I want to start off this message with a huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out and make Purim the amazing success that it was. It was so great seeing so many people getting into the joyous spirit of the holiday.
Unfortunately, due to the Covid19 pandemic, Beth Emeth is cancelling all programming, meals and kiddushes - beyond morning and evening services - until further notice.
This Shabbat there will be NO TEEN SHABBAT and NO YOUTH PROGRAMS.
For those who plan on attending shul this Shabbat with young children, I will make sure that the PJ Library box in the main sanctuary is stocked with books that can help keep them occupied during the service.
While you may have received the shul's official announcement regarding our response to the pandemic, I will include it below.
Some other announcements:
Rabbi David has been invited to be a guest on some podcasts in the coming weeks. Check out:
March 25 @ 10:30am - Together with Gila Yefet - "The new language of faith and religion"
HELP B.E.B.Y. BE THE BEST IT CAN BE! We are looking to create a community of involved leaders. Are you looking to...
improve current programming?
create new innovative programs?
bring your expertise to our community?
Let me know and we will create our teams!
SHABBAT SHALOM!!!
Rabbi David, Director of Ritual and NEXTgen Community rabbidavid@beby.org
TORAH TALK FOR THE TABLE with Rabbi David
Parshat Ki Tisa
Parshat Ki Tisa tells the story of the sin of the Golden Calf, Moshe breaking the original tablets, HaShem forgiving Bnai Yisrael, and Moshe creating a new set of tablets with the 10 commandments listed on them.
(It also has a whole section about the importance of washing your hands.)
The Golden Calf Fail happend when the people lost hope and faith in HaShem and in Moshe. They despaired of Moshe returning from Har Sinai and turned away from HaShem entirely. In the end, it is Moshe who helps them recover from their mistakes.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think the people chose to make a Golden Calf?
Why do you think Moshe broke the first tablets?
What can we learn about faith in HaShem from this episode?
What can we learn about leadership from Moshe's behaviour?
Let me know your answers, either by emailing rabbidavid@beby.org or telling me at shul!
Shabbat Shalom!
THIS WEEK
In response to the COVID19 pandemic, Beth Emeth sent out the following important message to the BEBY community:
Dear Beth Emeth Family and Community,
The religious, administrative, and lay leadership of Beth Emeth has been reviewing best practices and procedures in view of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. We are incredibly fortunate that there are no known cases in our community. Of course, we are aware that we must remain vigilant in order to ensure that this remains the status quo.
The precautionary measures we take as a community to protect ourselves from this outbreak will evolve as we consult with experts and take guidance from government health officials. The purpose of this message is to give you a sense of where things stand now, and how Jewish values frame this matter.
Firstly, all places of gathering have an obligation at this time to slow the spread of this outbreak so that the healthcare system can keep up with increased demand. For us, that means the frequency of our gatherings should be reduced as much as possible. Thus, effective tomorrow, March 13th, most of our in-person events, meetings and programs are cancelled, and will remain cancelled for the foreseeable future. Where possible we will change these events to an online/virtual space, and we will let you know as we are able to do so. We will still conduct services on weekdays and on Shabbat. We will be moving services to large spaces in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines. There will be no kiddushim, seudot, or breakfasts. No youth or childcare programs will be available. As we have stated elsewhere, if you are in a category of “elevated risk,” you should think carefully before deciding to attend. Those who exhibit any symptoms of illness, who have knowingly been in contact with someone with the virus, or who have recently traveled internationally, should please stay home. In addition, we will be implementing the following changes to our regular procedures:
As noted above, services will take place in the main sanctuary or in the case of the Hashkama minyan, the Arback Hall. Please leave open spaces between occupied seats (with the exception of your immediate family) in accordance with social distancing guidelines. Service times can found on our homepage
Please refrain from hand-shaking, kissing, fist-bumps or hugging.
Additionally, please refrain from kissing prayer books, Torahs, mezzuzzot etc.
For those who are healthy and able, please continue to attend services. Times are listed, as always, on our homepage
Communal prayer, while important, is not halakhically mandated (OH 90:9). The Shulhan Arukh rules that a person should make an effort to pray in a minyan, but may pray alone if there are “compelling circumstances.” Pikuah nefesh, saving a life, is a compelling circumstance. In our tradition it is permitted to refrain from communal prayer to protect oneself from great risk to one’s health.
Furthermore, the Rema writes: וכן יזהר מכל דברים המביאים לידי סכנה כי סכנתא חמירא מאיסורא ויש לחוש יותר לספק סכנה מלספק איסור "Similarly, one should be careful of all things that cause danger, because danger is stricter than transgressions, and one should be more careful with an uncertain danger than with an uncertain transgression." (YD 116:5)
Medical professionals have advised the clergy to take extra personal precautions because of the role they play in the community. At this time, the clergy are avoiding visiting people in the hospital or retirement homes, and at shivas. They are still available by phone or e-mail.
With these measures, we are hoping to seriously curb the impact and the spread of this illness. We deeply appreciate your help and patience as we continue to assess.
Our clergy and staff will be working, as usual, and will be available by phone or email to assist you.
We will keep you updated as this situation evolves and appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping to keep our community healthy.
Wishing good health to all,
Malcolm Weinstein, President Steven Greenwood, Chairman Howard Morrison, Senior Rabbi Candace Vogel, Executive Director
YOUNG FAMILIES
Hopefully, the next family Shabbat will take place April 4th and will include a Chocolate Seder for the Whole Family!
We want to grow the program and need YOUR HELP! Email Rabbi David for more info.
NEXTgen
YOUTH
ALL SHABBAT YOUTH PROGRAMMING IS CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Nursery (ages 0-6) Junior Congregation (7-11)
Here is the weekly Youth Program schedule. Come early for the most FUN available!
10 - 10:45 - Free play
10:45 - 10:50 - Clean up
10:50 - 11 - Tefillah
11 - 11:10 - Parshah Discussion/Story
11:10 - 11:20 - HEALTHY snack
11:20 - 11:45ish - Games/Activities
11:45ish - Go into main shul for Ein Keloheinu, Aleinu, Adon Olam
Beth Emeth's Youth Department is looking to hire energetic, engaging, and caring staff for weekly Shabbat morning youth programming. Positions are available for the Nursery (Kindergarten and younger) and Junior Congregation (Grades 1-6). These are paid positions.
Responsibilities include: -Welcoming all children into the programming space -Engaging with the children in play and other activities -Leading interactive and fun circle time (nursery) or prayers (junior congregation) -Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of participants at all times -Supervising volunteers and other Shabbat morning staff -Working together with the Youth Coordinator and other Shabbat morning Youth Department staff to execute all aspects of Shabbat morning youth programs -Attending staff training sessions as necessary (not on Saturday mornings)
Please send a cover letter and resume to Rabbi David, Director of Next-Gen at rabbidavid@beby.org. Please indicate which age group you are interested in working with in your cover letter. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON at the NEXT NEXTgen EVENT!!!
Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue 100 Elder Street Toronto, ON M3H 5G7
SHABBAT SHALOM!!!
