JBD – Jews of the Melbourne CBD is now on LinkedIn. Follow us here.

Shabbat starts on Friday at 7:38pm and ends on Saturday at 8:40pm. The weekly Torah portion is Vayera and it’s The Shabbat Project.

Mincha at Ainsworth Property – 7/459 Collins St (North Tower) on Mon-Wed at 1.45pm using the WhatsApp group to confirm numbers.

Special lunch & shiur continues on Wed at 1.20pm at A-P 7/459 Collins – and via zoom, followed by mincha at 1.45pm. Current topic: joint venture terms. Details here and on the WhatsApp group.

Thought of the Week with thanks to Avi Gordon.

The Torah teaches us that Lot was a rogue who rejected a Godly life and rather chose to live in the corrupt city of Sodom, fully aware of their decadence. Yet this same individual, who in many respects reflected his chosen neighbours and their lifestyles, risked his life to take in guests. He put himself in even greater danger when he defied the populace and sought to protect his guests. This seems to be incongruous with his general character.

The answer is quite simple and inspiring. 

Having been exposed to his Uncle Abraham in his youth and having witnessed the overwhelming dedication which he had to welcoming guests made an indelible impression on Lot. So much so, that irrespective of his own lifestyle, community or society he was part of, he was willing to risk his life to emulate his uncle’s example.

This is an important lesson to not only every parent, but every individual. You never know the impact you can have one someone, whether consciously or not. Always lead by example and people may follow, even many years later.