Whenever anyone is involved in a debate or an argument where different people may have different ideas or thoughts, one would seek that the opposition may prove their point. Whenever we hear a different point of view or a claim or even a complaint that may be different from our opinion, we would want to have them to prove it. Certainly we will not accept an answer as: ”because I think so”, or “I read it somewhere”, or “I have heard it from someone”.

No doubt the most convincing answer would be: ‘I learnt’ and ‘I experienced it’

The same way, I think, should be our approach to our faith and beliefs. As we approach Chag Shavuot – the festival of Matan Torah, an event that completed the redemption from Egypt and sealed the real Jewish identity.

Only one that is deeply influenced or is learning the Torah can start to appreciate the beautiful and meaningful concepts of the Bible. Without this learning, we will not understand how to love the Torah, understand the mitzvoth and practise them. In our morning prayer we ask :”Please make the words of Your Torah sweet in our mouth “ and to achieve it we continue to pray : “Install in our hearts the desire to understand, & to discern, to listen, to learn(,and after that )to observe, to perform and fulfill all the teachings of the Torah in love”...The question is how is it possible?

In psalm 34 King David suggests: ‘Taste and see - how good is G-D”. Because, only afteryou taste something, you can comment on what you think about it. Remember always that religious experience precedes religious understanding. The goodness of G-d has to be felt before it is taught. The real test is after taste.Many people within the community can argue about the state of affairs within our community and have different views- some may be partly dissatisfied or fully satisfied, and it is okay if we can argue with those people about what they know and feel what is happening. Besides communication, involvement is very much important. Just reading about the happenings through the Centre News, community emails, or website browsing is not enough. In my opinion, without active participation and involvement for the different events which take place, one does not have a right to criticize.

Just look what an amazing month we had:

• Two sedarim (and one more in Moriah school)
• Yom Hashoah
• Art exhibition
• Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut
• King Matt the first play

For those who did not participate in any or all of the above events, they missed out on an outstanding event. Our community members should feel proud about our achievements and look forward to more of such events. I really feel that in this past month, the Wellington Hebrew Congregation has raised itself to a new league.In a personal note: Tova and Rachel join me in thanking all the members and Moriah school who made our granddaughter's stay with us amazing experience

Chag Sameach RABBI HAIM DOVRAT