I was already thinking about how rich were the two weeks from before Purim to just after in our Jewish community. There were so many gatherings, large and small, for celebration, learning, and tikkun olam.
Then the backdrop of Bernie Madoff's guilty plea and the AIG bonus flap made me appreciate all the more what a blessing our synagogue and Jewish community are, for ourselves and for the world.
While the bosses at AIG were caught enriching themselves despite their role in our economic carnage…a group of five members of this congregation began a monthly lunch group to talk about ethics in the workplace. This kind of group becomes a place of honesty and trust, where people can talk openly and confidentially about real dilemmas. And hopefully strengthen the integrity already present in each other.
While foundations and governments are cutting back on support for crucial services…two tzedakah collectives met through our congregation. One is a group of seventh graders, this year's Bar and Bat Mitzvah class. The other are seven women who call themselves the "Jewish Mothers' Giving Circle." Between them, the groups met with local nonprofit leaders, legislators, and foundation professionals. They talked about how to contribute their time as well as hundreds of dollars in ways that strengthen organizations and tie us more closely to the causes we care about.
While we still deal with the fallout from people whose business decisions were about the shortest-term gains in the market…our fourth graders and our high school students took up the mantle of the ages, and led us in Shabbat prayers and Purim celebration.
While many face unemployment or underemployment alone…our congregation is working with the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire and reaching out to area churches to plan a series of workshops and possibly "success groups" for people looking to build their skills, networks, and motivation.
While in many places people are afraid or isolated…our Sisterhood gathered in fellowship to celebrate Vashti, a biblical figure who was not afraid to stand up, in preparation for Purim, which celebrates Jews' overcoming fear and banding together.
While the people of Darfur and other places on the globe still struggle against vicious tyrants…nearly fifty people gathered on a Sunday afternoon to study the story of our people’s Exodus from slavery three thousand years ago. And to think about how it applies in our world, how we stand with those who are Moshe and Miryam to their own people today.
I believe these things matter. I believe in the ripple effect, the centrifugal force of our actions out into the world. If we keep at these things, and invite more and more people in, we will make a large difference. We already do for ourselves, and we eventually can for our society and the world.
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