Social responsibility. Is it an opt-in? Is it a choice I make to extend myself in kindness to another?
This week's Wednesday night class centered on this fascinating topic.
Benjamin has been framed with the theft of a royal silver goblet. Joseph, whose identity is concealed from his brothers, insists on him paying the ultimate price - slavery. Judah jumps in and offers - or rather demands - that he take Benjamin's place. Judah had guaranteed his safe return to their father Jacob, and he would stop at nothing to ensure it.
Was Judah merely doing an act of kindness? Was he simply worried about his reputation, making good on his word?
The truth is, that Judah realized that at our core we are one unit. When one limb is in pain, the rest of the body can't ignore it and tell it to fend for itself. If one person drills a hole in the bottom of a boat, we all sink.
Caring for another is not simply because I choose to be nice, but in it's purest form, it's the realization that we are all branches from the same tree, we are in this together.
It was this selfless act, this expression of unity, that motivated Joseph to do the big reveal and in turn, reunite with his brothers.
Next time we see someone in need of help, let's remember. We are all in this together.
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A warm thank you to all of you who contributed to our end-of-year campaign! Your support is heartening and will help fuel this beautiful community's growth.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Dovid Bush
ב"ה