Purim & Parashat Tetzaveh
Rabbi’s Drosh
This week we celebrate Purim and read the Megillat Esther. It is a very unusual text and reads more like a Netflix series that a holy book. There’s the drama of one of the main characters being killed off in the first scene. There are manipulations, attempted assassinations, coronations…and more! This drama peaks with an attempted annihilation of an entire people.
The Megillah is unique as it is the only book in the Tanach in which Hashem’s name is not mentioned.
The Talmud says the one who reads the Megillah from the end to the beginning has not fulfilled the mitzvah of reading the Megillah. We know the importance of reading and hearing every word from a kosher scroll, but what is the idea of not reading the Megillah from the end to the beginning?
Our Sages explain that if you read the Megillah from the end then you only see Hashem in the big reveal at the end when Haman is exposed with his evil plan and a new decree comes out to allow the Jewish people to defend themselves. The truth however is that Hashem is behind every move like a master chess-player.
“Hashem is not only present when life is smooth and easy, but even when life seems impossible it is all to bring us to a better place.”
We have to read from the beginning. Even when there is a situation which seems like dire straits, it is all part of a bigger plan. The Megillah is the biggest case for Hashem being very present in every stage. Hashem is not only present when life is smooth and easy, but even when life seems impossible it is all to bring us to a better place.
It’s easy to see Hashem in the perfect moments but can you find Hashem in YOUR scroll?
This week we have a double simcha - the miracle of Purim and we also celebrate Theo’s Bar Mitzvah. Mazel Tov to you Theo and to all the family! We are looking forward to sharing the joy with everyone.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Friedler
The Friedlers’ Highlights
Westminster Abbey Commonwealth Day Service
It was an honour to be invited to present virtually for the Commonwealth Day Service 2021 alongside other faith-leaders from around the world. We hope our prayer will included in the final programme for the day.
Bar and Bat Mitzvah 2021 Cohort
It was wonderful to see the small Shul filled with Bar and Bat Miztvah families this Sunday. I spoke about what it means to be a Bar or Bat Miztvah and encouraged the families to make the most of this special opportunity!
Special Purim Edition of Crash Course in Jewish History
A special Purim class giving some of the historical context for the famous Scroll of Esther (Megillat Esther) and the relationship between the festival of Purim and the events surrounding the building of the second Temple in Jerusalem.
Bnei Brith AGM
It was an honour to present (albeit virtually) at the AGM and share the Bnei Brith values.
Thank you to the B’nei Brith team for all the work they do for our community and in particular for their benevolent work supporting families and individuals in need during the COVID19 challenges of 2020. They were pleased to report that all those who needed support last year are in better positions this year B”H
Thank You Sydney Beit Din
There have been a series of Zoom meetings this month with Rabbi Gutnick and the Sydney Beit Din as we continue to navigate the challenges COVID19 is bringing to everyday Jewish living.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the Rabbi and the team in Sydney for their time and guidance.
This week’s meeting also included Rabbi Tal from Wellington. It is also really fantastic to have the WJCC on board and working with us and Sydney.
Kosher Kiwi Inspections in South Island
It was a very early start and a very late night this week on Tuesday for a whirlwind trip including catching with Ariella for a Kosher Kiwi meeting and my factory inspections with our Dunedin clients.
A Beautiful Gift - Rabbi Sacks Library
We have been working with the group who toured here with Rabbi Sacks in 2019 as they raise funds to donate a full library of the Rabbi’s works to the Shul as a lasting legacy. Watch out for updates about this special project.
