Times: Candlelighting is Friday 8:21pm; Shabbat ends Saturday 9:26pm. Early Mincha: 7:00pm; Early Candlelighting: 7:15pm. The weekly Torah Portion is Mishpatim. Rosh Chodesh Adar I: Friday, January 31 and Shabbat, February 1.

Mincha in the CBD: In a first, our Mincha minyan resumed on Monday at 2.06pm and we had a minyan 3 of 4 possible days. We will continue next week at 2.07pm at our usual venue using the SMS system to ensure we get sufficient numbers.

Study: Mon 12.30 @ East Melb Shule; Wed (Talmud shiur only) 1.30 @ Billing Bureau.

Kosher Food in the CBD: Deliveries have not yet resumed and will advise when they do.

Thought of the Week with thanks to Ezra May. “And you shall be holy people to Me, and flesh torn in the field you shall not eat; you shall throw it to the dogs”. (Mishpatim 22:30) The Daas Zekainim explains that when an animal in your flock or herd is killed by a wild animal, the Torah not only forbids you to eat it being non-kosher, but specifically requires that you feed it to the dogs, a perhaps somewhat surprising consequence. He continues that most farmers and shepherds employ guard dogs to protect their animals. And presumably when the predator attacked, the dog fought valiantly, albeit unsuccessfully. But for this effort the Torah requires the owner to show gratitude to the dog by presenting it with the dead animal. By doing so the Torah teaches that because the dog did its best, its owner is obligated to show appreciation. Often people volunteer and try hard to assist in good-faith but for whatever reason are unsuccessful. However our response should still be one of sincere appreciation for their time and effort.