Parashat Balak
Rabbi’s Drosh
In this week’s parasha, we read about the attempts of Balak, via Bilaam, to curse the Jewish people and the way in which Hashem caused the Jewish people to be blessed instead. All because Balak feared that the people of Israel would conquer Moab.
This raises an interesting question. If Balak was worried, why didn’t he just ask Bilaam to bless Moab instead of asking him to curse Israel?
The answer stems from a place of absolute hatred. Moab’s irrational hatred is typical of the antisemitism displayed to Am Yisrael throughout history and unfortunately until today.
Some people are far more interested in the demise of Israel than even to see their own success. In our times, we see this with Hamas, for example, when they fire rockets from civilian areas, using their own people as human shields.
Ultimately, right from the time of Balak, those that tried to curse the Jewish people, ultimately saw the curse boomerang back around to them.
This week we are sending our appreciation and support to Juliet Moses, who regularly stands up as an advocate for us all against antisemitism in New Zealand. Recently, Juliet has experienced horrible backlash from the ‘Balaks of today’ after she presented at the Anti-Terrorism Hui in Christchurch. These are people who are so determined to curse anyone who stands up for the Jewish people and their homeland.
While, incidents like these are distressing, it is comforting to look back at Jewish history and see that eventually all those who tried to destroy us disappeared and yet - with Hashem’s protection - we are here and standing strong!
AM YISRAEL CHAI!
This shabbat we look forward to celebrating Sascha’s Bat Mitzvah with the Newland family. Mazal Tov!!!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Friedler
The Friedlers’ Highlights
Teaching at Beth Shalom
This week, I was at Temple Beth Shalom learning with Debbie Miller and the members of the Beth Shalom Introduction to Judaism Class.
Each year, I join the class when they are learning about the end of life from an Orthodox Jewish perspective. This week, we learned about the halacha (laws) and minhagim (customs) surrounding death and mourning.
Kosher Kiwi Dairy Products in Rotorua
I was in Rotorua this week catching up with clients who export kosher New Zealand dairy products all over the world. To learn more about Kosher Kiwi, click on the link below.
Catching Up with Simon at Shalom Court
It was such a pleasure to see long-standing friend of our community MP Simon O’Connor at the Shalom Court Lunch and Learn. We all enjoyed hearing from Simon about his support for Israel and for the Jewish Community.
Delicious Business as Usual
We have been sourcing new kosher products, toivelling new dishes, and of course taste-testing new recipes. Kosher supervision at the Deli is one of the more delicious parts of the Rabbi’s role!
Kol Hakavod to Sam and the team at the Kosher Deli who are working hard with functions booked every week for next couple of months.
To get inspiration for and book your Kosher function, click on the link below.
Sascha’s Bat Mitzvah Rehearsal
We are so excited to join Sascha and her family this Shabbat as we celebrate her Bat Miztvah. Deb has enjoyed learning with Sascha this year for her Bat Mitzvah and watching in awe as she navigated her extensive dance schedule, school commitments and Bat Mitzvah preparation - Go Sascha!
One2One with Ron Haver
Great to see Ron Haver this week at Cafe One2One discussion Kosher options. Ron is living back in New Zealand and running this funky Ponsonby cafe. We know his wonderful Grandmother Ruth Filler is looking down at him with much nachas. There are a number of delicious kosher drinks on the menu for next time you are walking along Ponsonby Road and feeling parched!