SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR SHAVUOS DINNER
SATURDAY NIGHT 8 JUNE - BOOKINGS OPEN NEXT WEEK
 
Question of the Week:
 
I understand the uplifting value of tzedakah, giving charity, and I try to donate often to honour the memory of those I've loved, who lived lives that have inspired me. Lately, however, I've given tzedakah donations to worthy causes in the hope of achieving something I yearn for and dream about - I want my daughter to get married. Is this still charity, or am I bribing G-d?
 
Answer:
 
There is a fascinating line in the Talmud:
 
'One who gives charity and says "on condition that my child is healed from sickness" or "that I earn a reward in the afterlife" - that person is completely righteous.'
 
This means that giving charity in the hope of selfish gain is perfectly fine. But why? Surely one should give with more altruistic motives. Is the donation not tainted when it is done for your own benefit?
 
Actually no. When it comes to giving charity, your intentions matter little. The main thing is that the needy person or worthy cause is helped. Your good intentions or otherwise make no difference to those who receive your charity.
 
A philanthropist once came to Rabbi Schneur Zalman, the author of the Tanya, to complain that he felt he was giving charity for the wrong reasons. The man lamented before his Rebbe, "I am indeed generous toward the poor, but it is without any sincerity."
 
"Without sincerity? Nonsense!" replied the Rebbe. "There is plenty of sincerity. Perhaps you are not sincere in giving charity. But the poor are very sincere in receiving your charity. Even if you don't mean it, they do!"
 
Don't get too preoccupied with intentions. Actions count more. If you are doing good, even for selfish reasons, it is still good. And if selfish motives are what it takes to keep you doing good, so be it.
 
Can G-d be bribed? I don't think so. Whether you will receive the particular blessing you seek is up to Him. But one thing is for sure, G-d does not remain indebted. Any good deed, whatever the motive, generates blessing and will be rewarded. Sometimes we see the results, sometimes we don't. But it is our good deeds, not good intentions, that make the world better.
 
Good Shabbos (from Israel),
Rabbi Moss

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THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME TO OUR LAG BAOMER BBQ DINNER AND BONFIRE EVENT!

Special thanks to:
Stephen Brookes & Robyn Greenstein - Our major sponsors
Gary & Karen Lazarus - for hosting the event in their home and preparing many dishes
Leyat Reuben, Shiran Garber and Ruhama Ronyuk - for making salads
Larnce & Maxine Radus- for leading us in the Drum Circle
Dov Meguideche, Avi Rosencweig & Gavin Shneir for manning the BBQ
Mendel & Aron Sufrin for helping with the event
Tzvi Cohen - for coordinating the entire event
 
We hope you enjoy some pictures of the night below.



 


Preparation for our grand facade has now begun. Additionally this week, work has begun to form the roof of our Shule. Everything seems to be coming together brilliantly. 

Shabat Shalom to everyone, Brent.


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ALL SERVICES AT NEFESH 
 
1 FRANCIS ST BONDI BEACH
 
(OFF CAMPBELL PDE, BEHIND NOAH'S BACKPACKERS)

 
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Sponsor a Kiddush 
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FRIDAY NIGHT 14 June :
 
SHABBOS DAY  1 or  8 June: 
Email [email protected] with any questions
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SHABBOS SERVICE TIMES & COMMUNITY INFO: BEHAR
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Friday, 24 May 2019| 19 Iyar 5779
Candle Lighting.................................... 4:40pm
Shabbos Service .................................. 6:00-6:50pm
Kids Program ...................................... 6:00pm
Followed by HOT soup Kiddush sponsored by Friends of Nefesh
 
Shabbos Day, 25 May 2019 |20 Iyar 5779
NEW Parsha class with Tzvi Cohen ..... 9:00am
Shabbos Service............................ 10:00am-12:20pm
Kids Program & Kiddush ................ 10:30am
Followed by Kiddush sponsored by Friends of Nefesh
 
Mincha followed by Seudah Shlishis ............ 4:35pm 
Pirkei Ovos ............................................. Chapter 4
Shiur...................................................... 5:00pm
Shabbos ends.......................................... 5:37pm
Followed by Havdalah
 
WEEKDAY SERVICES
Sunday..................................................... 8:00am
Latest Shema this week.............................. 9:16am
 
HAPPY JEWISH BIRTHDAY
Jonathan Shapira................... 22 Iyar/ Monday 27 May
Suzy Moss............................ 23 Iyar/ Tuesday 28 May
Andrew Whitten..................... 25 Iyar/ Thursday 30 May

LONG LIFE
Steven Clemans for his late father Julian Clemans 
Yaakov ben Moshe .... 20 Iyar/ Saturday 25 May

Moshe Moses and Adee Moses for their late mother Matilda Moses
Masouda bat Toba...... 25 Iyar/ Thursday 30 May

Theresa Bengis for her late mother Tess Barnett
Naomi bat Avraham.... 25 Iyar/ Thursday 30 May

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