Flowers are pretty but acts of lovingkindness are beautiful.

My friends, the High Holy Days are just around the corner and it has been a tradition for many years to beautify the sanctuary with flowers. Some of you have generously donated to purchase the arrangements, adding a sweet smell and lovely image to our holy space.

For this year, and with God’s help, many years to follow, I would like to suggest an alternative.

בֶּן זוֹמָא אוֹמֵר...אֵיזֶהוּ מְכֻבָּד, הַמְכַבֵּד אֶת הַבְּרִיּוֹת (משנה אבות ד:א)

Ben Zoma says: Who is honored? One who honors the lives of others. (Avot 4:1)

כְּבוֹד הַבְּרִיּוֹת or Kavod HaBriyot refers to the Jewish concept of “dignity.” It is the honor due to all of God’s creation.

Flowers last for a week or two. But an act of kindness stands forever. And the Talmud teaches: “Whoever saves a single life… is considered by scripture to have saved the entire world.” (San 37a)

To bring in 5783 with beauty and commitment to our Jewish values, we will be decorating our sacred space by uplifting those less fortunate than ourselves. We are teaming up with two incredible organizations to raise much needed items of dignity.

No One Left Behind focuses on supporting former interpreters and U.S. government employees from the Iraq and Afghan conflicts. No One Left Behind advocates help evacuate deserving applicants to safety and provides resettlement assistance to help them start new lives as Americans.

Stepping Stone San Diego has been providing residential and outpatient for people suffering from alcohol and drug dependence for over 40 years. Primarily serving the LGBTQ community, Stepping Stone’s doors are open to all in needed of services related to alcohol and drug addiction, and those in need of life-enhancing recovery from co-occurring conditions.

Our sage Rabbi Hillel asks:

If I am not for myself, who is for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I?

And if not now, when? (Avot 1:14)

Please see below a list of the most needed items. Then, starting right now, please bring as much as you can to services or the synagogue office so we can add them to our display. Clean out your closet, make a trip to Costco, or when you’re at the supermarket, remind yourself just how blessed you are and add a few extra items to your cart for those who are not so lucky.

Instead of flowers, this year our Bimah will be decorated with גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים G’milut Hasidim, acts of loving-kindness!!!

Please bring in as much of the following as you can: