Parashat Lech Lecha
Rabbi’s Drosh
This week's Parasha is called Lech Lecha, which translates as "go for yourself". It’s a special Parasha for the boys and I as it was the week we moved into our home at Gwilliam Place.
Rashi comments that the use of the phrase 'lech lecha' indicates that Hashem is inviting Avraham to realise that this journey is firstly for his own good. Secondly, on a bigger scale, he had to have the faith that the blessing of Avraham and his descendants becoming a great nation would also come true.
So too when the boys and I moved in “for ourselves” we had to have faith that one day we would grow to include Deb and now Achiya.
Three years on, we feel very blessed to be part of the blessing Abraham received adding one more descendant… Achiya!
Thank you to the Board and Trust Board and a very special thanks to Rachel Lerner who all made sure we had a beautiful home to live in and host our community in.
If you're yet to visit us in our home, or want to come again, why not join us for a Parasha class (every second Wednesday). We would love to see you there!
The Friedlers’ Highlights
Celebrating with Three Generations of Robinsons
It was really special to stand with Theo, Ed and David as we all celebrated Theo becoming a Bar Mitzvah!
Mazel Tov to you and all the family Theo. We are so proud of what a fantastic job you did!
A Special Visit with Joan Lust
It was a real pleasure to catch up with Joan last week. Moving across the COVID19 levels has been really challenging but Joan had a big smile on her face and was keen to make the most of being back to level 1!
A Tour with Kristin School
Last week was a busy week of Shul tours for Teddi and I, including an educational class trip for Kristin school as they learned about Judaism and got to learn about the features of the Synagogue. For some it was the first time they had met a Jewish person!
Interfaith with the Japanese Christian Community
I have been a Rabbi for over a decade now and have experienced many interesting things doing interfaith work, but I have to say it was the first time I had seen the Shema written in Japanese while having a coffee with the Sakuma family who run the Craft Cafe!
Reminder for Identity and Involvement
When I met with Ann Gluckman last week she had a reminder for us all to get our copies of Identity and Involvement!
The book all about the Jews of Auckland can be purchased through the office with proceeds going into the community. Buy now at the special reduced price.
Connecting with the Israeli Ministry of the Diaspora
I had the honour of giving a virtual tour of AHC to Minister Omer Yankelevitch this week as she and her colleagues learned more about our community. Thanks to the Schlichim for organising this opportunity.
Learning about the Mikveh
Deb has been teaching several women in the community about the Laws of Family Purity and using the mikveh.
If you are a married woman and would like to introduce the mikveh as part of your spiritual practice, please contact Deb to find out more.
Siddur Ceremony at Kadimah
It was a very special and meaningful morning at Kadimah this week for the Siddur Ceremony.
The children received the priestly blessing and we spoke about the significance and power of prayer!
Achiya Wants to Come for Inspections
There are many factory inspections to fit in before the end of the year across different cities throughout New Zealand.
Each week when I go off for inspections I try to pack light, but this week, when I went to meet our Kosher Kiwi clients, I found Deb had packed something extra into my bag!
Unfortunately I had to leave the little man behind. In any case, he’s growing so fast that I would need a bigger backpack!