Rabbi Elka Abrahamson, who is President of the Wexner Foundation and one of my beloved teachers, recently concluded a group email with the words "Be healthy. Be safe. Be kind." I pray that each of you is remaining healthy and safe. I also appreciate Rabbi Abrahamson's reminder that during these challenging times, kindness is just as important, and perhaps requires just as much energy, as health and safety.
It is also a central message of the parshiot this Shabbat. In Acharei Mot and K'doshim we find much of the Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-26), with its repeated theme, "You shall be holy, for I, your Eternal God, am holy." These chapters contain some well known commands, such as to leave the corners of your field for the poor and the stranger, to not insult the deaf, or place a stumbling block before the blind, to respect those who are aged, and to love the stranger. We are frequently reminded to be holy, and that part of holiness is to be kind to one another, even when, or especially when, it is difficult.
The Torah teaches that kindness can take many forms. And that we should also be kind to ourselves. As we conclude another week, and begin another month, I pray that we have the strength to be kind.
Be healthy. Be safe. Be kind.
Rabbi's Message: Be Healthy. Be Safe. Be Kind.