Dear Family of Friends,
Our sages teach that “tzedakah and acts of loving-kindness (g’milut chasadim) are as important as all the commandments of the Torah” (Jerusalem Talmud, Peah 1:1). This is a pretty radical statement, but I imagine it makes intuitive sense to most of us. After all, what good is a life lived in meticulous piety if we don’t take care of each other?
Our synagogue community is so much more than a place to pray and study. Our identity as “A Family of Friends” suggests to me that we aspire to be engaged in each other’s lives through good times and bad. We celebrate B’nai Mitzvahs and weddings together, and we share condolences at funerals and shivas. But what about the less obvious events—the birthdays and the minor surgeries? The long-term illnesses that keep us away from the community until we feel we might have been forgotten?
Those of us who engage regularly—coming to services or classes—get to see and be seen every week. We gossip and catch up. We know whose kids are graduating, whose mother-in-law is ailing, who’s moving, and who has a new job. As much as I love singing, praying, and discussing Torah, the community that grows around these rituals is just as important as the formal religious practice. If you’re not a regular, you are warmly invited to join us!
Those of us who don’t attend services regularly are no less part of our Family of Friends. Many of us connect through the school, adult education, social events, or by volunteering with the Sisterhood, Brotherhood, or the board.
Engaging in acts of kindness and mutual aid can be its own path to strengthening the bonds of community, whether we are benefactors or recipients. When one member of the community makes a meal for another or calls someone who might be lonely, both come away with the kind of connection and well-being that only comes from living in community.
For all these reasons, we are putting together a chesed committee. It will consist of a core group to keep track of those in need, and a larger network of volunteers who are ready to make meals and phone calls as needed. If you’d like to be part of either of these rewarding roles, email us at .
Whether you are struggling with a family crisis or simply feeling lonely and wanting to feel more connected to the community, we want to hear from you. Email , or contact me directly at / 774-504-9962. If the matter is urgent, we’ll find a way—even as we are getting ourselves organized.
Or, just feel free to reach out to me for any reason at all. I look forward to hearing from you.
Reb Josh
