Community. A powerful word. Something that we each want in our lives; to be part of something greater, to achieve things we couldn’t on our own, to contribute and give back.
The name of this week’s Torah portion is actually “Vayakhel”, to gather. It comes from the Hebrew word “Kahal” - Community. If there is one message that we are supposed to take away from this week, it is the importance of community. This year is in fact a “Hakhel” year, when in the times of the Holy Temple, the entire nation would gather in Jerusalem once in seven years.
But wait! Next week’s portion is “Pekudei” counting the Jewish people, each person is counted as an individual. So is it about community or individuality? Are we better when we come together, or is there something special and unique about each of us.
The bottom line that we are supposed to take away is that we need both. A real community is not where everyone fits into the same mold, conforming to the norms. It is when we each bring our unique personalities, abilities and talents to the table that we really shine. This is where community really makes a difference. It’s not just a quantity thing.
This past weekend in NYC, an amazing CTeen Shabbaton took place with some 2,000 teens celebrating Jewish pride and their contributions to their communities’ future. An amazing experience culminated with an epic Havdalah rock concert in Times Square. Like the Havdalah candle, each individual flame comes together to form a powerful torch, a beacon of light, impervious to winds and external forces. #UniteWithLight Who knows? Maybe next year Petaluma will have a delegation!
Join us this evening, as we celebrate community at First Fridays Shabbat. It won’t be the same without each one of us. This Shabbat we welcome the month of Purim - the most joyous month of the Jewish calendar. It’s also the first time that the 6pm scheduling will allow for us to light the Shabbat Candles together! Did I mention that there is a delicious spread to follow including some of this fresh home baked Challah?
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Dovid Bush