This month is the Hebrew month of Cheshvan. While there are no major holidays during this month, we mark a significant day on the 7th of Cheshvan, when many traditionally began praying for rain. By this time, most people had returned from their travels to Israel for the Holidays. While it was important to begin these prayers, it was even more important to acknowledge the needs of even one person who was still travelling, in the hope that they would be spared from the discomfort of the rain while travelling.
Why was it so important to wait to pray? Because everyone matters, has value, and can make a difference. From the moment we are born, we should carry this message that we matter, we are needed, and we all have something unique and meaningful to contribute. Rain is symbolic of blessing. We can truly pray for blessing and embrace blessing when we acknowledge and appreciate everyone. We can all make a difference when we appreciate one another together.
At the JAA, we strive to meet the needs of everyone in our community. Through caring, giving, and celebrating others, we honor each individual and their unique contributions. May we continue to be blessed in sharing in the blessings that we have, and share them together with our community and the world around us.
– Rabbi Dovid Small