This week has been one for the books in the world of Beth Emeth. Our initial setup of livestreaming in the main sanctuary is complete. Check out the Main Sanctuary Bima 24/7 here: https://www.beby.org/stream-services.html.
On Wednesday, we also held our NEXTgen Town Hall for the High Holidays. It was a wonderful event with some amazing thoughts and ideas being shared. See more in the NEXTgen section below.
We have held Mincha/Maariv services in shul for the last two weeks. This coming week, on Wednesday we will begin having morning services as well and NEXT SHABBAT Beth Emeth will be offering services back in the building. Watch for additional emails from the shul that will guide everyone as to the necessary steps.
As we've mentioned previously (and below in this email), given the health concerns that come with age, the BEBY NEXTgen will have to take an active part in ensuring the smooth re-opening of our shul, and enabling our community to come back together, in person.
Please take a moment and register to join us at the shul for services whenever possible: https://www.beby.org/services.
THANK YOU to everyone who has already 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 AND SEEING YOU ALL SOON!
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 Re'eh Parshat Re'eh ends by listing the three holidays when Jews would travel to Israel and to Jerusalem, to join together and connect as a community and to connect to HaShem.
The section concludes by teaching that "noone should appear before HaShem empty handed. Everyone should bring what they can" (Devarim 17:16-17).
The same is true with everything in our lives: whatever we are going to do, whether going to work, to school, to camp, to a friend's house, or to any other activity, we should not show up "empty handed". It doesn't necessarily mean a gift, but we should bring our best attitude, our skills, and excitement to everything we do.
In that way, even our day-to-day lives can turn into a kind of celebration, where we get to do what we love and "bring that with which HaShem has blessed us".
Discussion Questions
What is something, unique to you, that you consider a blessing?
How can you use that blessing in different parts of your life?
Think of a way to celebrate your blessings and bring more joy to your life and the life of others. When's the party?
Thank you to everyone who attended Wednesday night's Town Hall meeting. Your contributions toward ensuring meaningful programming for this challenging High Holiday season are valuable, appreciated, and you all brought a lot of thoughtfulness and creativity. Whatever we decide in the end, I think this year will have something new, innovative, and different, that will be engaging for a broad cross-section of our Beth Emeth community, whether in person or virtually.
We now have to work to make it all happen.
Those of you who volunteered, thank you. I have already sent you an email to determine the next steps. If you still want to get more involved, it is not too late. Just send me an email (reply to this or email rabbidavid@beby.org) and let me know.
If you were unable to attend the town-hall but still want to share your thoughts, please don't hesitate to email me as well. You can include your thoughts in the email or I'm happy to set up a time to speak personally.
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
