I hope everyone had a good first full week back. After four weeks full of Holy Days, this week we had 5 full days to focus on whatever tasks we have, whether school, work, family, extra-curriculars, or other responsibilities.
Personally, I thought it would feel like there was more time available to complete my tasks, but somehow life has been as busy as ever. There are so many plans to make and projects to complete. But they are all amazing and it is all worthwhile.
Check out our list of programs below.
Speaking of programs, last Shabbat, we had a great time with the Pray and Play, followed by pizza in the park. It was so great to see all the familiar faces, and it is incredible to see how our kids have grown up in the last 18 months.
With more 'Family Shabbat: Pray and Play's to come, we are discussing different sports and activities for every season. Please feel free to share your ideas.
Also, we are now advertising this year's Bnai Mitzvah Experience. The program received wide acclaim last year, and I highly recommend everyone participate.
Looking forward to seeing you at those programs and more! SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE PROGRAMMING INFORMATION!
Parshat Noach - Building Your Ark
I find it interesting that when we are very very busy the metaphors we use are "I'm drowning" or "I'm swamped". Somehow, there is water that is making us feel unstable and unable to navigate the current situation.
In our parasha, the world becomes unstable. People are looking for ways to hurt each other, even without any personal benefit, but simply with the purpose of hurting each other. It was not a safe world to live in.
HaShem tells Noach to build an Ark to navigate the flood waters that are coming. An unstable world is not one that is able to survive. Noach's Ark was build to be stable ground in the midst of a flood of instability.
Noach didn't only build himself a boat though. He also surrounded himself with everything required to create a stable future, most notably, his family. It was the stability that surrounded Noach that got him through the flood waters. Even though Noach had no control over where the Ark would end up after the flood, he knew that he would be surrounded by those who gave him a sense of stability and security.
We all build Arks and fill them with the people (and animals) that get us through hard times. May we all be blessed with Arks that truly give us a sense of stability in life.
Discussion Questions: 1. Who are the people in your Ark and why? 2. If the world was going to be flooded, what would you take on your Ark and why? 3. What do you do when you are feeling upset that helps you feel better? What is your Ark? 4. How has your Ark helped you in the past?
Rabbi David's Answers (from last week): 1. What is a goal that you HAVE achieved? What is a goal that you have NOT yet achieved?
I wanted to be a Rabbi teaching Torah at Beth Emeth.
I still yell at my kids too much.
2. How did you feel when you accomplished your goal?
Very excited; it felt like destiny.
3. Why is it so important to appreciate the time before we get to our goal(s)?
It keeps me motivated and calm. Even if it seems like things are moving backwards, as long as I keep moving forward toward my goal, I always have hope that one day I'll get it.
For more information about what is happening at Beth Emeth go to: www.beby.org
Rabbi David, Director of Ritual and NEXTgen Community rabbidavid@beby.org
Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue 100 Elder Street Toronto, ON M3H 5G7
