I believe that most people want to help others, but unfortunately they overlook those in need who are the closest. When it comes to family, we know our obligations. To ignore the needs of a family member is a sin of the highest order. Who comes next with our desire to help? The stranger. We find great fulfillment in choosing a stranger, perhaps someone living on the street, to help out. Whether it is food or money, the gratitude of a stranger is a great aphrodisiac for feeling as if you have made a difference. But who is often overlooked? The acquaintance and neighbor in our community. I am so saddened when people tell me that in times of need they were ignored by those around them. Whether it is in the synagogue or outside, they feel that no one cares. Have you been guilty in the past year of overlooking your neighbor or acquaintance in need? Did you know they were struggling or in pain and said nothing? Could they have used a little assistance? On Yom Kippur, those of us who go to synagogue will stand many times striking our chests pleading for forgiveness for the sins we have committed. Of interest, is the fact that the requests for forgiveness are in the plural; for the sin WE have committed by..... Every person in that sanctuary is a neighbor, just as the people you see at school, at work or in your neighborhood. During these requests for forgiveness we acknowledge that we are bound together with our neighbors by invisible threads of responsibility. Have you lived up to that responsibility? On this Yom Kippur look around the sanctuary and see if there is someone you should have helped. Someone you should have been there for. If so, ask for forgiveness for not extending a helping hand. Then afterwards, look around, your work, school and neighborhood and ask the same question. The difference we can make is palpable if we would just look around us, because the people in need are standing right next to us. Gmar tov- may we all be sealed for a good year.
Posted on: Thu, 02 Oct 2014 19:02:57 +0000
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