Mission Accomplished
24/08/2012 01:57:02 PM
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 Tree and ManSimilarities in Both In this week's parasha we are told that "Man is like the Tree of the Field" and on this basis the Talmud and commentaries expound upon the many similarities that exist in both Tree and Man.
Among my favorites is the following: It is only possible to ignite a large piece of wood by first getting the fire going with small branches and chips. So too, explain our rabbis, the teachers of the generation depend for their inspiration on their students. It is the constant questioning and probing of students which enables their teachers, rabbis and professors to achieve the clarity they require for new discoveries. Or as our rabbis have so succinctly put it: "I have learnt much from my teachers, even more from colleagues, but from my students, most of all".
In this regard, it is worth quoting one of the most famous physicists of our time - John Wheeler.
A journalist once approached Wheeler with the following question:
You have educated many leading physicists, both in nuclear physics and in general relativity, at Princeton. Do you have some thoughts about educating students?
Wheeler: Shouldn't you rephrase your question? After all, I'm sure that it is really the students who educate me! We all know that the real reason universities have students is to educate the professors. But, in order to be educated by the students, one has to put good questions to them. You try out your questions on the students. If there are questions that the students get interested in, then they start to tell you new things and keep you asking more new questions. Pretty soon you have learned a great deal.
So please dear congregants, fire your questions away, and with Hashem's help, I will do my best to respond.
Mission Accomplished
Extract from our Travel Diary
Date: 9 July 2012 The first thing we did when we arrived in Warsaw was head for the cemetery to find the Bobbe's (my grandmother's) grave. With our cousin Richard Mileck's directions we did manage to find it - but it wasn't easy and took us about two hours. The cemetery is totally overgrown and we were prickled with thorns all over. 
We said Tehilim and asked the Bobbe to be a Gutte Bette (a good intercessor) on behalf of all the family. We hope to return tomorrow with a minyan, if possible, to say Kaddish.
Mummy took a picture of me, but I wanted her to be in the photo as well, so I supported the camera on a neighbouring tombstone. One photo worked, but the second time, the camera fell and the lens broke. Mummy says that maybe it's because I used the other matzeva as a tripod…
Date: 10 July 2012
Topic: Warsaw's Trams
Last night we trekked downtown in the trams. Zeida told us about the trams. How they travelled really fast and how a boy was once killed by one. Well, I gotta tell you, these aren't Melbourne trams here; at least not the ones that travel down Carlisle Stre
et. They wouldn't be shamed if they joined the track at Albert Park!
There are two kinds of trams here; one old style, similar in appearance to the old Melbourne ones. On the other extreme there are these ultra-modern ones; really classy seats and very spacious. One thing we don't get is how they make any money - we haven't seen anyone paying for rides. Do they all have weekly tickets?
At any rate, we were trying to find the Kosher restaurant and shule - which after lots of tramming and walking we finally did. It's called Rambam.
Date: 10 July 2012
Topic: Down the Ladder We Go!
The morning minyan at Chabad House is at 7.15. I want to get there on time to try and get together a minyan so I can say Kaddish
at the Bobbe's grave as I promised dad. Not sure it will be possible but the shliach Rabbi Segal said he would try. I also want to go to Mikveh.
When we arrive I'm shown the Mikveh. Real improvisation! How to fit a Mikveh into the smallest space possible. A ladder up and then a ladder down to the water. But the water is clean and the experience is very positive. An example to Shluchim everywhere!
We daven and are then offered breakfast. Rabbi Segal says we will have a minyan at 12!
After a visit to the mall we head back to our hotel, pack and wait for kristof to pick up. After checkung out Warsaw's only remaining Shul we return to the Rambam restaurant where we ate last night to order a packed lunch and then head to the cemetery.
Date: 10 July 2012
Topic: Mission Accomplished
We arrive at the cemetery just after 12 to find that the shliach Rabbi Segel has brought the best part of a minyan as promised. What would we do without Chabad! Another two Israelis agree to join us (Warsaw is full of Israeli tour groups) and now knowing how to get there we head quickly towards Bobbe's grave. I say Tehilim for the letters of Feiga Eidel and then recite Kaddish as dad has asked... full with emotion...mission to Warsaw accomplished!
Pictured: My Dad (the youngest), his brother, sisters and uncle at the consecration in 1934.
Yom Tov with South Head Youth
A Myriad Programs on Offer
Partaking in fantastic games and activities is a great way of learning about the Festivals.
Birthday Shabbat this Friday night
Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday and welcome to children over 3 and under Bat or Bar Mitzvah who celebrate their birthdays in the Jewish months of Sivan, Tammuz and Av. All our decorations are up and we have very special Childrens' Services in store complete with birthday cakes! The highlight will be when we all go into Shul so that you can receive a blessing & birthday gift from Rabbi Milecki. Please be here by 5.45
Bless the Kids
Next Shabbat Children 0 - 10 join us next Shabbat morning for our beautiful monthly tradition. Be blessed by Rabbi Milecki and receive a special treat as well as making your very own edible Tzeddokah box. Make sure you're in Shul by 10am!
Parsha Sheet
Shoftim
Moshe also tells the Jewish people that a Jewish court will be appointed to judge all of the cases that might arise between Jewish people. Please share our Parsha sheet around your Shabbat table and let your family and friends explore the Parsha of the week together with you. ----------- Looking forward to seeing you in Shul and wishing you a Good Shabbos on behalf of Rebbetzin Henya and all of us at South Head. Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM
Communal Events
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South Head Youth will have exciting and fun-filled activities for children of every age during the High Holy Days and Sukkot. Stay tuned for details. 
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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