Tears Tempered by Joy
21/09/2012 01:46:35 PM
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 The Importance of SincerityIn the Presence of the King
Whatever prayers are said, the words should be said slowly and with sincerity. A person, standing before a mortal king, would certainly not mumble his petition, how much more so in the presence of the King of kings. It is far better to say a little with intent, than much without intent.
Throughout the Ten Days of Repentance we say Chapter 130 of Psalms before Borchu. This chapter commences with the words, "Out of the depths I call to You, 0 Lord".
The kabbalists explain that there are ten 'depths' within the soul. On each day, we dig deeper and deeper into our souls, culminating in a revelation of our very essence, yechida, during the Neilah prayer of Yom Kippur.
Although it is important to understand what one is saying, still more important is the sincerity with which the words are addressed.
There is a famous story of Reb Zvi Kitzkes. whom the Baal Shem Tov had instructed to learn all the hidden meanings of the Shofar, so that when he blew the shofar he would be able to have them in mind.
Reb Zvi spent much time learning these meanings and wrote them down on a piece of paper which he intended reading as he blew the shofar. When the time for blowing the shofar arrived, he suddenly realized that the paper was missing, and he burst out crying, as he would now not be able to concentrate on the inner meanings.
Later on the Baal Shem Tov told him the following parable. A king had a palace with many rooms, each one with its own key. The key of one room could not open another. There was however one key which could open all the doors. That was the axe. The tears which you shed before blowing the shofar was the master key which opened all the heavenly gates.
Crying during the Ten Days of Repentance is spiritually very healthy. The famous kabbalist, Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, said that if one does not cry during these days it is a sign that one's soul is so distant from G-d that it doesn't even feel the pain of separation from Him. That, indeed, is something to cry about.
Nevertheless, the solemn atmosphere of Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur should be tempered with a spirit of joy and confidence.
With this in mind, the custom arose in many communities to wear white clothes as an expression of trust that G-d will whiten our sins.
The importance of joy, despite a feeling of trepidation, cannot be over stated. At a simcha, a king is more approachable than at other times. Similarly, through joy we gain easier access to G-d. Even on Yom Kippur, while saying the al chet (confessions), one should not be overly melancholy.
Someone was once heard saying the al chet with a melodious tune. Upon being asked why, he explained:
"If a person is given the privilege of sweeping out the king's palace should he not rejoice? My body, as a temple of my Divine soul, belongs to G-d. Through my sins I have caused it to be contaminated. Now that G-d has given me the opportunity of cleansing it through repentance should I not rejoice?"
Each evening we recite in our prayers, "His Kingship, they willingly accepted upon themselves. Moses and the Children of Israel, with great joy, raised their voices in song to You."
May we, too, accept G-d's Kingship willingly and with great joy.
Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM
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What a Great Success!
Well Done Everyone
Wow! What a successful Rosh Hashana we had! Over 1500 children attended our kids programs over the entire Yom Tov, and enjoyed cupcakes & balloons for Adam's birthday, toffee apples, honey cheerio bracelets, sandwiches and lots of fun activities. Some children even got to touch a large 5kg frozen fish!
A big shout out and Yasher Koach to our great team of Madrichim! We are really looking forward to seeing everyone over Yom Kippur as we compete in mitzvah marathons and create edible mitzvot! NB: There will be NO Childrens' Services during Neilah. 
Youth Minyan
Your Own Shul One of the highlights of the Shul's renovations is the establishment of the beautiful Youth Shul which will also serve as the Beit Midrash. For more info please call Brendan Stern 0422-781-031
•No membership required
Fast will be followed by a Kiddush & refreshments
Food for Your Kids
Can You Help? SANDWICH MAKING FOR YOM KIPPUR!! ATTN MUMS: On Monday afternoon from 2pm, we will be making sandwiches for YOUR children to eat at children services on Yom Kippur. Please let us know if you can assist. All assistance is welcome!
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Parasha Sheet
Vayeilech This week, Moshe reminds the Jewish people that Yehoshua has been chosen as the new leader to rule after him. He organises a communal gathering at which Yehoshua will address the Jewish people for the very first time.
Additionally, Moshe introduces the very last Mitzvah in the Torah - the Mitzvah for every Jew to write a Sefer Torah. But what happens if one is unable to write his own Torah? Read our Parasha sheet to find out!
Please share our Parasha sheet around your Shabbat table and let your family and friends explore the Parasha of the week together with you. ----------- On behalf of the Rebbetzin and all of us at South Head Gemar Chasima Tova and may you have an easy and meaningful Fast. Looking forward to seeing you in Shul! Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM
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SHMINI
Rose Bay, NSW 2029
(02) 9371 7300