IN THIS ISSUE: Message and Announcements from Rabbi David - Looking Forward Torah Talk for your Table Upcoming Events for the BEBY NEXTgen Community - includes all age groups NEW SECTION - BEBY NEXTgen Community Connection
Hey Everyone,
This last week has been a hard one for me. Earlier this week, in conversation with a shul member whom I haven't seen in a while, I was asked "How are you managing?" and I responded with "Same as everyone else - we're all going to get through this one day at a time."
Living life in the era of Covid is like nothing any of us have ever imagined or expected. We are all trying our best to navigate our way through this deluge of constantly new and changing information, new procedures and protocol in every realm of life, as we all, in some way or another are trying to live a semblance of "normal life".
This week is the parshah of Noah's Ark. While different, he was also living in a time of deluge and upheaval and had to try and build a new world - a whole new approach to life. It certainly wasn't easy and it certainly wasn't a smooth journey. Some moments were better and others felt disastrous. But he kept on going; he built himself an ark - a place where he and those closest to him could be protected from whatever else was going on in the world.
Rebbe Nachman of Breslov explains that growth in life - both individually and collectively - is often preceded by the most trying of times. In this, he gives us all an Ark.
We at Beth Emeth are building an Ark - an environment that will, God willing, help us all get through the deluge, with our communal and spiritual needs being met. In coming E-blasts watch for announcements about all new opportunities to be together with our community!
*PRE SHABBAT SING-ALONG WITH BRYNA* *FAMILY SHABBAT* *ALL NEW BNAI MITZVAH FAMILY PROGRAMS* *FAMILY PIZZA AND PARSHA NIGHTS*
We are also looking to create a NEXTgen Team of volunteers who are lookng to make things happen for the benefit of their own families and our community in general. If you are interested in getting involved, pease let me know!
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
Noach
Parshat Noach is all about major changes happening in the world, which cause a shift in global behaviour. When Noach built his Ark, HaShem told him to put a Tzohar in the boat. But what is a Tzohar?
Our Rabbis give two ideas: 1. It is a window 2. It is a precious stone that shines light by itself (like a lightbulb)
A window lets light from the outside shine in. A lightbulb only shines inside, regardless of what is happening outside. The two answers ask us to reflect on our own behaviour: are we more focussed on making the world around us a better place or are we more focussed on making ourselves better people?
Discussion Questions
Do you think a Tzohar is a window or a precious stone? Why?
Are you more focussed on making the world better (by looking out the window) or improving yourself (letting the stone shine)?
In your opinion can both answers be true? How?
Why do you think the Torah tells us the story of Noah's Ark? What are we supposed to learn?
In this section we will be including programs, articles, links, and updates from our community members. It is one way we can all support each other - as a community!
Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue 100 Elder Street Toronto, ON M3H 5G7
