We are all waiting with bated breath and praying for the people of Israel during this time of great danger and uncertainty. As you may know, many shuls in Israel are currently closed, due to the security situation, and people are unable to gather to pray as they usually would.
The Rabbi and I would like to encourage everyone to come to shul and pray on their behalf — to be their voice in prayer, to stand together as a community, and to add our prayers to the strength and protection of the Jewish people. Our prayers can truly make a difference.
And on that note, please also join us online today at 5pm to hear from the Chief Rabbi and say special prayers for Israel together with the whole United Synagogue. The link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxunVDeglZc
May Hashem watch over our brothers and sisters and bring safety and peace to all of Israel.
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New and improved! A novel idea! A refreshing look to an old question…
When looking at how products or courses are advertised, one can see a certain pattern that seems to draw people in.
We are looking for something new, fresh, exciting and different.
But what about those people who are faithfully doing their job, day in and day out, with the same enthusiasm and attention to detail? Their job spec hasn’t changed, they haven’t innovated or altered their methods, because what they do works. Are they noticed or celebrated?
In this week’s Parsha, Aaron is told to light the candles of the Menorah. The verse following the instructions says “and he did”. Rashi explains that this is a great accolade for Aaron as he did exactly what he was told to do. He didn’t change.
We tend to be resistant to following instructions (or maybe that is just me). I prefer to do things my own way or try something different. (How do you feel when Waze tells you to go one way – but you think they have it all wrong and you know better?)
Sometimes, tried and tested is worth following. There are no frills and bells and singing from rooftops. It’s just following the rules. Doesn’t feel exciting. But rules protect. They guide. Boundaries and systems are the foundations of society. Stretching those boundaries and breaching them can give a person a rush of adrenaline, but in the long term, can erode society’s structure and strength.
Hashem gave us instructions for our lives and He is the Manufacturer, the Creator.
So I would just like to give a shout out to those who are seemingly plodding along with their faithful, consistent work, with honesty and reliability. The mother who remains patient day in and day out with a struggling child, providing for their needs no matter how they behave. The man who consistently turns up to shul to help make the minyan. The volunteer who visits the same person for years.
No one may be clapping or noticing, you may not make the papers with your actions, but you are the backbone, the stalwarts, the pillars of our society. May Hashem give you the strength to keep going! And on behalf of our whole community, thank you.
Shabbat Shalom
Shuli