SATO Snap November 2025

 Hey everyone! Did you know that over 1 million people in Massachusetts rely on SNAP benefits to help buy food each month? SNAP supports families and individuals facing food insecurity, but many still struggle to afford healthy meals. Because of the government shutdown, many of these Massachusetts residents will not be able to receive affordable food without the help of the SNAP program. 

Judaism teaches the importance of tzedakah and Tikkun Olam—justice and repairing the world. You can make a difference by supporting local food pantries, volunteering, or learning more about hunger in your community. Even small actions can help make sure everyone has enough to eat.

-Daniele Greenberger | Natick USY Social Action / Tikun Olam Vice President

Israel Update November 2025

There is much joy in Israel this month as a deal was reached between Hamas and The Israeli government to return the rest of the hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. Celebrations in the street occurred as families were reunited, and an end to the war was finally in sight. However recently more strikes were ordered by Netanyahu, claiming Hamas violated the cease-fire. We send our prayers out to all affected by the war, and for the hope that it will end once and for all soon.

-Jonathan Steinitz-Miller | Natick USY Israel Affairs Vice President

D'Var Torah Parshat Vayera 2025

In this week’s parsha Vayera, three angels visit Abraham and Sarah and tell them that Sarah will give birth to a child. Sarah laughs disbelievingly because of her and her husband’s age. It comes true and Isaac is born, a living reminder of a dream come true, a miracle in the flesh. In life there are many unbelievable wishes that come true, small miracles that happen. This story reminds me of running cross country. I always surprised myself with what I was capable of achieving, running way better than I could have expected. If I planned to do better than I expected I pushed myself even harder. Think of pleasant surprises in your life, the joy that comes from it, and take a moment in your day to appreciate it. If you wish for something good to happen, a positive mindset can help you achieve it.

- Velvel Richmond Shazeer | Natick USY Religion / Education Vice President

SATO Snap March 2025

There are lots of ways to help the local community, including volunteering. There are lots of volunteer opportunities in the area posted on the Natick town website, including long-term and one-time options for a variety of different jobs. Natick Parks and Rec has lots of one-time events and is always looking for helpers!

- Abby Singer, Natick USY Social Action/Tikun Olam VP

Tetzaveh D'Var Torah

 This week’s parasha, Tetzaveh, means “command”, and is full of commandments about the mishkan (tabernacle). The main focus of these commandments are towards Aaron, the first kohen gadol (high priest). He is commanded to wear special garments, such as a breastplate with stones which symbolize the twelve tribes, which also contains a parchment with God’s name written on it. Finally, God instructs Moses on how to complete inaugural sacrifices for the mishkan and how to carry out future inductions of the High Priest. The parasha concludes with God’s promise to always dwell within the mishkan.

- Sarah Singer, Natick USY Religion Education VP

Bo D'Var Torah

Shabbat Shalom. This week’s parasha continues where we left off last week, finishing the last three plagues: locusts, darkness, and death of the first born. We learn about the sacrifice of a lamb to paint on the doorposts of the homes of the Israelites, so that the angel of death will know to pass over their houses. Finally, we read of how Pharoah finally agreed to release the Israelites, forcing them to flee in such a rush that their bread had no time to rise, leaving them with matzah. Now, I know you’re all thinking, “I don’t want to even think about Pesach right now, we just had Rosh Hashanah!”, but this parasha provides us with so many of the mitzvot we abide by on a daily basis. In fact, this parasha not only establishes a calendar, but also instructs us to wear tefillin and many other commandments.

- Sarah Singer, Natick USY Religion Education VP

Happy New Year

🎆Natick USY is wishing the community a happy new year!🎆

- Natick USY 2024-2025 Board