Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi

Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort

Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort is spiritual leader of Chabad of La Costa, which is located in the City of Carlsbad.

A Word of Torah – You should command

What we do not find mentioned in this week’s portion is the name Moses. This is an anomaly, which grabs the attention of the Sages, as Moses’ name appears in every portion of the Torah from the time he is first introduced to us at the beginning of Exodus to the time of the Book of Deuteronomy, which Moses wrote largely in the first person. This omission is strange especially when one considers the fact that Moses is referenced numerous times within the portion, as he is commanded to do numerous things. [Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort]

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Jewish Religion, Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi

A Word of Torah: Living with the times

This week’s Torah portion is titled, Terumah, which means gifts. Just as last week’s portion – which dealt in detailed specifics of Torah law in everyday life – represented a dramatic shift from the portion before – which told the story of the 10 Commandments – so too this week’s portion makes another dramatic turn and conveys the specifics of building the Tabernacle. The word ‘Tabernacle’ comes from the Latin ‘tabernaculum,’ which means ‘tent.’ The Torah describes this unique mobile structure as the Mishkan (Dwelling Place) and as the Ohel Mo’ed (Tent of Meeting).

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Jewish Religion, Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi

A Word of Torah: Mishpatim-Judgments

This week’s Torah portion is titled Mishpatim, which means judgments. In this portion a whopping 53 commandments (out of a total 613 in the entire Torah) are mentioned. Twenty of the commandments mentioned are positive (thou shalt), and thirty-three are negative (thou shalt not). The portion begins by stating, “And these are the judgments that were placed before you.” The word, “And,” is of critical importance we are told by the commentaries, as it demonstrates that this week’s portion is a continuation of last week’s portion. This means in order to properly understand the portion of Mishpatim we have to look back at the portion of Yitro. [Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort]

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Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi

A ‘Chanukah’ Party at the White House

I was given the high honor of being invited to this year’s Chanukah party at the White House. When a dear friend asked if I wanted to go I jumped at the chance. Why? It was not to see the holiday decorations (which made me feel as though I was in a winter wonderland), sample the lavish strictly kosher buffet (all I had was a couple of glasses of water), hear the Marine Corps band play Klezmer music (now THAT was otherworldly), see the historic displays of chinaware, meet the members of various branches of the armed services in their full dress regalia, or even to get the chance to meet the President, First Lady, Vice President, or other elected officials or dignitaries. [Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort]

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Jewish History, Jewish Religion, USA, Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi

Local Chabad rabbis to attend National Prayer Fete

By Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort CARLSBAD, California — I just returned from an evening spent with my colleague, Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein. Although wounded on Saturday, he was up late fielding phone calls, making plans, and sitting with some old colleagues (one of whom is me). Rabbi Goldstein stared death in the face; the rifle of the

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Jewish Religion, Travel and Food, USA, Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi

Jews in the News: February 14, 2019

By Donald H. Harrison NATIONAL/ INTERNATIONAL – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of the international conference on Iran currently being held in Warsaw.  Netanyahu thanked  Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence for pulling together the conference in which “an Israeli prime minister and the

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Donald H. Harrison, Middle East, Obituaries & memorials, USA, Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi

Jewish world reacts to Pittsburgh synagogue murders

SAN DIEGO (SDJW) — As news of the deadly assault on the Tree of Life/ Or L’Shalom Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh were broadcast and cablecast around the country, various Jewish organizations issued statements in response. At last report, there were at least 11 people killed and six others wounded, including four

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Jewish Religion, Middle East, USA, Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi

Stranger whom we welcome should be friendly

By Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort  CARLSBAD, California — We are in the midst of the story of the Exodus of our people, the Jewish people, from Egyptian servitude. This part of our collective history is rich in lessons that apply to our lives today. Many people mistakenly believe that the Torah is filled with ancient wisdom

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International, Jewish Religion, Middle East, USA, Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi

Chabad of La Costa celebrates ‘floor of the present’

By Donald H. Harrison CARLSBAD, California – Chabad of La Costa on Sunday, Aug. 23, celebrated the completion of what its spiritual leader,  Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort,  called the “floor of the present” containing an 88-seat sanctuary, offices, a small library,  and a kosher kitchen. Already roughly constructed, but needing such important finishing touches as an

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Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi

San Diego County Jewish deaths: June 10, 2014

SAN DIEGO (SDJW)–The following death notifications have been received by San Diego Jewish World.   More information may be obtained from the cited sources.  We offer condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. Bill “Papa” Brunelle, an active member of the Jewish community, has died, it was announced by Chadad at La Costa

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San Diego County, Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi

D.A. promises to prosecute those who try to re- victimize fire victims; warns against looting, price gouging

By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO – As San Diego County reeled under the impact of nine separate wild fires that burned more than 9,100 acres on Wednesday, May 14, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis issued strong warnings against looting, price gauging, and scamming by anyone who would “revictimize those who have been victimized already.” Noting

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San Diego County, Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi