IN THIS ISSUE: Message and Announcements from Rabbi David Torah Talk for your Table Upcoming Events for the BEBY NEXTgen Community - includes all age groups - Teen Community Service opportunity BEBY NEXTgen Community Connection
Hey Everyone,
Life is full of ups and downs. Some moments, everything seems great. Even the midst of the pandemic, there are so many wonderful moments to remember and celebrate for years to come. There are other moments (and entire pandemics) that I wish could disappear from my thoughts and memory. See this week's Torah Talk for the Table for more on living with the ups and downs in life.
Our community is being kept physically appart due to the pandemic. It is a major down, but we can life each other up by coming together - even virtually. 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. Please do not hesitate to reach out. 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 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!
*FAMILY PIZZA AND PARSHA NIGHTS* *FAMILY SHABBAT/HAVDALLAH* *SING-ALONG WITH BRYNA* *TEEN SHABBAT TAKEOVERS*
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
Vayeitzei
Yaakov leaves home. He is nervous about the journey. He is uncertain about when he will return home. Overcome with his fear, Yaakov goes to sleep and he dreams about a ladder that connects Heaven and Earth and there are angels going up and down.
One meaning of the dream is that the angels going up and down were describing life for Yaakov. Yaakov, until now, lived at home and lived simply: making food, taking care of his family, and studying. This was the first time there was a real challenge for Yaakov.
The angels were teaching Yaakov that by living with all the ups and downs, the happy and the sad, the easy and the hard, the things we like and the things we dislike, everything is part of the process of life, and connects Heaven and Earth.
The dream is what gives Yaakov to go through all the hard times that happen in these next few parashiot. He always knows that even though it is hard, the angels will go up the ladder again and things will get better.
Discussion Questions
Have you ever had any ups and downs in your life? What was an up? What was a down?
What tools do you have to help when things are hard?
Who are the people in your life who help bring you up?
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. Then last week we learned what Zionism is about and the importance of Israel in Jewish life today. Find the recordings and sign up for the rest of the program here: https://www.beby.org/myjewishid
THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, at 10am is the third part of Unit 1 - Connecting to Israel.
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
