The plight of Naftali, Gilad and Eyal, the three kidnapped Israeli teens, is constantly on our minds. We check the news and social media outlets constantly hoping to hear of a breakthrough. Jews gather in Israel and throughout the world praying for the speedy return of our sons. If G-d
A-lmighty needed any proof that Jews deeply care for each other - He has it here. In spite of our not insignificant differences, when push comes to shove, we really do care for each other deeply.

In Israel, Rabbis from across the spectrum are asking that Jews bring in Shabbat 15 minutes early in spiritual support for our brothers. (As reported on IsraelNationalNews)

I’m reticent to change Service Times at South Head at such short notice especially as it’s winter and Shabbos comes in very early. However in the spirit of what’s being done in Israel please do make every effort to come to shule this evening. During Kabbalat Shabbat,  which commences at 5:45pm, we will recite Tehilim (Psalms) and pray for our captive sons in unison.

I urge those who can come to shule early this evening to please do so. Mincha will commence at 4:55pm followed by a special shiur at 5:10pm. Because Jewish unity is so important at this critical time, the topic of my shiur will be Ahavat Yisrael - the Love of Our Fellow Jews.

In addition, may I suggest that you consider pledging a mitzvah in their merit. You can do so here:

When praying or doing a mitzvah for the boys, whether publicly or privately, please keep in mind their full Hebrew names: 

Yaakov Naftali Ben Rachel Devorah
Gilad Michael ben Bat Galim
Eyal ben Iris Teshura

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Most Jews are aware of the Talmudic dictum, Kol Yisrael Areivim zeh b’zeh - which is translated literally as, “All Israel are responsible for each other.”

But the word “Areivim” (from the root Arev ערב) does not only mean “responsible”. It also means “mixed” (Hence Erev means the time around sunset, a time which is a mixture of day and night. Similarly, an Eruv is something which mixes a community together making them like one big family and the area they live in like one big courtyard). 

We are responsible for each other because we are mixed into each other. We may appear to be separate entities, but in truth, as the Alter Rebbe writes in Chapter 32 of Tanya, we are really all ONE soul in different bodies.

Finally, the Hebrew root “Arev” also means “sweet” - (ma’achal arev = sweet food). There is nothing sweeter nor more pleasant  than Jews united as one and taking responsibility for each other.

May the merit of the unity, love and responsibility that we display for each other bring about the speedy return of our children to their parents and loved ones even before Shabbat.

With prayerful wishes for a Good and Peaceful Shabbos for both us here, and our brothers and sisters in Israel.

Rabbi Benzion and Henya Milecki

21st JLI Course Begins

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We had a fantastic first lesson at JLI this week with great attendance on Monday evening (pictured here) and Tuesday morning. 

pic: Nadine Saacks

We learnt that at its core the world is G-d’s beautiful, tasty and fragrant garden. G-d, who lies at the world’s core, gave us the mission of peeling away the external evil by drilling down and uncovering its inner beauty. 

With confidence, hard work and determination we can and will transform the world into all that it’s capable of becoming - an expression of G-d’s goodness - His Garden here on Earth.

~ RBZ

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South Head Executive

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We are very pleased to announce the new Executive body of the South Head & District Board of Management:

President - Malcolm Kofsky

Immediate Past President - William Maynard

Treasurer - Ian Charif

Secretary - Lonn Miller

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Brookie Reports

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Camp Shalom is just ten days away!! Have you registered yet? Be quick there's only a handful of places left on a couple of days. Click here for all the info and to register.

Mummy & Me finishes its current Term next Thursday morning and its been another wonderful series with lots of new people joining the Mummy & Me South Head family. We'll have a really special last one next Thursday so hope to see lots of you then.

Looking forward to seeing you in Shule and wishing you a Good Shabbos. Make sure you are here to help our outgoing Bochrim have a truly wonderful last Shabbos at South Head. Thank you Yacov and Yisroel! Hatzlacha Raba in whatever you do from here.

Brookie Milecki

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Parasha Sheet
Korach

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Q. Korach’s complaint to Moshe was that the entire nation was holy, with each Jew possessing a spark of G-dliness within them. Since Hashem dwells among all the Jewish people Korach did not believe that one person should be exalted over the holy nation. He questioned, 'why should one person be leader over the entire Jewish nation'?

A. A leader empowers people to realize their potential and express it. A leader motivates people and inspires them. Without such leadership, even though people possess positive qualities, it is possible that they might be lazy and fail to manifest them. Read more...

 

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Communal News

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