Scene 52

We do not throw up our hands in despair. We put our hands to use.

Well, here we are again. Another war in the Middle East. Missiles flying, each one could feed thousands of people facing food insecurity, each one could build needed housing. Think about all the crates of water we here in Toronto could distribute.

It’s enough to make one throw up their hands and stare passively at our screens.

But we can’t.

Because people in our communities need our help.

Yesterday at the Miles Nadal Jcc, in celebration of the holiday of Purim where a genocide against the Jews in the Middle East instigated by a man (of course) was thwarted by a woman (of course), the community got together for The Great Purim Project. Together, they packed 1,110 Matanot L’Evyonim - a Purim tradition of providing food for the hungry.

These food bags were then given to other community members at the nearby Scott Mission, Yonge Street Mission, Jewish Immigration Aid Services and Ve’ahavta.

Talk about meeting the moment.

Were people packing those bags worried sick about their family and friends in the Middle East. Absolutely.

Did they check their phones frequently for news. Definitely.

Did they feel helpless in the face of the violence that they cannot control. Probably.

And yet, in spite of all that, they did something.

And maybe they felt peace for a minute or two.

And perhaps the next time they feel helpless in the madness, they will remind themselves that they are not helpless. That they can do. That they can help someone who needs them. Not on the other side of the world, but right outside their door.

Kindness matters. Today and every day.

Yasher Koach to the Miles Nadal JCares Community. Good on ya.