Loneliness is on the rise and one of the deadliest conditions around. Many call loneliness an epidemic. The U.K now has a Minister of Loneliness and they have recently released a loneliness policy report: "A Connected Society: A Strategy for Tackling Loneliness—Laying the Foundations for Change" (October 15, 2018). Loneliness is due to many factors, loss of a partner or parent, children and friends moving away, and sickness. When we don’t have mobility and aren’t connected to a network, loneliness sets in and our ability to cope decreases. It is not just the infirmed or those who are housebound who are affected. Ironically, our virtual network spans the globe, but people are Millennials and Gen Zers are among the loneliest.
One of the reasons why I was attracted to the rabbinate is because I think Judaism and communal life can act as an antidote to this epidemic. We crave interaction, and authentic connection. It’s what sends us to look at our phones when we have a free moment, yet many of us don’t feel full after these exchanges and posts. We want something more, but it sometimes eludes us.
Our Torah portion reminds us the importance of in person attention. We read in Leviticus 13:2 “When a person has on the skin of his body an afflictions...it shall be reported to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons, the priests....The priest shall examine the affection on the skin of his body." It seems odd that the religious leader is involved in checking a skin irritation, but there seems to be something to this. This person, especially if the condition became serious may have noticed that others have stayed away. They are increasingly isolated. This measure makes sure that someone must visit them. Even if they are recuperating and must remain seperate, the Priest must check on them.
The Poet, John Donne wrote: “No man is an Island.” I would add that when he becomes one, he feels his humanity less and less. It is through coming together to eat, learn, share ideas, and join in shared rituals that we grow connection and build the physical network we need to thrive.
Please check our website for different opportunities to join and belong to something bigger!
Shabbat shalom, Rabbi Bernstein
SERVICES Friday, April 5 - Thursday, April 11
Friday 8:00 PM - Kabbalat Shabbat - Bat Mitzvah - Brooke Sarubbi Saturday 9:00 AM - Nosh and Drosh 9:45 AM - Shabbat Service 10:30 AM - Junior Congregation Sunday 9:00 AM Minyan Monday 6:30 AM Minyan Thursday 8:00 AM Minyan 8:00 PM Minyan requested by Craig Gordonr
YOM HASHOAH CANDLES It can be powerful to honor those who perished in the Holocaust by lighting a candle. Our CBO Men's club has sponsored Yom Hashoah Candles for you to light in your homes.
The candles will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please come to the temple office between the hours of 10:30 am - 4:00 to pick up your candle or you may call the office to make other arrangements.
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