At the end of last week’s Torah portion and leading into this week’s portion, we see that Jacob is finally leaving Lavan’s house after working for him for fourteen years. Jacob shepherded Lavan’s flock, took care of the animals, grew his family, and likely added a lot of life and activity to Lavan’s household. I imagine that Jacob’s absence was felt very strongly. It is no wonder, then, that Lavan comes running after Jacob when he leaves.
In a way, I feel like Lavan. So many of our members have now left for the winter and I wish I could run after them! Their absences are certainly felt. (Of course, I am so glad that our members have the ability and flexibility to enjoy warmer climes and do not blame them for wanting to spare themselves the harsh winter!)
Like Lavan’s household, ours now seems a bit emptier. Those who would have helped us to make a minyan are doing so down south. Yet we still have members who are in need of a minyan to say kaddish for their loved ones. This is where the rest of us who are braving the winter need to step in. If each of us could choose one or two days in a month to attend a morning or evening minyan, we will be doing a great mitzvah for others. We may not be in the warm sunshine, but we will feel a warmth in our hearts for having helped our community members in an important way. Which day will you choose?
Let’s challenge ourselves in the (secular) new year, to think of ways that we can add some warmth to our KBI community. A smile to welcome someone new goes a long way. Sit with someone you’ve never met at Shabbat lunch, attend our Chanukkah Multi-Generational Service and dinner and connect with young families and their children, and/or attend one of our upcoming movie programmes! There are many opportunities to add warmth and light this winter.
The fact is that each person in our community is the light and brings light. So let’s warm up our community this winter with our presence, as we work together to make KBI a beacon to all who seek the warmth of Jewish tradition and community.
Shabbat shalom.