Four Weeks of Elul 5767
Week Three: Communal Lives

August 30, 2007

I recently had a discussion with a Rabbinic colleague about how our b'nai mitzvah students approach their mitzvah projects. We both agreed that most our children are very creative and industrious in the way that they go about researching and implementing their chosen acts of tseddakah. From recycling projects to working with animal rescue groups; volunteering in the school system and planting trees, our children do a wonderful job of finding ways to make a difference in our communities. And yet, we both expressed a sense of sadness and frustration that, increasingly, many of our b'nai mitzvah students are not choosing Jewish organizations that can benefit from these projects.

A key principle of Jewish life teaches us that "Kol Yisrael Aravim Zeh Ba Zeh," -- All Israel is responsible for one another. Throughout Jewish history we have created organizations and institutions designed to help our brothers and sisters - in our own communities and around the world. We have never been content, however, to see our responsibility in particularistic terms. WE know that 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 our world -- guides and commands us to strive to work in partnership with our creator in perfecting all of Creation.

Truth be told, it can be a struggle to weigh the needs of our own people against those of the larger community in which we live. Increasingly, however, many Jews are looking elsewhere to perform acts of Tseddakah - often to the neglect of their own people. During this month of Elul, we can take the time to examine how we reach out to those in need - in our own community and in the larger world as well.

The following questions can help you to focus your Elul preparations on how you can make a difference for good in your congregation, community and, indeed, the world itself. 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 turned away from supporting my own Jewish community institutions in favor of other communal charities and causes?
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 (). In addition to the e-mails I will send out, 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, .

L'shanah Tovah U'metukah - May you have a good and sweet new year,