“G‑d helps those who help themselves" as stated in the Torah, “G‑d will bless you in all that you do," (Deuteronomy 15:18)
Our blessings come from G‑d, but we must do. Of course, we believe in miracles—but we mustn't rely on them. The combination of our own hard work and effort, coupled with G‑d's blessing is the ideal path to success.
This week, we were visited by the admissions director of DYC and two young adults who have recovered from drug and alcohol addiction.
We were happy that so many parents and teens came to participate in this important conversation.
The message to all of us who have kids is crystal clear, we cannot rely on miracles. We must act, and we must act now, and when we put effort into good parenting, G-d will bless the work of our hands.
Children today crave real, authentic relationships with their parents more than anything else in the world.
As parents, we must put real work into creating and maintaining real relationships with our kids. And then the Torah promises us, “G‑d will bless you in all that you do".
in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their dear daughter
Nina Eden
Mazel Tov!
FAIR LAWN JEWISH DAY CAMP
2022 Early discounts, rates and dates have been published.
Returning families save $400 per child starting Nov 1.
New families can save $300 per child starting Nov 8.
New! Jewish Education Discount: $75 off for kids currently enrolled in Cett Hebrew School.
Make sure to speak with all your friends about FLJDC to earn your $100 per new family referral rebate.
Connect with other Jewish teens, discuss important relevant Jewish topics, enjoy delicious kosher snacks, volunteer and make a difference while hanging out with great friends!
Thursdays 4pm- 5pm Geared for boys and girls in grades 6th - 8th, MVP is volunteering and Mitzvah madness, while connecting with other pre-teens and having a meaningful impact!
MVP is open to all junior teens free of charge!
Fridays for Families
Friday, October 29
Join us for a delightful Family Shabbos Services followed by Dinner.
A time to have fun, get inspired, enjoy community spirit, song and laughter!
Family friendly, beginner's service for parents and children, followed by sit down Shabbat dinner.
Wednesday, November 10 at 8pm
Enjoy a night out with friends, painting your own Jewish themed painting and a selection of wine and desserts.
Reserve your table with your friends!
Admission: $36
After October 28: $40
Complimentary for Partners in Pride
Sunday, November 28 at 2pm
Celebrate Chanukah with family, friends and community!
Enjoy Chanukah crafts, traditional holiday foods, donut making, hot latkes, music and lighting the giant menorah!
Fun for the entire family!
An elegant, social evening for adults in celebration of Chanukah!
Menorah lighting, entertainment, open bar, sushi and desserts.
Reserve your own table with friends!
David Goldberg bumps into somebody in the street who looks like his old friend Jack.
"Jack," he says. "You've put on weight and your hair has turned gray. You seem a few inches shorter than I recall and your cheeks are puffy. Plus, you're walking differently and even sound different. Jack, what's happened to you?"
"I'm not Jack," the other gentleman tells him. "My name is Sam!"
"Wow! You even changed your name," David says.
WEEKLY eTORAH
"G‑d helps those who help themselves"
Is this statement heresy? Does it deny the hand of G‑d in our successes? I recall a conversation with a self-proclaimed atheist who used the expression very cynically, suggesting that his considerable achievements were entirely his own and that G‑d had nothing to do with it.
I beg to differ. To my mind, "G‑d helps those who help themselves" is a perfectly religious statement. What it means is absolutely consistent with traditional Jewish thinking. G‑d does indeed help us to accomplish things, but He requires us to help ourselves first. If we just sit back and wait for miracles to happen, we may be disappointed.
"G‑d will bless you in all that you do," (Deuteronomy 15:18) makes it very clear. Our blessings come from G‑d, but we must do. Of course, we believe in miracles—but we mustn't rely on them. The combination of our own hard work and efforts coupled with G‑d's blessing is the ideal road to success.
The classic analogy is the farmer. He can plough and plant, sow and shvitz from today until tomorrow but if the rains don't come nothing will grow. Conversely, all the rains in the world will not cause anything to grow if the farmer hasn't planted first. After the farmer has done his work and the rains come from above, there will be a plentiful crop. And it's the same story whether we are farmers or shopkeepers, professionals or artisans, employers or employees.
This week's Parshah tells of Isaac taking Rebecca as his wife. "And Isaac brought her to the tent of Sarah his mother." Rashi, quoting the Midrash, explains this to mean more than the obvious. When she entered the tent, it was as if she was Sarah, Isaac's mother. Because Sarah was of such saintly character, she was granted three special miracles. Her Shabbat candles burned the entire week, her dough was particularly blessed, and a heavenly cloud attached itself to her tent. When Sarah died, these blessings disappeared. When Rebecca arrived on the scene, they resumed immediately. In fact, this was a clear sign to Isaac that Rebecca was indeed his soul mate and that the shidduch was made in Heaven.
Each of those three miracles, however, required some form of human input first. A candle and fire had to be found, the dough had to be prepared and a tent had to be pitched before G‑d would intervene and make those miracles happen. In other words, He does help us but we must help ourselves first.
It's a little like the fellow who would make a fervent prayer to G‑d every week that he win the lottery. After many months and no jackpot in sight, he lost his faith and patience. In anguished disappointment, he vented his frustration with the Almighty. "Oh, G‑d! For months I've been praying to you. Why haven't you helped me win the lottery all this time?" Whereupon a heavenly voice was heard saying, "Because you haven't bought a ticket!"
I wish it were that simple to win lotteries. But the fact is that it is the same in all our endeavors. G‑d helps those who help themselves. May we all do our part. Please G‑d, He will do His.
