This week we read about the first Jew, Abraham. However, before coming to grips with the meaning of being Jewish, it is worth considering the Torah's view of non-Jews.

In last week's parasha, Noah, a non-Jew is called a Tzaddik (righteous man) and perfect. Furthermore, at the end of the parasha of Bereishis it is stated, "And Noah found favour in G-d's eyes."

Clearly, being Jewish is not a prerequisite for either being good or close to G-d. Indeed all non-Jews are expected to observe the Seven Laws that G-d commanded Noah. If they fulfil these commandments in the belief that they originate from G-d, non-Jews receive  a portion in the World to Come (Maimonides - Laws of Kings).

Indeed we were taught by Elijah the Prophet: "In the case of every person, man or woman, freeman or slave, Jew or non-Jew - the Divine Spirit rests upon him according to his actions."

So while it is certainly true that G-d has given Jews a specific mission, and that He has a special relationship with us, Jews do not share the belief of other religions that only by doing as we do can a human being be saved.

The corollary of this is that it is not necessary, or even desirable, for a non-Jew to convert to Judaism - unless they are prepared to fully commit to all the extra obligations that G-d has placed upon the Jewish people. Why accept a responsibility that you are unable to commit to, spoiling what would otherwise have been a perfectly good relationship with G-d?

The attitude of Judaism towards non-Jews who act according to the Seven Noachide Principles is one of utmost respect. Conversion should therefore only be encouraged when there exists a deep yearning on the part of the convert to unite with G-d with mind, heart, soul - and most importantly action - in the special manner of His relationship with the Jewish People.

The fact that many Jews don't act in accordance with the Torah is no reason to compound the problem with yet another person who will not act appropriately. Furthermore, although a born Jew may not act in full accord with the Divine Will, he comes from parents, grandparents or great grandparents who did. This means that deep down in his spiritual psyche - his neshomo - he is in full spiritual alignment. It is only a matter of time - sometimes a very long time! - until either he or his progeny get back to where they were originally. However a person who converts inappropriately doesn't have this special relationship to fall back on. If rushed into conversion, she is unlikely to develop it in the present or future either.

Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM

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JLI Begins
Welcome one and all 

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We are very pleased to welcome many first time students to this our 16th JLI Course and hope that you will feel as much at home as so many have in the past. We also welcome back our past attendees and hope that you will continue to learn and grow with us - there are some returning for their 16th Course!  JLI has attracted a wonderful cross section of our community covering a wide range of ages, a variety of levels of observance and many different  mindsets.

I am really looking forward to teaching The Kabbalah of You which is rich in humour, insight and compassion and to providing you with a map to help you handle anything life throws your way. See you Monday evening and Wednesday morning!

Shabbat Afternoon Shiur
For Men & Women

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Join Rabbi Sebban on Shabbat afternoons - 45 minutes before Mincha - for weekly insights into the Parasha.

 

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Youth Programs
Term 4 underway

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Wednesday saw a fantastic start to the new term of KosherChef! 

Kids had a great time in our professional new kitchen making a delicious dinner of honey mustard stir fry chicken with rice and a spinach & strawberry salad.  Very yummy!!

Thursday morning was the return of Mummy & Me with lots of play, craft, music, challah baking and shmoozing for mums and bubs. 

 

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Brookie's Message
Stay Tuned - Lots happening @ South Head

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Keep looking here for news of a spectacular Chanukah function which you won't want to miss! Keep tabs on us through our Facebook page, Twitter, right here every Friday and of course our home page every day. 

Check your letter box for Birthday Club invites coming out this week for children over 3 and below Bar or BatMitzvah who celebrate their birthdays in Elul, Tishrei & Cheshvan. Our party is on Nov-23rd and the week after will be Bless the Kids Shabbat. So there's a ton of great stuff happening at South Head - the Shule where your kids want to be! 

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Jewish Mother's Day

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11 Cheshvan, Rachel's yahrzeit, is tonight - Friday night and Shabbat. It's a beautiful time for Jewish women and girls to pray as they light Shabbat candles. May Hashem fulfill all the good wishes of their hearts, and most of all Rachel's prayer, "that her children return to their borders" with Moshiach Tzidkeinu!

 

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Parsha Sheet
Lech Lecha

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In this week's Parsha, Avraham is born into a world in which everyone serves idols. He is dedicated to teaching everyone about the glory and the Oneness of Hashem. 
 

Together with his wife Sarah, he follows Hashem's command and departs for an unknown location which turns out to be the land of Israel.

 
Avraham sets up a tent with four entrances in the middle of the desert so that all travellers will be able to stop by his tent for a meal.

For more details, download our Parasha sheet!

Encourage your children to perform the Mission of the week and they will receive 5 Torah dollars!

Please share our Parasha sheet around your Shabbat table and let your family and friends explore the Parasha of the week together with you. 

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Looking forward to seeing you in Shule.
On behalf of Rebbetzin Henya and the South Head family wishing you a Good Shabbos.

Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM

 

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Communal Events 

• Nov 5: JNF Gala Dinner - "Populating the Negev"
• Nov 8: Kristallnacht Commemoration - JBD
• Nov-Dec 2012: Mission to Israel - HonestReporting & NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.

Click here for full information

 

 

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