Parashat Bereshit
Rabbi’s Drosh
Each year on the first shabbat after Simchat Torah Jews around the world go to shul and hope for the opportunity to make the same cheesy joke they make every year. They wait until someone comes late and asks what they missed, and then with great joy they make their joke, “Oh nothing much, just the creation of the whole world!“.
Yet we are one of the few communities around the world with the opportunity to do this in 5781/2020. So many of our brothers and sisters are at home, unable to go pray with their communities. They may even be completely alone.
This week we read about the creation of man and almost immediately we read that it is not good for man to dwell alone. In 2018, 3.5% of New Zealanders reported feeling lonely most or all of the time in the four weeks prior being surveyed. During lockdown this year, that number rose to 10.6%. (to read more details about this research see the Alone Together link in our Highlights Section below).
Having spent time alone this year gives us an opportunity to think about how we tackle loneliness in our community and society. One of the ways to do this is through sharing Simchas with each other. This week we have another amazing opportunity to come together again to celebrate Rafi’s Bar Mitzvah with Rafi and the Newland family. It has been a pleasure teaching Rafi for the past year and I know he will bring much joy and naches to his family and the whole community this Shabbat.
The Friedlers’ Highlights
Thank You for Celebrating with Us!
Thanks for celebrating with our family this week. As Hillel said in his speech, usually the Shul is packed for Rosh Hashannah/Yom Kippur and relatively empty for Shemini Atzeret… however this year, the opposite was true! It was wonderful to have Hillel’s Bar Mitzvah in level 1. A huge thank you to Sam and the Deli for such amazing food. Everyone was raving about it. Yes, It’s Kosher! 😃
Great to see Charlotte on the Mend
This week I was at Auckland Hospital visiting the sick and it made my day to see Charlotte Maram doing so well in her recovery. Despite being in the hospital for three weeks, Charlotte inspired me with her optimism and her determination to get better. Kol Hakavod Charlotte and we wish you and refuah shelema (complete recovery).
Meeting with Helen Clark
This week we met with Helen Clarke at Murray Shaw’s Helen Clark Foundation Evening. It was a great opportunity to hear about Alone Together - the latest research about loneliness in New Zealand - and for us to think about how to keep our community members connected.
Celebrating Sukkot
Sukkot has always been my favourite festival and this year it felt like there was even more to celebrate with Hillel’s Bar Mitzvah and moving to level 1. A huge thank you to the AHC team who work hard each year to ensure we have our Sukkah, services, and four species. May we all be blessed with a wonderful and joyful year ahead for 5781.
New Year Planning and
Calendar
Teddi and I finalised the 5781/5782 Luach this week. This calendar includes the weekly Parasha, Jewish festivals, candle lighting times, Havdallah, and Fast Days. Don’t forget to ask for leave or rebook tests and exams in advance. If you need a letter from the Rabbi, please contact the office.
Voting as People of Faith
Don’t forget to vote! Last election Deb was asked to present at an interfaith meeting about how people of faith should vote in the New Zealand elections from a Jewish Perspective. To read Deb’s speech, follow the link below.
A Rainbow over the Willows
Ever wondered where we get the willows for Hoshannah Rabba when we beat the willows against the ground? Western Springs has an abundance of willow trees! When Hillel and I went to collect them for the Hoshannah Rabba service, we saw this rainbow appear in the sky - a reminder of Hashem’s promise not to destroy the world again after the Flood.