This past Sunday, the Jewish world bid farewell to a Rabbinic legend- Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka, the Rabbi of Congregation Machzikei Hadas in Ottawa, Ontario for over 50 years. Rabbi Bulka was known as “Canada’s Rabbi” for his public addresses and popular radio show. He was revered by his community, by leaders and members of all faiths and by the many heads of state with whom he interacted. He was a tireless advocate for greater civility in discourse and more kindness in our daily lives, with the first ever National Kindness Week being named in his honor that will take place in February of 2022. He was a first-rate Torah scholar who left a lasting legacy for which I am grateful as this week’s Hakarat HaTov Corner, as are many of my colleagues- he was the author of the RCA Lifecycle Madrich, a small book every Orthodox Rabbi carries to provide halachic and administrative guidance throughout the lifecycle. To catch a glimpse of his greatness and humility, watch this video- an interview conducted with him in his own home.
Rabbi’s Recommendations
On the theme of kindness, I want to highlight two Shaare families who are going above and beyond to make the world a kinder place.
Nate, Maddie and Daphne Magid, along with their parents, have been selling eggs every few weeks freshly laid by their own chickens, with the proceeds going to charity. They have raised over $730 from these sales for a variety of wonderful local causes.The next event will take place on Wednesday, July 28 at 5 PM- but you need to arrive early, as they sell out quickly! The best way to follow when the next Magid Egg Stand will be is on instagram or to friend Zoe on Facebook.
Merissa, Ben, Adira, Arielle, Micah and Boaz Kogutt are leading a new initiative called Live With Purpose Dallas. Each month features a different service project “to-go”, that can be done by families and individuals. This month, the project is hygiene kits for victims of domestic violence. To find out more, you can email them or follow them on instagram .
Wishing you a peaceful Shabbat!
Sincerely,
Rabbi Ariel Rackovsky
Congregation Shaare Tefilla 6131 Churchill Way Dallas, TX 75230
