Opportunity is Knocking!

Community Connections with Rabbi Fred Nebel

Life is an opportunity waiting for you to take the plunge. During our waking hours, various possibilities arise, and all we need to decide is whether to take advantage of the situation. Think of the many times you’ve thought, “If only I had…”

For example, we have experienced many days of snow this season, which meant people have had to shovel their walkway or driveway. While it gave some people the opportunity to get some exercise and shovel, it allowed others to take advantage and make some extra cash. I saw a lot of plows clearing out private properties as well as some people with shovels over their shoulders offering to remove the snow. It was also a chance to do an act of chessed (kindness) and, without fanfare, shovel out a neighbor’s sidewalk. Truly a plethora of possibilities afforded to us through the weather.

As the Director of Jewish Family Services, I try to keep my eyes open to employment opportunities. When I hear about them, I pass the information on to clients who have the appropriate skills and present them with an avenue to secure employment. Employment is much more than generating money. A job usually forces the person to leave their home and interact with other people. It gets a person out of their own head and presents another perspective on life. It aids in maintaining one’s self-esteem, as one has money with which to buy things without assistance. A job is an opportunity to expand one’s horizons.

The Federation recently held “A Taste of Chugim” fair in which we hosted many clubs, some that are already operational and some which are looking to generate interest and begin. The opportunities abound for communal involvement, including the Book Club, Film Club, Krav Maga, Meditation club, and so much more! And if what you were looking for was not there, we even asked you to write it down and let us know what you would like to be a part of. We are offering a way for you to find your niche and create your opportunities.

For those who may want to expand their spiritual and/or Jewish education, in addition to what the Federation offers, our local synagogues have a plethora of classes and prayer services. The amount of learning and growing opportunities for a city our size is unparalleled.

And for those who always wondered, “When will I ever use Hebrew unless I go to Israel?” our Shaliach, Omer, as well as others in town who are fluent, would love the opportunity to speak with you and help maintain, and even improve, your skills. As the saying goes, “Use it or lose it!”

The funny thing about opportunities is that you can’t reap any benefits from them without actually participating. Every program, activity, and/or job needs people to make them work. If you do not engage, then the opportunity is lost. And once that opportunity is gone, the odds are it will not come again.

So, I would encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunities which are presented. You may be pleasantly surprised and happy that you took the leap.

Rabbi Fred Nebel
Jewish Family Services Director
574-233-1164 x1806
RabbiNebel@TheJewishFed.org