We've had 49 days since Pesach and are standing at the foot of Mount Sinai. What do you think it felt like to be a newly freed slave, standing at the foot of a fiery mountain, the ground rumbling beneath your feet, thunder and lightning, a shofar blast getting louder and louder, and surrounded by millions of others who are having this experience together with you?
According to our tradition, we are all there tonight. Take a minute, close your eyes, and imagine you are there, right now. What do you feel? What do the other people feel?
On Shavuot, many people try to spend time learning Torah late into the night. The goal is to reconnect to the experience we all had at Sinai.
Learning Torah, though, isn't about the books. It's about understanding and recognizing that it is our individual lives which colour our experiences of the Divine in the world. Think back to the last 49 days, since Pesach. What were your challenges then, that now are part of our reality?
I fully remember feeling totally overwhelmed when school first got canceled three weeks before Pesach break. How were we going to manage with kids home all day for five weeks, until Pesach was over? Twelve weeks later it still isn't easy, but we are finding our way. Some moments are good and successful and others I wish I could take back, but every moment has been a learning opportunity: I have learned about my kids, I have learned about my wife, I have learned about my family dynamic, I have learned about myself and what I am capable of doing, and I have learned that we can all handle more than we anticipated. I have learned about the value of community even when we are apart and I have learned that I have a life that is so full of blessings that I take for granted most of the time.
Torah and Judaism as integral parts of our lives are so often taken for granted. Shavuot is a moment to remember that it is Torah and Judaism that make it all possible for us a nation and remind us that it is all worthwhile.
Shavuot Samei'ach!
Beth Emeth has some pre-recorded Shavuot learning for you.
Also check out https://www.mercaz.ca/ for more pre-recorded lectures including from Rabbi David about the comic book character Deadpool!
Join the SHINSHINIM for their FINAL PROGRAM!
EVERYONE IS INVITED!!! Bring your family, have some Sunday fun and say farewell to Matan and Ori! ZOOM: https://zoom.us/j/95525679088
The shul is constantly creating more virtual opportunities for learning, praying and connecting. Check out www.beby.orgfor a full listing and follow us on Facebookto keep up on everything happening at the Virtual Beth Emeth.
We, both the shul, but also more personally, Shira Rachel and I, are here for you during this COVID-19 experience. Physical and mental health are primary and we need to do everything possible and utilize every resource available to ensure that we stay healthy. Please, do not hesitate to call or email, 24/7, for any reason:
Rabbi David, Director of Ritual and NEXTgen Community rabbidavid@beby.org
TORAH TALK FOR THE TABLE with Rabbi David
Shavuot - The giving of the Torah
On Shavuot we read the 10 commandments. But Torah is supposed to be personal. On Shavuot, sit with your family and read each of the 10 statements, one at a time. As a family, discuss the following questions about each one:
Discussion Questions
How does this related to us?
Is this something that we find relevant in our life, or is it "old"?
Why would HaShem ask us to do this?
If we were going to write 10 commandments, would I include this one? Why do you think HaShem said this one and not something else?
TEENS: we are looking to create a Senior's Line. Some of the elderly in our community need some more human engagement. Let me know if you'd be interested in speaking to an older member of our community, or even just reading to them over ZOOM.
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
