Dear Friends,
It was recently reported that Shimon Peres, President of Israel, cancelled his participation in the opening ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics because of the conflict it would present with the observance of Shabbat. In reading up on the subject I have discovered that Israel’s heads of state do not publicly travel on Shabbat or eat non-Kosher food so as to properly represent the Jewish nation. While they may not (yet) be personally observant of these Mitzvot, as representatives of the Jewish state they feel the need display a public pride in who we are and what we represent.
I maintain that having a strong sense of pride in being Jewish is vital to Jewish continuity. If we can impart these feelings of Jewish pride to our youth we will have accomplished a great deal. We must also remember that the pride in being Jewish comes along with recognizing what is required of us as Jews. It is values such as Shabbat and Kosher along with many others that will bring the next generation along.
I would love to see our own Jewish institutions here in New Orleans taking a page from Mr. Peres in embracing the values of Kosher and Shabbat when it comes to Jewish community wide events.
Next Wednesday, July 18 is our monthly Lunch N Learn Downtown NOLA at 12 PM – NY Camera – 705 Canal St. This month’s topic (continuing with the Election 2012 issues series) is Torah Perspectives on the Immigration Debate. Lunch is served. [email protected].
The next Kabbala for Young Jewish Professionals is Tuesday, July 24 @ 8 PM – topic: The Kabbala of the Temple Mount. www.chabadneworleans.com/1701082 or www.facebook.comevents/378558272208465.
We are excited to announce the return of Project Talmud Summer 2012 in August. Details and dates will be released next week.
We wish the following members of the community au revoir as they move on to the next stage in their lives in another location: Bleama and Yisroel Kamen, Nahum Amosi, Dr. Rebecca Begtrup, Moshe Kornfeld & Rachel Feder.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin