Parashat Eikev
Rabbi’s Drosh
Many of us have been catching moments of the Olympic Games this week. Some would argue that the Olympics represents the ultimate expression of celebrating ‘The Physical‘ - a focus on finding the most physically able person or team in each sport and celebrating their success.
Yet, over and over I see discussions online about the greater purpose of the Olympic Games - for unity, for triumph over adversity, for celebrating humanity, and so on. It seems people are not content to see this as a purely physical competition and are seeking the spiritual.
There is an innate human need to find spirituality and meaning in things. In this week’s Parasha we have the famous line, "Man cannot live by bread alone". We see Moshe explaining to the people of Israel that it is not just the physical that sustains us but the spiritual connection to Hashem which is needed.
The whole purpose of living a Jewish life is to draw the spiritual into the physical world. We take food and make it holy with a blessing, we take a 12th or 13th birthday and make it holy with Bar/Bat Mitzvah, we take a house and make it holy with a Mezuzah. All of this transforms the physical into something greater.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Friedler
The Friedlers’ Highlights
Sam’s Bagels - Hafrashat Challah
Each week we perform Hafrashat Challah for Sam’s delicious bagels - the best bagels in Auckland. If you have not tried them yet, get to the Deli! Made fresh daily!
South Island Inspections
It was a very productive trip to the top of the South Island this week, as I visited three factories for their Kosher Kiwi inspections. It was heart-warming to see our clients interest in Judaism and Kashrut and how they can work with us to make sure their processes are inline with our requirements.
Working with the NZ Police
Our tours with those in uniform are most often school groups - but not this week! A huge thank you to the New Zealand Police for keeping us safe. It is wonderful to be able to work with them on our security, including the son of our new member Shirley Pimenta!
Event Planning
This week involved a lot of planning with Sam and the team at Deli as we worked with those planning simchas. Where there is a will, there is a way! I am always impressed with the creative ideas and new varieties of food which can be arranged.
Remember, every time you order from the Kosher Deli you are also supporting the future of our community and promoting Kashrut!
Ice Cream Advocacy
Thank you to those who have been in touch to ask about or share their ideas on Ben & Jerry’s announcement to join the global BDS campaign to delegitimise Israel. To hear an interesting piece from Sky News Australia on one Supermarket chain’s response to the decision, click below.
Consider supporting Kosher dessert providers like COYO, Halo Top and Häagen-Dazs next time you are looking for ice cream.
Zionist Federation of New Zealand AGM
Deb and I were glad to be able to join the ZFNZ AGM this week and be part of some important constitutional changes for the future. A special acknowledgement to all the volunteers and especially to Rob Berg for the past six years of service as President.
Good to be Vaccinated!
I have had several people contact me to ask about the Jewish perspective on getting vaccinated and am happy to talk to anyone who has any concerns. I was able to get my first COVID19 vaccination this week and am booked in for my second shot in due course.
Rural Bar/Bat Mitzvah Students
Deb and I have been working with three different Bar/Bat Mitzvah students who live rurally this year as they prepare for their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs. Using a combination of face-to-face and online classes, we are able to prepare them without distance being a barrier.
If you know any Jewish families living rurally whose children are coming up to Bar or Bat Mitzvah, please encourage them to contact the AHC.