BEBY Blasts

The Beth Emeth Youth to Young Family Email

IN THIS ISSUE:
Message and Announcements from Rabbi David

Torah Talk for your Table - Vayakhel/Pekudei - The Great Reset

Upcoming Events for the BEBY NEXTgen Community (for all age groups):
NEW NEXTgen X and Y - with Brotherhood

BEBY NEXTgen Community Connection
- TEENS IN THE NEWS!!! 
- TEENS- My Jewish Identity Contest. WIN $1800!!!
- Teen Community Service opportunity​​​
- NEW: ADRABA JEWISH SUPPLEMENTARY HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM

Shalom Everyone,

BUSY!!! That's how I feel right now. Thank God, there is so much going on, and I am counting my blessings, but there is so much happening and I struggle finding moments of downtime. And Pesach is coming too...

This Shabbat is called "hachodesh - the month". It is the first mitzvah that was given to the Israelite Nation as we were about to leave Egypt. The word "chodesh" is similar to "chadash - new".

At a time like this, the Jewish calendar is reminding us all that freedom means that we are in control of our time and how we use it. That idea alone is enough to help us reframe and reset our perspective and start seeing the world with a new perspective.

The Torah reading this week has more on this idea too. Check out the Torah for The Table below for more, and some discussion questions.

THERE ARE NEW PROGRAMS FOR ALMOST ALL OF THE NEXTGEN COMMUNITY. CHECK OUT THE LIST ABOVE AND THE FLYERS BELOW!!!

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.)

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!

CHECK OUT THE BETH EMETH LIVESTREAM AND JOIN US VIRTUALLY FOR SERVICES EVERY SHABBAT @ https://www.beby.org/stream-services.html

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

Vayakhel/Pekudei

Over the last three weeks, the Torah has been describing the blueprints for building the Mishkan (HaShem's desert house) in detail. The description pauses, tells us about Shabbat, the story of the Golden Calf and HaShem's forgiving nature. 

This week, the parshah begins with telling us about Shabbat (again), followed by the actual building of the Mishkan. Why is there so much repetition, and why is that the order that the Torah uses? Mishkan-Shabbat-Story-Shabbat-Mishkan.

Before we begin a project, we need an idea and then we spend time planning. (The description of the Mishkan.) Before we act though, the Torah encourages us to pause and look back at the work we've done. (Shabbat) That pause will allow us to reset, recharge, and give us the perspective to continue unhindered. 

If we get impatient and/or don't take enough time to reflect on the consequences of our actions, we can make major mistakes (the Golden Calf). Mistakes happen though and we can always start new, again. (HaShem's forgiveness)

The way we correct our mistakes, is by going back and properly reflecting and reframing. We can reset ourselves back to that initial idea (Shabbat) and then continuing on our journey (building the Mishkan). 

 Questions for Discussion:

1. What is your favorite thing about Shabbat?
2. Why is it so important to take time to meditate and reflect on the week we just hand and the week that is coming?
3. How do you take time to reflect, whether on Shabbat or during the week?

BEBY NEXTgen Coming Soon

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 is now complete. It was an amazing learning experience for everyone who attended. Videos will be uploaded shortly. As a recap:

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 and Becoming a Responsible

We are now looking ahead to Unit 3, about Our Jewish Community, which will take place in the spring. Watch this space.

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!

JNF Canada has created a special MISSION TO ISRAEL for Bar and Bat Mitzvah families. 

The trip is being led by Beth Emeth's own Jeff Springer!

If you are interested in learning more, click the flyer below, or email Jeff at the address on the flyer.

Included in the kit are both Baby Moses & Make your own Frog! (As featured in the photo below)

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!

Sometimes I see news that I MUST share: 

The people below are the York Centre Youth Council, working with our local MP, Ya'ara Saks.

I am SO proud to say that at a quick glance I see FOUR familiar faces from our Beth Emeth Community!

KOL HAKAVOD to Mark, Sarah, Danielle, and Jacob!