Strangers No More

September 19-20, 2014 / 25 Elul 5774

Shabbat Nitzaveem-Vayelech

Torah: Deuteronomy 29:9 - 31:30 / Haftarah: Isaiah 61:10 - 63:9

“Strangers No More”

Dear Friends,

When times get anxious and uncertain, many feel left out and alone.  Many do not know where to turn for help and support.  Many feel forgotten.  Yet our Torah tradition teaches that all Jews are part of the Jewish people, regardless of life situation.  All belong.  All have a place in the Jewish family. No one is a stranger.

In this week’s Torah portion, Moses called all the Children of Israel to stand as one people and enter into the Covenant that joins Israel with God.  This was a key moment in the formation of our people’s identity and mission. We are a people that builds community and heals the world. Moses called all Israelites, including leaders, elders, officers, all men, all women, all children, even those with menial jobs, such as wood cutters and water carriers. He called all non-Israelites travelling along, too. Everyone was part of the community including all in need and all who could help others. This passage is so important, that it has become our Torah reading for the morning of Yom Kippur.

Community building and tikkun olam, healing the world, stand at the heart of Shir Hadash.  Helping ourselves and helping others is what we do.  This will be the theme of this Saturday evening’s study, havdalah, and selichot services.  Our study session will feature the Academy Award winning documentary from Israel, “Strangers No More,” about a special public school in Tel Aviv that welcomes students from 48 different countries.  Many of the students are poor, new immigrants, and even children of refugees.  The powerful and moving film reminds us that for Jews, in easy times and especially in difficult times, no one is alone.  No one is a stranger.

As we begin a New Year, the Torah reminds us that we are members of a united Jewish people, nation, spiritual community, and civilization.  We are one big Jewish family. Our mission is to help each other, to support each other, to share our lives together, and to reach out and help others in need – to choose life.

See you all on Saturday evening at Shir Hadash – 7:30.  Please bring something delicious to share with your Shir Hadash ‘family.’

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow