Parashat Noach
Rabbi’s Drosh
From Simcha to Simcha!
What an amazing time of year we are in. Normally this is a quiet time in the Jewish calendar. We have finished the chagim, but Channukah is yet to arrive. Yet this year, there is a buzz at the AHC with Simcha after Simcha, Shabbat after Shabbat. We are celebrating an exciting run of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs!
This week we read the famous Parasha of Noah and the Flood. This has inspired books, movies, children’s toys and more and continues to be a timeless story.
It is interesting this year to consider the story in the context of the pandemic. Here we are in New Zealand sailing out a pandemic in our own beautiful Ark of Aotearoa. For everyone else around the world, the Noah’s ark metaphor is about staying at home in isolation. For us as a community the Noah’s Ark metaphor is about coming together for all these wonderful Simchas in our big Shul Ark - including the Robinson Bar Mitzvah this Shabbat.
It has been a pleasure to learn with Theo over the past year and I have really enjoyed seeing his Mum, Dad and Grandparents come to sit in on his lessons, offer him support (and enjoy a whiskey or two!).
A big Mazel Tov to Theo and all the Robinson Family and the whole community!
Shabbat Shalom and I look forward to seeing you in our own Ark in Grey’s Ave soon,
Rabbi Friedler
The Friedlers’ Highlights
Catching Up with Rose
It was lovely for Maxine and I to catch up with Rose Benjamin this week.
Although Rose has some physical challenges, she was full of energy and invited us in with a warm welcome.
If you, or someone you know, would like a visit from the Rabbi or Senior Outreach, please let us know.
Working with our Fishy Friends
It is always interesting partnering with others for Kosher catering. For the Newland Bar Mitzvah, we worked with the team at the Fish Markets and Sushi Chef Akira to achieve some really exciting Kosher cuisine. Well done Sam and the Deli!
Crash Course in Jewish History - New Classes Available Now!
The latest classes on King David and King Solomon are now available on our Youtube channel. Classes are now between five-six minutes long and continue to take us from Joshua and entering the land of Israel through to modern times.
Go to our YouTube channel to Subscribe and receive updates of new classes HERE or click on the link below for the latest class.
Kosher Kiwi…Literally
This week was a good week for the Kiwis! Popular for the international market, New Zealand Kiwifruit puree is proving a great Kosher export.
I have been working with this client for six years now - in fact they were the first factory I visited when I arrived to our community from Australia in 2014!
A Great Start to the New Month!
We brought in the month of Cheshvan with a beautiful minyan. Please contact me if you are willing to volunteer to help us make a minyan once a month for Rosh Chodesh.
AHC Christchurch Branch is Open!
Who knew there was a Jewish branch of AHC in Christchurch!? Mazel Tov to Mia and her boys who just moved into their new home in Christchurch and celebrated with putting up their Mezzuzah.
Mia did not want her connection with our community to stop when she relocated to Christchurch to become the Head of Department at her new school. She invites members travelling to the region to get in contact. Thanks for staying in touch Mia. We love seeing you up in Auckland and it’s great to know we have a warm Jewish home to visit in Christchurch!
Theo is Almost Ready!
We are so excited to celebrate with Theo and the Robinsons this Shabbat.
We had a chance to practice putting on Tfillin this week as part of Theo’s preparations - we know you will do an amazing job Theo!
27 - 7 Win! Definitely a Highlight!
What a way to start Achiya’s Rugby education than with an All Black win against Australia! Great to hang out with David, Olga and Kerry and pick up some great tips for our budding All Black weighing in at just over 7kgs!