Parashat Ki Tisa / Shabbat Parah
Thank you for a wonderful Purim from the Friedler (Pacman) Family
Rabbi’s Drosh
Being plunged into what will, please G-d, be our last lockdown, is a strong reminder of the importance of saving lives.
In this week’s Parasha, the Torah commands us to keep the Shabbat saying “However you must observe my Shabbaths to know that I am Hashem who makes you holy“. It is so important that it supersedes even the mitzvah of building the Tabernacle/Mishkan.
The term in Hebrew אַך “Ach” (However) indicates an exception. From this we learn we must always keep Shabbat, except when it comes to saving lives. For this, one not only may, but must desecrate Shabbat.
“...We must always keep Shabbat, except when it comes to saving lives. For this, one not only may, but must desecrate Shabbat...”
The continuation of the verse speaks about “My Sabbaths” in plura. The Chafetz Chaiim explains that it is not enough that one himself observes Shabbat, but one must invest in making sure that other Jews are able to do so too.
While we can’t observe Shabbat in Shul this week, we still have an obligation for ourselves and others to feel the atmosphere of Shabbat. This shabbat we will not be together in person but let us all be together in spirit. Join us on the Friday Night Live! Zoom with friends and family from around New Zealand and the world!
Shabbat Shalom and stay safe and well,
Rabbi Friedler
The Friedlers’ Highlights
Purim Learning and Celebrating
Thank you to all those who joined us for learning, laughter, lechaims and of course Deb’s homemade Hamentashen.
If you missed the class on Megillat Esther and the politics of Purim, you can catch up via the link below.
Catching Up with Ann
It was a busy week of hospital and rest home visits seeing those who have been under the weather, however Ann was in top form! Great to see you back in good health Ann.
Megillah Reading and Purim BBQ Party
Who would have known that we would go from a Shul packed with dozens of adults and children to a level 3 lockdown in the space of a few short days!? We are so grateful we were able to celebrate Purim together. Stay Safe everyone!
30 Learning Ladies Joined Jewish Women’s Learning
What a great group of ladies!!! This week we explored how to answer questions ranging from "Why are Jews so smart?" to "Are you a practicing Jew?" and topics such as organ donation, abortion, diversity, anti-semitism and more...plus a few Jewish jokes and personal stories.
Please WhatsApp Deb (027 2575 676) to be added to the WhatsApp group for future class announcements and links video classes.
Four Megilla Readings
Thank you to Azriel, the Shlichim and Yedidya who helped to ensure we could provide plenty of opportunities for AHC members and Kadimah children to hear the Megillah this Purim.
Mazel Tov White Family
It was so exciting to put up the Mezzuzah on the White family’s new home after months and months of hard work.
Having helped the family in their planning for the build of their Kosher kitchen, it was really thrilling to see it go from a design on paper to a real hub of Kosher cooking. If you are renovating or building consider making your kitchen Kosher-capable. We can help!
Hamentashen for Shalom Court
I was grateful to have the pre-lockdown opportunity to see our friends at Shalom Court on Purim when delivering Deb's Hamentashen. One of the highlights was walking into Sybil’s room while she was reading our Blog! Thanks for the great feedback Sybil.