Another week, another hurricane relief appeal. Our neighbors to the east, while somewhat dodging a bullet, have been severely impacted by the storm. With only a week to Rosh Hashanah many of the homes, businesses and Synagogues are still without power. As was the case in Houston, Chabad in Florida and the Caribbean Islands are at the forefront of the relief efforts. They are providing meals and other forms of material and financial assistance along with much needed moral and spiritual support. Please support the work of Chabad by contributing generously at www.chabadneworleans.com/hurricane. A committee of national Chabad leadership along with Rabbis on the ground are distributing the funds around the areas affected by Irma.
Rosh Hashanah is nearly here. Yom Hadin – Judgement Day. Being judged is something that most of us find very uncomfortable. Why do we resent being judged? Don’t we regularly self-assess or judge ourselves? Why then do we have such a hard time with others judging us?
Most likely what bothers us about being judged by others is, that we feel that they don’t truly know our circumstances to be able to take everything into account when rendering judgement. They don’t know what we struggle with. They don’t know what emotional or environmental challenges we may be facing at the time. They judge by what the eyes perceive.
What if we knew that the judge was an individual who had intimate knowledge of our struggles and challenges and who loved us unconditionally and wanted what is best for us? I would guess that most of us would welcome that judgement as an opportunity to get real constructive insight to self-betterment.
This is exactly what Rosh Hashanah is. Hashem, who loves us more than our parents and spouses are capable of, judges us using His true insight and understanding of our character and circumstances. As a result, we can achieve a sense of cleansing and fresh start following the High Holy Days. This is the reason why Rosh Hashanah is also a day of feasting as per scriptural instruction. We are celebrating the judgement that we know will be in our best interest.
Tonight at Chabad of Metairie, Marthe Cohen tells her story, Behind Enemy Lines, of being a spy during WWII against the Nazis. See below for rsvp details.
On Sunday morning Chabad Uptown is hosting our inaugural Mommy & Me for moms & toddlers. This month features a honey cake bake and circle time. See below for details.
Come by and visit our Kosher Awareness Day table at Whole Foods Arabella Station on Monday afternoon. There will be a special children’s activity table from 4-6. See below for details.
Our Jewish Art Calendar for 5778 has been mailed and you should be receiving it this week. If you have not received your copy by Rosh Hashanah please let us know or come by Chabad Uptown for a complimentary copy.
We will be sending out the full RH schedule early next week.
Shanah Tovah and Shabbat Shalom to all!
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin