9:46 PM

THIS WEEK'S TORAH TOPICS:
Rabbi's Message: Israel's Powerful Voice
Kiddush Comments: Who is holier - Man or Woman? 

WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Wednesday Evenings 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
NCSY LEARN & EARN PROGRAM FOR TEENS

"TIMELESS WISDOM" HOME GROUP • Wednesday, July 24 (Tentative Schedule)  The Home Group will b'Ezrat Hashem meet Wednesday Evening, July 24, 2019, at the home of Sana and Israel Alshech, 41 Law Crescent, Richmond Hill L4C 5K7, @ 8:30 PM. We will study Ethics of the Fathers, Chapter 3, Section 10.

TORAH READING 
Celebrate the  Anniversary of your Bar Mitzvah by reading your Torah reading and/or Haftorah. To reserve,please email us at office@countryshul.org or call 905-709-SHUL (7485).

This Week in The Country Shul...

THANK YOU TO...
• Kateryna Veremyeva for sponsoring this week’s Kiddush. Best wishes to Kateryna and family!
• Klara Zaza for your amazing job in organizing the Shul kitchen! You and Dakar are stars!
• Everyone who helped make the community BBQ last Sunday a huge success!

MAZELTOV! 
• to Sana and Israel Alshech on the birth of their baby daughter! May she be a source of great Nachat, joy, and Jewish pride!

ALTERNATIVE MINYAN PROGRAM
A more relaxed Shul option; insights into the prayers, topics of interest, and 'Ask the Rabbi'!
See Flyer Below

JUNIOR KIDS PROGRAM: THIS SHABBAT, JUNE 29! Ages 2-5 
• Children sing selections from the Siddur, enjoy stories from the Torah, and have a Shabbat Party with Kiddush and Challah! Join the fun!

AMAZING KIDS PROGRAM: JUNE 9: 11:30 AM • JUNE 10: 11:00 AM Ages 6 - 13
Loads of fun while at the same time very educational, for ages 6-12, led by a multi-talented and experienced teacher, Shabbat morning @11:00 AM. (Available at no charge).

HEBREW READING CRASH COURSE CONTINUES...
In private! Please inquire at rabbi@countryshul.org

HOME GROUP HOSTING OPPORTUNITY:

The Country Shul is committed to serving the Jewish Community by offering authentic Family Services, Jewish Study, Holiday celebrations, and social events, all in a comfortable and joyous setting. Your dedications directly support this undertaking! Please consider one or more of the following: • Stained Glass Design for the Twelve Tribes & the Tablets/Ten Commandments adorning the Ark is now completed!

• Dedicate a Tribe, Tablet, or Lion in the name of your family or loved one for $100.00 per month! To customize your own dedication plan, or for more info, please contact us at office@countryshul.org. 

MITZVAH RIDDLE OF THE WEEK
Q: When is the earliest one may fufil the Mitzvah of the Morning Sh'ma, and why? 

SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS, TO BE PUBLISHED IN NEXT WEEK'S NEWSLETTER!

​​​​​​​ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK'S MITZVAH RIDDLE
Q: What is the Bracha, Blessing, that is said only once per month, and only in the first half of the month?

A:  The Bracha of Kiddush Levana, literally, "The Sanctification of the [New] Moon" recognizes the G-d's sovereignty over the skies and the many orbs and ixtures that reside therein, and His faithful governance in their travels through space and time. This blessing is said when one can still perceive the renewal of the moon's place in Earth's outer atmoshpere, in the first half of the lunar month (this month, the last opportunity was Tuesday night, July 16th-17th.)

This newsletter is sponsored by ‘Bingo World Richmond Hill www.rhhca.ca

From the desk of Rabbi Yosef Sanders:

Developing Wings of Chessed - Lovingkindness
 
Dear Friends, 
 
As you may be aware, our Shul arranged the Kosher component of Mr. Jowhari's BBQ at Mill Pond Park this past Sunday.
 
I would like to share a bit of the background behind this story.
 
At the Shul, we get various invitations and requests from time to time. 
 
I try to guide our response by the principles taught by the Dean of my alma mater, the Telshe Yeshiva of Cleveland, Ohio.
 
Rabbi Eliyahu Meir Bloch counselled that, when we are approached with a request, our initial reaction should be that we would love to jump to respond positively to the call. Only after this loving reply is effected do we sit down and consider if we realistically are in a position to proceed with this plan of action.
 
Even were we to feel that we may be less qualified than others to fulfil the requirements of the matter at hand, the Rabbi advised not to pass the individual on to other people. If someone approached us, he or she was comfortable with our involvement, and may not be so with others.
 
Rabbi Bloch was instructing us to follow the path of Chessed, Lovingkindness, and to develop deep wellsprings of this approach to life within our character. 
 
When a non-Jewish school group asked for a tour at a precise 11:00 slot on a weekday morning, I answered that I would love to accommodate, and we could possibly arrange something in the future within my windows of availability. It is important to engage with one and all  on a friendly basis; certainly so if they have expressed an interest in an appreciation of the Jewish religion, and all the more so if they have reached out to us directly.
 
Similarly, I have tried to offer a warm response to invitations from local representatives, even when often the invitations are for events held on Saturday mornings. We explain that our Services are held at that time, which makes our involvement impossible, but at the same time, we express our support for initiatives that are designed, at their heart, to further the growth and strengthen the character of the community.
 
Mr Jowhari appreciated the Dean's direction, and reached out to our Shul for assistance in the Kosher program. As the Mishna says, one Mitzvah begets another, and it was a privilege and an honour to have the opportunity to supply the Jewish public with absolutely Kosher food!
 
Hats off to the members of our Shul family that energetically participated, going to the trouble of transporting two grills, propane tanks, and arranging and preparing supplies, food, etc. etc., in the very hot sun, to fulfil this Mitzvah!
 
May this second Mitzvah, launched by the flowing forces of Chessed,  lead to a third; may the third lead to a fourth, and so on down the road!
 
Shabbat Shalom, 
 
Yosef S

Copyright © 2019 The Richmond Hill Country Shul, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted-in to receive the RHCS Newsletters.

(P) 905-709-7485  (E) office@countryshul.org

Our current location:
The Richmond Hill Country Shul
9225 Bathurst Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 6C2
Canada

We look forward to greeting you this Shabbat! Guests are always welcome!
Please make an extra effort to join us in welcoming Shabbat on Friday Evening! If you have any questions regarding Services, email us at office@countryshul.org or phone 905-709-7485 (SHUL).

SHABBAT EVE - Friday Night Candle Lighting & Services
7:00 PM Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat "Carlebach" Evening services
7:27 PM Earliest Candle Lighting
8:44 PM Latest Candle Lighting

SHABBAT DAY - Saturday   
9:00 AM Shacharit (Morning Service)
9:31 AM Latest Sh'ma
10:15 AM Torah Reading and Insights
10:30 AM Junior Kids Program Ages 2-5
10:30 AM Alternative Minyan  (for those interested in a more casual Shul experience)
11:00 AM Amazing Kids Program! (Ages 6-13)
11:15 AM Rabbi's Message
12:00 PM Kiddush

SHABBAT EVENING

8:00 PM Mincha (Afternoon Service)
Followed by Seuda Shlishit (Third Meal of Shabbat)

9:40 PM MA'ARIV (Evening Service)

HAVDALAH
Shabbat Ends July 6, 9:57 PM

THIS WEEK'S TORAH TOPICS:
Rabbi's Message: Democratic vs Theocratic
Kiddush Comments: Kiddush Comments: Flowers and Fruits

WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Wednesday Evenings 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
NCSY LEARN & EARN PROGRAM FOR TEENS

Wednesday Evenings- 8:30 PM Home Groups- Timeless Wisdom for Turbulent Times- based on Ethics of the Fathers- locations to be advised

TORAH READING 
Celebrate the  Anniversary of your Bar Mitzvah by reading your Torah reading and/or Haftorah. To reserve,please email us at office@countryshul.org or call 905-709-SHUL (7485).

This Week in The Country Shul...

ALTERNATIVE MINYAN PROGRAM
A more relaxed Shul option; insights into the prayers, topics of interest, and 'Ask the Rabbi'!
See Flyer Below

JUNIOR KIDS PROGRAM: THIS SHABBAT, JUNE 29! Ages 2-5 
• Children sing selections from the Siddur, enjoy stories from the Torah, and have a Shabbat Party with Kiddush and Challah! Join the fun!

AMAZING KIDS PROGRAM: JUNE 9: 11:30 AM • JUNE 10: 11:00 AM Ages 6 - 13
Loads of fun while at the same time very educational, for ages 6-12, led by a multi-talented and experienced teacher, Shabbat morning @11:00 AM. (Available at no charge).

HEBREW READING CRASH COURSE CONTINUES...
In private! Please inquire at rabbi@countryshul.org

"TIMELESS WISDOM" HOME GROUP • TBA

HOME GROUP HOSTING OPPORTUNITY:

The Country Shul is committed to serving the Jewish Community by offering authentic Family Services, Jewish Study, Holiday celebrations, and social events, all in a comfortable and joyous setting. Your dedications directly support this undertaking! Please consider one or more of the following: • Stained Glass Design for the Twelve Tribes & the Tablets/Ten Commandments adorning the Ark is now completed!

• Dedicate a Tribe, Tablet, or Lion in the name of your family or loved one for $100.00 per month! To customize your own dedication plan, or for more info, please contact us at office@countryshul.org. 

MITZVAH RIDDLE OF THE WEEK
Q: In Birkat haMazon of a special day, such as Shabbat, a Festival, or Rosh Chodesh, we add a section highlighting these days. Why is it that if one forgets to do so, on Shabbat and Festivals, one repeats Birkat haMazon, whereas on Rosh Chodesh, one need not repeat Birkat haMazon?

SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS, TO BE PUBLISHED IN NEXT WEEK'S NEWSLETTER!

​​​​​​​TO LAST WEEK'S MITZVAH RIDDLE
Q: Can one dip their hands in a Mikvah or lake instead of washing Netilat Yadayim before bread with a cup at the sink?

A: Certainly! The Sages crafted the cup - at - the - sink as a substitute for immersing  ones hands in the Mikvah! The actual Mikvah is the best! (In this instance, the correct Bracha, blessing, to recite is ".... Al Tevilat Yadayim"!    

This newsletter is sponsored by ‘Bingo World Richmond Hill www.rhhca.ca

From the desk of Rabbi Yosef Sanders:

FOR THE LOVE OF ISRAEL
 
Dear Congregants, 
 
From the earliest times in Jewish history and until today, the Holy Land has challenged the Jewish People. 
 
In the desert, the challenge proved to be too much. Almost inexplicably, in spite of being amazingly supported by open miracle after open miracle, there was a crisis of confidence. Ultimately, the Jews did not possess the strength of spirit necessary for the challenge. 
 
In modern times, the test is no different. It has perhaps been best articulated  by both our allies and our foes. 
 
At West Point Academy, when studying the strategies of historically successful campaigns, Israel's stunning military victories are ignored. The explanation? Israel's battles are strategically irrelevant; Israel's successes are miracles, the results of Divine planning, which Man cannot possibly implement. 
 
And on the "flip side" of the coin, Salah Taamri, a Palestinian poet, witnessed his Israeli prison guard eating Pita on Passover. This infused him with hope and determination for his people's chances. He understood that a disconnect of Jews from their roots places them in a precarious position. 
 
Let us take a page from the Jewish experience in Israel. As the great Chofetz Chaim advised, we put our best foot guard, trust in Him, and forge forward in our quest for successfully carrying His Message to every precious member of the Jewish community!
 
Shabbat Shalom, 
 
Yosef Sanders 

Copyright © 2019 The Richmond Hill Country Shul, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted-in to receive the RHCS Newsletters.

(P) 905-709-7485  (E) office@countryshul.org

Our current location:
The Richmond Hill Country Shul
9225 Bathurst Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 6C2
Canada

Friday June 21, 8:45 PM

HAVDALAH
Motzei Shabbat June 22, 9:59 PM

SHABBAT EVE - Friday night
8:45 PM Shabbat Candle lighting
7:00 PM Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat "Carlebach" Evening services

SHABBAT DAY - Saturday   
9:00 AM Shacharit
9:27 AM Latest Sh'ma
10:15 AM Insights to the Torah Reading
10:25 AM Torah Reading
10:30 AM Alternative Minyan  (for those interested in a more casual Shul experience)
11:00 AM Amazing Kids Program! (Ages 6-13)
11:15 AM Rabbi's Message
11:30 AM Mussaf
12:00 PM Kiddush is sponsored by the Shul
8:15 PM Mincha

9:40 PM MA'ARIV

9:59 PM Havdalah   

THIS WEEK'S TORAH TOPICS:
Rabbi's Message: Israel's Challenges
Kiddush Comments: Passing the Torch

TORAH READING 
To reserve your Bar Mitzvah Torah reading, Bar Mitzvah Haftara, or any other reading, please email us at office@countryshul.org
We look forward to greeting you on Shabbat! Guests are always welcome!
Please make an extra effort to join us in welcoming Shabbat on Friday Evening!
If you have any questions regarding Services, email us at office@countryshul.org
Want to host an Oneg? Friday Night Oneg hosting available

This Week in The Country Shul...

WELCOME AGAIN!
... to Gabe and Estee Bredin- Enjoy the rest of your stay!

ALTERNATIVE MINYAN PROGRAM
A more relaxed Shul option; insights into the prayers, topics of interest, and 'Ask the Rabbi'!

NEXT JUNIOR JUNIOR KIDS PROGRAM: JULY 3: 10:30 AM Ages 2-5 
• Children sing selections from the Siddur, enjoy stories from the Torah, and have a Shabbat Party with Kiddush and Challah! Join the fun!

AMAZING KIDS PROGRAM: JUNE 9: 11:30 AM • JUNE 10: 11:00 AM Ages 6 - 13
Loads of fun while at the same time very educational, for ages 6-12, led by a multi-talented and experienced teacher, Shabbat morning @11:00 AM. (Available at no charge).

HEBREW READING CRASH COURSE CONTINUES...
In private! Please inquire at rabbi@countryshul.org

"TIMELESS WISDOM" HOME GROUP • June 26th
The Home Group on Wednesday, June 26, will be graciously hosted by Sheila and Frank Moskoff, at their home, 115 Watch Hill Rd, King City, Ontario, L0G 1K1, at 8:30 PM.  Please contact office@countryshul.org to be added to the Home Group mailing list. Looking forward to seeing you!

HOME GROUP HOSTING OPPORTUNITY:

The Country Shul is committed to serving the Jewish Community by offering authentic Family Services, Jewish Study, Holiday celebrations, and social events, all in a comfortable and joyous setting. Your dedications directly support this undertaking! Please consider one or more of the following: • Stained Glass Design for the Twelve Tribes & the Tablets/Ten Commandments adorning the Ark is now completed!

• Dedicate a Tribe, Tablet, or Lion in the name of your family or loved one for $100.00 per month! To customize your own dedication plan, or for more info, please contact us at office@countryshul.org. 

CREATE A FAMILY SHULCLOUD ACCOUNT
Go to our new website www.countryshul.org . Click on 'New User' at top right corner to create your account.

NEW WEBSITE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
For $100/month your name and a link to the business or organization you would like to promote will be displayed prominently at the top of our website. Contact us at office@countryshul.org  if interested.

WELCOME TO RICHMOND HILL + CHESSED OPPORTUNITIES!
JIAS Toronto is looking for female volunteer(s), to meet with two Yazidi refugee sisters on a monthly basis. The sisters are in their late 20s and live in Richmond Hill. The volunteer would help them get oriented to their neighbourhood and the GTA generally. Some ideas of activities include taking them to the local public library or to hear some music in their neighbourhood. That said, it’s really flexible, depending on the volunteer’s interests and ideas. Please contact Rachel Levy Phone: 416-630-6481 ext. 5435 if you are able to assist.

Answers to last week's Mitzvah Riddle:
Q: Why is there extra Simcha in the days following Shavu'ot?

ANSWER:  When one made Aliya for each Festival, one brought offerings for the Altar. If there wasn't an opportunity earlier, these offerings are brought up to and including the 12th day of Sivan. There is thus an extra element of Simcha in these days.

This newsletter is sponsored by ‘Bingo World Richmond Hill www.rhhca.ca

From the desk of Rabbi Yosef Sanders:

Dear Congregants,

There was palpable Simcha last Friday, as Toronto celebrated the Raptors' ascendancy to the championship. My phone was ringing off the hook, with family, friends, and congregants suggesting how to best incorporate the joy into my Shabbat message!                                 

In the end, my opportunity was handed to me by our Aron Kodesh stained-glass artisan, who prefaced a serious discussion with, "...but first, tell me, have you come down yet from the Raptors' win last night?!" I replied, "....I thought you were going to ask, 'Have you come down yet from the rapture of Shavu'ot at Sinai?

!The Medrash tells a somewhat of a shocking story: There was a son who was understandably concerned over his father's drinking problem. Passing by a drunkard one day, wallowing in the gutters at the side of the road, he thought it a good idea to bring his father to witness the degradation that excess alcohol can bring one to. The father obligingly came along, and assessed the scene. He then bent down to the drunk and asked, "Where did you get that wine?!"

One of the lessons the Sages are imparting here is to recognize that man, by nature, is a pleasure-seeking being. We are designed to party, and if we try to fool ourselves into thinking that we are motivated purely by intellectual decision, we do so at our peril.

As we respond to the Jewish imperative that asks each of us to strive to climb up to the next rung on our very own particular ladder, we must allow for experiencing joy and pleasure, etc. As the verse tells us, "Serve God with Simcha!"
 
Shabbat Shalom, 
 
Yosef S 

Copyright © 2019 The Richmond Hill Country Shul, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted-in to receive the RHCS Newsletters.

(P) 905-709-7485  (E) office@countryshul.org

Our current location:
The Richmond Hill Country Shul
9225 Bathurst Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 6C2
Canada

Friday June 14, 8:43 PM

HAVDALAH
Motzei Shabbat June 15, 9:57 PM

SHABBAT EVE - Friday night
8:43 PM Shabbat Candle lighting
7:00 PM Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat "Carlebach" Evening services

SHABBAT DAY - Saturday   
9:00 AM Shacharit
9:26 AM Latest Sh'ma
10:15 AM Insights to the Torah Reading
10:25 AM Torah Reading
10:30 AM Alternative Minyan  (for those interested in a more casual Shul experience)
11:00 AM Amazing Kids Program! (Ages 6-13)
11:15 AM Rabbi's Message
11:30 AM Mussaf
12:00 PM Kiddush
7:45 PM Mincha

9:35 PM MA'ARIV

9:57 PM Havdalah   

THIS WEEK'S TORAH TOPICS:
Rabbi's Message : Designed to Party! 
Kiddush Comments: When the Cup Runneth Over

TORAH READING 
To reserve your Bar Mitzvah Torah reading, Bar Mitzvah Haftara, or any other reading, please email us at office@countryshul.org
We look forward to greeting you on Shabbat! Guests are always welcome!
Please make an extra effort to join us in welcoming Shabbat on Friday Evening!
If you have any questions regarding Services, email us at office@countryshul.org
Want to host an Oneg? Friday Night Oneg hosting available

This Week in The Country Shul...

MAZELTOV!
... to Susan Austin upon her 70th Birthday! Many happy and healthy returns!
...to Erin Austin upon her Bat Mitzvah!
... to Ben Austin upon his 10th Birthday!
... to Malka and Abe Moses upon the Bris of their grandson Yacov Alexander!

WELCOME!
... to Gabe and Esther Bredin, visiting from England!     

ALTERNATIVE MINYAN PROGRAM
A more relaxed Shul option; insights into the prayers, topics of interest, and 'Ask the Rabbi'!

JUNIOR JUNIOR KIDS PROGRAM: JUNE 9: 11:00 AM • JUNE 10: 10:30 AM Ages 2-5 
• NEW SCHEDULING! • This Group will meet monthly, on Shabbat Mevarchim • Children sing selections from the Siddur, enjoy stories from the Torah, and have a Shabbat Party with Kiddush and Challah! Join the fun!

AMAZING KIDS PROGRAM: JUNE 9: 11:30 AM • JUNE 10: 11:00 AM Ages 6 - 13
Loads of fun while at the same time very educational, for ages 6-12, led by a multi-talented and experienced teacher, Shabbat morning @11:00 AM. (Available at no charge).

HEBREW READING CRASH COURSE CONTINUES...
In private! Please inquire at rabbi@countryshul.org
"TIMELESS WISDOM FOR TURBULENT TIMES" HOME GROUP 
We meet most Wednesdays at 8:30 PM, and explore timely topics. Exact time and day will be emailed early next week. Please contact office@countryshul.org to be added to the Home Group mailing list. Looking forward to seeing you!

HOME GROUP HOSTING OPPORTUNITY:

The Country Shul is committed to serving the Jewish Community by offering authentic Family Services, Jewish Study, Holiday celebrations, and social events, all in a comfortable and joyous setting. Your dedications directly support this undertaking! Please consider one or more of the following: • Stained Glass Design for the Twelve Tribes & the Tablets/Ten Commandments adorning the Ark is now completed!

• Dedicate a Tribe, Tablet, or Lion in the name of your family or loved one for $100.00 per month! To customize your own dedication plan, or for more info, please contact us at office@countryshul.org. 

CREATE A FAMILY SHULCLOUD ACCOUNT
Go to our new website www.countryshul.org . Click on 'New User' at top right corner to create your account.

NEW WEBSITE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
For $100/month your name and a link to the business or organization you would like to promote will be displayed prominently at the top of our website. Contact us at office@countryshul.org  if interested.

WELCOME TO RICHMOND HILL + CHESSED OPPORTUNITIES!
JIAS Toronto is looking for female volunteer(s), to meet with two Yazidi refugee sisters on a monthly basis. The sisters are in their late 20s and live in Richmond Hill. The volunteer would help them get oriented to their neighbourhood and the GTA generally. Some ideas of activities include taking them to the local public library or to hear some music in their neighbourhood. That said, it’s really flexible, depending on the volunteer’s interests and ideas. Please contact Rachel Levy Phone: 416-630-6481 ext. 5435 if you are able to assist.

Answers to last week's Mitzvah Riddle:
Q: The Ten Commandments were inscribed on a set of saphire Tablets. How many Tablets were given to the Jews at Sinai when they accepted the Torah?
 
ANSWER: None. The Ten Commandments were given at Sinai on Shavu'ot, not the Tablets (apologies to Charleston Heston). Moses ascended Sinai the day after Shavu'ot and spent the next 40 days studying the Oral Torah. On the 40th day, he came down with the Tablets, only to break them at the sight of the Golden Calf. A second set was hewn and finally delivered on Yom Kippur. 

This newsletter is sponsored by ‘Bingo World Richmond Hill www.rhhca.ca

From the desk of Rabbi Yosef Sanders:

Dear Congregants,

Some time ago, Jason Alexander arranged an all - day seminar for the Seinfeld series crew to better understand the Jewish underpinnings of the show. Rabbis were flown in from New York, and a spirited day - long presentation was attended by a crowd of 750.

Three weeks later, one of the Rabbis in Brooklyn received a call from L. A. The secretary informed him that a certain Mr Larry David was on the line. 
"Rabbi, let me be clear: I hate Rabbis! I have never had anything Jewish in my life, and married a Jewish woman simply by accident.
 "But I have a few questions, and I'd like to know if you'll be in town in the near future."
Rabbi Daniel Mechanic replied that he just happened to be coming into town the following day, hung up the phone, and called his travel agent.
The next day, in Pat's Kosher Restaurant on Pico Boulevard, 150 sets of eyebrows rose as Rabbi D. and Larry D. made their way to a quiet table in the back. "Rabbi, can you prove God exists?". 
"Larry, can you prove He doesn't?" 
"Rabbi, don't play games with me! Does He exist or not?"
 
"Larry, can you prove He doesn't?!" 
 
"If I'm wrong, I'm still in pretty good shape! I've tried to live properly, helping and not harming others, and the biggest downside is I've experienced a few festive Shabbat dinners with family and friends. But you'd better be pretty sure He doesn't exist, Larry, because if you're wrong, you could be in trouble!"
 
The Rabbi went on to detail a talk he gave at a Princeton University course in comparative religion. Asking for the students' understanding of the world religions, their response was quick and  in coming: Basically, one man has an experience with God, and comes back and tells everybody else, either follow me or we will ransack your village and build a pogrom!
 
Apparently, the Princeton U professor had bought the television version of the Ten Commandments (!), where Charleston Heston, acting as Moses, brings the Tablets down from Mt Sinai and presents them to the Jewish People. 
 
Rabbi D showed them clear verses in the Torah demonstrating that Judaism is built upon the eyewitness testimony of three million people receiving the Ten Commandments at Sinai. 
 
The punchline? 
 
A Chinese student's comment:
 
"Is the world out there aware of all this?!" 
 
Shabbat Shalom, 
 
Yosef S 

Copyright © 2019 The Richmond Hill Country Shul, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted-in to receive the RHCS Newsletters.

(P) 905-709-7485  (E) office@countryshul.org

Our current location:
The Richmond Hill Country Shul
9225 Bathurst Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 6C2
Canada

Copyright © 2019 The Richmond Hill Country Shul, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted-in to receive the RHCS Newsletters.

(P) 905-709-7485  (E) office@countryshul.org

Our current location:
The Richmond Hill Country Shul
9225 Bathurst Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 6C2
Canada

Our current mailing address:
The Richmond Hill Country Shul
P. O. Box 61524, Hillcrest Mall
Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4C 0C9