Parashat Behar-Bechukatai
Rabbi’s Drosh
This week we finish the third book of the Torah Vayikra and we say the words together “Chazak! Chazak! V’Nitchazak!“ - “Be strong! Be strong! And we will be strengthened!“.
It is a week where we need strength. This week we mourn those who died, pray for those who were injured, and think of the friends and families of those in the awful tragedy in Meron. Visitors who came to celebrate Lag B’Omer, by going to the grave of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, were killed and injured when they became trapped in a narrow throughway. But through this horrible tragedy, we see huge unity in Israel and across the Jewish world.
““Chazak! Chazak! V’Nitchazak!“ tells us that while we need to seek unity at times of loss and find our ability to be strong in the tough times, we can also be strengthened through celebrating the positive. “Be strong (through the good)! Be strong (through the bad)! And we (when we are unified) will be strengthened!”
It is true that tragedy brings unity. But it is also true that simcha and joy can bring unity too. We are coming up to Yom Yeushalayim and celebrating a triple wedding on this amazing day.
The reunification of Jerusalem brought the nation of Israel and Jews around the world together through joy and simcha and the result was that we were strengthened!
“Chazak! Chazak! V’Nitchazak!“ tells us that while we need to seek unity at times of loss and find our ability to be strong in the tough times, we can also be strengthened through celebrating the positive. “Be strong (through the good)! Be strong (through the bad)! And we (when we are unified) will be strengthened“.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Friedler
The Friedlers’ Highlights
Alessia’s Bat Mitzvah
Mazel Tov to the Lord family - A definite highlight of our week to be able to celebrate with you and your friends and family!
We were very proud of all the preparation that Alessia did in the lead up for her Bat Mitzvah.
Deb enjoyed working with her on Lag B’omer and the Friday night service.
Well done Alessia for presenting so beautifully both at your Bat Mitzvah and also the following Shabbat at Shul.
Take Three for Ben
After a Zoom Bar Mitzvah and a post-lockdown call up last year, Ben finally had the opportunity to read his maftir and haftorah at his Bar Mitzvah Anniversary celebration at Shul this week.
Ben we are so proud of you and your amazing attitude through all of this! Kol Hakavod!
Mazel Tov to Teddi, Hannah and Ben for a third time lucky celebration!
Deb Filler at Shalom Court
It was a real emotional rollercoaster day as we completed the consecration for Ruth Filler during the day and then in the evening went to the Shalom Court Fundraiser with Deb Filler in honour of Ruth’s memory. Laughter and meaningful moments in honour of an amazing woman!
Sweet Inspection at MSugar
Thanks to team at MSugar for taking me around the factory this week as we completed their certification inspection.
We are back into the busy time of year for Kosher Kiwi with two factory inspections this week and many more coming up in the coming month.
Celebrating Lag B’Omer
This Lag B’omer we remembered the legacy of the great Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Rabbi spoke about the power of this day. We could never have imagined what the next 24 hours would bring as Israel ushered in Lag B’Omer. It was only the next day that the devastating news reached us. Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in Israel.
A Triple Simcha!
We have been in the throws of planning three very special weddings!
This Sunday we look forward to celebrating with the Mackies, Benedictos and Whites as they celebrate their weddings together.
If you wish to attend this special Simcha, then please contact the brides-to-be via triplechuppah@gmail.com to make arrangements to join them.
Thank you David Brykman
Beautiful singing, engaging stories and a generous Kiddush were just some of the things which the Brykman’s brought to our community this week. There was a real energy and excitement at Shul at the return of overseas visitors now the bubble is open.