The Dream of Jewish Family Services
Before summer began, students sat in class (as well as a few teachers) and indulged in dreams about summer. 10 weeks to relax and recharge. Wonderful days of waking up without an alarm clock. Being able to eat a relaxing breakfast. Going on a nature walk, swimming, sitting in the sun, and reading. And then the school bell rings and on to the next period.
Dreaming is fun. Dreams are what makes life interesting. It allows us to imagine what could be. But even more fun is dreaming about something that can come true. The pleasure in daydreaming about summer while still in school is knowing that reality is just around the corner.
From the 17th of Tammuz until Tisha b’Av, (both fast days) we remind ourselves of what time was like when the Temple in Jerusalem was in existence. We remember the tragedies that led up to its destruction, namely sinat chinam-having hatred for each other for no real reason, and we dream about the day that it will be rebuilt and all of the Jewish people will finally return, en masse, home.
We even know what steps need to be taken to make this dream a reality, namely, loving our fellow Jew unconditionally. This means judging people to the side of merit, not speaking or listening to slander, helping each person become the best one can be, helping to make each person self-sufficient. Once we accomplish this, our Rabbis say, Hashem will bring us back home and we will once again be able to fulfill the Torah the way it was meant to be observed. This, too, is a dream that is achievable through dedication and hard work.
At Jewish Family Services, I have a dream that I believe is also achievable: I dream of the day that I no longer need to solicit funds for the Virtual Food Pantry, due to your generous ongoing support. As you know, the Pantry is giving approximately $1900 a month in various gift cards. The Pantry, as well as all of JFS in its entirety, is only able to operate due to your magnanimous donations.
I’m always amazed by the generosity of our community in supporting our mission of helping out the most vulnerable. May it be our young families who hit a financial/spiritual “speed bump” or our seniors at home or in residences, JFS is here to help.
So, with Rosh Hashanah around the corner, I, once again, ask for your help. Our goal for this Rosh Hashanah appeal is $6000. This will allow us to continue our important work and provide people with the assistance that they need.
If you would like to help make my dream of not having to run appeals come to fruition, please consider setting up an automatic monthly donation to the Pantry. Dreams can become a reality, if we really want it. So dream high!
On behalf of the Jewish Family Services, may we all be inscribed and sealed for a happy and healthy New Year.
Rabbi Fred Nebel
Jewish Family Services Director
574-233-1164 x1806
RabbiNebel@TheJewishFed.org
