Newsletter
Make The Connection 25 November 2021
27 November 2021 | 23 Kislev 5782
Candle Lighting: 6.15pm
Friday Mincha: 5.45pm
Parsha: Vayeishev
Shabbos Mevarachim
Shabbos Mincha: 6.05pm
Havdalah: 7.18pm
Weekday Mincha: 6.15pm
SHABBAT SHALOM AND A FREILIGE CHANUKAH
The Gemara shares that one who is accustomed to light Shabbat and Chanukkah candles, says Rav Biederman, will give rise to children who are Talmidei Chachamim, smart, wise, holy. power kids! So where are all these sagacious little ones. Everyone, and I mean everyone lights Chanukah candles. Again, where are all these holy kinderlach? The answer is that while everybody lights, only a small minority really light properly. The Meiri writes that in order for one to light correctly one needs to love doing the Mitzvah. One must do it with passion and great excitement. with fire (excuse the pun). Then it works and the Gemara’s promise will be fulfilled. With great joy and with great love. To make a big deal about it.
Let’s do it! Let’s do Channukkah this year with extra zeal. Celebrate. Sing, dance, look deeply into the lights. Look out for the miracles then and those we see now if we would only open our eyes.
Good Shabbos and a happy, happy, happy, happy, Chanukkah!
Rabbi David Shaw
PUTTING G-D INTO THE EQUATION By Rabbi Henry Harris
The Chanukkah menorah reminds us that small miracles still happen.
Lighting the Chanukkah menorah reminds us that miracles still happen. I saw the power of this reminder not long ago.
After spending a life-changing year as a student studying in Israel, my wife Tzipora was reluctantly leaving to teach in America. Taking leave of her beloved Jerusalem the day of the flight, she bid farewell to teachers, friends, and the Western Wall only to discover at the end of her stops that her organizer was gone. Filled with tons of contact information and private memos, it was precious property with no digital backup (this was long before smart phones).
She retraced her many steps. Nothing. She had taken taxis but hadn’t kept receipts. She had no idea where she might have left it and her flight was leaving in hours.
A gloomy feeling entered her heart. With no obvious effort left to make, she made her way back to the apartment she’d shared with her roommates to gather her bags.
“God,” she recalls saying, “I’m only leaving Israel because I believe it’s what You want. Send me off with a smile.”
Soon after, she heard the front door open. “Tzipora,” asked her roommate, clutching an organizer, “isn’t this yours?”
My wife’s jaw dropped. “Where did you find that?!”
THREE WAYS TO FIND YOUR INNER LIGHT by Debbie Gutfreund
Chanukkah is a unique time for accessing the sparks of light within and thereby light up the world
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Make The Connection 22 November 2021
20 November 2021 | 16 Kislev 5782
Candle Lighting: 6.15pm
Friday Mincha: 5.45pm
Parsha: Vayishlach
Shabbos Mincha: 6.00pm
Havdalah: 7.12pm
Weekday Mincha: 6.15pm
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Make The Connection 29 October 2021
30 October 2021 | 24 Cheshvan 5782
Candle Lighting: 6.05pm
Friday Mincha: 5.45pm
Parsha: Chayei Sarah
Shabbat Mevarachim
Shabbos Mincha: 6.00pm
Havdalah: 6.56pm
Weekday Mincha: 6.00pm
AVICHAL GOODMAN ON BEHALF OF THE SELWYN AND ROS SMITH & FAMILY
MANHIGUT TORANIT PROGRAM
The Deafening silence of Avraham’s last years
The Torah’s silence is deafening! The last 38 years of Avraham Avinu’s life go unrecorded. Why is it that after the death of Sarah, we hear nothing more of Avraham’s life achievements? In fact, the only thing we do hear is Avraham’s concerted efforts to find a wife for Yitzchak. Why is this the final chapter that concludes an illustrious life of Avraham?
Avraham Avinu, was such a critical figure in recognizing Hashem and influencing the annals of history. Yet he understood that he didn’t do it alone. His life achievement was a partnership with his soulmate Sarah…”And the souls that they made in Haran”.
Avraham understood that now was the time for Yitzchak to take the stage, but just as Avraham’s own legacy was built with his soul mate Sarah, Yitzchak would need the correct soulmate to make his indelible mark on history! Avraham’s final charge about finding a wife is really giving insight into the secret of how to continue impacting history! We can’t do it alone!
Yet although it is clear why Avraham took great efforts to find a special bride, some of his actions seem illogical at first glance. Avraham makes his servant, Eliezer take an oath not to take a bride from the daughters of Canaan, but rather go to his relatives in Haran. Why?
Don Yitzhak Abarbanel elaborates on the question. If Avraham was afraid of the negative influence of the daughters of Canaan on Yitzchak, what advantage was there by taking a bride from the daughters of Haran? After all, the people of Haran, and the family of Avraham among them, were also idolaters!
Many of the great commentators dealt with this question and gave different answers.
Although the daughters of Haran were also idolaters, the Midrash Hagadol explains that Avraham wanted to do a chessed with his family. Rabbi Hirsch explains that it would be easier to disconnect her from her idolatry if her family was not in the immediate vicinity. Both the Midrash Hagadol and Rabbi Hirsch answer this question by highlighting external differences between the girls of Canaan and Haran.
The Ran argues that there is indeed an intrinsic difference between the daughters of Canaan and the daughters of Haran, in the matter of the virtues of the soul. middot. He claims that the people of Canaan were among the most corrupt people who lived on earth: ” The daughters of Canaan were imprinted with evil qualities, which the Avot chose to stay away from them and cling to one who is not imprinted with these evil qualities”
Avraham was not so afraid of idol worship. One can influence and change that situation by persuasion, education and personal example. But bad qualities, the corruption of the soul, is a more entrenched problem and difficult to uproot.
This essential difference, which the Ran claims exists in the daughters of Canaan, is based on sources in the Torah that describe the corruption of the Canaanites. Two weeks ago, we read God’s curse “Cursed Canaan”. The Ibn Ezra explains that Canaan was a partner in his father Cham’s deeds, and so he was given this curse.
Moreover, when the Torah forbids us to have incest, it explains that these are extremely despicable deeds, not to be committed, unlike the Canaanites who do these deeds.-“And as for the land of Canaan which I bring you, what ye shall not do.”
Rashi explains that this verse teaches us that the people of Canaan were the most corrupt nation on earth. From this moral corruption Avraham tries to save his son Yitzchak.
By recording Avraham’s final actions as his search for a bride for Yitzchak, the Torah is highlighting how a very private and intimate relationship of a couple and their home, is so critical in impacting history. And the basis and bedrock of this relationship is middot tovot!
Shabbat Shalom
TO ALL THOSE WHO DOUBT YOU, INCLUDING YOURSELF by Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
You don’t have to listen to that voice that weighs you down, holds you back, or causes you to give up on your dreams.
With seven gold medals, including three at the recent Tokyo Olympics, swimmer Penny Oleksiak is Canada’s most decorated Olympian. But not everyone always believed in her. Following her recent success, she tweeted,
“I want to thank that teacher in high school who told me to stop swimming to focus on school (because) swimming wouldn’t get me anywhere. This is what dreams are made of.” She followed it up by sharing, “Also in reference to my last tweet – no shade at all towards teachers in general, my sister is a teacher and I see her inspiring kids every day. Most of my teachers saw the vision and pushed me towards it. That one who constantly dragged me down though, WOAT (Worst of All-Time).”
Many of us have a WOAT influence in our lives. If it’s not a teacher, a family member or a colleague, it is a voice of negativity and doubt in our own head. It tells us, “You are imperfect, you have shortcomings and deficiencies, you aren’t the smartest, you are not the best looking, the most creative, and will never be the most successful. You have made mistakes, underachieved, set goals that you failed to realize, and you will never amount to anything.”
That voice can weigh us down, hold us back, or cause us to give up on our dreams and aspirations. But here is the catch. That person or that voice only holds us back if we listen to it, give it attention or consideration. Like Penny Oleksiak, we can replace the WOAT with a GOAT (Greatest of all Time) person or inner voice to listen to instead, one who believes in us, propels, and pushes us and lifts us to aspire to become the best version of ourselves.
Don’t Look Back
Just moments before Sodom is destroyed, the angel says to Lot, “Run for your life. Do not look behind you, nor stop anywhere in the Plain; flee to the hills, lest you be swept away.” Despite the warning of the angel, Lot’s wife couldn’t help herself. She looked and became a pillar of salt.
Why were they warned not to look back? The classic answer is that Lot and his family weren’t righteous and in truth deserved to suffer the same fate as Sodom. They weren’t worthy of witnessing the downfall and were therefore told not to look.
Rabbi Shmuel Weinberg gives a different perspective. In telling Lot and his family, “Don’t look back,” the angel was teaching a fundamental lesson in life. When you have made mistakes, when you underachieved or came up short, don’t look back, always look forward. Don’t focus on your past and beat yourself up, doesn’t listen to voices of negativity and defeatism, look to the future and the opportunities it presents. We need to understand what drove the mistakes we made and feel remorseful for them, but we cannot and must not ruminate on them.
Lot’s wife turned around. Whether she was nostalgic for her sinful past or simply felt guilty about it, either way she turned into salt. Salt was not a random vehicle for this punishment. Salt, by its very nature, preserves and keeps what it is spread on intact. It inhibits the ability to grow, to change, or to move forward. Lot’s wife literally got stuck in her past. She couldn’t move past it, couldn’t look forward, and didn’t let herself start again.
This is the classic methodology of the self-destructive voice we all confront. We tend to harp on our mess-ups and mistakes, and we tell ourselves we are incapable, unworthy. We give up on becoming better at whatever we want to improve. We spend a lot of time dwelling on the failures from our past. Research shows that at least 70% of the time we think about the past, we only relive the negative aspects of our lives.
But according to psychologists at Yale and the University of California, obsessing over a mistake not only won’t change the past but it will make it worse. Their study shows that living a mistake over and over impairs our problem-solving abilities. It leads to increased negative thoughts and depression. It even erodes our support network because no one wants to hear from the person who can’t let things go. Dwelling on past mistakes puts us in, and keeps us in, a bad state, the very thing we’re trying to get out of.
But moving on and silencing the WOAT in us sounds easier than done. Many who would never bully someone else still bully themselves with negative thoughts. We tend to beat ourselves up and harp on things we could have or should have done differently. But that thinking sabotages our very future and forfeits our present.
This is what we pray for every evening when we ask God “remove the Satan from before us and from after us.” Why would we confront a Satan from behind us? It is critical to pray that we not only find the strength and will to overcome our urges and temptations when we confront them, but that if we do fail, we can put it behind us and move on, not harp or get stuck. Each night, as we reflect on the day that was, including bad choices or uncomfortable mistakes, we pray to have the strength and conviction to hear the GOAT in us, not the WOAT in us.
CONDOLENCES
Condolences to Susan Pincus on the loss of her husband and condolences to Michael and Ariel Pincus on the loss of their father.
TAKE NOTE:
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Make The Connection 21 October 2021
23 October 2021 | 17 Cheshvan 5782
Candle Lighting: 6.00pm
Friday Mincha: 5.45pm
Parsha: Vayeira
Shabbos Mincha: 5.30pm
Havdalah: 6.51pm
Weekday Mincha: 6.00pm
SHABBAT SHALOM
A story for Shabbos and a point to ponder. A poor man once came knocking on the door of a Chasid, writes Rabbi Baruch Leff, asking for charity. The Chasid did not have any money to give to the man, but he did notice his wife’s gold wedding ring lying on the table. He decided that the man’s situation was so very desperate that it warranted giving him the ring. He consulted with his wife, and she agreed that they should give him the ring.
However, shortly afterward, the Chasid’s wife became frantic and ran outside, trying to find the poor man. Sure, that he had done the wrong thing by presenting her with such a dilemma, the Chasid started running after his wife to apologize, promising her that he would earn enough money to buy her a new ring, and asking her to allow the poor man to keep the old one now that it had been given to him.
“That’s not why I’m chasing after the man,” his wife replied. “I’m afraid that he doesn’t realize the full value of the ring and, in his desperation for cash, he might sell it for much less than it’s worth
This week is the Shabbos Project. An opportunity to celebrate Shabbat perfectly in our own homes. Shabbos is priceless. Know its worth. Do not sell out or simply give it away. Seize this occasion with both hands. Embrace it. Savour it. You will no doubt reap many rich rewards.
I am delighted that Rabbi Yossy and Rochel Goldman will be our scholars in residence for the Shabbos Project. They will be sharing Sermons and Shiurim with us! Please don’t miss!
G d bless!
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi David Shaw
Shabbos Project is here, Coming Back to Shul!
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Make The Connection 15 October 2021
16 October 2021 |10 Cheshvan 5782
Candle Lighting: 5.56pm
Friday Mincha: 5.45pm
Parsha: Lech Lecha
Shabbos Mincha: 5.55pm
Havdalah: 6.47pm
Weekday Mincha: 6pm
SHABBAT SHALOM
Avraham Avinu has an epic meeting with Malkit zeddik, whom the Gemara identifies as Shem, the choicest son of Noah. Shem was obviously righteous enough to be saved from the flood. He had personally witnessed the hand of Hashem first-hand. Why was it that Avraham was chosen by G d to be the founder of Judaism and not Shem his ancestor?
One answer could be that Avraham Avinu, concluded that there must be a creator, on his own. He had no tradition that there was a single creator of the universe. He was simply honest with himself when he realised that there was design in the world he experienced. Design screams out that there must be a designer!
Rabbi Moshe Tzvi Neriya suggests a different reason. He writes that Shem carried on after the flood precisely as he did before. He led a spiritually insulated life, just like his father, Noah. He had a deep spiritual connection with G d, however that was where it stopped. He did not share his ideas with anyone else. Avraham on the other hand reached out, to whomever he could, to teach about the concept of ethical monotheism. He sought out people to bring under Hashem’s wings as it were. As he grew, he in turn nurtured and grew those around him. There is one verse that explains his uniqueness: “For I have known him because he instructs his children and his household after him, that they should keep the way of the Lord to perform righteousness and justice.” (Genesis 18:19), Sometimes we feel the best way to grow is to withdraw but Avraham taught us not to leave anyone behind.
Be’yedidut
Rabbi Shaw
Next Shabbat is the Shabbos Project, this year with a huge focus on Coming Back to Shul!
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Make The Connection 07 October 2021
9 October 2021 | 3 Cheshvan 5782
Candle Lighting: 5.53pm
Friday Mincha: 5.45pm
Parsha: Noach
Shabbos Mincha: 5.55pm
Havdalah: 6.43pm
Weekday Mincha: 6pm
SHABBAT SHALOM
The Rainbow in this Parasha is a sign that Hashem will never destroy all Mankind again as He did at the time of the flood. It would seem that the Rainbow is a natural phenomenon, that of light refracting through the moisture in the air, just like it does when you turn on the sprinkler in your garden. The sign of the Rainbow explained my Rebbi, Rav Kurtstag, was the significance of its message to Man. Until that point G d saw and judged the world in clear boundaries of just black and white. Right and wrong. Uncompromising clarity!
Mankind, simply could not live up to such a high level of expectation. From Noah’s time Hashem would see the world and judge the world in the whole spectrum of colours.
If Hashem Himself can look at the world and judge with an understanding that not much is black and white, should we not give it a try as well?
I bless you with a peaceful and gentle Shabbat!
Rabbi David Shaw
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Make The Connection 01 October 2021
2 October 2021 | 26 Tishrei 5782
Candle Lighting: 5.50pm
Friday Mincha: 5.45pm
Parsha: Bereishit
Shabbos Mevarachim
Shabbos Mincha: 5.50pm
Havdalah: 6.40pm
SHABBAT SHALOM
It has been such a wonderful kaleidoscope of marvellous experiences over these our most solid and joyful holydays.
We were serious when we needed to be, and happy when we were meant to be, always with Covid Protocols in mind.
I absolutely loved the Chaggim and feel energised and ready to get segway into the last quarter of the year.
Mazeltov to our well-deserved Chatan Torah Ari Davidowitz and Chatan Bereishit Rabbi Yossi Orkin.
Still, lots to look forward to, to the end of the year.
Behatzlacha Rabba to those who completed 5 months of the Semichas Chaver programme. A number of the participants will be writing their exam on Sunday PG. A very proud moment for our Shul.
I wish you a Good Shabbos and Chodesh Tov!
Beyedidut
Rabbi David Shaw
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Make The Connection 26 August 2021
28 August 2021 | 20 Elul 5781
Candle Lighting: 5.35pm
Friday Mincha: 5.40pm
Parsha: Ki Tavo
Shabbos Mincha: 5.35pm
Havdalah: 6.25pm
SHABBAT SHALOM
If Rosh Hashana is the Day of Judgement and Yom Kippur, ten days later, is the Day of Atonement, it would seem that the order of the days is out of sequence. Surely forgiveness should be sought and would be preferable before the trial rather than being judged and only then pursuing some absolution for what one has done?
In truth, there are two different elements that we seek forgiveness for. The Gemara, our oral law, explains that while King David sinned twice, he was forgiven, while his predecessor King Saul sinned but once and was not. It seems a little unfair to say the least. However, our sages explain that in reality, King David’s sins were sins of passion. It was what he did that required him to redress his actions and seek pardon. With King Saul it was not so much what he did that was so bad. It was rather for who he was. It was not for his behaviour, but rather for his character.
It is way more difficult to sort out who we are than what we do. It is the who that we are that will determine at the end of the day what we do.
Rosh Hashana is the day we make G-d King. First our king and then hopefully the King of the Universe, to who we channel all we do. We go to the very roots of our being and allow Hashem to define our role in His world. Strange as it seems, we don’t mention sin or wrongdoing on Rosh Hashana at all. Our total focus on these days is on making our lives more G-d -centric. We implode our very foundations and place ourselves firmly in G-d’s hands.
We reengineer who we are.
On Yom Kippur on the other hand, we repent and here we do do Teshuva and make right all the wrongs we did or did not do, over the course of the past year, sin by sin.
We still have a little time to reflect on what we could do, what we should do, to emerge from these days, with a cleaner slate and a clearer vision.
Shana Tova Umetukah!
Rabbi David Shaw
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Make The Connection 12 August 2021
14 August 2021 | 6 Elul 5781
0andle Lighting: 5.29pm
Parsha: Shoftim
Mincha: 5.30pm
Havdalah: 6.20pm
SHABBAT SHALOM
I cried when we announced that we were closing our Shul, and yes I cried when we re-opened the Shul .
Elul is a special time when we begin the preparation for the coming days of judgement, when we will all stand before our G-d to ask for a surfeit of blessing for our loved ones, for our nation and for ourselves.
We all know the famous words of the Machzor that on Rosh Hashana it is written and on Yom Kippur it is sealed .who will live and who will die….It is as if , says Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, the future were determined on these days.
And it is equally well known that Teshuva, Tefillah and Tzedakah, Repentance, Prayer and Charity , ma’avirin et ro’ah ha’gezeirah, can remove the harshest of decrees. That is punkt the opposite!
No! Our future is not determined, nor is our fate final. We can influence the outcome.
Repentance is our relationship to ourselves!
Prayer is our relationship to G d!
Tzedakah is our relationship to our fellow!
Now is the time to be honest in our relationship with ourselves. Humble in our relationship with G d, and generous in our relationship with others.
Shana Tova Um’tuka.
Rabbi David Shaw
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Make The Connection 05 August 2021
7 August 2021 | 29 Av 5781
0andle Lighting: 5.26pm
Parsha: Re’eh
Shabbat Mevarachim
Mincha: 5.35pm
Havdalah: 6.17pm
GOOD SHABBOS
“If there shall be a destitute person among you, any of your brethren in any of your cities, in your land that Hashem, your G-d gives you, you shall not harden your heart or close your hand against your destitute brother. Rather you shall open your hand to him; you shall lend him his requirement, whatever is lacking to him” (Duet 15:7, 8)
This is a Torah commandment to be warm-hearted and open handed to our fellow. I love how brilliant our Torah is and how everything just works. The hidden hand of Hashem in everything. There is a method in numerology, Gematria that is called the בש …את method. We switch the first letter of the alphabet with the last letter the second letter with the second last and so on. So, Aleph becomes Tav, Bet becomes Shin etc.
Look what happened when we take the word for charity צדקה. The letter צ becomes ה, the ד becomes ק, theק becomes ד and the ה becomes a צ. It spells the word צדקה.
What is the message? The Rebbe of Zitomir z’l suggested that the message is that good deeds, helping out a fellow Yid never goes to waste. Even after it is done and dusted. It is always present for you the giver. Paying forward pays you back as it says in Tehillim … your Tzedakah will stand by you forever (Psalm 112:3).
This Shabbat is Shabbat Mevarachim, blessing the new month of Elul and ushering in the period of the High Holy Days. What a good way to begin preparing in Elul for the coming Days of Awe!
IY”H we will see an end to Covid and a full enthusiastic return to Shul by everyone for Yomtov!
G d bless. Stay safe!
Be’yedidut Rabba.
Rabbi David Shaw
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Make The Connection 29 July 2021
31 July 2021 | 22 Av 5781
0andle Lighting: 5.23pm
Parsha: Eikev
Mincha: 5.30pm
Havdalah: 6.14pm
CHOOSE THE CORRECT “IF”
A young employee of a successful firm who admired his boss asked him “how did you become so successful?” “My son,” he replied “from good decisions, from good decisions.” “But, how do you make good decisions?” “From bad decisions, from bad decisions!”
The portion starts off with the verse “And it shall come to pass if “Eikev” you listen to these ordinances and you shall guard then and do them (Devarim 11:12), “G-d will love you and bless you” (Verse 13).
There are two ways to explain the word “Eikev” which is if. Firstly, if you observe the Torah, it will be good for you. The second way is “Eikev” can be translated to mean eventually. Eventually after not keeping the Torah, and as a result of being punished, you will realise the benefit of carrying out the laws of the Torah, that Hashem will love you and bless you.
It is interesting to note that at Sinai when the children of Yisrael heard the Ten Commandments they did not see any image. The verse reads “lest you raise your eyes to the heavens and see the sun, the moon and the stars, and the hosts of the heavens and be drawn to them (Devarim). “The Torah warns us not to think that the son and moon etc have any power by themselves and are certainly not G-ds to worship them.
There seems to be a contradiction from the Book of Isaiah.
The well known haftorah of Nachamu, Nachamu – be consoled, be consoled ends with the verse: “lift up your eyes upwards and see who created these (the sun, moon and stars), who brings the out and numbers them (Isaiah Ch.40).
Here we see that one should look up to the heavens and realise that it is G-d who created them. Why does Isaiah say that you should lift up your eyes to the heavens and we are not afraid that people will make mistakes and worship them.
The difference is that before the punishments handed out on Tisha Be’av, and before being punished and the people were living a good life and people looked at the heavens from a comfort zone, and speculated if the celestial bodies were gods and one could make a mistake and bow to them. However, after Tisha Be’av, we know the truth and realise that all of nature was created by G-d from His creations.
We must choose the first explanations, if “Eikev”, that if we do mitzvahs immediately, we will be rewarded, and not have to be forced into keeping the Torah.
We must realise to make good decisions without making bad decisions.
Shabbat Shalom!
Regards
Rabbi Suchard
GOOD SHABBOS
Being back in Shul again this week has certainly brought lots of sweetness to us in these bitter times.
In this week’s Parasha, Eikev, there is one of the most well-known sayings in all the Torah. The holy land of Israel is described as a land flowing with milk and honey, ארץ זבת חלב ודבש (Duet 11:9).
First comes mention of the milk and then the honey. Yet, there is a verse in the Song of Songs by King Solomon (4:11) where the order is reversed. “The sweetness of the Torah drips from your lips like honey and milk…”. Why the change?
Rav Chaim Kanievsky answers that really milk is, oh so much more necessary than honey. Honey because of its sweetness, can only be eaten in small quantities, milk on the other hand is filling and nourishing.
Therefore in describing and praising the land that is paramount to know. Milk, the nourisher is primary. When describing the effects of Torah, sweetness comes first. If your Torah, learning and experience, living and practicing are pleasant and sweet, you will always remain connected.
We are approaching the month of Elul and the High Holy Days. Let us step up, all of us and experience more-sweet Torah. Join us for more learning. Join us for more Tehillim. Join us for more Tefillah. Come back to Shul. Join us for Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdallah on Zoom.
Besorot Tovot! Only good news! G d bless you!
Rabbi David Shaw
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Make The Connection 22 July 2021
24 July 2021 | 15 Av 5781
Candle Lighting: 5.19pm
Parsha: Va’etchanan
Havdalah: 6.11pm
GOOD SHABBOS
I am again on a spiritual high from our Tisha Be’av 5781. We were exposed over the course of the day to a plethora of some of the most fascinating global Torah lecturers. I was so inspired not only by their messages but by how so many of you embraced our new modus operandi of delivering Shiurim via Zoom. I do long to be back with you in Shul soon. Please G d this will be our last Tisha Be’av!
When I was young and learning in Yeshiva in Yerushalayim, I used to go to various Chassidisha Tishes almost every Friday night. I used to go to the Slonime Rebbes Tish. I saw three quotes from him that I wanted to share with you…
“We are not mourning over what was and is no more since the nation of Israel does not preserve memories of the past unless they are connected to the present and the future. Our mourning is a refusal to accept the present and a desire to change it.
“There are two forms of weeping: weeping that comes from despair and weeping that comes from hope. Our weeping over the destruction comes from hope, not over what is gone but over what will be.”
“Rebbe Moshe of Kubrin once said: The very worst thing is to accept your situation as is.” (Sivan Rachav)
Be safe!! G d bless!!
Rabbi David Shaw
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Make The Connection 08 July 2021
10 July 2021 | 01 Av 5781
Candle Lighting: 5.13pm
Parsha: Matot-Masei
Rosh Chodesh
Havdalah: 6.05pm
GOOD SHABBOS
On the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh, when the new month begins, we daven that it will be a good month ahead, filled with great Bracha and good fortune. This Shabbat ushers in the new month of Av. We are told in the Mishna that when Av begins, we diminish our joy and intensify our mourning for the destruction of both our Temples (they should be speedily rebuilt).
Rosh Chodesh Av is the Yahrzeit of Aharon Hakohen, which by the way is the only Yahrzeit mentioned in all the Torah. It is not recorded in Parashat Chukat where he died but in the second Parasha we read this Shabbat, Masai which is always read on or just before Rosh Chodesh Av.
I thought to mention Aharon Hakohen now as he was a perfect example of someone who not only loved peace, but he pursued it vigorously. He loved people and did all he could to bring them closer to the Torah. What an exceptional role model for us all.
It was sinat chinam, senseless hatred that caused the Temple to be destroyed; it is only senseless love that will be able to rebuild it.
Please let us continue to Daven for those who are not well. Refuah Shelaima Be’karov!
We have an impactful Tisha Be’av program coming up. I will let you know what’s on and how you can access it.
Beyedidut and with love!
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Make The Connection 02 July 2021
03 July 2021 | 23 Tammuz 5781
Candle Lighting: 5.10pm
Parsha: Pinchas
Havdalah: 6.02pm
GOOD SHABBOS
Oy! Shul is still closed and now we are into the 3 weeks of semi mourning for the destruction of the Temples and the decimation of Jewish life. It is a time to tread carefully and to draw closer to one another and to G d! Think of something positive you can do to make your world and indeed the world a better place. It does not have to be something huge, as even little actions may well be so much more significant than we imagine. Learn a little more Torah with family and try doing it consistently. Reach out to me to suggest what is appropriate and relevant; there is so much to choose from.
I have included in the Shul Connection his week, a comprehensive guide to all the laws customs of the 3 weeks by Rav Brofsky. Please read it and please don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions.
Please G d this time will pass safely and peacefully. Keep up your prayers and Tehillim and soon this will all be behind us!
In deep friendship, with love and respect.
Rabbi David Shaw
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Make The Connection 24 June 2021
26 June 2021 | 16 Tammuz 5781
Candle Lighting: 5.08pm
Parsha: Balak
Havdalah: 6.00pm
GOOD SHABBOS
There is an insightful passage in Gemara Sanhedrin on page 105b in the name of Rabbi Yochanan. From the blessing pronounced by that wicked man (Bilaam) we can deduce what was really in his heart. The Torah tells us that Hashem transformed Bilaam’s intended curse on the nation of Israel into a blessing. So, by examining his blessing we can infer precisely what Bilaam’s curse was meant to be. He sought to curse us not to have any Shuls or Batei Midrashot, places for prayer and learning, and was forced to praise and bless these institutions. How goodly are your tents O Jacob. Tents, according to our commentators, refers to our Shuls and Houses of Learning. Bilaam knew the value and importance of our community institutions to the ongoing survival of Yiddishkeit and therefor tried to destroy them with his curse. It was clear to Bilaam and it should be even clearer to us. Prayer, learning and being an integral and active part of a Kehilla Kedosha, a Holy community is one of the most important factors in our ultimate survival as Jews.
With G-ds help we will see the end of this awful pandemic soon and we will again be able to be together.
Good Shabbos and G-d bless.
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Make The Connection 18 June 2021
19 June 2021 | 9 Tammuz 5781
Candle Lighting: 5.06pm
Parsha: Chukat
Havdalah: 5.58pm
GOOD SHABBOS
We continue to Daven for those members of our Shul and their families who are ill and continually pray for their speedy recovery, and indeed for the over 600 current cases in the broader JHB community. We gather each day on zoom to say Tehillim together, please join us. I have found this time of connection with G d and with you so meaningful.
In this new world we find ourselves in we have again adapted quickly to Zoom. I look forward please G d to a time when we can be together not only in spirit but in body as well.
We continue with meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah services on Erev Shabbat at 4:30pm and Saturday nights at 6:45pm. It is wonderful how many participate! It is become quite normal. Human beings have an unbelievable capacity to acclimate incredibly quickly. Reb Chaim Shmuelewitz calls this מידת ההיסתגלות, the ability to adapt. We are getting quite adept at this.
Please stay safe and follow all the advice to protect you and your loved ones.
A warm good Shabbos wish from my heart to yours!
Rabbi David Shaw
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Make The Connection 28 May 2021
29 May 2021 | 18 Sivan 5781
Candle Lighting: 5.06pm
Parsha: Beha’alotcha
Havdalah: 5.58pm
Mincha Shabbos: 5.05pm
GOOD SHABBOS
What a week! OMG! Israel and all that has occurred there. The rollout of the vaccine here? What will the response to the third wave be and when?
I have two observations on the Parasha and one question.
Firstly, we see from the Sedra how despite Miriam, clearly having absolutely no malice in mind when speaking Lashon Hara to Aharon the Kohein about Moshe Rabbeinu, she was nevertheless, still held responsible for her words. We see how deleterious the effects of Losh are. Even if it’s true. Even if it seems innocuous with no harm intended, it is still not ok and there are sad consequences.
The second observation is Moshe Rabbeinu’s reaction to the criticism. We actually do not find any response at all. He remains silent and when Hashem has rebuked them, he simply prays for his sister to be cured. No wasted energy on justifying his action. He knew he did the right thing. He avoided bartering his dignity for self-interest.
Two good life lessons for us!
BTW if anyone has a good answer for why Aharon escaped being punished please share. I have seen a few approaches, but none made 100% sense.
G d bless.
Rabbi David Shaw
SIVAN RAHAV-MEIR / THE DAILY PORTION / WE SHOULD NOT BE JEWS OF SILENCE
Sivan Rahav-Meir / The Daily Portion / We should not be Jews of silence.
In the face of a wave of worldwide anti-Semitism, rallies were held yesterday in support of Israel throughout the world. One of the most inspiring speakers was Elisha Wiesel, son of Holocaust survivor and Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel, who spoke the following before a crowd in New York:
“My father, Elie Wiesel of blessed memory, travelled to the Soviet Union in the 60’s to meet Russian Jews who were prohibited from expressing their faith. They were forbidden to hold a Bar Mitzvah, put on tefillin, or express support for the State of Israel. The Communist Party ruled through lies, and the biggest anti-Semitic lie was that Jews are exploiters and enemies of the working class. Friends, today we are victims of a big lie as well. It’s easy to identify the Communist or the Nazi lie, but the anti-Semitism of today is based on an equally pernicious lie.
When my father visited Russia, Jews there asked him: ‘How many are marching for us in America?’. He was embarrassed to tell them how few there were. He wrote a book about this called ‘The Jews of Silence’. Many thought he meant the Jews of Russia since they were forced to learn the holy Torah in secret, in silence, but he meant us. When we keep quiet, we are the Jews of silence. To those who are here today, I say: You will be able to tell your children that you came here and stood as proud Jews, even as the largest party in the American Congress was filled with extremists who spread lies. These are the same old and evil lies that have been told for thousands of years, while all we want is to work, to pray, to live, and to manage our own state. You will be able to tell your children that you were not Jews of silence.”
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK –
“Be careful to honour your wife,
for blessing enters the house
only because of the wife.” (Bava Metzia 59a)
FUNNY THINGS
G-d and the Professor
An atheist professor was teaching a college class and he told the class that he was going to prove that there was no G-d. He said, “G-d if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I’ll give you 15 minutes!”
Ten minutes went by. He kept taunting God, saying, “Here I am G-d, I’m still waiting.” He got down to the last couple of minutes and a big 240-pound football player happened to walk by the door and heard what the professor said. The football player walked into the classroom and in the last minute, hit the professor full force, sending him flying off the platform.
The professor got up, obviously shaken, and said, “Where did you come from, and why did you do that?”
The football player replied, “G-d was busy; He sent me!”
MAZELTOV!
Engagement
Mazeltov to Shareen Richter on the occasion of her engagement to Adam Davis
General
Mazeltov to Mark Ostrofsky who recently qualified as a Gastroenterologist
TAKE NOTE:
Shul Services
For the time being Kids Services @ Sandton Shul will only be held on Saturdays @ 10am and Outdoors. Primary School service to meet in the Sukkah and Nursery School service to meet on the grass area by Rabbi Sushards old house. Masks are mandotary.
Masks must please be worn at all times
Please bring your own Siddur and Tallis to Shul
Should you not be feeling well please do not come to Shul
Shabbat
Zoom Kabbalat Shabbat
Join Rabbi Shaw, Chazan Avron Alter, Daniel Tucker and Josh Alter
Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday @ 4.30pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81250713114?pwd=SnlWK1NQOC94OXhieWtTVENNd2pPQT09
Meeting ID: 812 5071 3114
Password: 18
Davening Times
Monday and Thursday at 6.15am
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday is at 6.30am
Sunday is at 7.30am
Weekday Mincha – 5.15pm
Tehillim and Pirkei Avot
We meet daily on Zoom at 4.45pm Sunday to Thursday to have a short shiur in Pirkei Avot and Tehillim for those who are in need of a Refuah Shelaima. Please join Rabbi Shaw on Zoom. The link is sent out by Rabbi David Shaw everyday.
Sandton Shul Mikvah
Sandton Shul Mikvah is open every night by appointment only. Contact Lynda Romain 24 hours in advance on 083 2668149 to make an appointment. All Covid protocolas are adhered to.
Got a Halachic Question?
Need a quick answer – Sms or WhatsApp Rabbi Shaw on 0726966535 or E-mail davidshaw@sandtonshul.co.za
The Kosher desk is open from 9am – 5pm on weekdays for all Kashrut related questions. Just WhatsApp them on 063 6939417.
Please let us know if you know of PG good news and GF any sad news or people who are not well.
Refuah Shelaima to any of our Kehilla who are ill.
Security
The Sandton Shul security team is seeking additional volunteers. Volunteers must have completed a relevant CSO training course or be willing to attend one prior to joining the team. Volunteers are to please email harelle@sandtonshul.co.za with your contact details.
Should you see anything or anyone suspicious in or around the shul property then please report it immediately to the CSO on 086 18 000 18.
Should you live in a CAP area and see anything or anyone suspicious in your area then please report it immediately to CAP on 086 122 7227.
Make The Connection 22 April 2021
24 April 2021 | 12 Iyar 5781
Candle Lighting: 5.26pm
Parsha: Acharei-Mot Kedoshim
Havdalah: 6.15pm
Mincha Shabbos: 5.25pm
SHABBAT SHALOM
In Parashat Kedoshim we read” קדושים תהיו כי קדוש אני” (You should be holy for holy am I). It is an instruction told by Hashem to Moshe to relate to the Jewish people. Be Holy! Yet if you look in the list of 613 Mitzvot of the Torah it is absent. Why? Perhaps because, dear friends, we are already holy. All of us! There is no need to be commanded to be what we already are. Now we know, we just need to act in ways that allow us to be and to do exactly what the Creator designed us to be and to do.
I wish you all a pleasant, safe, healthy and holy Shabbat.
Rabbi David Shaw
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Make The Connection 16 April 2021
17 April 2021 | 5 Iyar 5781
Candle Lighting: 5.32pm
Parsha: Tazria Metzora
Pirkei Avot Chapter 2
Havdalah: 6.21pm
Mincha Shabbos: 5.25pm
SHABBAT SHALOM
I am so excited to be introducing a new learning programme to the members of our Shul. It is called ‘The Semichat Chaver Programme”.
It is an innovative, fast paced, interactive, practical Halacha learning programme. Designed by Rav Elyada Goldicht to be easily imparted with thought provoking questions in all areas of Jewish Law, where we include a little Parsha and the philosophical meaning behind the Mitzvot that we learn.
Those who wish can write a test after the first semester and will receive a balabatim smicha signed by Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar and Rabbi Herschel Schacter.
I have already recruited a number of enthusiastic participants and would like to invite any gentleman who would like to join. One hour a week. No cost. A track for women is currently being planned.
Monday nights straight after Maariv 6.15pm in the Youth Centre. Please contact me if you would like to join.
G-d Bless
Rabbi David Shaw
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Make The Connection 09 April 2021
10 April 2021 | 28 Nisan 5781
Candle Lighting: 5.39pm
Parsha: Shemini
Shabbat Mevarachim
Havdalah: 6.28pm
Mincha Shabbos: 5.30pm
SHABBAT SHALOM
Today is Holocaust Memorial Day. I would like to share with you this short article by Sivan Rahav-Meir .The Holocaust: Six unforgettable facts.
Feelings are not enough. We are getting an overdose of feelings today, on Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). We are getting saturated with stories, memories, and tears but, in my opinion, we must not neglect cold, hard, dry facts. Here is a list of them courtesy of Professor Yosef Ben-Shlomo; six historical facts that we need to internalize in order to understand why the Holocaust was such an extraordinarily unique event:
1. Judenrein. For the first time in history (other than Haman’s plot against the Jews in ancient Persia), one nation sought the complete elimination of another, despite the fact that the vast majority of the nation targeted for extermination lived outside the territory of the aggressor nation. The goal was not to just put the other nation into exile but to erase it from the face of the earth. In Nazi documents on the number of Jews destined for death, the tiny Albanian Jewish community of 200 souls was noted.
2. Absence of opposition. In the Wannsee Conference of January, 1942, the “final solution” was unanimously approved by the fifteen attendees, all of whom held high-ranking ministerial positions in the German government, and eight of whom were holders of doctorate degrees.
3. The Germans worked against their own interests in World War II. Even as Germany was losing the war, it behaved irrationally. Instead of investing in just fighting enemy forces, the Germans continued “to waste” energy on their Jewish extermination project.
4. They were not crazy. Among the murderers were family men and women, professionals, and intellectuals. They were perfectly sane. Millions of ordinary, regular folks did not see any problem with taking part in this giant extermination project.
5. The concentration camps were not bombed. The death factories continued to operate without interference by the Western allied nations or their armies, even while the allies regularly bombed Nazi munitions factories.
6. There was no way out. Unlike their ability to cope with other horrendous decrees and persecutions throughout history, the Jews of Europe had no way out. There was no possibility of saving themselves through cooperation with the enemy, or by being exiled or by conversion to another faith. Death was their only option.
Today we face Holocaust denial, ignorance, and forgetfulness, as well as claims that the Holocaust was not a unique or particularly anti-Jewish event .It is therefore more important than ever not only to remember what happened, but to make a commitment never to forget.
Something to think about.
Rabbi David Shaw
12 RULES FOR RAISING DELINQUENT CHILDREN
How to Ruin Your Children –
Guaranteed 100% Infallible
- Begin in infancy to give the child everything he wants. In this way he will grow up to believe that the world owes him a living.
- When he picks up bad words, laugh at him. This will make him think he is cute. It will also encourage him to pick up cuter phrases.
- Never give him any spiritual training. Wait until he’s 21 and then let him decide for himself.
- Avoid use of the word “wrong.” It may develop into a guilt complex. Later, when he is arrested, he can conclude that society is against him and that he is being persecuted.
- Pick up everything he leaves lying around – books, shoes, clothes. Do everything for him, so that he will be experienced in throwing all responsibility upon others.
- Let him read any printed matter that he can get his hands on. Be careful that the silverware and drinking glasses are sterilized but let his mind feast on garbage.
- Quarrel frequently in the presence of your children. In this way they will not be too shocked when their home is broken up later.
- Give a child all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his own. Why should he have things as tough as you had them?
- Satisfy his every craving for food, drink and comfort. See that every sensual desire is gratified. Denial may lead to harmful frustration.
- Take his part against neighbours, teachers, policemen. They are all prejudiced against your child.
- When he gets into real trouble, apologize to yourself by saying: “I never could do anything with him.”
- Prepare for a life of grief. You will be likely to have it.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK –
“There are three crowns – the crown of Torah,
the crown of priesthood, and the crown of kingship;
but the crown of a good name surpasses all of them.”
Rabbi Shimon
FUNNY THINGS
The Doctors’ Convention
It’s 10pm when the phone rings in Dr. Minkofsky’s house. “It’s Dr. Gold,” says his wife, passing him the phone, “I do hope it’s not another emergency.”
Dr. Minkofsky takes the phone and says, “Hi, what’s up?”
“Don’t worry, everything’s OK,” replies Dr. Gold. “It’s just that I’m at home with Dr. Lewis and Dr. Kosiner. We’re having a little game of poker and we’re short of one hand so we thought you might like to come over and join us?”
“Sure …. yes, of course,” replies Dr. Minkofsky, putting on a serious voice, “I’m leaving right now.” And he puts down the phone.
“What’s happened?” his wife asks, with a worried look.
“It’s very serious,” Dr. Minkofsky replies. “They’ve already called three doctors.”
MAZELTOV TO!
Births
Mazeltov to Rabbi Evan and Cara Widmonte on the birth of a daughter born in Melbourne and mazeltov to grandparents Sam and Bev Leon
Mazeltov to Clive and Vanessa Sher on the birth of a daughter in London and mazeltov to grandparents Paul and Charlotte Sher and Herbert and Rhona Ullman
TAKE NOTE:
Shabbat
Zoom Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah
Join Rabbi Shaw, Chazan Alter and Daniel Tucker
Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday @ 5.00pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81250713114?pwd=SnlWK1NQOC94OXhieWtTVENNd2pPQT09
Meeting ID: 812 5071 3114
Password: 18
Havdallah on Saturday @ 7.30pm
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73078935628?pwd=VFB0NDRpbXFncllJcFQwd3FDaGQrQT09
Meeting ID: 730 7893 5628
Password: 18
Davening Times
Monday and Thursday at 6.15am
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday is at 6.30am
Sunday is at 7.30am
Weekday Mincha
From Sunday weekday Mincha will commence at 5.35pm
Shul Services
Booking is essential for all services – e-mail harelle@sandtonsul.co.za to book
As per the government regulations each service is limited to 250 people indoors
Masks must please be worn at all times
Please bring your own Siddur and Tallis to Shul
Should you not be feeling well please do not come to Shul
Tehillim and Pirkei Avot
We meet daily on Zoom at 5pm Sunday to Thursday to have a short shiur in Pirkei Avot and Tehillim for those who are in need of a Refuah Shelaima. Please join Rabbi Shaw on Zoom. The link is sent out by Rabbi David Shaw everyday.
Sandton Shul Mikvah
Sandton Shul Mikvah is open every night by appointment only. Contact Lynda Romain 24 hours in advance on 083 2668149 to make an appointment. All Covid protocolas are adhered to.
Got a Halachic Question?
Need a quick answer – Sms or WhatsApp Rabbi Shaw on 0726966535 or E-mail davidshaw@sandtonshul.co.za
The Kosher desk is open from 9am – 5pm on weekdays for all Kashrut related questions. Just WhatsApp them on 063 6939417.
Please let us know if you know of PG good news and GF any sad news or people who are not well.
Refuah Shelaima to any of our Kehilla who are ill.
Security
Should you see anything or anyone suspicious in or around the property, please report it immediately to BHH security or the CSO on 086 18 000 18.
Make The Connection 02 April 2021
3 April 2021 | 21 Nisan 5781
Candle Lighting: 5.47pm
Parsha: 7th Day Pesach
Mincha: 5.30pm
Mincha tomorrow: 5.30pm
SHABBAT SHALOM AND GOOD YOM TOV
I am excited that we are now permitted to safely accommodate many more congregants (250) in Shul services in time for the last days of Pesach and especially in time for our precious and always meaningful Yizkor. All the protocols are still in place, we need to book with Harelle (bookings close on Thursday at 13h00), wear masks, sanitise and of course keep social distance. But we can all be under the gorgeous dome of our sanctuary. Be’rov Am Hadrat Melech! The King’s glory is in a multitude of people! (“the King,” of course, referring to G-d). (Proverbs 14:28) Rabbi Jack Abramowitz explains that this is not just a nice idea; it actually has legal ramifications. For example, what is the preeminent mitzvah of Rosh Hashana? Blowing the shofar, of course!
Wouldn’t we want to blow the shofar as soon as possible on Rosh Hashana because zerizim makdimin le’mitzvot (the zealous are quick to perform mitzvot)? Despite this, for some reason we blow shofar at Musaf rather than at Shacharit. According to the Talmud in Rosh Hashana (32b), at least part of the reason for this is Be’rov Am Hadras Melech (the King’s glory is in a multitude of people) as more people are in shul for Musaf than for Shacharit. There are many, many more examples. Megillat Esther, Yizkor and praying together as a Kehillah Kedosha.
I look so forward to welcoming you in Shul over the Chag!
G d Bless! Enjoy the rest of Pesach!
Rabbi David Shaw
HINEH MAH TOV U’MAH NAIM SHEVES GAM YACHAD –
Behold how good and how pleasant it is when brethren sit together (Psalm 133:1)
FUNNY THINGS
Chaim and the Genie
One day Chaim Kaplan spotted a lamp by the roadside. He picked it up, rubbed it vigorously, and a genie appeared. “I’ll grant you three wishes,” the genie said.
Chaim thought for a moment and said, “I’ve always wanted to be spectacularly wealthy.”
And so it was that Chaim was wealthy.
“I’ve always wanted to be fabulously handsome.”
And so it was that Chaim was handsome.
Chaim thought for another moment and said, “I’ve always wanted to do something that no man has ever succeeded in doing.”
“Poof!” said the genie. “You can now cook Shabbos dinner.”
MAZELTOV TO!
Barmitzvah
Mazeltov to Jesse son of Saul Bregman and Liora Gien Bregman, grandson of Bernard and Debbie Gien and Roy and Melanie Bregman and great grandson of Judy Bloch on the occasion of his Barmitzvah
Births
Mazeltov to Daniel and Sara Zinman on the birth of a son and mazeltov to grandparents Harold and Aileen Zinman
Mazeltov to Mervyn and Lynette Miller on the birth of a grandson and mazeltov to parents Craig and Robin Schraibman
TAKE NOTE:
Davening Times
Monday and Thursday at 6.15am
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday is at 6.30am
Sunday is at 7.30am
Pesach Times
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Friday 02 |
Shabbat |
17h47 17h30 |
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Saturday 03 |
Shabbat/Seventh Day Pesach Eighth Night Pesach |
08h00 18h00 |
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Sunday 04h |
Eighth Day Pesach |
08h30 |
Shul Services
Booking is essential for all services
As per the government regulations each service is limited to 250 people indoors
Masks must please be worn at all times
Please bring your own Siddur and Tallis to Shul
Should you not be feeling well please do not come to Shul
Tehillim and Pirkei Avot
We meet daily on Zoom at 5pm Sunday to Thursday to have a short shiur in Pirkei Avot and Tehillim for those who are in need of a Refuah Shelaima. Please join Rabbi Shaw on Zoom. The link is sent out by Rabbi David Shaw everyday.
Sandton Shul Mikvah
Sandton Shul Mikvah is open every night by appointment only. Contact Lynda Romain 24 hours in advance on 083 2668149 to make an appointment. All Covid protocolas are adhered to.
Got a Halachic Question?
Need a quick answer – Sms or WhatsApp Rabbi Shaw on 0726966535 or E-mail davidshaw@sandtonshul.co.za
The Kosher desk is open from 9am – 5pm on weekdays for all Kashrut related questions. Just WhatsApp them on 063 6939417.
Please let us know if you know of PG good news and GF any sad news or people who are not well.
Refuah Shelaima to any of our Kehilla who are ill.
Security
Should you see anything or anyone suspicious in or around the property, please report it immediately to BHH security or the CSO on 086 18 000 18.
Make The Connection 26 March 2021
27 March 2021 | 14 Nisan 5781
Candle Lighting: 5.54pm
Parsha: Tzav
Shabbat Hagadol
Mincha: 5.40pm
Kabbalat Shabbat: 6.00pm
Mincha tomorrow: 5.40pm
SHABBAT SHALOM AND A CHAG PESACH KASHER VE’SAMAYACH
The Seder begins and ends in Aramaic and not Hebrew. Normally we utilize Aramaic only when there is intense kedusha, holiness,because Hashem’s presence is right there. Kaddish, B’rich Shemei when taking out the Torah and Yekum Purkan just after Leining and before returning the Torah to the Aron Kodesh.
That is the reason we bookend the Seder with Aramaic as well. To demonstrate that the Shechina, Hashem’s presence is at each and everyone of our Sedorim.
What an amazing opportunity to have G d in our homes. What an opportunity to be able to bless our families and to daven for the healing of our world, with Hashem right there.
I hope and pray that you have deep and meaningful Seders.
With Pesach greetings and a lot of love
Rabbi David Shaw
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Make The Connection 05 March 2021
06 March 2021 | 22 Adar 5781
Candle Lighting: 6.15pm
Parsha: Ki Tissa
Shabbat Parah
Mincha: 5.35pm
Kabbalat Shabbat: 5.55pm
Mincha tomorrow: 6.10pm
Havdalah: 7.05pm
SHABBAT SHALOM
The whole saga of the Golden Calf appears in our Parasha.
I heard from my one of my mentors many years ago that the main message, amounst the many lessons from this aweful event, is that one has to serve Hashem as Hashem wants to be served and not how we decide to serve Him. We know exactly what G d wants us to do , how He wants it, and when. No Guessing! No speculating. Clear as day in the written and oral law.
There is a plethora of opportunities in absolutely every aspect of our lives to sanctify the moment by doing what G d wants us to do. From Tying our shoes to making Kiddush.
So importand is this concept we have a mitzvah to reall it each and every day!
How rich would our lives be when we allign our will to His!
Be’yedidut
Rabbi David Shaw
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FUNNY THINGS Biblical Professions Three people were arguing about what profession was used first in the bible. The Engineer says, “No, engineering was used first. Just think of the engineering job it took to create the world out of chaos.” The Politician says, “You would have nothing if we didn’t create chaos in the beginning?” QUOTE FOR THE WEEK: One of the greatest challenges of life MAZELTOV TO! Mazeltov to Joel and Sandy Levin on the occasion of their 49th Wedding Anniversary TAKE NOTE: Davening Times Monday and Thursday at 6.15am Shul Services Booking is essential for all services Shabbat Zoom Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday @ 5.55pm Meeting ID: 812 5071 3114 Havdallah on Saturday @ 7.45pm Tehillim We meet daily on Zoom at 5pm Sunday to Thursday to have a short shiur in Pirkei Avot and Tehillim for those who are in need of a Refuah Shelaima. Please join Rabbi Shaw on Zoom. The link is sent out by Rabbi Shaw everyday. Sandton Shul Mikvah Sandton Shul Mikvah is open every night by appointment only. contact Lynda Romain 24 hours in advance on 083 2668149 to make an appointment. All Covid protocolas are adhered to. Got a Halachic Question? Need a quick answer – Sms or WhatsApp Rabbi Shaw on 0726966535 or E-mail davidshaw@sandtonshul.co.za Please let us know if you know of PG good news and GF any sad news or people who are not well. Refuah Shelaima to any of our Kehilla who are ill. Security Should you see anything or anyone suspicious in or around the property, please report it immediately to BHH security or the CSO on 086 18 000 18.
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Make The Connection 19 February 2021
20 February 2021 | 08 Adar 5781
Candle Lighting: 6.15pm
Parsha: Terumah
Shabbat Zachor
Mincha: 5.45pm
Kabbalat Shabbat: 6pm
Mincha tomorrow: 6.20pm
Havdalah: 7.18pm
SHABBAT SHALOM
וְכָל־עַבְדֵ֨י הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ אֲשֶׁר־בְּשַׁ֣עַר הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ כֹּרְעִ֤ים וּמִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ לְהָמָ֔ן כִּי־כֵ֖ן צִוָּה־ל֣וֹ הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ וּמָ֨רְדֳּכַ֔י לֹ֥א יִכְרַ֖ע וְלֹ֥א יִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶֽה׃
All the king’s courtiers in the palace gate knelt and bowed low to Haman, for such was the king’s order concerning him; but Mordecai would not kneel or bow low.
The Sfat Emet points out that the Hebrew, describing how Mordechai would neither kneel nor bow low, strangely is written in the future tense and not the past.
He explains that this is coming to teach us that in every subsequent generation, from the time of Purim until the time of Mashiach there will always be proud loyal and brave Jews, who will stand up for true, authentic Torah values in the face of those who threaten our faith and our way of life.
Perhaps suggests the Sfat Emet that is exactly why Haman wanted to exterminate the entire Jewish people and not just Mordechai.
Stand Tall! Stand Proud!
We only kneel and bow low before Hashem Yitbarach Sh’emo!
Be’yedidut.
Rabbi David Shaw
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Make The Connection 29 January 2021
30 January 2021 | 17 Shevat 5781
Candle Lighting: 6.15pm
Parsha: Beshalach
Shabbat Shira
Zoom Kabbalat Shabbat: 6pm
Havdalah: 7.34pm
Zoom Havdalah: 8.30pm
SHABBAT SHALOM
We find in this weeks Parasha the Song of the Sea, sang by our ancestors in recognition of Hashem’s momentous miracles at the Sea of Reeds.
When you look in a Torah scroll, you will notice that it is written in two columns, sometimes in three, with lots of spaces between the phrases. A song.
Why the spaces? There are many approaches to this question. I would like to suggest, that perhaps a reason is, that we thank and acknowledge Hashem for all he does for us that we see clearly. There are so many. The blank spaces are there to represent all of those myriads of kindnesses and miracles that Hashem does for us, without us having a clue.
We need to thank Him for both!
Stay safe and be well! G d bless you all!
Rabbi David Shaw
FUNNY THINGS
Stolen Hearts
Marvin and Shirley Applebaum were childhood sweethearts who had married and settled down in the same neighborhood where they grew up. They were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and decided to walk down the street to their old school. There, they hold hands as they find the old desk they ‘d shared and where he had carved “I love you, Shirley.”
On their way back home, a bag of money falls out of an armored car and lands practically at their feet. Shirley quickly picks it up and decides to take it home until they decide what to do with it. There, she counts the money, and it’s fifty thousand dollars.
Marvin says, “We’ve got to give it back.”
Shirley says, “Finders keepers” and puts the money back in the bag and hides it up in their attic.
The next day, two FBI men are going door-to-door in the neighborhood looking for the money and show up at their home. They say, “Pardon me, but did either of you find or know about some money that fell out of an armored car yesterday?”
Shirley says, “No.”
Marvin quickly interjects, “She’s lying!! She hid it up in the attic.”
Shirley says, “Don’t believe him, he’s getting senile.”
However, the agents sit Marvin down and begin to question him. “Sir, please tell us the story from the beginning.”
Marvin says, “Well, when Shirley and I were walking home from school yesterday…”
The FBI agents immediately look at each other and say, “Let’s get out of here!!”
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK:
Work to become, not to acquire.
TAKE NOTE:
Zoom Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah
Join Rabbi Shaw, Chazan Alter and Daniel Tucker
Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday @ 6pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81250713114?pwd=SnlWK1NQOC94OXhieWtTVENNd2pPQT09
Meeting ID: 812 5071 3114
Password: 18
Havdallah on Saturday @ 8.30pm
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73078935628?pwd=VFB0NDRpbXFncllJcFQwd3FDaGQrQT09
Meeting ID: 730 7893 5628
Password: 18
Tehillim
We meet daily on Zoom at 5pm Sunday to Thursday to have a short shiur in Pirkei Avot and Tehillim for those who are in need of a Refuah Shelaima. Please join Rabbi Shaw on Zoom. The link is sent out by Rabbi Shaw everyday.
Sandton Shul Mikvah
Sandton Shul Mikvah is open every night by appointment only. contact Lynda Romain 24 hours in advance on 083 2668149 to make an appointment. All Covid protocolas are adhered to.
Got a Halachic Question?
Need a quick answer – Sms or WhatsApp Rabbi Shaw on 0726966535 or E-mail davidshaw@sandtonshul.co.za
The Kosher desk is open from 9am – 5pm on weekdays for all Kashrut related questions. Just WhatsApp them on 063 6939417.
Please let us know if you know of PG good news and GF any sad news or people who are not well.
Refuah Shelaima to any of our Kehilla who are ill.
Security
Should you see anything or anyone suspicious in or around the property, please report it immediately to BHH security or the CSO on 086 18 000 18.
Make The Connection 15 January 2021
16 January 2021 | 3 Shevat 5781
Candle Lighting: 6.15pm
Parsha: Vaeira
Kabbalat Shabbat: 6pm
Havdalah: 7.39pm
Zoom Havdalah: 8.30pm
SHABBAT SHALOM
It has been such a frenetic week. So many of our nearest and dearest, never mind the broader community have been affected by COVID. Some seriously and some, thank G d less so. One thing we need to get us through this all is a level head. To be logical and simply to follow the guidelines that the experts have suggested. To be sensible! Simply, to use one’s kop!
In the Gemara, Sanhedrin 67B, Rabbi Akiva points out to us that the Torah, when referring to the Plague of frogs says ותעל הצפרדע ותכס את ארץ מצרים, and the Frog ascended and covered the land of Egypt (Shemot 8:2).
It refers to a single frog which when struck split into two and continued to multiply and multiply every time it was hit, until there were so many frogs, they literally filled every house, every room, every bed, even their ovens and kneading bowls.
The Brisker Rav asks: Why, when they saw that with each attempt to kill the frogs they simply multiplied over and over and over with each strike. Why did they continue to hit these miraculous creatures? Hitting them just exacerbated to problem serving to increase their numbers exponentially, it was so logical.
His answer is brilliant and oh so true. When one is angry, when one is grumpy and upset, logic simply stops being logical. Even the most obvious truism becomes properly impossible to perceive. Facts are no longer evident. Evidence before our very eyes alludes us.
We have every reason to be annoyed, even livid and cranky with what is happening, however if we allow ourselves to adopt that mindset we are doomed as we will not be in a position to act rationally, wisely and with logic.
Be calm. Be positive. Be safe. Stay well.
G d bless.
Rabbi David Shaw
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