I hope you all had a good week. This past week was a challenging one. Our family had a couple of Covid scares (sore throats and not feeling well, but all negative rapid and PCR tests, thank God).
Meanwhile, Wednesday was Bell "Let's Talk" day, and I connected with so many people who are living with so many hidden challenges, on top of everything else happening in the world. On top of it all, "pandemic fatigue" is real. Please know, if you or someone you love is struggling, I have completed advanced chaplaincy training and am here for you. Do not hestitate to reach out: I would rather receive an 'extra' call, than have someone feeling alone.
Yesterday, Thursday, was International Holocaust Remembrance Day. We always have to remember the actions of those who wish to cause harm and destruction in the world, so that we can continue to build a better world. With all that, I can use a relaxing Shabbat and followed by a Sunday morning skate. Sunday Funday is back, as is session 2 of the Bnai Mitzvah Experience's unit 2.
We are also partnering with USY for the March Break USY Canada National Convention!
There are more new and exciting programs in the works so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, as well as this space so you don't miss anything. SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE PROGRAMMING AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION!
Parshat Mishpatim - Yes, and...?
In the world of improv, there is an idea called "Yes, and...". The idea is that when anyone has an idea, you are not allowed to reject that idea at all. "No" or "I don't like that idea" are out of the question. You have to say "Yes!...and..." and then continue the idea for yourself.
Last week, the Torah described the receiving of the Torah at Sinai. This week the parshah begins with the word "and". It is a strange way to start a sentence, let alone a new chapter, and even more strange to start a new Parsha with the word "and".
The medieval comentator Rashi, explains that the word "and" builds on what came before. The 10 commandments that we read last week are foundational ideas in Torah and Judaism. This week's parshah says "Yes! And..." and continues to give us further guidance toward building a healthy and balanced society.
The more we can each look at the Torah and say "Yes! and..." the more we can each find our own way within Torah and build a better life for ourselves, our families, and our communitites as well.
Discussion Questions:
1. What is the difference between the words "and" and "but"?
2. Why is it so important to always try to add-on and build, instead of cutting-off and destroying?
3. Describe a time when you used "yes, and..." and made something amazing happen?
Questions and Answers from Last Week:
1. Can you describe a life changing experience that you have had? I walked across Israel, from the Mediteranian Sea to the Kinneret. In that time, I found myself connecting so deeply to the land itself, and had one of hte most life-changing, spiritual experiences that I reflect on to this very day.
2. Do you think a big sound and light show is more powerful than a feeling in your heart or is a feeling more powerful than a "show"? Why? I think while a sound and light show is really powerful in the moment, it is more about the impact it leaves in our minds and hearts. Even a big "show" can leave our hearts empty. However, if we have a deep feeling, even if the event was quiet, or only something we notice ourselves, it can impact us for the rest of our lives.
3. Why do you think that Judaism tells us to learn Torah every day and every night? Torah isn't just a book or a list of rules. Torah is an approach to the world and to life. Just like our lives go from morning to night, so too our Torah learning needs to be connected to the begining and end of our days.
Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue 100 Elder Street Toronto, ON M3H 5G7
