Teaneck N.J. — Rav Moshe Mamonovitz Shlita announced this past Shabbos in shul that donations were down at the shul, and also that the Drasha was sponsored by Steve's Auto Body Repair Shop.
"Since li-myse donations to the shul are really down and we are in the red - big time - today's Drasha is sponsored by Steve's Auto Body Repair Shop," R' Mamonovitz noted as he took his place behind his shtender at the beginning of the Drasha on Shabbos morning. "If your fenders are as much of a wreck as your tfillos, stop by Steve's on Queen Anne's for all your auto body repair needs."
"I'd also like to note that Steve's is running a special this week," R' Mamonovitz continued. "Anyone who can chazer the Drasha will get a 10 percent discount. But hurry, because unlike Hashem's infinite patience, this offer is only available for a limited time."
Congregant Dovid Steinberg says that while he understands the budget pressures, he's still unsure about corporate sponsorships for Drashos. "I'm glad we found a solution to the money shortfall, but it was a little weird that he stopped the Drasha every 3 minutes for another commercial," said Steinberg. "Going back and forth from the Ramban on Vi-ohavta Li-reyacha Ka-mocha to fender repair, well, it was a tad bit distracting."
After the conclusion of the Drasha, the Rav asked the Tzibbur to stand up and receive a mi-shebeirach, which was graciously sponsored by Debbie's Dry Cleaning on Bedford Avenue next to the kosher bakery.
