Abraham sat at the entrance of his tent ready to welcome guests. Yishar koach to our Or Zarua hosts for Shabbat Across OZ who are preparing their Shabbat tables for those who signed on to be their guests. We are blessed to have had the leadership of Ilona Charkow and Deborah Olstein for our annual tradition which this year is in memory of Diane Okrent of blessed memory who used to orchestrate this blessed affair.
The mandate of hosting, of hospitality and Shabbat engagement comes from the Torah’s stories and laws. It is said that Abraham and Sarah brought God’s light to the world through their socializing around the Sabbath meals they served.
I bless each of us with the energy and resources to both be hosts and guests. The more people who extend Shabbat invitations the closer a community realizes how blessed they are to connect with each other and Jewish tradition.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Bolton