A Very Special Man; A Very Special Day!
07/05/2015 02:13:24 PM
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 Dear Friends,
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 Happy Lag B’Omer and Shabbat Shalom, On behalf of the Rebbetzen and all of us at South Head, Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM JLI - Judaism Decoded
Week One - Dynamic Duo or Mouth to Mouth Jewish practice and observance, indeed the entire system of Jewish law (Halacha), is founded on more than Scripture alone. The other foundation is the "Oral Torah”.
In this week’s lesson we brought proof-positive for the existence of an Oral Tradition, while also explaining why G-d didn’t just incorporate everything into the Torah itself. Shavuot Dinner
Bookings now Open
 Youth ReportHey Kids! Shavuot is fast approaching! That's why we have been practicing all our dairy cooking skills at Kosher Chef. This week we made the most delicious Broccoli Quiche and had so much fun doing it!
• Coming soon: Shavuot Ice Cream Bar! Stay tuned for more info. • WINTER IS GETTING CLOSER AND SPACES ARE FILLING UP FOR CAMP SHALOM WINTER 2015.….. BOOK IT IN YOUR CALENDAR...... SIGN UP YOUR CHILDREN FOR "THE CAMP EXPERIENCE THAT LASTS A LIFETIME” Have a great Shabbat!
Log in to sign up your child to "the Camp Experience that Lasts a Lifetime". Click here Have a Great Shabbat! For more info on all programs: youth@southhead.org
Tzemach Yemini 0412 482 770 or Shaya Greene 0412 542 770 or Shmuli Rosenbaum 0432 876 770  A Jew is Never StuckMiryam Swerdlov " ...there now are women all over the United States who are lighting Shabbos candles because we got "stuck” in Detroit. As far as the Rebbe was concerned there is no such thing as “stuck.” Wherever you are, it’s where you are supposed to be.." Full Story  The 49-Step ProgramAfter Kiddush Shabbat Shiur Join us in the Herbert Hall straight after Kiddush and learn about Sefirah's Seven-Week Plan for personal reform. 
RECOMMENDED LIBRARY READING
THE COMMITTED LIFE, by Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis Rebbetzin Jungreis describes our world as an angry world, high on bitterness and entitlement and low on kindness and generosity. All the examples and stories in this book are based on real- life incidents and touch on the many issues and problems that face young and old today. Shabbat Shalom, |
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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