Sign In Forgot Password

When Self-Sacrifice Meets Self-Preservation

12/16/2020 03:03:23 PM

Dec16

Rabbi Jonathan Biatch

The three bottom lines of this message are simple. All the rest is commentary. Come and learn:

1. If you—members of our TBE community—need financial support for food, medicine, housing, or any other necessities to keep you safe and alive, please contact me immediately by email at rabbi@tbemadison.org or by phone at 608-238-3123.

2. Our community has great resources available. If you need help identifying other resources available in this community, please contact me through the channels mentioned above.

3. If you are a TBE member who can support our fellow members through your financial beneficence, please consider making an immediate donation to the Tzedakah Fund for these purposes.

Why do I turn to my Temple community for help?

Jewish law mandates that we preserve our own lives in almost every circumstance; in Hebrew, this concept is called piku’ach nefesh, the “saving of life.” Although we Jews practice selflessness, we are also to ensure that we take care of our own and ourselves, for in Leviticus (19:16) we learn that “we shall not stand idly by while another member of our community bleeds.”

In this spirit, I hope that if you are in need, you will move beyond pride and let me know of your distress. We have some funds available to help, we know of community resources to meet other needs, and we are willing to help. Private or public suffering is something that we need not abide. As Hillel wrote in Pirkei Avot (1:14), “If I do not support myself, who will support me?” We need to be present for one another, so that no one is left behind, forgotten, or injured by conditions beyond their control.

Again, if you need food, medicine, housing assistance, or other necessities to keep you safe and alive, please contact me immediately at rabbi@tbemadison.org or 608-238-3123. We will not leave your side.

March 29, 2024 19 Adar II 5784