Between Us: Let’s talk about sharing with others

This week’s parasha, Ki Tavo, opens with a commandment to the Children of Israel. After settling the land that God has given them, they are told to gather some of the “first fruits” of the soil that they have farmed, and then, in offering them, make the following declaration: “My father was a fugitive Aramean. He went down to Egypt with meager numbers… The Egyptians dealt harshly with us and oppressed us… We cried out to Adonai, the God of our ancestors… Adonai freed us from Egypt by a mighty hand, by an outstretched arm and awesome power… He brought us to this place and gave us this land… Wherefore I now bring the first fruits of the soil which You, Adonai, have given me.”

Talk about creating a context! As we reach the Promised Land, we are instructed to share the first fruits and remember who we are and where we come from. Straight from the Passover narrative, this summary recounts the story of the creation of the Jewish nation. It also reminds us that all of life – its labors and its fruits – has a context and a history.

As you consider the blessings of your life, please consider sharing with those for whom blessings are too few: the elderly Holocaust survivor, the victim of domestic abuse, the widow living in the former Soviet Union.

I feel grateful to belong to a community that makes it a priority to give back to those who need a helping hand. It because of the generosity of thousands of donors across our community that Federation is able to touch, change and save the lives of thousands of fellow Jews in need.

Please make your donation to Federation’s Annual Campaign today and share some of the fruits of your labors with others. Thank you.

Shabbat Shalom.