The Four Weeks of Elul 5763 - Week Three

Week Three: Communal Lives

A key principle of Jewish life teaches us that “Kol Yisrael Aravim Zeh Ba Zeh,” --  All Israel is responsible for one another.  We are not content, however, to merely see our responsibility in particularistic terms.  Indeed, we are responsible, not only for the welfare of our own community – but also for working to improve the entire world.  The concept of Tikkun Olam – repairing the world -- guides and commands us to strive to perfect our all too imperfect world.

The following questions will help you focus your Elul preparations in regards to the responsibilities we all share in our communal lives.  Again, this is by no means a complete list.  There are many other areas that can be explored.  Hopefully, this will provide you with a starting place for a much longer process.

  1. Have I been generous enough in my support - financially or otherwise - of the institutions and charities that I find important?
  2. Regardless of political perspective, have I been vocal in my support of the State of Israel during her time of need?
  3. Have I taken my own comfort for granted and “looked the other way" when I saw poverty or despair in my community?
  4. Have I been willing to share my talents with other members of my community?
  5. Have I spoken out when I perceived discrimination or inequity based on economics, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation in our community?
  6. Have I been ecologically responsible in my use of materials and resources?
  7. When I am at synagogue, have I done all that I can to make others feel welcomed in the same way that I want to feel welcome?

Again,  I want to hear from you regarding these messages.  I welcome your comments and suggestions.  I can be reached by phone (883-1818) or e-mail (Rabbi_at_ca).  These questions will also be available in hard copy at the Temple Office. If you know of anyone else who might want to receive these lists, contact our list administrator, Shelly Liebman at MailingList_at_ca.

L’shanah Tovah U’metukah – May you have a good and sweet new year,

Rabbi Joe Black
Email: Rabbi_at_ca 

Messages From the Rabbi