Read This Now: Today Is Lag B'Omer!
26/05/2016 07:14:09 AM
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Dear [first_name] Those of you who have been to Meron in northern Israel on Lag B’Omer would have seen the tens of thousands of Jews, many of them not particularly observant, celebrating Lag B’Omer. What does Lag B’Omer mean to them? More importantly what should it mean for us? Lag B’Omer commemorates the Yahrzeit of one of the greatest and most prolific Talmudic sages, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, whose name appears in almost every chapter of the Talmud. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, or Rashbi as he is commonly known, is also famously known as the author of the Zohar, the primary work of Jewish Mysticism. Just before his passing Rashbi was heard to say, "in one knot I am tied to Him, I am united with Him, I am aflame with Him, I cleave to Him”. After a lifetime of Divine service Rashbi achieved total communion with G-d on the day of his passing. He thus commanded his students to celebrate the day of his passing as if it was the day of a great wedding. Indeed, Lag B’Omer is referred to as "Hillula Raba d Rashbi" – the Great Wedding of Rashbi. Rashbi studied Torah incessantly day and night, so much so that the Talmud says of him “Torato Umnato” – his sole occupation was Torah. It is famously recorded that Rashbi spent thirteen years alone in a cave with his son Rabbi Elozer studying the deepest secrets of the Torah. So great was he that his celebrated teacher Rabbi Akiva said of him "Only I and your Creator recognise your true greatness!” Judging by what I have written, you would be forgiven for thinking that Rashbi had little or no connection to mere mortals like you or me. Nothing could be further from the truth! Hand in hand with his other-worldliness Rashbi had a deep and abiding understanding of the ordinary Jew. Although he himself never ceased studying Torah he felt that it was enough for a simple Jew to merely say Shema each evening and morning to fulfil his obligation to G-d. Furthermore, he devoted his life to arguing with G-d in defence of every single Jew. No matter how guilty he was, Rashbi made it his mission to free him from Divine punishment. Over thirty years ago I was experiencing a really great difficulty and had no idea how to extricate myself from it. It was around Lag B'Omer when I wrote to the Rebbe asking for his advice and blessing. The Rebbe curtly responded, “Great is the merit of Rashbi” Needless to say the problem disappeared… So, as you see, Rashbi’s commanding defence continues well after his passing. It is for this reason that all Jews, no matter how religious or otherwise, celebrate Lag B'Omer. There’s a powerful lesson here for us too. No matter how intellectually or spiritually great we become, we must always be understanding of others, protecting them and being there for them at their time of need. This is what spiritual greatness is all about. In case you have any difficulties, no matter what they are, may I suggest that you give some Tzeddakah and say an extra prayer to G-d today. In the merit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai may you find your way to clarity and success. With best wishes for a Good Shabbos on behalf of the Rebbetzin and all of us at South Head, Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM Shavuot Dinner
Enjoy A Delicious Gourmet Dinner! 
Shavuot is just around the corner! We are very pleased to invite the congregation to join us for our Annual Shavuot Dinner which will be held on Saturday evening, June 11 at 6.00pm. Click here to book for your family! The dinner will be followed by panel discussion: Drug & Alcohol Abuse in the Jewish Community
Youth Crew
And finally, registration for Camp Shalom Winter Day Camp is now open! With three all-new trips (see below), we promise you that this camp will be the best that Camp Shalom has every seen! Our camps are regularly booked out, so make sure to register early to reserve your spot! Click here to register.
Wishing you and your family Shabbat Shalom! Tzemach, Roli & Yeruchum For all information on upcoming youth events please contact us on 9371 7300 ext 3 or 0412 482 770 or youth@southhead.org The Real Medicine
Rabbi Yosef Goldberg
Parasha Sheet
Q. The Parasha opens, ‘And G-d spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai saying…’ and then continues to describes the laws of the Sabbatical year. Why does the Torah associate the Sabbatical year with Mount Sinai? The Sabbatical year is only observed in the land of Israel so what connection could it have to the Sinai experience? A. The Sabbatical year is proof the Hashem gave the Jewish people the Torah at Mount Sinai. When the Torah relates the laws of the Sabbatical year, it guarantees that although the land may not be worked in the seventh year, the crop of the sixth year will be blessed so that it will produce enough for the sixth, seventh and eighth years. As this guarantee clearly defies the laws of nature it is only possible that Hashem, the Creator of the world, can promise something that transcends nature. Such a guarantee could only be given by Hashem. Therefore the Torah’s inclusion of the laws of the Sabbatical year proves that the entire Torah was given by Hashem on Mount Sinai. . Read More Recommended Library Reading ALLY
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Rabbi's Message
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666 Old South Head Rd Rose Bay, NSW 2029 (02) 9371 7300 |
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SHMINI
Rose Bay, NSW 2029
(02) 9371 7300