Parashat Beshalach
Rabbi’s Drosh
In this week’s Parasha we read about the children of Israel taking a very roundabout route to get to the land of Israel. It is a wonderful reminder to us that the fastest way to achieve our goals is not always the best!
Why do we sometimes need to go round the long way?
In this case, the shorter route looked like the best option as it was also the route with the most provisions - something which is important when you are travelling through the desert! So why didn’t Hashem lead the people this way? The problem was that this route would have taken the people through the land of the Philistines. The negative encounter which could have resulted was enough that it could have turned the people back to Egypt and this was too great a risk.
So too in life, sometimes we need to go round the long way to reach our destination.
Parashat Beshalach teaches us not to despair or lose hope when our journey seems to be going off course and sending us on a longer path to achieve our goals. Hashem always has a good reason for our delays. It is our job to have the trust and patience that all will work out in the end.
This shabbat we will celebrate Sofia Levy’s Bat Mitzvah without delay! For those who would like to join for Minchah, we will be davening in the small shul from 6.50pm with Kabbalat Shabbat starting at 7pm. We wish Sofia and all the family a hearty Mazel Tov and look forward to celebrating together on Friday.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Friedler
The Friedlers’ Highlights
Climbing Kosher Kiwi Mountains
I was visiting our clients at the Mount this week while I inspected their mountain of salt!
Our long-standing clients Dominion salt export all over the world including markets which expect kosher certification from a recognised hechsher like Kosher Kiwi.
Rabbi’s Class Returns
After a little break over the New Year break, we were back in full swing with our learning this week as we explored a whole new level of understanding about the exodus from Egypt.
You can catch a video of the full class on our YouTube channel Rabbi Natti and Deb New Zealand via the link below.
Davening Together
Great to see some new faces joining our Sunday morning minyanim. The more the merrier!
WE NEED YOU!
If you can help us with our minyanim, please contact the Rabbi so we can confirm numbers for Sunday morning.
Grey's Ave - A Hub of Activity
We are all back in business at Grey’s Ave.
The Shul office is open and our team is hard at work.
Kadimah started back this week and it was lovely to catch up with the staff and students back after the summer holidays.
The Kosher Deli is open too and watch out for new tasty treats for 2021 including the felafel take-out boxes you can see here.
Help from Hillel
Hillel joined us on visits this week putting smiles on the faces of those we popped in to see.
We are so proud of how he is taking on his role as a post Bar Mitzvah community member including the mitzvah of visiting the sick. Kol Hakavod Hillel!
If you or someone you know would like a visit, or wish to give a Hebrew name for a prayer for those who are sick, please contact the Rabbi or the Office. Visits can usually be arranged within the week or within 24 hours if urgent.
Preparing with Sofia
We are so proud of Sofia’s preparation for her Bat Mitzvah, zooming into her classes with Deb from various locations over the past months and filling the shul with her beautiful singing during her onsite practices.
If your daughter has her Bat Mitzvah this year, please contact Rabbi and Deb to talk about the possibilities.
Judi’s Birthday
We loved celebrating with Judi, Boris and all the friends and family who were in attendance at Shul on Shabbat to mark her significant birthday. Mazel Tov Judi - Until 120!
Celebrate your birthday (significant or otherwise!) at Shul by booking a Shabbat to host a kiddush.