I hope everyone is having a good week. I know we started with school prep (aaaaahhhhhhh...) this week and are looking ahead to how both we and the schools will be managing all the variables that are in place as we get ready for back-to-school.
At shul, we're also looking at all the variables so we can safely host as many people as possible for the High Holidays coming up.
LAST SHABBAT was our first Shabbat open since March. While 5 months of Shabbat tefillot at home had its upsides - having a relaxed cup of coffee and singing and saying tefillot together with my kids (sometimes...when they're into it...) coming back to shul reminded me that there is something very unique and special about being in a communal setting for Tefillah. We, as individuals and as a community, stand up to voice how important our national and cultural expression is to us, and the positive power it can have on the collective.
Registration for this Shabbat is already closed, but 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. There are instructions there how to be halachically connected to the service. Please make sure you check it out. You can use this opportunity to test out what the High Holiday experience may look like and what your home set up could be.
We are actively working on our Family Programming for the High Holidays now and are looking at two different programs:
1. A Family oriented High Holiday service - which will be both live and livestreamed 2. A kids program for younger children including songs, stories, crafts, and active-movement programming. This will also be set up in a way that it can welcome people live and be engaging via livestream.
We are also creating opportunities to join together outside, in the park, especially for those who want to join us in person, but do not want to come into the shul building.
I want to thank those of you who have already stepped up to assist in making this happen. If you are interested in being involved, it isn't too late to volunteer. There is a lot to do and any help you can offer is appreciated.
As we've mentioned previously, 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, but will be returning soon. See below and check out www.beby.org for other links and programs. _______________________________
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 more information about our reopening process, see 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 Ki Tetzei This week's parsha is all about family relationships. It talks about the relationship between parents, the relationship between siblings, and the parent-child relationship.
While every parent does their very best to be good for their children, we all make mistakes. The Torah teaches that when conflicts arise, it is through communication and community support, from family and friends (who become like family), that we can find resolution.
Discussion Questions
What is your favorite thing about each of your family members?
Have you every had an argument with a family member? How did you resolve it?
When you speak to your family and friends, do you speak with love and respect?
Thank you to everyone who attended the 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. We are already working on next steps.
If you still want to get more involved, it is not too late to volunteer. 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.
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: 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
