Small in Number not in Stature
03/12/2014 02:58:02 PM
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And G-d said to Avram: "Go outside and count the stars.. if you can count them, so will be your descendants." The normative meaning of this verse is that G-d blessed Abraham with being the father of a numerically superior nation. The problem, of course, is that throughout history Jews have always been numerically insignificant. The Arabs, on the other hand, who are also the recipients of Abraham's blessing to Ishmael - "I will surely multiply your seed" - number in excess of one billion. Clearly, there must be another and deeper meaning to Abraham's blessing. We are living in a time when every year more and more power is packed into less and less space. Computer mainframes, which used to fill whole buildings, have now been replaced by more powerful machines that comfortably sit on your desktop or laptop. Tape and record libraries of music and lectures that in the past would fill rooms, now snugly fit into a tiny iPod or iPhone. You can literally carry the wisdom of the ages in the palm of your hand! And there is no sign of this progress in miniturisation abating - with nanotechnology clearly the way of the future. But in spite of all this progress, the human body remains the greatest wonder of all. How many are aware that all the computers in the world today would not have sufficient power to fully model ONE human body in all its intricacies?!? This according to Francis Collins, the famous father of the Human Genome Project. Just as with the tiny atom there exists enormous nuclear power, so also within every human being - not only the Einsteins among us - exists enormous computing power. This then is the meaning of the verse that compares the Jewish People to the stars. The Baal Shem Tov explains that although the stars appear small, each is a mighty sun, and many are surrounded by a constellation of planets. Similarly, every Jew, no matter how seeingly insignificant, is blessed with enormous spiritual energy and the ability to influence others. As a people our contribution to the world has far outweighed our numbers. In the fields of religion, medicine, science and finance - we have been major players throughout history. What remains is for us to feel that this enormous power is not only the province of the nation as a whole - but of each of us as individuals. Each of us possesses enormous powers of creativity and influence - should we only choose to tap into them. On behalf of the Rebbetzin and all of us at South Head, wishing you a Good & Peaceful Shabbos. Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM JLI
Changing How we Think about Happiness
Last Monday evening, students in one of the largest ever JLI classes began their exploration of the wisdom of Judaism as it pertains to enhancing joy in life. 
Coming to South Head - November 21st
Chief Rabbi of the Commonwealth We are thrilled and honoured to have Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis in Shul on Friday night November 21st. Please note this important date in your diary. Chief Rabbi Mirvis (born 1956) is an Orthodox rabbi who serves as the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth. He is a Talmudic scholar, having studied in Israeli yeshivot. He was born near Johannesburg, South Africa. He currently lives with his wife in Finchley, London.
 Brookie ReportsHey everyone, What a great week it's been as we really start gearing up for our amazing Summer activities. • Mummy & Me was treated to four generations of women from the one family to celebrate the birthday of their little one. Truly inspiring and Mazal Tov to the whole Mishpocha! 
Click here to see more great pics from this week's activities which are all focusing on Chanukah now. *Our C-Teens are really getting Extreme! Loving it and Living it!! This might just be the most thrilling summer of your life!!
Registration now OPEN!!! Looking forward to seeing you in Shul and wishing you a Shabbat Shalom Brookie & the Youth Crew Parasha Sheet
Vayera
To learn all about the Parasha, download our Parasha sheet! Please share our Parasha sheet around your Shabbat table and let your family and friends explore the Parasha of the week together with you. I Give You My Guarantee
Rivka Zakutinsky
"...In response, he said that he understood my concerns, but there was a special way that a Jewish woman should look. And if I committed to that path, then he would guarantee I would have great satisfaction in life, great Yiddishe nachas. 
Taking One for the Team
After Kiddush Shabbat Shuir Join us straight after the Kiddush and learn why Lot's daughters admitted their incest.
Communal Event
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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