I had planned to begin this week thanking the many people who volunteered to help us get the word out, by posting Torah.org flyers (or arranging to have them posted) on their campus or in their neighborhood.

Instead, I must thank the few people who did so, all the more!

At this point we still don’t know who posts flyers in the shuls in Flatbush, or how much it costs — much less the smaller communities. If you can help us with this effort, please write to genesis -at- torah.org; we will pay all expenses, of course!

In Hebrew, the word “Hodu” has three meanings. One is “turkey,” and another is “give thanks.” The third meaning is “India,” which seemed irrelevant until Rabbi Dixler pointed out that the original pilgrims called the turkey an “Indian chicken.”

Whether or not today was marked by consumption of turkey (which Ben Franklin wanted to have as the US national bird, rather than the eagle), it is appropriate to be thankful in a country which has offered us such complete freedom to practice and live as Jews. For most of our history, Jews have been like our forefather Yaakov. Yaakov left the company of Lavan, who cheated and deceived him, and attempted to oppress him financially, and then went to his brother Esav, who brought an army out to meet him. America remains a beacon of freedom to the world, for which we must be thankful all the more.

Speaking of holidays, our own Chanukah is rapidly approaching. Please check out the many classes in our special Chanukah section, and listen to audio classes on Chanukah hosted at TorahMedia.com.

“For the Candle is a Mitzvah, and the Torah is Light.” Here’s an easy Mitzvah for you, that will spread the Light of Torah in time for Chanukah! All that’s required is your knowledge of your community, and a few moments of your volunteer spirit.

Notice boards — in shuls, Hillel buildings, dormitory buildings, JCCs, Kosher restaurants and markets — remain a powerful and inexpensive place to advertise services for the Jewish community. We have 8.5×11 glossy sheets, to promote “Jewish Learning @ Internet Speed.” You, we hope, know of places where they will be noticed.

If you can think of five or more places to post them, please tell us. If you think a local poster-hanging would be helpful, just tell us how much it will cost to use the services of the local agency (as there are in many neighborhoods and on many campuses, all inexpensive). If you have less than 5 places, might you consider printing out a copy or two and hanging them somewhere visible?

In this simple way, you can help us to spread the word about Torah.org, and help others to start learning with us. Please email genesis *at* torah.org to help in this campaign.

Also, please take note of our special Chanukah section here at Torah.org, and listen to our Chanukah audio at TorahMedia.com.

Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Yaakov Menken
Director, Project Genesis – Torah.org

When Sarah passes away, Avraham seeks out a burial place for her — the cave then belonging to Efron the Hittite. Efron shows us how to say much, and do little. Or more accurately, as Rashi says, “even a little he did not do.” Efron said to Avraham, “The cave is a gift, please take it to bury your dead.” But Avraham recognized that Efron was saying this for public consumption, and indeed Efron said later, “what is 400 silver coins between me and you?”

In the end, the coins weren’t the regular ones in circulation, but much more valuable ones “good for the money-changer.” They were Centurion coins, each one hundred times the value of a regular silver coin.

At that point, at end of the story, the Torah drops the letter Vav from the name Efron, such that it can be read Afran — from the word “Afar,” dirt. Through his dishonest speech and interest in only the money, he proved himself an animalistic man of the earth, rather than an elevated man with a higher focus. Obviously, we can and should strive to do better in our own lives!

This past week the author of our popular Yom Tov class, Rabbi Yehuda Prero, lost his father Rabbi Yisroel Aryeh Prero a”h of Chicago. May he and his family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Yaakov Menken
Director, Project Genesis – Torah.org