Sponsored by: Congregation B'nai Moshe
Times of Tragedy Bring out our Very Best or Very Worst
04/14/2020 10:29:17 AM
Steven Fine
Author | |
Date Added |
As with so many national and international tragedies we have faced in recent years, there is one constant. Tragedies either bring out the very best in people, or the very worst.
Rick Wiles, a Florida pastor, said on March 26 that God is giving the Jews the coronavirus as a divine punishment. “That is why you have a plague in your synagogues, he said.
We have seen shoppers hoarding groceries and personal items to the extent that others don’t have any. Is it necessary to have 144 rolls of toilet paper while your neighbor has none? We find anti-Jew hatemongers zoom-bombing video prayer services to spew their vitriolic epithets. And, we see people using this current tragedy to prey on the most vulnerable to try and cheat them out of money and their economic stimulus checks.
Sometimes it is difficult to look past this abhorrent behavior and see the wonderful things that people do in the face of tragedy and how much good there is in the world. However it is right here in front of our eyes.
We’ve seen people (our own Rabbi Kantor and family for one) driving by a friend or family member’s house to wish them a happy birthday. We’ve seen athletes, celebrities, and non-celebrities alike donate tens of millions of dollars to the effort. Quarantined people in Italy, Spain, France, and Israel coordinated times to applaud healthcare workers from their homes. The sounds of clapping, cheering, and whistling filled the air in expressions of gratitude for doctors, nurses, and others who are tirelessly treating the sick.
Fourth, fifth, and sixth graders in Columbus, Nebraska, made get well cards for people affected by the coronavirus. Their teacher then mailed the cards to the University of Nebraska Medical Center to be distributed to those in quarantine. Food trucks and restaurants are delivering free food to kids locked out of school lunch programs. There are so many similar stories.
Members of B’nai Moshe have stepped up, as we always do. We have collected over $1,500 in donations to provide food for medical heroes working tirelessly at Henry Ford Hospital WB. Michelle Seid and Jacqueline Goldstein have championed an effort wherein they have been providing food to many units at many hospitals with food from local restaurants, thus helping both the medical heroes and local food establishments.
People say that they can’t wait to get back to normal. I hope not. In “normal” times we don’t see nearly the generosity we see now. Let’s make these actions our ”new normal” when we don’t need a tragedy to fulfill our obligation of repairing the world. Remember, we’re not stuck at home. We’re safe at home. One word can make all the difference.
Tue, January 19 2021
6 Shevat 5781
Prayer Services
Today's Calendar
Mincha/Maariv : 5:00p |
Upcoming Programs & Events
Jan 24 Virtual Israel Tour Sunday, Jan 24 11:00a |
Feb 21 Purim Package Pickup Sunday, Feb 21 10:00a |
Feb 25 Community Purim Celebration Thursday, Feb 25 6:30p |
Mar 7 10th Annual President's Brunch Sunday, Mar 7 11:30a |
Mar 21 Tanya Gersh - Triumph of Her Will Sunday, Mar 21 7:00p |
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Bo
Shabbat, Jan 23 |
Candle Lighting
Friday, Jan 22, 5:16p |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Jan 23, 6:18p |
-
Sunday ,
JanJanuary 24 , 2021
Sunday, Jan 24th 11:00a to 12:30p
Although we can't physically come to Israel right now we are super-excited to bring Israel to you! No need for masks, no long rides, no jetlag - just a few hours of action-packed touring some on the incredible sites and places around the country. Join us for this fun-filled 5 week tour of Israel. -
Sunday ,
FebFebruary 21 , 2021
Sunday, Feb 21st 10:00a to 12:00p
Pick up your B'nai Moshe shalach manot package without leaving your car! Just drive up to the front door and we'll bring a package of delicious hamantashen and goodies to you! -
Thursday ,
FebFebruary 25 , 2021
Thursday, Feb 25th 6:30p to 9:00p
Join together with the entire metro-Detroit conservative synagogues for a fantastic Purim celebration! -
Sunday ,
MarMarch 7 , 2021
Sunday, Mar 7th 11:30a to 12:30p
10th Annual President's Brunch to benefit B'nai Moshe -
Sunday ,
MarMarch 21 , 2021
Sunday, Mar 21st 7:00p to 8:30p
Critical Conversation with Tanya Gersh: How a Montana mom became a leader in fighting antisemitism.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z'l
Read and watch the words of one of the world's foremost Jewish thinkers.
Upcoming Events- Jewish Federation
Stay current on Upcoming events by clicking on: JewishDetroit.org
Looking for Love in all the Wrong Places?
If you are single and looking for your besheret, click on JDate - Enroll
Your mother would be so
proud.