I challenge you!
With the Jewish New Year just days away, it is appropriate to remind ourselves about how the Jewish people are essentially one unit.
Just like with the human body; when even one organ is not well, the pain can be felt all over, similarly, when even one 'lone' Jew is lacking in some way – materially or spiritually – we all feel it, it compromises the totality of the Jewish people.
For example, I can think to myself:
"I have a seat reserved at High Holiday services and I've been invited to join a wonderful Rosh Hashanah dinner, it's all good!"
In truth however, each of us can probably identify in our minds at least one Jewish friend, who we know in all likelihood is not planning to celebrate Rosh Hashanah this year, or does not have an invitation or seat reserved for themselves.
Here is where Jewish unity and brotherhood can kick in!
I invite you to join a challenge we took upon ourselves last Shabbat at Synagogue: Please, take a few moments and identify a Jewish acquaintance that probably does not have Rosh Hashanah plans. Reach out to him or her, invite them to join you at your home or your synagogue this Rosh Hashanah.
This will enhance their holiday, your personal holiday and it will enhance the holiday for all of Israel!
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky