This week, as our efforts to reopen safely are on overdrive, I can't help but see the beauty in the timing. As I mentioned last week, we are in the three-week period, known as "Bein HaMeitzarim (lit. between the straits)" commemorating the destruction of both Holy Temples (Batei Mikdash) in Yerushalayim. Our leaders then had to figure out how to create meaningful Jewish living without a place to unite us.
We, however, are in the opposite place. As we are all currently without our shul home to unite us, we are working on re-opening our building, so that we can come together again.
I bless us all to stay united in these times where we can so easily feel distant and appart.
Things are already starting to happen in shul though. We are making major progress toward creating a meaningful High Holiday experience for everyone, though, as you can surely guess, it will be different than it has been in the past. I'll share more as things become clearer. In the meantime, we are working hard to open in the VERY near future. To that end, we are looking for volunteers who can help us with our efforts, once we are open. You will be helping ensure that all protocols are met and that we are able to function as safely as possible.
This opportunity is for adults and teens to help out your community. TEENS, you can get community service hours out of it too! THANK YOU to everyone who reached out offering to help. There is a lot of work to be done and the dedication of our NEXTgen community is palpable. I look forward to being in touch next week with more information.
If you are interested in getting involved, email me or volunteer@beby.org for more information. _______________________________
Our pre-Shabbat Sing-Along is on hiatus. See below and check out www.beby.org for other links and programs, such as the #myUSYfisummer Teen Summer Experiences, and other opportunities. _______________________________
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
Mattot/Maasei - Staying United and Travelling Together
This week's double-parsha concludes the 4th book of the Torah - the book of Bamidbar. It lists the 42 different journeys the Israelites took in the desert. It also tells of 2.5 tribes who liked their life outside of Israel better. When they told Moshe, he reluctantly agreed that they could live where they wanted, but that they had to support the rest of the nation entering the Promised Land.
For 40 years, we travelled together. Even when our paths are seemingly heading in different directions, we must always stick together and support each other. It is united as a nation, that we journey together and individually, and can overcome any obstacles.
Discussion Questions
What are different journeys that you have taken in your life? How did each trip affect you?
Have you ever had a friend who moved schools or neighbourhoods? Did you ever move?
What kind of support do you think you need to make changes easier to handle? How do you help others with the changes that they have?
In response to the COVID19 pandemic, all of our programs are going virtual!
YOUNG FAMILIES
ON HIATUS.
Have a wonderful Song-filled Shabbat with your own families and we will be back soon with more Songs and Stories in the weeks ahead!
TEENS
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
MONEY FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION
POST SECONDARY STUDENTS, have you heard of the "I WANT TO HELP" Initiative?
It is a way for Canadian post-secondary students to get tuition grants of up to $5000.
The program is based on how you spend your summer months, especially now that most camps are closed for the summer.
It is a program being run by the TDSB (Toronto District School Board), but there are LIMITED SPACES available.
If you are interested in more information, email me at rabbidavid@beby.org.
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
