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.