Parashat Vaetchanan
Rabbi’s Drosh
In this week’s Parasha we find (amongst many great mitzvot and fundamental Jewish ideas) the mitzvah of Mezuzah.
Interestingly, the Gematria of Mezuzah is 65 (The Hebrew letters mem + zayin + vav + zayin + hei = 40+7+6+7+5 = 65) . The Gematria for Hashem's name is also 65 (The Hebrew letters aleph + dalet + nun + yud = 1 + 4 + 50 + 10 = 65).
The Mezuzah is therefore not just a memory of the exodus from Egypt and the marking of our doors as protection from the plague of the first born. It is also an important reminder of our special connection to Hashem.
On a lighter note, I wanted to share with you a story that happened to my brother-in-law Rob Levy. As you know, the important part of the Mezuzah is the holy parchment and there is plenty of variety when it comes to the case. At the time the Levy family had a mezuzah on the front door in the shape of the cartoon Shrek. One day Jehova’s Witnesses came knocking and Rob politely declined their invitation to talk, pointing at his mezuzah and saying, “Thank you but I am very happy with my religion“. They looked very confused and walked away wondering why someone would worship Shrek!
As we are six weeks away from Rosh Hashannah and the custom is that this is the time to check you mezuzot. We are blessed to have a sofer (scribe) in our community. If you would like to organise a new mezuzah or to have you mezuzah checked, please contact Azriel.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Friedler
Mazel Tov to David
It has been such a pleasure to have Mark and Mandy in Shul each week with David as he has worked hard preparing for his Torah reading and HafTorah which he will read this Shabbat.
David, I have enjoyed learning with you this year and we are looking forward to seeing you take on the responsibility of Bar Mitzvah this Shabbat.
The Friedlers’ Highlights
Refuah Shelema
I was in Auckland hospital this week visiting a few congregants who have been unwell. It was great to see Robert Lerner in good spirits despite a very long haul in hospital. We wish Robert and all those who are unwell a speedy recovery.
A Trip to the Archives
In Perkei Avot, we read that Akavya ben Mahalalel said “…Know from where you came and where you are going”. Although he had in mind how to avoid sin, as opposed to Princess Street and Remuera!
It was fascinating to go through the old Synagogue photographs this week as we explored options for the new site.
Tisha B’av Services
A huge thank you to all our minyan men (and the wonderful ladies, children and those in the conversion programme) who helped make up our meaningful Tisha B’Av services.
Lunch and Learn
This week’s Lunch and Learn at Shalom Court focused on the Temple in Jerusalem and the conflict between the Jewish people which led to the destruction of the second Temple. It was a lovely bonus to see the young Alice Nathan volunteering there alongside the wonderful regular Shalom Court volunteers.
From 1 to 100!
Hilda Gosling and Achiya are born in the same week…but almost a century apart! We celebrated their birthdays together this week, much to both of their delight!
What is Hilda’s secret? Keep on dancing!!!
I remember one time when we visited Hilda in hospital after a fall and as part of her rehabilitation she did a (albeit very slow) pirouette!
Mazel Tov to Hilda and the family for this wonderful milestone.
Tour of Jerusalem in Temple Times
It was amazing to have the opportunity to ZOOM to Jerusalem this week with the High Institute of Jerusalem Studies at the City of David.
We learned about the intersections between the historical saga, ancient rabbinic literature and fascinating new archaeological finds.
Mikveh Tour
According to Jewish law, most important thing to build for any new community is a mikveh. This takes precedence even over a Synagogue or a house of learning!
This week Deb and I gave a tour of our mikveh to our architects who are working on the plans for our new mikveh in Remuera.
A Happy Camper at BA Camp
How wonderful to be able to visit B’nei Akiva camp this week and be part of their Tfillah and activities. Achiya loved his first winter camp and did not want to leave.
All you parents and grandparents will be happy to know just how warmly dressed and well-fed all the kids were while we were there.
Kol Hakavod to Josh Sampson and his amazing team for another fun and meaningful camp!