Dear Friends,
Thank you to the all of the many youth, adults & families who joined us for the annual Community Shavuot Celebration & Buffet & Ice Cream Bar this past Monday.
The weather was gorgeous, the food was sumptuous, the ceremony and celebration of Shavuot was meaningful, and watching everyone chat, socialize, connect and the many kids enjoying ice cream and running around, was a beautiful sight to see!
As several people commented to us, on a day following yet another violent antisemitic attack, seeing so many happy faces celebrating Jewish life and our traditions, was the best thing they could have seen that day.
Thank you also to everyone who joined us for the Shavuot Ted Talk learning program on the first night of the holiday and to the presenters for sharing such fascinating and meaningful talks.
A special thank you to Chana Freeman for making the many incredible Cheesecakes!
Thank you to everyone who showed up at all or any of the events and services over the course of the holiday and thank you to everyone who helped sponsor these events, help with cleanup and setup, and so much more. We couldn't have done it without you and many hundreds of happy and inspired smiles happened because of you!!
Tomorrow we will be reading about the power and importance of each individual, which is one of the enduring messages of this week's Torah portion. It reminds us not only that each and every person matters, but also that each and every person has been empowered to succeed in their specific journey and purpose.
The famous 16th Century commentary, the Shela Hakadosh, stated that the purpose of the counting was to remind each individual, of a specific Halachic principle, which is that something that is counted cannot become nullified.
Being counted by G-d, is an enduring and timeless message that we matter and have been given the power to succeed in our individual and collective responsibilities and purpose. It is a reminder that even though we face challenges, negativity and adversity of every kind, we can and will succeed in being the person we need to be.
As we currently face an uptick of antisemitism, it is vitally important that the Judaism and values that we live by and that we pass on to our children, is a Judaism of joy, determination, resilience and meaning. The negativity while challenging, should never shape us or our loved ones.
Instead, let the knowledge that we are here with a positive purpose and mission of being beacons of light, kindness and justice, be the vibe and inspiration that is front and center of who we are.
Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos
Yisroel