“There is a Time to Study Talmud
and There is a Time to Play Golf”

While the book of Ecclesiastes didn’t state the teaching in this precise manner, I learned this lesson last month. The Talmud teaches that communal activity is as meritorious as studying Talmud. On June 2, those of us who set off for Raintree Golf Course to volunteer our time were lifted higher than we could have been had we been studying the sacred texts of our tradition.

On February 15, a young member of our Temple, Jesse Lieberman, who was recently engaged and already planning his wedding for the spring of 2004 at Temple Beth El, was doing a mitzvah when he fell from the balcony of his apartment. He suffered a severe spinal cord injury and at this time has limited physical ability.

Jesse is an incredible person who sees his accident as “just a bump in the road.” Those of us who are blessed to have our lives connected with his are inspired by his strength of spirit and soul. Even though his dedication to helping and healing others is great, at this stage in his recovery, he needs our help. Jesse’s needs for new equipment to help him lead his life are quite costly – from a van that would cost $40,000 to a wheelchair that cost $17,000. All of us knew that while the burden was too great for him to bear alone, if as a community we just chipped in, it would be easy.

One hundred and thirty eight golfers came out to support Jesse in his healing. These members of our community – from our Temple, from Temple Israel, from the JCC and beyond came to this event not to get the recognition of having their names on some sponsorship roster. They came not to build a facility that their families would have the benefit of using, nor did they come to ensure the financial security of their individual institutions. It was more basic. The giving was simply to help a fellow community member so he could have the basics he needed to live his life, resume his studies at medical school, and enjoy his fiancé, his friends and his community. During that week alone $50,000 was raised to help Jesse purchase the equipment he needs.

Over the past five years, there have been many occasions, like last month, that I have been deeply awed and profoundly proud of our Charlotte Jewish community. There have been remarkable moments when we have come together, like the Israelites did in the desert, with generous gifts in hand that simply came from our hearts. That is the essence of what it means to be a community – to give not for gain but to give because we care.

When life challenges us, we can confront the struggles alone or we can turn to the community to help us respond. When our lives are going well, we can show our gratitude by reaching out to help others. We can lift up the phone and simply ask the Temple: What can I do? What can I give? How can I help? Is there someone who needs a ride to Temple? Is there a family who is in need of a meal? Is there someone who is in need of help towards a scholarship to camp?

I can promise you – the more you give to our community – of your time, of your energy, of yourself the greater your sense of connection will be.

If you would like to give to this fund for Jesse, please send a check to The Healing Fund at Temple Beth El.
 

Judy Schindler, Rabbi