I hope you all had a good week. I'm really starting to look forward to Chanukah. The days are short, there is a lot of darkness and Chanukah is our opportunity to let the light of our souls shine. Truly, a little light can dispell a lot of darkness, and when we unite our light, we can shine a great light into the world.
Looking forward to being together with you all soon.
There are a lot of programs coming up, including a Kids' Chanukah Sing-along with Bryna and Tikki, and an IN-PERSON Chanukah Party!!! SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE PROGRAMMING AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION!
Parshat Vayetzei - The Journey Home
Yaakov is leaving home to Charan, where he will live with his uncle Lavan. While there, he gets married, builds a large family, and creates wealth.
However, before leaving to Charan Yaakov made a deal with HaShem. He said "HaShem, I will keep doing my best to serve you and do good in the world. So, please, make sure that you bring me back home!"
Yaakov's 22 years in Lavan's house were extremely difficult, but because he always kept doing his best, and never forgot about his goal, HaShem allowed him to grow and be successful because of the experience.
Eventually, Yaakov does get back home, but that isn't until next week's parshah.
Discussion Questions: 1. What does it feel like to go through a big change in your life, like moving to a different house or country? 2. Why do you think Yaakov made a deal with HaShem to come back home? 3. How can having a goal help you get through very difficult challenges? Rabbi David's Answers (from last week): 1. How do you describe the "best life possible"? A life surrounded by people that are always supporting, inspiring, and helping each other. 2. What have you learned from your parents that you do in your own life? To always greet and welcome people with a smile. 3. Why is it important to always remember where we come from, even as we look to the future? By remembering and understanding the past and how we got to the present, we can better understand how the present can bring us to the future.
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
