I hope you all had a great week. Last Shabbat, we tried to live the Noah's Ark experience as we turned our basement into our family's own Ark and had a family "basement camping" experience, complete with almost every animal stuffy we could find.
This week is Lech Lecha, when Avraham hears that first call from HaShem to leave behind the comforts of his past life and to make a new future, where we can know and acknowledge HaShem's Oneness.
We are the future that Avraham was hoping to achieve. As we continue to build our future generations, this years B'nai Mitzvah Experience begins in just a couple of weeks.
There is more coming up as well. Check it out and I'll look forward to seeing you soon! SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE PROGRAMMING INFORMATION!
Parshat Lech Lecha - Everyone Counts
HaShem and Avraham make a deal: Avraham will teach about HaShem and Avraham's wisdom and relationship with HaShem will spread throughout the world.
HaShem tells Avraham to go out at night and count the number of starts in the sky, and that the number of stars will be the number of offspring who will come from Avraham.
It sounds like a silly request: there are too many stars to count. But Avraham doesn't tell HaShem that there are "too many" stars. Instead Avraham goes out and starts counting, even though it may seem impossible. Every single star, no matter how many trillions there may be, is unique and deserves to be counted.
As the children of Avraham, we learn from him that even when something might seem impossible, like Avraham, we have to remember to start counting; we have to start the task, because every single step along the way counts.
Discussion Questions: 1. How many offspring does HaShem promise Avraham? 2. Why does HaShem tell Avraham to count the stars? 3. What is a way that we can continue to spread the teachings of Avraham around the world?
Rabbi David's Answers (from last week): 1. Who are the people in your Ark and why?
My wife, kids, and dog because they are always there to support me and keep me "afloat".
2. If the world was going to be flooded, what would you take on your Ark and why?
My people (see question 1), Torah and other books of all subjects, a compass, a bathing suit.
3. What do you do when you are feeling upset that helps you feel better? What is your Ark?
I go to a specific spot in my bedroom or office, close my eyes and breathe deeply and slowly. A hug from the people in my Ark is also always helpful.
4. How has your Ark helped you in the past?
When I worry that I can't accomplish a goal, a visit to my Ark helps me calm down and get started on the next step toward my goal.
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
