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Mitzvah of the Week

As we start the New Year, we think of the small things we can do as well as remaining aware of the big things that we cannot do anything about.  For example, we can be more conscious of our footprint on this planet and pick up trash on the street, turn off lights when we leave the room, not let the water run in the sink or shower, and compost (if available).

We must also remain aware of all of the needless tragedies happening every day that come from rampant greed and hatred.  From the shooting in Germany motivated by anti-Semitism, to the murder of 4 homeless men in our own city, and the deliberate abandonment of the Kurds to the murderous intentions of the Turks by our greedy and hateful administration, we are at a loss as to how to make a difference.  At this point in time, all we can do is bear witness, and to spread our own brand of tolerance and generosity as far as we can.

That said, we can have an immediate impact on our own corner of the world by donating healthy food to Part of the Solution (POTS).  Please don't forget to bring a shopping bag and fill it with groceries for our fellow Bronx residents, many of whom are immigrants.  Over the High Holidays, fill the bag and bring it back to Tehillah on Sukkot, our harvest festival, when we welcome the stranger and invite guests to share a meal.

You will have three opportunities to drop off your bag at RYSEC:

• October 13, while we are building and decorating our sukkah;
• October 16, when we join together to have a pot-luck meal in celebration of the holiday;
• October 18, as we celebrate Shabbat together.

Let's make a difference.