School's out for summer. A year with kids at home 24/7 was challenging and I am so so proud of all of our kids for making it through an incredibly challenging year. They deserve so much credit for sticking it out even as they barely had any social engagement with their friends.
Some of us are now getting ready for summer camp, and are really looking forward to our kids having real social connections again. It almost feels 'normal'.
At shul too, we are slowly opening back up. Shabbat morning crowds are increasing week to week. We will be opening for Monday/Thursday morning services on July 5, and our High Holiday plans are well underway, making sure that there will be something for everyone.
With everything we've all been through over these past 16 months, I truly am excited for this summer and am really looking forward to reconnecting with all of you soon. SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE PROGRAMMING INFORMATION!
TORAH TALK FOR THE TABLE with Rabbi David
Parshat BALAK - Seeing Good
Balak is a very unique parshah. While most of Torah tells us about the Nation of Israel, our history, beliefs, and behaviours, Balak tells us about a non-Israelite, and how he sees us.
Balak, the King of Moav, saw us and saw that we were a strong and successful nation. Instead of looking for the good and trying to be a partner, Balak saw our strength as bad, and wanted to find a way to defeat us.
He hires Bilaam, a Midianite prophet, who is famous for finding people's weaknesses. Three times, Bilaam tries to curse the Israelites because of weakness, but HaShem changes his words and three times, Bilaam blesses us because of our strengths.
When we look at the world, we can look to find the good in others and in ourselves, and to build confidence and relationships. We can also look to find the bad, which can destroy those same relationships.
Just like HaShem turned Bilaams words from bad to good, let us all make sure that we look around and always try to find the good in every person and every situation.
Questions for Discussion: 1. What is one of your best strengths? 2. Is there a person who you don't like so much? What is one of their good points? 3. Why is it important to look for the good in the world? 4. What is something you think is bad? Can you find something good about it?
Shabbat Shalom!
Coming Soon from :
Upcoming Programs include:
Social action Family Shabbat Bnai Mitzvah Experience Guest Speakers Pizza and Parsha Kids Programming Holiday Parties Choose Your Own High Holiday Adventure....
AND MUCH MORE!
So, stay tuned for upcoming events and programs, which can be found at beby.org
BEBY NEXTgen Community Connection
Do know a Jewish student starting university in Ontario this fall?
Hillel Ontario, your home for Jewish campus life, will send them a welcome gift package! We will also enroll them in our newsletters so they don’t miss out on Jewish programming, opportunities to make new friends and other great events.
Let Hillel welcome your first year student to campus before they even arrive.
For more information about what is happening at Beth Emeth check out www.beby.org.
SHABBAT SHALOM!!!
Rabbi David, Director of Ritual and NEXTgen Community rabbidavid@beby.org
Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue 100 Elder Street Toronto, ON M3H 5G7
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