|
Our tradition teaches us to use our knowledge, skills,
and money to help those who are ill, as well as to
recite a prayer asking for God's help.
Why do you think both action and prayer are required?
Why do we need both technology and a prayerbook to
repair the world?
|
|
Some suffering is caused by illness, disease, or acts of
nature. We can work to lessen such suffering. For
example, with the help of modern science, we can warn
people of a coming storm that may do damage or take
lives. We can use medical skills to heal sickness and
injuries and, when we see suffering, we can reach out
and help through other acts of tikkun olam. Just
like the prophet Isaiah who heard God's call, we can
say, "Here I am! Hineni!" I am God's
partner and I want to do my part to repair and complete
the world.
WE ARE EACH ASKED TO DO OUR PART
In ancient times, Rabbi Tarfon taught, "It is not
your responsibility to complete the task, but neither
are you free from doing your part."
Jewish heroes are people who do their part to improve
the world. They are members of our community--our
rabbis, our teachers, our neighbors, and our friends.
They are people just like you.
|
