School is next week, Elul is underway and Rosh HaShanah is only TWO WEEKS AWAY!!! Does anyone else feel it?
This will definitely be a very different High Holiday experience, but we are working hard to make sure that there is something for everyone - whether you are planning on coming in person, or joining us virtually. If you are comfortable with indoor spaces or only outdoor spaces, there will be something for you.
We are a community and we are in this together. We have performers lined up who will be able to engage all of our kids, no matter what age or where you are. Bubbling Ben Magic with create some Rosh HaShanah Magical Entertainment and the Electric Moon Theatre Company will engage us all in some meaningful movement, bringing High Holiday themes to life!
We have arts and crafts activities being set up that we can all do together, whether in person or online. The shul is offering SIX opportunities to hear shofar on the second day of Rosh HaShanah, five of which are outdoors so everyone can have a chance to hear shofar in person.
Please remember to fill out your survey from an earlier email so we have all our numbers and know how best to serve YOUR needs.
Being back in shul is really special and seeing everyone is the best part. Tuning in to the livestream is still a great option. The services will be meaningful and engaging, even from a distance, and I really hope that you take the opportunity to join us in whatever ways you feel comfortable.
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 connect to the service that is in-line with halachah. 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, with a special pre Rosh HaShanah program. See below and check out www.beby.org for other links and programs. _______________________________
For more information about what is happening check out 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 Tavo Last week's parshah was called "Ki Tezei - when you go out". This week's parsha is called "Ki Tavo - when you come" and is mostly about the result of good and bad behaviour.
The Torah teaches us that we are responsible for our own behaviour and can have an impact on the future too.
Discussion Questions
When you treat others nicely, how do they treat you?
If someone hurts your feelings, how do you want to treat them back?
What do you think is a good response to bad behaviour?
How do you think this parsha is connected to Rosh HaShanah?
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 are working to make it all happen, but the more help we have, the better it can be. Those of you who volunteered, thank you. 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
