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Shabbat starts on Friday at 7:21pm and ends on Saturday at 8:21pm. The weekly Torah portion is Bereshit and it’s Mevarchim Chodesh Cheshvan. Rosh Chodesh is on Wednesday and Thursday.

Mincha continues after Sukkot at 1.45pm at A-P GF/459 Collins Mon-Wed, and Thu 1.45pm at L1 Capital using the WhatsApp group to confirm numbers.

Weekly sushi & shiur continues on Wed at 1.20pm (before mincha) at A-P GF/459 Collins – and via zoom. Current topic: tax exempt status of Rabbis. Details here and on the WhatsApp group.

Thought of the Week with thanks to David Werdiger.

Three times though the book of Bereishit, which we start reading this Shabbat, the word “shnatayim” – “two years” is mentioned.

Firstly, the birth of Arpachshad was described as happening two years after the flood, which was the beginning of generational rebuilding after the great destruction.

Secondly, it was two years after Yosef interpreted dreams for the sommelier and baker in prison in Egypt that he was released from prison. He was subsequently elevated to the role of viceroy.

Finally, it was two years into the seven years of famine that Yaakov went to Egypt with his family to be reunited with Yosef, and then enjoyed a further 17 years that he described as the best years of his life.

We’ve recently marked two years since the devastating Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023, and this coincided with the release of all living hostages. May we see a repeat of this pattern where two years of suffering is the trigger for a dramatic positive turn.