This Shabbat is Shabbat Mevarchim (“the Shabbat that blesses" the new month): a special prayer is recited blessing the Rosh Chodesh ("Head of the Month") of the upcoming month of Elul, which falls on Thursday and Friday of next week.
As noted a here, this day is especially significant since this is the final (and culminating) such blessing of the year.
Prior to the blessing, we announce the precise time of the molad, the "birth" of the new moon. See molad times.
See, I give you today a blessing and a curse (Deuteronomy 11:26)
Freedom of choice has been granted to every man: if he desires to turn toward a good path and be righteous, the ability to do so is in his hands; and if he desires to turn toward an evil path and be wicked, the ability to do so is in his hands . . .
This concept is a fundamental principle and a pillar of the Torah and its commandments. As it is written [Deuteronomy 30:15]: “See, I have set before you life [and good, and death and evil]” and “See, I set before you today [a blessing and a curse].” . . . For were G‑d to decree that a person be righteous or wicked, or if there were to exist something in the very essence of a person’s nature which would compel him toward a specific path, a specific conviction, a specific character trait or a specific deed . . . how could G‑d command us through the prophets, “Do this” and “do not do this” . . . ? What place would the entire Torah have? And by what measure of justice would G‑d punish the wicked and reward the righteous?
(Mishneh Torah, Laws of Repentance 5:1–3)
Dear community
*SMILES HUB IS BACK — AND YOU’RE INVITED!*
Join us for another wonderful afternoon of delicious afternoon tea, shmoozing, inspiration and connection at our next Smiles Hub.
Wednesday 12 August
2:00–3:15pm
Cost: $10
Location: 347 Alma Rd, Caulfield North
We’re thrilled to welcome two fantastic guest speakers:
Rebbetzin Miri Lipskier, with an interactive graphology workshop
Hadassa Naparstek, exploring the thought process behind miracles
And of course, there’ll be plenty of time for a cuppa, something delicious to eat, a good shmooze and the warm community atmosphere that makes Smiles Hub so special.
RSVP: smileonseniors.org.au/hub | 9507 2368
Enquiries: adina@smileonseniors.org.au
We’d love to see you there — bring a friend and join us for a beautiful afternoon!
Dear community
Please join us
*New Weekly Smiles Hub: Chess, Rummikub & Afternoon Tea!*
Come use your brain, schmooze, relax and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at our new social, interactive and fun chess sessions or Rummikub if that’s more your style.
As well join us for a warm and engaging Smiles Hub experience with great company, connection and words of Torah from Rabbi Yitzy Schreiber.
Dates: Wednesdays — 5/8, 19/8, 2/9 & 16/9
Time: 2:00–3:15pm
Cost: $10 per session
Location: 347 Alma Rd, Caulfield North
Enquiries: adina@smileonseniors.org.au
To book: smileonseniors.org.au/hub
Dear community
We’re delighted to invite you to join us on Wednesday, August 5th, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, where we’ll be packing Shabbat packets for our cherished seniors.
Sign up here https://smileonseniors.org.au/volunteering
For all your handyman jobs I am your man. No job too small or too big. Leaking taps, blocked gutters, joinery, kitchen doors and units, broken fences, Brocken locks? I can fix it.
No call out fees. Over 40 years experience in property repairs and building trade (ex UK).
Moshe Sadia 0451930432, 0406698353 jackiesadia@yahoo.co.uk
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Thank you to our sponsors: see emmanuelsemail.com.au/p/publicityextras.html
Be inspired as Annalouise shares how she discovered her Sephardi roots through flamenco! Her unique tale is the only Australian story featured in the book "Chutzpah Girls". Olé!
