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RCA Updates
1) RCA Elections are underway. If you have not received your voting instructions, or have any questions please email info@rabbis.org
The Annual Meeting will take place on July 11, 2024 at 1:00pm Eastern, Click Here to register.
2) We have been diligently analyzing the survey data from the recent convention as we begin to plan for Convention ’25. Your input and ideas are still welcome.
One of the highlights of the convention (aside from the coffee station) was Dr. Zach Rausch's presentation on the impact of social media and certain parenting styles on our children. If you missed the session or wish to review it, you can watch the presentation Click Here for part 1, Click Here for part 2. Additionally, read an important article Here by Caroline Bryk, Executive Director of the Jewish Parents Forum of the Tikvah Fund, who introduced the session. The RCA Convention is featured in the article!
3) If your shul has not yet signed up for the Dancing Through Tears Project by Mizrachi, what are you waiting for? The RCA is now co-sponsoring this beautiful project to dedicate a mantel on one of your sifrei Torah for Simchat Torah. This is a meaningful way to mark the yahrzeit of a Jewish brother or sister killed on October 7th while balancing joy and sorrow during Simchat Torah. For more information, visit www.TheSimchatTorahProject.org.
4) Chavra chavra ees leh: In these difficult times for Klal Yisrael, we especially need to support one another through professional, personal, and family challenges. If you know of a chaver who needs support, or need assistance yourself with anything, please contact me at mpenner@rabbis.org or 646-660-6868. Shul rabbanim know that the desire to help others can often be hindered by a lack of knowledge of what can be done. Lean on the RCA and allow us to help!
Chomer Lidrush - Korach
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Classic thoughts on controversy from R. Norman Lamm, in his book The Royal Reach.
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What Korach Could Have Become: My Rav and Our chaver, Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, shares a beautiful message about focusing on personal strengths and opportunities to contribute to the Jewish People. He examines Korach not just as someone driven by greed and jealousy but as someone who ignored the esteemed role he could have played. Read more here - from Rabbi Benjamin Yudin on the Parsha.
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She’ifos for Greatness: Why did the leaders of the tribes take back their staffs after they failed to flower like Aharon’s? Rabbi Zalman Sorotzkin suggests that the Matos attested to their desire to give up whatever property rights they would have in Israel to serve God as Kohanim. This selflessness stemmed from a holy place and warranted memorialization. This message can be particularly powerful when speaking with a young couple, encouraging them to crystallize their goals and dreams. While real life may not allow all dreams to be fulfilled, the aspirations we hold can continue to inspire and guide us throughout our lives.
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Alternative Presentation: Consider speaking about Pidyon Haben this Shabbos and even staging a mock Pidyon Haben (without coins) in place of the usual derasha. It can provide a refreshing change and a highly enlightening and entertaining experience for the kehillah.
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