IN THIS ISSUE: Message and Announcements from Rabbi David Torah Talk for your Table - Yitro - Asking For Help Upcoming Events for the BEBY NEXTgen Community (for all age groups): - THIS WEEK - Bnai Mitzvah Experience BEBY NEXTgen Community Connection - Kids Pre-Shabbat Party with Morah Debbie - EVERY FRIDAY! - FJMC World Wide Wrap - Yachad - Boost Your Well-Being - Teen Community Service opportunity - NEW: Bialik Parent Speaker Series - Challenges Families Face During Covid
Shalom Everyone,
I hope everyone is doing well and staying physically and mentally healthy. Personally, the sense of isolation has started to get to me and I've had some real moments of really longing for in-person connection with people outside of my household.
Don't get me wrong; I'm not tired of my family. If I had to be in lockdown with anyone, I would choose them every time. But I also miss all of you. I wish I saw you more and spoke to you more and that we were all able to see each other and check-in more regularly.
The Torah reading this week is all about receiving the Torah. Our rabbis teach that we all stood at the foot of Mount Sinai "k'Ish echad, b'lev echad - like one person, with one heart". The whole experience was one of unity and togetherness, and I miss being together with our community.
As a community, our goal is to strive to support each other in every way. If you need an ear to listen, help finding resources or other support your family needs, please don't hesitate to reach out. It is so important that we take care of our mental and physical health and your Beth Emeth community is here for you.
Beyond that, we are working dilligently to provide as many social and educational opportunities as possible for the broadest demographic range possible.
FLYERS FOR ALL UPCOMING PROGRAMS BELOW! (For programs from the broader Beth Emeth Community, visit the Beth Emeth website: www.beby.org.)
THIS SUNDAY we continue with UNIT 2 of our all new BNAI MITZVAH EXPERIENCE!
We are also looking to create NEXTgen teams of volunteers who are looking 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
Yitro - Asking For Help
Am Yisrael has set up camp at the foot of Mount Sinai. We are free and now need to set up our own society. We need to know the rules of how to live a Godly life and create a Godly world, and so we turned to Moshe Rabbeinu for guidance.
One-by-one, Moshe took our questions: how should we each react in a given situation to make sure that we are living the best and most balanced life, for ourselves and for the general good?
One-by-one, Moshe answered us, and he was busy from morning until night, without taking breaks. If it sounds hard and unmanageable, that's because it was hard and unmanageable.
Moshe's father-in-law, Yitro, came to Moshe and told him to get help. That is, find other capable people and teach them what they need to know to provide guidance as well. Then all the questions can be answered and Moshe can have a little more time for himself.
When something feels hard and unmanageable, it might feel like we are all alone and no one can help. Even Moshe, our greatest leader and teacher, felt that way. But, even the greatest leaders and teachers are always willing to learn and grow. Moshe eventually asked for help, and even though it wasn't easy at first, eventually he found that when you ask for help, you can actually achieve much more, than when you try to do it all by yourself.
Questions for Discussion:
Have you ever had to do a project alone? How did it feel?
When was the last time that you asked for help? Did it make your situation easier or harder?
Have you ever offered to help someone else? How did it make them feel?
What are three different ways that you can help someone in need?
UNIT ONE, Connecting to Israel and how that impacts Jewish Identity was amazing. You can watch the recorded programs here . UNIT TWO - The Mitzvah in Bnai Mitzvah will be starting at the end of January. Watch for the full program description and flyer, coming soon. Mark the following dates in your calendar for Unit 2 NOW!
January 24, 10am - Protecting Our World January 31, 10am - All about Shabbat February 7, 10am - Take a Trip Inside a Torah Scroll and Inside Tefillin Boxes February 14, 10am - Everything you need to know about Jewish History in 20 minutes
You can still register your kids for the rest of this year's Bnai Mitzvah Experience.
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, experiential, 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
