As Jews, we are taught the importance of performing acts of loving kindness. In so doing, we are fulfilling one of the mitzvot that are our responsibilities as Jews. This particular mitzvah offers all of us an opportunity to become enriched, for in giving to others we often find ourselves to be, in fact, the recipients of so much. I am offering to all of you an opportunity to enrich your lives while giving support and comfort to others. I am suggesting that you consider joining the Chesed (kindness) Committee. I can assure you that by becoming an active member of this committee, you will discover that by providing support and comfort to others during their times of need, you will also truly nourish your own life.
Over the past few years, the Chesed Committee has brought support and comfort to many members of our Temple family at times when they most needed it — during illness and following a death. We have visited people in hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, and in their homes. We have taken fellow congregants to doctors’ offices and have brought them to and from the Temple for services. We have kept in touch by telephone as well as by visiting with them in their homes. We have helped the families in many ways during the difficult time immediately following a death. We have stood by the sides of members who have lost a loved one to offer comfort and support. We have officiated at an unveiling. We have helped organize Shivas, including setting up and cleaning up. We have led minyans in congregants’ homes, and we have attended minyans.
We at Temple Judea are a community. Hillel said “Do not separate yourself from the community.” Please know that if you find yourself in need of the services of the Chesed Committee, we, your community, are there for you.
The above quote from Hillel can also be interpreted as a reminder to the community to offer support—acts of kindness—to those in need. Isn’t a community a group that recognizes the importance of shared responsibility? To this end, everyone is invited to join in the mitzvah of comforting the ill and the bereaved. To join the Chesed Committee, contact Ed Lasoff.
The kindness we extend to others will be matched or exceeded by the spiritual enrichment to our own lives.
