I was rushing a batch of fluffy Challah back to camp. The delightful aroma reminiscent of the heavenly manna eaten in the desert discussed in this week's Torah portion.
With a packed schedule, the campers would soon be coming out of the pool, where they had been cooling off after trying their hands - er, feet at Slacklining (kind of like tightrope walking between trees). I still had to set up the Foam Party, and time was of essence.
But then I saw him.
An elderly gentleman had been off-roading with his electrical wheelchair/scooter and had become entrenched in a pile of fresh wood chips that had been put down across the path. It took me just a second to see him attempt to shake it free, while his puppy, who had been riding shotgun, yipped at his heels, as if admonishing him for getting them stranded.
I pulled over. Foam parties could wait. Another Human being needed a hand. 2 quick minutes later, aided by another two kind gentlemen, and he was back on his way, puppy proudly surveying the Petaluma streetscape.
At the tail end (or tale end?) of the Torah portion, it mentions how Miriam, Moshe's sister, had been afflicted with a skin illness (another story), and needed a recovery period. Tthe entire Jewish nation who had been en Route to the Holy Land, put their travel plans on hold for a full week.
Sometimes we have important business to take care of, office meetings, schedules, and deadlines. But when we notice someone whom we can help, that becomes the most important task of our day.
From the Rabbi's Desk
A Stranded Wheelchair
Shiva Reflections
It has been a surreal couple of weeks.
You think you know what to expect, you prepare yourself mentally, but when it actually does happen, nothing quite prepares you for losing a mother.
There were times of sadness, grief, sadness, and aching. But then there was a beautiful aspect to this process as well.
It was called Shiva. During the first seven days of mourning, instead of being alone with your grief, or getting back to work and "moving on", The Jewish tradition allows for beautiful dynamic. A steady stream of well-wishers came through my parents' Brooklyn home's doors from morning until evening, to offer condolences, share memories of my mother, and uplift our spirits. My father's law school colleagues, my mother's study partners, community members, and childhood friends from near and far. Hundreds of phone calls, emails, and facebook messages. Each one helping to take the edge off, filling the void with love and fond memories.
So we had this incredible opportunity to focus on the incredible woman my mother was, to celebrate it, to honor it, and to channel those values into our lives going forward.
It wasn't as much what each person had to say - although there were so many gems, stories, and reflections - but simply their being present, and coming together for us.
This idea of Unity, is front and center for the Holiday of Shavuot. Prior to receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai, the fledgling Jewish nation arrived at the desert location "like one person, with one heart". The #1 prerequisite before opening up the Torah to find out all the many intricacies of our tradition, is to set aside our differences and realize that we are so much stronger together.
I have not had the time yet to respond to every message, but in the meantime, please know that I appreciate each and every one of you for reaching out during this time. May we have many opportunities to reach out to each other for joyous occasions.
As we get ready to receive the Torah for the 3,332nd time, we definitely have the unity part in place. Please join us on Sunday for the reading of the Ten Commandments at 11am, followed by cheesecake, ice cream, and an exquisite dairy buffet. Services begin at 10. Come when you can. Your attendance will be particularly meaningful to me as I recite the Kaddish, and for my first time join in for the Yizkor Memorial Prayer, a time to connect with our dearly departed loved ones.