Parashat Re’eh
Rabbi’s Drosh
In this week’s Parasha we find the phrase, “You are children to Hashem, your G-d“.
This metaphor of Hashem as a parent is a powerful one for us to take with us as we enter the month of Elul and the lead up to the High Holy Days.
There is an interesting debate in the Talmud about when we are considered like children to Hashem. Rabbi Yehuda argues we are only like Hashem’s children when we follow his commandments. Rabbi Meir disagrees arguing that we are always Hashem’s children regardless of whether we show Hashem the proper respect we should.
“Hashem’s love for us is totally unconditional, no matter what!”
Normally when these two great Rabbis have a Talmudic dispute, the law is generally with Rabbi Yehuda, but not in this case. In this case the law is with Rabbi Meir and the message is clear - Hashem’s love for us is totally unconditional, no matter what!
We must still strive to make Hashem proud by behaving well, but we should also take comfort that even when we don’t we still enjoy the total, irrevocable, unconditional status of being Hashem’s children.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Friedler
The Friedlers’ Highlights
Shabbat: Back to Basics Class
A face-to-face and virtual class on Shabbat, including learning about origins, rest and holiness, preparations and more.
Click below to see a recording of the full class with Rabbi and Deb on their Youtube channel.
Kosher Kiwi
I was out at our clients DSM in Henderson this week doing another Kosher Kiwi factory inspection.
With more inspections around New Zealand coming up in the upcoming weeks, it is a busy time for our Kosher Kiwi team!
Getting Ready for the High Holy Days
Teddi and I were busy this week finalising service times and details for the upcoming Chagim. If you need a Rabbi’s letter to assist with changing dates for examinations which fall on festivals, please contact the office.
Preparing for Elul
As we enter the month of Elul we begin blowing the Shofar as a wake up call.
If you don’t have access to a Shofar and would like to hear the blasts, please click below for a video of the Rabbi doing the Shofar blasts.
Kabbalat Shabbat Service Learning
It’s been a busy week of Bat Mitzvah lessons for Deb as the girls prepare to lead the Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service.
The opportunity to learn the Friday night service will now be opened up to other girls and ladies as well. Please see the bottom of the page for more details.
Starting the Week with Learning and Shofar
Hear the Shofar every Sunday during the month of Elul. Also, another opportunity for learning on Sunday after the Sunday morning Minyan with some insights from the Talmud.
All welcome to join for T’fillah with the Shofar followed immediately by a short drosh.
Learning About Beautifying a Mitzvah
Deb’s class on Shabbat focused on the power of beautifying a mitzvah, looking at the examples from the parasha of blessing of birkat hamazon (the grace after meals) and the mitzvah of mezuzah.
Join Deb this Saturday after the Saturday service for a quick and engaging class of Torah learning, stories and ideas to inspire personal growth.
UPCOMING LEARNING
Take the Psalm 27 Challenge!
Can you say Psalm 27 every day (morning and evening) from the start of Elul until the last day of Shimini Atzeret? Join Deb for a Grow15 Class this Saturday after the service to learn about this powerful T'fillah and how it has the potential to transform us during this spiritual time!
Saying Kaddish
Wednesday 11th August 7.30pm at Rabbi's House
Join Rabbi and Deb to find out Why? What? How? Discover the meaning and power of saying this prayer for someone we have lost.
Kabbalat Shabbat MasterClass for Women and Girls
SUNDAYS AT 9AM - BIG SHUL (Starting from the 22nd of August)
Join Deb on Sunday mornings for learning the Kabbalat Shabbat Service. Learn the tunes and words of these beautiful Friday night Shabbat songs plus insights into the texts.