Parashat Matot-Massei
Rabbi’s Drosh
This Shabbat, we are entering the month of Av. The month of Av is famous as a month of mourning (as we lost the Temples) and also as a month if comfort as Av literally means “Father“ and we refer to the month as “Menachem Av” adding the word Menachem which is “Comforter“.
Another really important - albeit less known - attribute of this month is strength.
The symbol of this month is the Lion. When Bilaam (who we read about two weeks ago in Parashat Balak) wanted to curse the Jewish people, he saw the people and was forced to bless them, “…behold the people will arise like a lion-cub and raise itself like a lion“.
The ability of a lion is its ability to rise and rise again, much like the city of Jerusalem of which the Lion is also the symbol.
Lion in Hebrew is “Arie“ which has the gematria of 216. This is the same value as “Gevurah“ which means strength. This week we finish the book of Bamidbar and say the words “Chazak chazak venitchazak” which also tell us the be strengthened.
Much like the people of Israel, our community is like a lion. Our community is already 160 years old. To exist at the end of the world and maintain a Jewish community is true strength. I want to thanks our leadership - past, present and future - for strengthening our community.
Chazak chazak venitchazak - Be strong, be strong, be strengthened!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Friedler
WITH THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL FIRST YEAR FOR ACHIYA IN OUR COMMUNITY!
Looking forward to celebrating together this Shabbat at the kiddush for Achiya’s Birthday
The Friedlers’ Highlights
Meat, Meat and More Meat!
BA campers have got something delicious to look forward to - extra protein!
This week I was supervising kashrut in the specially kashered meat kitchen as Tanya, Jenni and the team made sure that there is plenty of fleishig food for camp!
Jewish Women’s Learning
Deb and the ladies looked to the Torah and Talmud to understand why modesty has more to do with whether you can keep a secret than the length of your skirt! We looked at King Saul, Queen Esther, Benjamin and there was a special section on modesty for men. Contact Deb to be added to the Whatsapp group for upcoming learning and links to classes!
A Minyan Everyday this Week!
Normally we have minyanim on Friday nights, Shabbat Mornings and Sundays, but this week we have had a minyan every day. Thanks to all our minyan goers for such a spiritually uplifting week!
Our Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Library Update
Over $8,000 has been raised so far by our generous overseas donors who toured with Rabbi Lord Sacks and Lady Elaine here in New Zealand. To follow the progress click below.
Davening with the BA Madrachim
Achiya has fallen in love with the B’nei Akiva leaders who are busy getting ready for camp…as you can see from this photo, the feelings are mutual!
Wishing Josh and his team good luck in the lead up to camp as they prepare all their programming!
Shabbat Learning: Reincarnation in Judaism
After the service on Shabbat we learned about the idea that we are spiritual beings in physical bodies. Click below for a a brief exploration of three different episodes in Jewish History, three different groups of 24,000 men, and what they can teach us about reincarnation in Judaism.