This week, the chill set in. The clocks are changed, the leaves are falling, sweaters and jackets fetched from the recesses of the closet.
If you think about it, it's kind of a downer (unless you're in Tahoe for the weekend). Granted, it's not a Siberian night or even the NY winter I grew up in. But what is the purpose of being in such a dark, cold place?
We can look to Abraham, the first Jew, for some inspiration. Living in the desert, far from the comforts of civilization, loneliness prevailed. Though he was in the heat of the sun, spiritually, it was a cold, desolate place. At that time, idolatry was rampant. He was alone in the world.
How did he deal with it? He opened up his tent. Abraham's tent was famously opened on all four sides so travelers could stop in. Hot and weakened from the arduous journey, he would invite them in, offer them a warm meal (no drive-through Mc'Donalds in the area), provide them with water to drink and bathe, and share with them his view on the world and his belief in G-d.
In a place of darkness, he created warmth. Warmth can really only be appreciated when contrasted with cold. Light with darkness. Luxury with scarcity.
Winter is the opportunity to light up the darkness of the world. Call a friend, help a neighbor, smile to a perfect stranger. Perhaps it's the very reason for the world to exist.
On that note: We are excited to roll out our Chanukah events for the season! The Holiday of Light.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Dovid Bush
ב"ה