StandWithUs MICHIGAN

FFCTIVAL
anic T IGHTS

3 RD ANNUAL CELEBRATION

AN EVENING TO CELEBRATE AND
STAND WITH ISRAEL

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013

ADAT SHALOM SYNAGOGUE, FARMINGTON HILLS

Parshat Vayetzei: Genesis 28:10-32:3;
Hosea 12:13-14:10.

T

his is a very special week for
me. I'm packing bags for a
unique father-son trip to New
York City.
No, we won't be taking in the sights
and sounds of Times
Square. My son and I will
be joining the Annual
International Conference of
Chabad Emissaries.
It's a family reunion
unlike any other. Many
of us shared our yeshivah
years together inspired
by our beloved Rebbe,
the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of
Righteous Memory. This
Shabbos, we revel in a
spiritual environment of
inspiration, upliftment and
brotherhood.
The weekend motivates us to bring
that warmth and feeling back to our
communities and rededicate ourselves
to our mission of connecting Jewish
people to our rich heritage.
In the portion of Vayetzei, Jacob also
takes off on a journey. He journeys
from the sacred land of Israel, from his
yeshivah, to Charan — an unholy city
Yet it was there, with no support and a
father-in-law out to destroy him, that
he establishes a family: a loyal, beauti-
ful and proudly Jewish family.
Incredibly, Jacob returns home from
this spiritual wasteland with his entire
family all following in God's ways.
What was his secret?
Surely this secret will serve us well
as we educate our children in environ-
ments that often seem to resemble
Charan more than they do the Holy
Land. How do we teach kids when the
streets so starkly contradict the teach-
ings at home?
Although it was from a distance,
Jacob was connected to his parents'
teachings. He was mission-focused
and nurtured his relationship with
God. Even outside his comfort zone,

the light of Torah illuminated his sur-
roundings. Jacob immersed himself
in a corrupt world and conducted
his business honestly. He lived in an
immoral culture and raised a prin-
cipled family.
By maintaining his spiri-
tual connection, the daily
challenges were surmount-
able. Thus, it was precisely
in the most unholy of envi-
ronments that Jacob learned
to conquer — not expel —
darkness.
That is our mission each
and every day within our
sphere of influence.
As we rabbis gather this
week to discuss our charge
in the unique environment
in each of Chabad's 4,000
centers, we will hearken to the words
of our beloved Rebbe, who taught us
the value of each positive action. To
engage every Jew rather than to reject;
to love and encourage in place of
rebuke; to find the good in everyone
and everything.
Like Jacob, who returned home with
a completely loyal family, may we help
every soul find their place within our
rich traditions.

ANDRE DOUVILLE WILL RECEIVE
THE BEACON OF LIGHT AWARD

ANDRE DOUVILLE

THE BEACON OF LIGHT AWARD

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

REV. DR KENNETH
MESHOE (MP)

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

ED KOHL

❑

Kasriel Shemtov is rabbi of The Shul in
West Bloomfield.

RECEPTION, PROGRAM, DINNER AND DANCING
CATERING BY
MILK & HONEY/EPIC KOSHER CATERING

KOSHER DIETARY LAWS OBSERVED

Conversations
• What tools can we use when
the talk on the street opposes
the morals and values we want
to maintain?
• Can you think of a "dark"
situation you're in that you can
transform with light?
• What is the best way to ensure
children remain loyal to Jewish
traditions?

FOR RESERVATIONS AND
PROGRAM BOOK TRIBUTE INFORMATION,
CALL 248.325.5306 OFFICE VOICEMAIL OR E-MAIL
STANDWITHUSMICHIGAN@GMAIL.COM
RESPOND BY NOVEMBER 12TH

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November 7 • 2013

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