Building Community Life in Kearney!
Our sages taught that "Charity saves from Death". There are different kinds of charity and different types of death. There is the ten percent tithe we are commanded to give to the poor, the corners of our fields that we are to leave for the poor, the tithes to support the Kohanim, who have no property and dedicate themselves to service on our behalf. There is also charity that supports institutions of Torah learning, and spiritual outreach. The former can be easily understood to be life saving. A poor person without food and money to live will die. The latter is a bit harder to understand, yet falls under the same teaching, that "charity saves from death".
The Jewish sage, Choni HaMagel, said "Give me Chavruta, or give me death" The word Chavruta means companionship, it also is the term used for people studying Torah together. These are the foundations of Jewish community life. Life without companionship is worse than death. The companionship Choni spoke of was one formed out of a common goal and desire to come close to G-d. Our sages warned us that living outside of the community is a recipe for disaster. "Join the community, for the wolf snatches only the stray sheep that leave the flock".
In Nebraska, as in many places around america, there are People who are yearning for community. From Jews involved in the various Kashrut organizations that supervise manufacturing plants throughout the heartland, to teachers and students involved in the University of Kearney. There are also non-Jews who strive to keep the Noahide laws, but are bereft of community life, left searching for answers on google instead of the "priest among nations".
The challenges of Jewish community life in a place like Kearney, are vast. Most Jews I meet are Intermarried. Some have abandoned Judaism completely without ever really experiencing Jewish life, opting to seek community in churches instead. It's hard to blame such a person when the nearest synagogue is 135 miles away.
Baruch Hashem, Thank G-d, The Torah is strong enough to conquer all obstacles. Baruch Hashem, there are people in Kearney dedicated to building an open and welcoming Jewish community. There are Torah scholars that work nearby who are willing and excited to help teach and create a Jewish community environment.
What is missing is a central location for these activities to take place. A synagogue is more than a place to come together to pray. It's a second home. A place for classes, study partners, and shmoozing over kiddush. It's a classroom for an extra curricular hebrew school program, and a children's summer camp. It's a place for guest speakers traveling through the heartland to speak to and strengthen our community. It's a spot where women can get together for the Rosh Chodesh women's group. A synagogue is the heart of Jewish life.
Unfortunately, it takes time for a small community to grow enough to support itself, and without a synagogue this growth simply won't happen.
If you are able in anyway, whether by donating yourselves or approaching friends to help, the merit of future generations may rest in your hands. Please help by donating to this important cause through the GoFundMe account below:
Jewish Kearney is Hassidic in its roots and customs with a warmth and welcoming of all individuals. We understand that every person has a story about why they...
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posted by Unknown @ 12:39 PM
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