Rabbi Hillel Skolnik’s Torah Spark for Nitzavim 5775

10 Sep Rabbi Hillel Skolnik’s Torah Spark for Nitzavim 5775

This Shabbat we read from Parashat Nitzavim which opens with image of the Israelites standing on this day before God. It is a particularly appropriate image for this time of year because in just a few days we will all once again be standing before God on Rosh HaShanah. As we use this moment of standing together as a time to be grateful for our community, we should also use this moment to be mindful of those who have no community, who need people to love and support them with care and with goods. This year we at SOJC are participating in two different mitzvah projects during this Jewish holiday season. The first is a food drive organized by the Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando. When you come to services in the coming days and weeks, please take a brown paper bag and fill it with non-perishable goods that will be used to help stock the Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry run by Jewish Family Services. Our second project is through Harbor House of Central Florida which is a shelter for victims of domestic violence. They need general household items but specifically are asking for cleaning products, bleach, degreasers, scrubbing powder, rubber gloves as well as general household items. When you go to the supermarket, if you’re buying one, please think about buying two instead and donating one to a victim of domestic violence. As they get back on their feet and move out of the shelter, they do so knowing that all the supplies they need to make and keep their new home are already there for them. You can bring the food and other items with you to any of our services during Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Hillel Skolnik

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