WELCOME TO THE CHABAD LUBAVITCH EPPING
During the last year we have established connections with many families in the wider Epping area, many of whom have been known to us at Chabad for years, as well as meeting new families and faces.
During this time, we have met and discussed the future role of Chabad Lubavitch within the Epping areas. In due course we would like to open a new Chabad Centre, building on the success story of Chabad Gants Hill servicing the community for over thirty years and Chabad Buckhurst Hill over the past ten years.
Activities have included periodic Shabbat services, Shabbat meals, a Yom Kippur service with a “break-fast”, monthly discussion groups.
Chabad has the ability through its dedicated teams of Shluchim (Chabad emissaries) Rabbis & staff, to provide exciting, lively and relevant services within a Family Synagogue setting, coupled with a broad range of social and fundraising events.
We are continuing to build up our database of Jewish families living in the area and interested in getting involved. Please feel free to participate in what’s currently available and becoming part of the team that will build Chabad Epping into the future.
We look forward with great excitement of sharing more with you very soon.
In the meantime please feel free to contact us for more information any queries or just a chat.
Rabbi Aryeh MBE & Devorah Sufrin
Thought for the week from Rabbi A. M. Sufrin MBE
VAYIGASH – And he approached….
VAYIGASH – And he approached….
In the Eleventh section of the Book of Genesis, we read the dramatic climax of the chronicle of Joseph meeting his brother Benjamin and aged Father Jacob.
Judah then approached Joseph ….(44:18)
Judah did not shy away from speaking harshly with Joseph; moreover, he began his harsh appeal. He knew that when someone’s life is at stake, we must not be diplomatic; our listeners must sense that we are not involved because of ulterior motives, such as political or financial interests. When it is clear that the cause for which we are fighting cuts to the core of our being, it will evoke an honourable and compassionate response.
Today’s “Benjamin’s”, our Jewish children, are threatened by a different sort of “Egypt” – that of assimilation. To save these “Benjamin’s”, we cannot await for somebody to appoint committees that will conduct lengthy research and then deliberate over what should be done and how much it will cost, etc. When lives are at stake, we must do whatever we can to save them, immediately.
Judah’s efforts proved unexpectedly fruitful: his presumed enemy, proved to be a greatest ally, and even King Pharaoh himself provided the greatest means of securing the uncompromised continuity of Jewish tradition. So it will be when we follow Judah’s example, selflessly and vigorously exerting ourselves on behalf of our Jewish children.
Have a wonderful Shabbat and successful week to follow.
