Appreciating our Communities Before Thanksgiving

by Rabbi Debra Smith

Thinking back on this year’s High Holy Days and thinking ahead to my most favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, has provided me with an opportunity to reflect on the role of community in my life.

Judaism teaches us the importance of being part of a community, of welcoming newcomers into community, and also cautions us not to separate ourselves from community.

Being part of a community that is supportive and caring not only helps us feel safe and secure, but it also brings us joy and a sense of well-being, and helps us grow emotionally and spiritually. This is alluded to in parshat Vayera … Join us on November 5 for a community event:  Views on Vayera: Finding Meaning in What We See. There are many ways to connect and create community. In these days before Thanksgiving, through Abraham’s example, we will examine ways to open not just our homes and communities, but our hearts.

I’d like to take this time to recognize and express gratitude to the communities I am a part of.

As you’ll see, it may take the support and love several communities to help us grow and thrive.

Thank you to my many communities:
My family
The Chai Mitzvah staff and extended community
My synagogue communities of Or ha Lev, The Chai  Center and Temple Adath Or
The Aleph Jewish Renewal Community
Dorot
The Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom
My Jewish Writers group

Hopefully, we can all take a few minutes to reflect on the diverse communities we belong to and remember and acknowledge them with gratitude for the gifts they give us.