IN THIS ISSUE: Message and Announcements from Rabbi David Torah Talk for your Table NEW BNAI MITZVAH EXPERIENCE Section Upcoming Events for the BEBY NEXTgen Community - includes all age groups - NEW COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY BEBY NEXTgen Community Connection
Hey Everyone,
As it gets colder outside we each have two main options: stay inside and hibernate or go out in the cold and bundle up. In reality, we will all live some combination of the two, finding a balanced approach. See this week's Torah Talk for the Table to learn about the importance of finding balance.
On a certain level it seems that we have all been hibernating throughout this pandemic. The connection we all used to get seeing each other in shul every week is sorely lacking. Our community is being kept physically appart, all the while we long to be together. The question is how? See some ideas below and let me know your thoughts!
As a community we are all here to support each other. If you need an ear to listen, help finding resources and other supports your families need, please don't hesitate. With the colder weather coming, it is so important that we all take care of our mental health and your Beth Emeth community is here for you because you are us. The ALL NEW B.E.B.Y. BNAI MITZVAH PROGRAM is underway!The whole program is focussing on enhancing and connecting to our unique Jewish identities. Join us by registering here:https://www.beby.org/myjewishid. For more information see the NEW BNAI MITZVAH section below!
ALSO, check out the flyer below for an ALL NEW TEEN VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY!!! Learn while you earn your community service hours! In coming E-blasts watch for announcements about all new opportunities to be together with our community!
*SING-ALONG WITH BRYNA* *FAMILY SHABBAT/HAVDALLAH* *TEEN TAKEOVERS* *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 friends, 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
Toldot
Toldot tells of the birth of Yaakov and Eisav, the twin sons of Yitzchak and Rivka. Yaakov is described as a quiet and studious person and Eisav is described as hunter and rough kid. He was essentially a bully.
Later in the Parsha Yaakov, listening to his mother, "steals" a bracha - a blessing - that was meant for Eisav. It seems so out of character for Yaakov to do something so agressive. It is almost like he was acting like Eisav!? Why would Rikva push him to do that?
It seems that Rivka was trying to teach Yaakov a lesson: It is important to stand up for yourself. Even if you are quiet and studious, it does not mean you have to be a pushover. Eisav also learned a lesson: just because you demand something, does not mean you will get your way.
The message for us is similar. Make sure you are doing what you love, and always make sure that you are also willing to learn from others who are differnt than you. The combination of embracing your own strengths, while also learning from others will build you up into a better and stronger person who can stand up to any challenge.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think Eisav was a bully?
Why do you think Yaakov loved to study?
Was Yaakov "stealing" the bracha a good thing or not? Why?
What is something you do, that you learned from someone else?
UNIT ONE, Connecting to Israel and how that impacts Jewish Identity, began last Sunday. It was an amazing program where we took a virtual tour of the old city of Jerusalem. Find the recording of the tour and sign up for the rest of the program here: https://www.beby.org/myjewishid
THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, at 10am is the second The flyer for the program is below. I'm really looking forward to the next two units as well as there are some amazing presenters and programs being lined up.
If you have a child who recently had, or is about to have their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, this program is for you. It will be fun, experiencial, educational, engaging, thought provoking and will give your Bnai Mitzvah kids a real sense of connection to our local and broader Jewish community. Sign up here!
UPCOMING EVENTS
BEBY NEXTgen Community Connection
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
