Last weekend, my daughter and I spent two hours in a Westchester warehouse sorting medical and hygiene supplies for relief in Ukraine. We separated toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant and dental floss. We checked expiration dates and sorted boxes, and boxes of bandaids, surgical pads and diapers. The time flew by. By the time we finished our shift, our group, and the others who volunteered that day, had sorted tons! of materials for those in need in Ukraine These supplies will make their way to Ukraine
and be distributed where they are needed most. I'm grateful to The Afya Foundation for their tremendous work to get vital supplies to those enduring humanitarian crises, as they have done for 14 years. Learn more about the Afya Foundation and support their extraordinary work in Ukraine here. If you would like to organize a Habonim sorting shift at Afya's Yonkers website, reach me at rabbigelber@habonim.net . Keep in mind, sorting takes place on the 2nd floor of the warehouse. There is no elevator.
This week's parasha, Metzora, continues the conversation about those who have a nega, some sort of plague, blemish, or disease (some say leprosy-like that infected people, clothing, and even houses). These circumstances set people outside the community for a period of time. As I mentioned last week in shul, the goal was reintegration into community and one's fullest being. This reminds me that our greatest challenges have the potential to transform into something life-giving. Rabbi Arthur Waskow teaches that the Hebrew letters of nega - nun/gimel/ayin - may be rearranged to spell oneg - ayin/nun/gimel. Oneg/joy may become the by-product of a trying circumstance or situation. My daughter and I experienced that at the Afya warehouse, as strangers became friends while we worked to bring restoration to our world.
As you prepare for Passover, celebrate our journey from slavery to freedom with the help of Midrash Manicures. You can find Passover nail decals here; matzah pajamas here and a matzah playhouse here . Use coupon code seder20 for 20% off.
As we move towards Shabbat, my heart is in the East with our brothers and sisters in Israel, as they endure this newest wave of senseless violence and terror. I pray that we see the day when war and bloodshed cease and a great peace will embrace the whole world. This would truly be a sense of Shabbat.
Shabbat Shalom rg
Congregation Habonim 103 West End Ave New York, NY 10023
