What makes each of us unique?
Last Shabbat evening, held at the lovely home of a member of our community, we had a fascinating conversation about Abraham, and God’s call Lech Lecha; “Go forth towards yourself”. I asked the question, what is our purpose in life? What makes each of us a unique human being with a unique calling? It is not an easy question, and it might be unsettling as well. What if we don’t know, or if it is unclear? I believe we all do have a purpose. Sometimes we waste our time longing for things of low interest or importance, and it is hard to avoid the noise around us. Our purpose is, I believe, to grow, to contribute to the world around us, starting with friends, family, and community.
Remembering with local communities
As a community, we offer many opportunities to explore our Jewish identity, and also to meet with other local communities. On Shabbat morning, we were honoured by the visit of local Mayors, teachers from Southborough High School, colleagues from Liberal Judaism and our great friend from St Mary’s Church, Rector Kuhan Satkunanayagam.
We remembered the end of the First World War, 81 years since Kristallnacht, 80 years since the start of the Second World War, the three Czech Scrolls that we have in our synagogue, and 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Recent history compels us to be vigilant in our time, to pay tribute to those who suffered greatly in the recent past, and to work for a better world where all people are safe. Read more here about the service.
Celebrating social action with local communities
On Sunday afternoon, we are excited to be participating in Mitzvah Day at KLS. Mitzvah Day is confident, Jewish and outward facing, based on our willingness to reach out to neighbours and to make the communities around us better places to live. We’ll be hosting a number of activites for all ages – includuing making fat balls for our garden birds with our young children. Members of the local community are really welcome to join us – just get in touch if you’d like to come along.
Healthy conversations with other faith communities
And we’re really excited about our upcoming Interfaith event “Shalom – Salaam” on Tuesday 26 November from 7:30pm onward. Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, from Masorti Judaism UK, and Imam Mamadou Bocoum will discuss Jewish/Muslim relations. We are co-hosting this event with the organisation Muslims Against Antisemitism. Tickets are going fast so please book if you’d like to come – no charge! Just register here.
Here at KLS we pride ourselves in being a place where different faiths meet and share their views in friendship and openness. And God knows our world needs healthy conversations.
