“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Why do you cry to me? Speak to the people of Israel, that they go forward’” (Exodus 14:15).
Sometimes we wake in the morning and wonder how such a tragedy – a plane crash, a bombing, a fire, or a health scare to a loved one – could have happened the night before.
In the moment we read the news or get a call to learn of the situation, we feel shocked, upset, and even stuck. We wonder, how could this have happened? Sometimes it feels like we have woken up far too many mornings with this question of late.
But then, if you’re like me, a different question arises out of the pain and surprise, a Jewish question. It’s decidedly not a question of blame, but a question of action: how can I help? Is there someone I can call to offer support? Is there a mouth to feed, a change to be made, or a loving message or hug to deliver? With such a response we transform darkness into light, suffering into service. We follow the tradition of our ancestors, the Israelites in this week’s Torah portion Parashat Bo, who are described as being able to withstand the thick, paralyzing darkness of Egypt during the ninth plague. While the Egyptians could not see or reach one another in the darkness, the Israelites were able to find light and companionship in their gathering places. So, too, do we escape darkness with connection, compassion, direction, and care.
It's not surprising that we feel this way. Because after all, the Rabbis of the Talmud explain that what it means to walk in the image of God is to stretch ourselves every day to clothe the naked as God clothed Adam and Eve; to visit the sick as God visited Avraham as he was recovering from his circumcision; to comfort the mourner as God consoled Isaac after his father’s death; to ensure respectful burial for the dead as God did for Moses (Sotah 14a). In other words, in a time of pain and fear, we can call on the power of our tradition to activate our hearts and hands in service and mitzvot. Faith is a precursor to action.
With this in mind, I want to personally invite you to consider being a part of a new group we are launching at HEA underneath the banner of our important Hesed work. And that is the Bikkur Cholim Team, a group within the HEA community who will support other members through hospital and home visits. Just as Avraham and Sarah were uplifted by a visit from spiritual messengers, so too will the members of our community (both visitors and those who are visited) be elevated by the healing moments we share together.
If you are interested in learning more about our Bikkur Cholim Team, we invite you to join our upcoming launch and training with Rabbi Jeffrey Kaye, Director of Chaplaincy Services at Rose Medical Center, and me on February 16th at 11:00 a.m. at HEA. You can register for the trainingHERE.
If this opportunity is not the right fit for you, then I encourage you to look out for other volunteer and social action opportunities through HEA that we will be highlighting in the months ahead. One of the important lessons that we have learned from our recent Listening Tour is that volunteer opportunities at HEA need to be more visible and customized to our membership. Thanks for your feedback!
May we all find our call to help those around us even in the darkest of days.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Shulman
.
Coming Up!
Torah for Today Class Shabbat, Feb 1st 10:30a to 11:30a, Library Rabbi Doug Weber - Who Were The Mixed Multitude?
Hochmat Nashim: Women’s Torah Study Group Sunday, Feb 2nd 6:30p to 8:00p Join a vibrant group of Jewish women led by Rabbi Shulman and Gitit Kaufman for a meaningful evening of engagement with Torah and one another.
Monthly Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Shulman Wednesday, Feb 5th 12:00p to 1:00p A curriculum on Judaism and Jewish identity based on traditional sources and the teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Topics include Identity, Prayer, Study, Mitzvot, Tzedakah, Chesed, Faith, Israel, Kiddush Hashem, and the Jewish future.
The History of Zionism Thursday, Feb 6th 6:30p to 8:00p Led by Amir Kaufman, this three-session class explores the roots of modern-day Zionism. This class is free for HEA members, $30 for non-members.
A Taste of Shabbat at Home Friday, Feb 7th 5:00p to 8:00p We invite you to enjoy a Shabbat dinner with members of our community. It is an opportunity for meaning, to forge connections, and to create a feeling of belonging. On February 7, we ask that you either be a host, or sign up to be a guest as we open the doors of our homes with old or new friends from our community. If you are willing to host, you will be contacted with names of those assigned to your home by Jan 31. If you are a guest, you will be notified of the name/address of your host by Jan. 31.
Tot Shabbat Shabbat, Feb 8th 10:45a to 12:00p A fun and spirited playtime and Tot Shabbat service.
Shabbat Shira Concert Saturday, Feb 8th 7:00p to 9:00p Dazzling Duets featuring Ruthie Lipshulch (Cantorial Soloist at Temple Sinai) and HEA Music Director Eitan Kantor. Ruthie and Eitan will enchant the audience with duets from Broadway, the synagogue, and the pop world. A collaboration not to be missed! This concert will take place at Temple Sinai.
HEAbros Super Bowl Lox Boxes Sunday, Feb 9th 10:00a to 2:00p The box includes lox, bagels, cream cheese, condiments, and mini-muffins for four people. $50 members, $60 non-members. Pick up Sunday, Feb. 9 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. This program will be supporting the HEA Brotherhood.
Preschool Shopping Party at Wish Gifts Monday, Feb 10th 6:00p to 8:00p Come shop and mingle with fellow HEA families! Drinks and lite bites will be provided. 10% of all sales will be donated back to HEA.
Selah! - Joey Weisenberg & The Rising Song Ensemble Concert Sunday, March 30th, 7:00p (Doors open at 6:30 p.m. - dessert reception following the concert.) Join us at HEA as we welcome back Joey Weisenberg to Denver for a soulful and uplifting evening of song and community. Selah! is the title of Joey’s most recent album and is a biblical word for a musical pause, a time to reflect. Joey will be joined by fellow musicians from the Rising Song Ensemble, Dan Blacksberg, and Shawn Hennessey, featured performers Yosef Goldman and Aly Halpert, our very own Eitan Kantor, and, of course, YOU!
