Last weekend I had the merit of leading a wonderful group of local teens to New York for the International CTeen Shabbaton (pics below) .
The teens made many new friends, celebrated a beautiful Shabbat in Brooklyn, enjoyed a boat ride, delicious meals, our chapter even hosted a super lively after-party for over 200 teens. They also engaged in meaningful discussions, workshops, visited the Rebbe's Ohel, celebrated our Jewish pride with dancing and singing in Times Square and finished with a grand banquet and Nissim Black concert! Wow!
On Sunday evening we were at LaGuardia airport, returning to Houston after a whirlwind weekend in NYC with CTeen Bellaire. One of the teens had a ticket to return on a later flight than the rest of us, so we approached the agent at the gate to see if stand-by would be an option to bump him onto our flight. While we were talking to the agent, an amazing Muslim woman named Saadia approached the agent and said that she was confirmed for our flight but would like to give up her seat so that Mikie would be able to travel together with his group. She was willing to take the next flight to Houston, three hours later!! We were all totally blown away by Saadia’s incredibly generous and selfless offer to an absolute stranger (join the conversation).
Saddia could not have shown up at a better time, as we prepare for the holiday of Purim, this Tuesday. Purim is celebrated with 4 Mitzvot, hearing the Megillah reading, giving gifts of food to another, enjoying a feast and giving charity to the poor.
On Purim the obligation is to respond generously to anyone who reaches out for help, no judgment and no evaluating of how needy they are or how deserving. We just give.