THE BRIDGE

Dear Family,

I hope that everyone is well.

Continued good wishes for Dov.

We wish Shmuel Levy long life with the upcoming yohrtzeit of his father Reb Ephraim ah. His neshamah should have an Aliyah, Shmuel. I was very fond of Reb Ephraim ah, and we would always make a good connection with each other at all the Family simchos. I am sure that he is being missed by all. Tizkeh leMitzvos for all that you have done, and are doing, for him.

And a few days later is Shmuel's birthday. Mazal Tov Shmuel. It should be only simchos in the future for you and all your Family. Wishing you hatzlachah rabbah begashmius veruchnius!

Mazal Tov to Chanie Davidoff (LA) on her birthday next week. Wishing you a year of much joy, with especially much nachas from all your children BEH.

Thinking of all those in California affected by the shocking difficulties being experienced there. Wishing to hear good news, and also especially from EY.

Last Friday night we had Avri Davidoff and her friend, over for the Shabbos meal. It is the first time I have seen Avri for many many years, and it was really nice to meet again and catch up! Avri is now living in Kent UK. Welcome to our Family Group Avri! See attached a Sheet of our Family Tree, which you can use as an introduction to everyone. The names in red are the ones who get the weekly email. Kevin Marks made this beautiful record, and I will ask him to edit it now with your details. Also, please keep on asking all those deep questions about Torah and life!!

In this week's Sedra Vayechi, Yaakov is about to pass away, and Rashi tells us that he wanted to reveal to his Family the end of all exiles, but Hashem concealed this knowledge from him.

I saw a beautiful explanation about this from Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz ah, as follows:

The above event teaches us a fundamental truth in life, ie THAT SOME THINGS ARE BEYOND HUMAN UNDERSTANDING.

Even although Yaakov was a great prophet, and, as reflected in his blessings to each of his children, he could see their futures. But when it came to revealing the ultimate future which he 'got wind of', Hashem withdrew this from him.

This is not due to any fault in Yaakov or his children. It is just that some aspects of the future, or the Divine, are meant to remain mysterious.

Faith involves believing in something beyond what we can see, explain or fully understand.

It requires us to accept that there are realities beyond our grasp.

Faith, then, is THE BRIDGE, between what we know, and what we sense lies beyond, inviting us to live with humility and trust.

Gut Shabbos to all!