Rabbi's Message
The Jewish Moon Varies Constantly

Dear [first_name]

This Shabbos we read the last of the four special parashiot - Parashat HaChodesh.

The parasha commences with the Law of the New Moon (Rosh Chodesh), the very first commandment that the Jewish People, as a whole, were commanded. (The previous commandment of Brit Milah had been commanded to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob personally - it was obligatory upon the entire Jewish People).

Why was this the law of Rosh Chodesh chosen as the first commandment?

Our Rabbis tell us that the Jewish People are compared to the moon in contrast with the non-Jewish world which is compared to the sun.

The sun is always more or less the same. The moon varies constantly. It waxes and wanes. It grows stronger, then weaker, then stronger again.

The Jewish People, too, have had many ups and downs. "When they rise, they rise to the stars; when they fall, they fall to the earth," says the Midrash. But no matter how far or hard they fall, they do always rise again.

In our own time we have seen our people fall to a level they had never fallen to before. But we have also seen the rebirth of the Jewish State and the Jewish People in every country of the world - a phoenix rising from the ashes - in a national and spiritual renewal the scope of which is totally unprecedented. Here too the mind boggles at the awesomeness of the miracle.

Looking at the terror in the world around us, and especially that faced by Israel, it is easy to become discouraged. Just when we thought that the baseless hatred of our people had run its course, here we are again. But there is no reason to give up hope - for until the coming of Moshiach - it appears that this is the destiny of the Jewish People, rises and falls, ebbs and flows. The constant is that whereas others rise and then fade from the stage of history altogether, we Jews remain eternally present.

Or as Shlomo HaMelech - King Solomon - had inscribed on his ring, "Also this will pass". And so when things went well, he didn't allow them to go to his head. And when things were not so good, he didn't throw in the towel.

And just as this is true for the Jewish People as a whole, so too, for every individual Jew.

With best wishes for a Good Shabbos on behalf of the Rebbetzin and all of us at South Head,

Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM

Important Announcements
Pesach Housekeeping

---

As Pesach is just around the corner - only two weeks away - here are a few of things to keep in mind.

1] Shmura Matza

Although regular machine matzah is acceptable during the rest of Pesach, Shmura Matza should be used at the Seder. To this end, I have obtained a limited supply of small boxes ofShmura Matza (three matzot in a box) for our congregants. If you would like us to reserve a box for you please contact the office asap on 9371 7300 or email admin@southhead.org

2] Sell Your Chametz!

Locking away your Chametz and delegating me the power to sell it on your behalf is an easy way of observing one of the most important laws in the Torah. There is no charge for this service. Please remember that Chametz that remains in the possession of a Jew over Pesach may not be used, eaten, bought or sold even after Pesach. Click here to use the online facility to sell your Chametz.

3] Simchat Yom Tov

A brief reminder that there are a number of families in our community for whom Pesach presents serious financial stress. Please consider donating to our Simchas Yom Tov Fund for families in need. Either call the office on 9371 7300, email admin@southhead.org or make a donation online by clicking here.

---

Youth Crew
We're Here For You!

---

Camp Shalom is next week! If you have not yet registered click here. 

We're busy preparing for our Children's Miniature Seder which will take place on Shabbat, April 23 at 10:30am. Join us for a morning of Fun and Games as we relive the story of Exodus through a very exciting performance.

Looking forward to seeing you in Shule

Tzemach, Roli & Yeruchum

For all information about our youth events please contacts us on 9371 7300 ext 3 or 0412 482 770 or email youth@southhead.org

---

Yearning For Israel
Mr. Michael Allouche

---

In 1982, I wrote a letter to the Rebbe asking if the time was right for my family and me to make aliyah – to immigrate to Israel. The Rebbe’s answer came: “If your job today allows you to be Torah observant, then it is preferable that you stay where you are for the time being.” I must confess that I was a bit disappointed, but I followed the Rebbe’s advice and stayed in Toulouse. My family certainly played a role in the Jewish community in the city, since very few Torah-observant families lived there, and we served as an example to others. Read more

---

Parasha Sheet
Parashat Tazria

---

As Pesach is approaching, it is appropriate to review the Haggadah.

Q: When speaking of the four sons the Haggadah reads, 'The Torah spoke of four sons, one wise, one wicked, one simple and one who does not even know how to ask a question'. This sequence in which the four sons are listed is quite puzzling. Seemingly the sons should have been listed according to their esteem or the order which is implied in the Torah (wicked son, simple son, son who does not even know how to ask a question, wise son). What is the reason that the Torah elevates the wicked son and places him next to the wise son?

Click here to read more

---

Recommended Library Reading
Future Tense

---

FUTURE TENSE; A Vision For Jews And Judaism In The Global Culture, by Jonathan Sacks.

The author discusses the fundamental and unresolved question about the place of Jews, Judaism and Israel in the modern world. He also writes about the crisis of Jewish continuity through intermarriage and assimilation.

Theodore Herzl thought that the existence of the state of Israel would put an end to antisemitism. Instead, Israel has become the focus of a new, shocking antisemitism. Jonathan Sacks feels that the antidote to fear for the future is faith, a faith that knows the dangers but never loses hope.

Shabbat Shalom
Sylvia Tuback, Librarian

---

Communal Events
Support The Community!

---

---