None of the clocks worked and wrists wearing watches were few and far between. We spent last Shabbat in the Catskill Mountains with 32 students from 4 different school, 12 Chabad Rabbi and Rebbetzins and 22 children.
It was an amazing retreat – connecting with friends, breathing fresh air both literally and metaphorically, sitting around the bon fire, nature walks, deep discussions and so much more. The little kids ran free, the formal Shabbat meals gave way to informal snacks and schmoozing and everyone had a great time.
It was a bit of an escape out of town – much appreciated and well needed. For pictures and more check out the site: www.ShabbatintheMountains.com
We returned to 3GLTE, wifi, and ticking clocks on Sunday – to hear about the tragic earthquake in Nepal. It’s a funny world – from the warmth of the campfire to an avalanche in just a matter of hours.
Chabad in Nepal is doing superhuman work to help those in need. There are hundreds of people camped out at the Chabad House which happens to have an open area – while many are afraid to go indoors – the open outdoor space is being used to full capacity. They are serving hot meals every hour, on the hour, compiling lists of located individuals, providing much needed support and much more.
If you would like to help the efforts of Chabad in Nepal with a financial contribution got to www.chabad.org/nepal.
I knew there must be some type of poetic irony to our “timeless” Shabbat without any working clocks. Perhaps a few days without hours and minutes to chart forces a person to look at the bigger picture – no subdividing time into small pockets and regiments. It gives space for opening up to new people in new environments. Then the shock of an avalanche can also find context in a bigger picture. Amid horrible tragedy are moments of heroism, out right miracles and to be fair sadness too.
I can’t, and won’t, attempt to explain why such a horrific event needed to happen. I can however connect to a bigger picture that transcends my understanding, my personal vantage point and
certainly my clock on the wall.
Good Shabbos,
Tzipah
Candle Lighting this week in Queens is 7:33pm
*Students are always invited to join us for a family style Shabbat dinner or Lunch – reply to this email and let us know if you’d like us to save you a seat at the table
Upcoming Events
- Lag B’omer BBQ May 6 – 6:45pm at Chabad House
- Refreshing Shabbat Lunch May 9 – 11:30am at Chabad House
- Lady’s Night – Women only Shabbat DinnerMay 15. Scintillating discussion about love and romance
- Late Night Study Break – Wednesday May 20. Breakfast, crafts and more.
- Sinai Scholars alum can apply for the exclusive retreat click here for details
- Create your own class – contactRabbi@qChabad.org orTzipah@qchabad.org and you can schedule your own class in an array of Jewish topics ranging for Hebrew language to Chassidic philosophy and classical texts. No previous Jewish background necessary.
