Shabbat Parshat Lech Lecha @ Chabad

BH
It was a quiet shabbos at the Chabad House this week. Adam Levitan sang the Kabbalat Shabbat service beautifily. It is always great to see the singing and dancing during davening.
Rabbi White gave a talk about Avraham's journey to discover his true self. Our society has been shaped by three major influences Marx, Shpinoza and Freud. Each touching on the idea that we are all victims affected by our surroundings. All lacking a true freedom to act out of free choice. Marx saying that we are victims of our land, our social stand, a land owner or laborer. Shpinoza claiming that we are victims of birth, from the time we are born we are biologicly programmed and will live accordingly through out life. And of course Freud stating that we are all victims of our childhood, our relationship with our parents will shape the choices we make later on in life. Interestingly Hashem tells Avraham to go to himself leaving his "Land, birthplace and Fathers home". Avraham teaching us that we are need not be victims rather we are able to have an active and responsible role in the life we choose to live.
Shabbat morning shiur was interesting. The topic of an active Shabbat. Shabbat is not what we cannot do, rather it is what we are able to do. The beauty of Shabbat is enabled by the prohibited element but it is what we do that makes it so special.
Rabbi White led the morning services. Gabi Terry read from the Torah and haftorah. Gilad Lurie davened mussaf.
A big Yishar Koach to our annonymous donor for this weeks Kiddush.

Shabbat parshat Noah @ Chabad

Bh
This last Shabbat was very nice. Friday night were around 50 people in attendance. Moshe Rosner led the Kabbalat Shabbat services very elegantly. Leha Dodi started with a bit of a stutter but was soon suing with all the gusto. (Thanks Yoni)
The Rabbi spoke about the difference between Noah and Abraham. Noah was very a righteous man yet was too obedient. He lacked the sense of responsibility. Noah allowed Hashem to destroy the world. Avraham on the other hand when told that Sodom and Amora were going to be destroyed, Avraham argued with Hashem. Avraham tried to find a merit to save the people. This is what is brought in a Midrash. A King had a young child which the King advised him to walk with him, but to his older child the King advised to walk infront of the King. Hashem told of Noach that he walked with Him. On the other hand Avraham it is said walked before Hashem.
Shabbat morning began with a shiur on the meaning of Hakhol Yoducha. This was enjoyed by the men who attended.
The morning services were led by Gilad Lurie.
Moishe Rosner and Gabi Terry read from the Torah. Peter Glas read beautifuly the haftorah.
Kiddush was sponsored by the Lurie Family in honour of Chaya Sarah, the new addition to the family.
Odeya White - www.chabadwa.org

Fixing the garden

Odeya White - www.chabadwa.org

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