Times: Shabbat starts on Friday at 7:49 pm and ends on Saturday night at 8:51 pm. The weekly Torah portion is Vayeitzei.

Mincha in the CBD: We will seek to resume mincha at L2/430 Lt Collins on summer schedule (1.45pm) once there is demand. Join the the WhatsApp group to stay across the latest details.

Study: The Weekly Shiur continues in hybrid in-person and Zoom, on Wednesday at 1.20pm at Warlows Legal, 2/430 Lt Collins, and the lunch part is back! Current topic: the academic hierarchy and modesty. Details here.

Thought of the Week with thanks to Avi Gordon. In this week’s Torah reading, the commentator Rashi writes that Lavan ran toward Yaakov since he was certain that Yaakov had come laden with wealth and precious gifts. Seeing that he was empty-handed, Lavan thought that Yaakov had probably brought diamonds concealed under his clothes. He embraced Yaakov and slid his fingers over Yaakov’s garments, but felt nothing. He then thought that perhaps Yaakov was afraid of being robbed, and had hidden his valuables in his mouth. Lavan kissed him lovingly, but again came up with nothing.

Why does Rashi interpret Lavan’s actions in a negative light? Maybe he was hugging and kissing him because he was his nephew?

Unfortunately some people can act friendly but in truth they just want a favour from you. As soon as they get what they need, they disappear. It’s as if they never knew you. Lavan had a pattern to his behaviour.

A true friend is not someone that hugs and kisses you for your money. A true friend is someone who cares about you – despite what they get in return. In this time of difficulty, when there are many sick within our community, there’s a huge opportunity to be there for others – including people that you aren’t even friends with – to demonstrate true Ahavat Yisrael.

Credit to Aish Hatorah.