Rabbi Weinberg's Elul Thought for the Day

Monday August 24

Today is the fourth day of Elul! Yesterday we inaugurated our Teshuva, Tefilla, Tzedaka series for Elul (watch here).  We heard about all the amazing Chesed work being done in our community especially through five of the key organizations that create a platform for Jewish life in Silver Spring:  Eruv, Mikva (MES), Chevra Kadisha, Bikur Cholim, and Yad Yehuda.  Every one of these pillars of our communal life is fueled by volunteers who give of themselves for the sake of others.  This is so inspiring to me! Chesed is predicated upon the ability to see outside of yourself and recognize the “other.”   This is also the crucial ingredient for teshuva between Man and God and between Man and his fellow Man.  Take a moment today to recognize a need or a cause outside of yourself and act upon it.  Take note of how it makes you feel closer to Hashem and to your fellow human beings.