Rabbi's Message

Dear <~~First~~>,

The "three weeks" of mourning the destruction - traditionally called the "three of punishment" (tlasa d'paranusa) - have concluded. This week we commence reading the first of the seven haftorot of Consolation (sheva d'nechemta).

Hence the name of this Shabbat is Shabbat Nachamu - the Shabbat of Consolation - after the opening words of the haftorah "Nachamu, Nachamu Ami" - "Be Comforted, Be Comforted, My People".

Or at least that is how it is traditionally translated.

The Midrash however questions the correctness of this translation. Explains the Midrash: The word "Nachamu" does not mean the passive "Be Comforted" but rather the active "Comfort".

Hence the Midrash says that the correct way to translate the haftorah is as follows: "Comfort (Me), Comfort (Me) My People".

In other words, G-d is asking us to comfort Him!

And herein lies one of the greatest principles of Jewish Belief: G-d shares in our pain and suffering. Or as the prophet describes it: "In all of their suffering, He suffers".

When Jews suffer, G-d suffers with us.

As much as we cry out to G-d for comfort, He too cries out to us for comfort.

When a Jew does something good, G-d experiences great pleasure. And when a Jew experiences happiness, G-d rejoices with him.

Conversely, when a Jew acts inappropriately, G-d suffers trauma. And when a Jew suffers punishment, G-d suffers the punishment with Him.

The Jew and G-d are not merely co-dependent. They are, in their very essence, totally at one.

When we understand this fully, we realize that what we do is not our own private business. It is in our hands to give G-d - the true love of our lives, the One Who is closer to us than anything in Heaven or Earth - the greatest pleasure. Or to cause Him enormous pain.

It is indeed a huge responsibility - and one which we may not always feel up to fulfilling.

But during a week when G-d A-lmighty Himself begs us, "Comfort Me, Comfort Me, My People", can we even contemplate refusing?

We are fully aware of our own pain - but do we give a thought as to what pains
G-d?

Instead of focusing on ourselves, let us ask ourselves what we can do to ease G-d's pain.

Let each of us step out of ourselves for a small moment and do something which will give G-d a little joy and nachas, a small amount of happiness and comfort.

On behalf of Rebbetzen Henya and all of us at South Head best wishes for a Good Shabbos.

Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM 

Special Notices
If you have not yet returned your Yizkor form for inclusion into this year's Yizkor Memorial Booklet, please do so immediately. Please contact Brian or Karen if you have any queries - 9371 7300
_____

South Head Choir now recruiting. If you hear yourself as part of the South Head sound contact Chazan Yehoshua Niasoff.

JLI 5769 begins straight after Yom Tov 



Registrations open ~ contact Helen 9371 7300 ext 4 or email 

Hey there everyone! Save the Date! Mother – Daughter Event (for girls 11-15 and their mothers, grandmothers, or on their own), 7.00pm  August 31st. Spend some quality time with your daughter, as you do some interesting learning, and creative cake decorating. For additional info please contact Rebbetzen Rivky. _____ Thank you Lynn Roussos for the donation of a collapsible poole table that will be put to good use by the youth of South Head. _____ Birthday club for children having their birthdays in the months of Av and Elul is scheduled for Sep. 19th please keep your eyes on the post for your personal invite. _____ Jewish Birthdays: Any child who is having their Jewish birthday during the Hebrew Month of Av, please email us a picture of yourself. _____ Save the Date: The popular Hands-on Shofar factory will be coming to South Head on Sun. Sep. 14th 4:00 – 5:00 PM more details to follow _____ Childrens' Services: featuring Tefillah, Torah study, games, and snacks, Every Friday night at 5:45 pm and Shabbat day at 10:30 am. Please look at the signs in the foyer for the correct locations for your child _____    For more information about youth programs, contact Rabbi Yossi or Rivky Shuchat at 9371-7300 ext 3, or 0425-323-770  or email Youth@southhead.org Good Shabbos from Rabbi Yossi and Rivky Shuchat

Friday the Rabbi Laughed!

The L-rd and the Harley Rider ...

A man riding his Harley was riding along a California beach when suddenly the sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, the L-rd said, 'Because you have tried to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish.'
The biker pulled over and said, 'Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can ride over anytime I want.'

The L-rd said, 'Your request is materialistic, think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking; the supports required reaching the bottom of the Pacific and the concrete and steel it would take! It will nearly exhaust several natural resources. I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of something that could possibly help mankind.'

The biker thought about it for a long time.

Finally, he said, 'L-rd, I wish that I and all men could understand women; I want to know how she feels inside, what she's thinking when she gives me the silent treatment, why she cries, what she means when she says nothing's wrong, and how I can make a Woman truly happy.'

The L-rd replied, 'You want two lanes or four on that bridge?' 

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