Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Samuel Kaye

God speaks to us in all sorts of ways. In signs and wonders, in bug bites and skinned knees, all the little moments of life… like when the shelf in my closet bent in, fell off the wall and broke down the middle because I had too many things hanging from it.  

“You have too many clothes. Give some away.” Said the Almighty.  

Who am I to disagree? Especially now that you broke my shelf.  

It doesn’t need to be the voice of God telling you that it’s time to clean out your closets! You might be saying it yourself right now, as summer is starting to close and you are eyeing the clothes that may not fit, or be fashionable when the pleasant weather returns.  

Holy Blossom Temple and Ve’Ahavta are partnering for the next two months to provide clothing for the homeless and needy of our city. There is a collection bin at the front of the synagogue, shortly after you enter the building, where you can bring gently used, and new, donations. Please check the link here to see a specific list of very desirable items.  

It is also important to remember that our fantastic Out of the Cold program will begin again in November! Members who are new and returning volunteers are the key to making this program a warm, welcoming, and successful space for those in need. Please mark your calendars for the evening of October 30th, when Out of the Cold leadership will host an open house and in person training.  

While November is far off, planning has already begun. Starting next week our Out of the Cold volunteer coordinator will be sending out initial emails to past volunteers to confirm dates, shifts and roles. If you, or someone you know, wants to be involved now is the time to email us at [email protected] to get your name onto that list. Bnai Mitzvah students, accompanied by parents, and teenagers looking for volunteer hours are especially welcome! 

“Open your hand to your brother, to the poor and the needy, who are in your land.”   

תִּפְתַּח אֶת־יָדְךָ לְאָחִיךָ לַעֲנִיֶּךָ וּלְאֶבְיֹנְךָ בְּאַרְצֶךָ  

Deuteronomy 15:11  

Perhaps there is no great divine mystery as to why my shelf collapsed, other than to remind me that the call of our Torah can always be heard.  

Let us answer it together!