I have to apologize. I missed sending an e-blast last week. It was with good reason as my family and I were just returning from a week in the woods at the Awenda Provincial Park. It was an amazing get-away that was perfect rest for the mind and soul.
We are back now, though, and focussed on the shul reopening for regular weekday services and for the High Holidays.
I am getting a lot of questions:
What will the High Holidays look like? What will we be doing in the shul and what will be virtual? Will there be kids programs? Who is allowed to come? How can we keep our community safe, while offering as much as possible?
BEBY NEXTgen is committed to making sure that there is meaningful programming IN SHUL for all of our members - from the youngest to the oldest. But, we need your help.
NEXTgen TOWN HALL We will be holding an open town hall meeting on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12th at 8pm.
There, we will discuss different ideas of what will be most meaningful for you and your families, what you hope to get out of services for your kids, the limitations that we will face due to COVID, and how we, as a community, can come together to make it all happen.
This will be an opportunity for adults and teens to help your community and get involved. 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 in the next weeks with more information.
If you are interested in getting involved, email me 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 is 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.
For the official reopening statement, check out the shul website, www.beby.org .
SHABBAT SHALOM!!!
Rabbi David, Director of Ritual and NEXTgen Community rabbidavid@beby.org
TORAH TALK FOR THE TABLE with Rabbi David
Parshat Ekev This week's parsha has a few famous lines in it.
From Birkat Hamazon (blessing after meals) it has "ואכלת ושבעת וברכת - and you will eat, be satisfied, and bless HaShem" for what you were given.
It also has the whole second paragraph of the Shma Yisrael prayer - והיה אם שמוע - and if you listen, which explains that our good behaviour will lead to good results and our misbehaviour will lead to missed opportunities.
Both of these sections deal with the cause and effect of our gratitude for what we have and recognizing the source. When we recognize HaShem as the source of all things and are grateful for what we do have (and what we don't have yet), then we can truly see the blessings we have in our lives, and enjoy life to the fullest.
Discussion Questions
What is something in your life that you consider a blessing?
What is your favorite food? Are you thankful every time you get to eat it? Who do you thank for your food?
What is an example of cause and effect where doing good leads to more good?
NEXTgen TOWN HALL We will be holding an open town hall meeting on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12th at 8pm.
There, we will discuss different ideas of what will be most meaningful for you and your families, what you hope to get out of services for your kids, the limitations that we will face due to COVID, and how we, as a community, can come together to make it all happen.
This will be an opportunity for adults and teens to help your community and get involved. TEENS, you can get community service hours out of it too!
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.
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.
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
