BEBY Blasts

Shalom Everyone,

I hope you like the snow because there sure is a lot of it out there. Personally, I love the fresh "top-ups" of a couple of centemeters at a time to keep everything looking white and pretty on top, even if we know that underneath, there is still the dirty old snow.

And so, even if you don't like the snow, there are still great ways to take advantage of it. Sunday Funday is back for 2 more weeks. Session 3 of the Bnai Mitzvah Experience's Second Unit - Cycles of Jewish Time - is also back.

I'm also SO SO excited to have a one-on-one conversation with the M.P. from Thornhill, Melissa Lantsman. You won't want to miss this "Unwoke" converstion.

We are also partnering with USY for the March Break USY Canada National Convention!

There are more new and exciting programs in the works so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, as well as this space so you don't miss anything.

SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE PROGRAMMING AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION!

Parshat Terumah - Outside and Inside

In the parsha this week, HaShem tells us to build a sanctuary so HaShem can exist in us. Our Rabbis question the language in the Torah: if we are building a sanctuary, should HaShem exist in IT? Why does the Torah say in "US"?

One idea is that the "santuary" that we build is how we relate to the outside world. Are we doing good deeds? Are we trying to connect to HaShem? Are we trying to learn and be better people?

While we all do many actions in the world, one of the hardest things is to create a space for HaShem in our hearts. If someone gives Tzedakah - maybe giving a dollar to a poor person - how are they giving that dollar: With joy and a smile on their face for helping a person in need, or with sadness that they are "losing" a dollar?

The Torah is telling us that we need both: first we need to build a sanctuary and fill our lives with constructive deeds and actions. The Torah then adds that when we truly connect to our actions, we will recognize that HaShem fills our hearts, and we naturally live a holy life. It is at that point when our "inside" (thoughts and feelings) will match our "outside" (deeds and actions). 

Discussion Questions:

1. What actions to do you do that help build the world?

2. Why does it make a difference if our inside and outside match?

3. If you had to choose, would you prefer a good "inside" or a good "outside"? Why?