Being a member of this community, which I love so much, I can’t help but wonder what these times demand of me as an individual and of us as a community.

From my perspective, the essence of what we learn here at Shomrei during our Shabbat services and our various religiously oriented classes is that we are required to be holy –– as we attempt to be with MESH and IHN –– to respond to the world in such a way that makes it a better place, especially for the less fortunate among us.

My grandparents could not enter the United States as refugees. They died as a result. My parents were refugees and because of what this country made possible for them, they lived safe, productive and meaningful lives. They were always grateful and never forgot, for a moment, the safety and the new world that America provided them.

In part because of that history, I feel called upon to simply do something in response to recent events. I would like to know if there are others at Shomrei who feel as I do and if they would be willing to work together as members of our community to address issues related to refugees, immigration and other critical areas of concern.

Please feel free to write in to Kol Emunah, or contact me privately, if you are interested. If we as a group can combine our efforts with others to address these critical issues, we have a chance to represent our spiritual community at its best.

If you disagree with this request, I certainly respect your right to do so. I would like to hear from you and to learn your reasons.

I think it important that, if nothing else, we as a community begin to have this conversation. The times we live in demand our attention wherever we stand. Perhaps we can find some common ground and as a result, do some good.