“I’ve often told children the story of a man who stood before God, his heart breaking from the pain and injustice in the world. ‘Dear God,’ he cried out, ‘Look at all the suffering, the anguish and distress in Your world. Why don’t you send help?’ God responded: ‘I did send help. I sent you.’” ― David J. Wolpe, Why Faith Matters
This story invites each of us to see ourselves as essential workers in the creation of a just and vibrant world. In the HEA community, we do our best to uphold the values that we hope to see upheld in the wider world – values such as kindness, justice, service to others, safety, and gratitude. As in the story related by Rabbi Wolpe, we can’t wait for some outside force to bring these values to life. Instead, we must each take it upon ourselves to enact these values.
In that vein, I’m excited to share a list of volunteer opportunities through which you can connect with new and old friends, have fun and help create the community you hope to be part of.
Filling out the form indicates interest, not an official commitment. There are opportunities to volunteer for the High Holidays (ushers and greeter/safety team members), and year-round opportunities (participating in services, serving on committees, and heading up HEAconnect groups).
Thank you for the volunteer work that you already do and for the future volunteer work that you will do at HEA and throughout the wider world. Our community is active and dedicated! The Jerusalem Talmud says in Tractate Peah 1:1 that “Deeds of loving–kindness are equal in weight to all the commandments.”
Shabbat Shalom!
Tisha B’Av at HEA Saturday, August 6 7:00 p.m. - Mincha 8:00 p.m. - Seudah Shlishit 8:30 p.m. - Teaching