Caring for One Another

On my very first day as rabbi of BHPS - at the beginning of December - I attended a meeting of the synagogue's Welfare Group. Co-ordinated by Angela, and composed of fewer than ten caring souls, the Welfare Group is in regular touch with members in need - in particular, elderly people on their own, those who are bereaved, and those who chronically ill. In addition to this, the group also concerns itself with those who become acutely ill or go into hospital.

Over the past five months, as I have spoken to and visited members referred to me by the Welfare Group, I have become aware of just how many members are in need of our care and concern. The Welfare Group does what it can - as I do - but, quite frankly, it isn't enough to meet the need. So, what should we do? The only solution as I see it, is for all of our members who are able and willing, to be involved in some way: If each and every able member did something for another member in need once a month, it would make a real difference. We all have feelings of care and concern for others. What we need to do is act on these feelings. So, if you are able and willing to link up with a member in need each month - make a visit or do some shopping or drive them to a service or other activity - please contact Angela Goldman at the synagogue office, and help to make a real difference to somebody's life.

Of course, supporting a person in need, not only enhances the lives of those on the receiving end of our deeds of loving kindness - gemilut chasadim. Anyone who has helped someone else knows how rewarding it feels to bring a little joy to another human being. We feel our own lives are truly meaningful when we care for others. And, in addition to the personal benefits, there is also the sense of blessing that accrues to the congregation as a whole: We feel that the existence of our synagogue really matters when we make a positive difference to each other's lives.

Towards the end of the month, we will celebrate Shavuot and remember the time when our ancestors stood together at Mount Sinai. In that moment, that unruly rabble not only entered a Covenant with God, they pledged themselves to one another and became a People, a kehillah kedoshah, a holy congregation. The theory doesn't always work out in practice - but it can. Chag Samei'ach!