School's out for summer, but this year camp is (mostly) also out for summer. While shul normally gets extremely quiet during the summer months, this year is different and we are here for you.
I'm trying to figure out the best ways to engage, whether virtually, in small gatherings, or some combination of the two.
Some of the ideas are a Zoom-karaoke and cupcakes, Backyard Bonfire and Big Questions, and even arranging virtual tours of Israel with Israeli tour-guides. Each program can be gear to ANY age group.
Let me know your thoughts about these ideas and please share any of your own ideas so we can work to make them happen.
Last week, I left out one graduate from our community who should definitely be mentioned:
Matthew Jadd is a former youth leader at Beth Emeth. He graduated from Brandeis University this year with a non-profit MBA and an MA in Jewish Professional Leadership.
Mazal Tov Matthew for all your hard work and for everything you have accomplished! _______________________________
All programs for this week, including the link for the Pre-Shabbat Sing-along, #myUSYfisummer Teen Summer Experiences, and other opportunities are available below. _______________________________
While Beth Emeth is working on plans for reopening, the health and well-being of our community come first, and so the process of re-opening will be gradual and deliberate.
Given restrictions for age and health conditions, we, BEBY NEXTgen, will likely have to step it up and be on the front line of re-opening attendance. I will be in touch more as next steps are formalized.
For the official reopening statement, check out the shul website, www.beby.org .
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
Korach - Serving HaShem by taking care of others
Korach and a group of 250 people all argue with Moshe and Aharon. They say that Moshe is just trying to rule over Bnai Yisrael, but isn't actually serving HaShem.
Moshe and Aharon start crying because they only want to serve HaShem and Am Yisrael and are trying their best. Our Rabbi's teach us that Korach didn't actually care about others, but only wanted to have Moshe's power for himself. Korach was jealous of Moshe and Aharon.
When we become jealous, it swallows us up. That means that we have a hard time thinking about doing good things, and only think about how jealous we feel. In the parashah, the Earth opens its "mouth" and Korach gets swallowed up because of his jealousy.
Discussion Questions
Have you ever felt jealous of someone else? Was it a good feeling or a bad one?
Was someone ever jealous of something you had? How did they behave? Did you like it?
Our Rabbis teach us that we should be thankful for what we have. What are you the most thankful for in your life?
TEENS and Middle School (grade 5 - 12), I have been really feeling for you. For weeks I have been feeling the pain of camps being shut down. As we plan our own summer activities for our kids, USY has been planning #myUSYfisummer programs! There are so many unbelieveable programs being made available. Make sure you check out the site to see all the amazing things they are offering!
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
