Rabbi Heller's Blog

Within our congregation, our Kesher Committee makes such a difference, as groups of volunteers do things reaching out to those facing illness, helping families prepare for shiva after a loss. As our synagogue continues to grow, we are seeking additional volunteers to help fulfill these Mitzvot. To volunteer, you can reach out to Rashelle Berry, rashelle.berry@gmail.com. To understand just how important these Mitzvot are, we need read no further than our Torah portion this week, Vayehi. As the portion begins Jacob is nearing the end of his life. Twice in the portion, he senses his impending mortality and summons his sons, first Joseph alone, and then all of them, to receive his final instruction. However, in between these two episodes, we read that Joseph hears that his father is sick and goes to visit. That middle visit bears important lessons for us today, as to how tending to those with illness benefits, not only for the one visited, but the visitor as well.

As we read the story, we see that the two times Jacob summons his children, he is confined to the bed and his words to his children make demands and offer much bitter along with the sweet. Not all of the children leave the conversation pleased with the outcome, and Jacob himself is weakened after the first, and dies after the last. However, in between, when Joseph comes to his father unbidden to tend to his illness, we see a different outcome

As we might imagine, Jacob, who had been bedridden, sees his condition improve, at least temporarily, as the visit gives him the strength to sit up and engage in animated conversation. However, the encounter is also an unqualified positive for the visitors as well. They receive one of the most enduring blessings of the Bible as Jacob offers Joseph the blessing that was missing from his previous visit. Jacob also meets Joseph’s sons and specifies that all future generations of Jews will invoke Ephraim and Menashe’s names in blessing their own children.

Towards the end of the portion, when Jacob dies, we have one of the few kind things that the Torah has to say about the Egyptians. They are commended for their kindness and support in accompanying Joseph and his brothers to bury him and mourn him.

Of course, often there are friends, neighbors and extended family who are able to reach out and offer support at times of illness, loss, or the challenges that can arrive with a new baby. Even when that is true, knowing that there is a larger circle of care can be a great comfort. There are many ways that the volunteers in our community carry out these Mitzvot today.  Sometimes a call or a card is enough to provide uplift. Other times, a meal for the family prepared and delivered by members of our congregation, helps to remove a burden. Occasionally, we will go further, arranging a ride to a doctor’s appointment or offering recurring visits and check-ins. Some volunteers like to go and visit/deliver in person, while others prefer the anonymity of the kitchen. Every one of these provides blessing to the recipient, but also to the giver. I hope that you will consider helping our community be as caring as it can be.