Giving is getting.
It sounds cliche but it really is far from that. Take the simple act of giving to one’s child, loved one or friend. There’s a deep satisfaction that is felt as a result of the giving.
This past week I wrote a letter of condolences to a bereaved family in Israel. I don’t know them personally, but had been receiving notices from one of the numerous WhatsApp groups I had joined after October 7th with info on sending condolences to bereaved families as a result of the massacre. The only information I had was the short bio they provided so that it could be personalized somewhat.
After I pushed send on the email, I was filled with a feeling that surprised me. What started as an exercise of exploration. As in — let’s try this once — didn’t end there, rather, it opened up a new portal. It felt satisfying and motivating to write to yet another family. In short, it felt really good and tremendously satisfying.
Last week we hosted a soldier who had been on the front lines in Gaza. He responded to a question of what kept him going in Gaza, “letters of encouragement from people in the diaspora”. He said that his whole unit were energized by these letters.
Who would have known the power of simple gestures? Until being reminded of course.. at which point it’s clear of the dual experience that transpires and is inherent being on the giving side. Or is it the receiving side?
The truth is, a quick perusal of this week’s Torah portion spells it out fairly clearly. It’s a fund raise for the traveling Tabernacle / Synagogue — the house of G-d. The wording from G - d to Moses is communicate with the Jewish people and instruct them to “take for me a contribution”. Take? Should it not be give?
Hopefully the thread above flows and the answer is clear. When giving one is taking. The perfect circle and cycle. May we all be blessed with numerous opportunities to be the giver — the reward is felt immediately and at the same time the world becomes a raised experience and a perfect setting for G-d’s presence and blessings!
With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yehuda and Dina Kantor
P.S. If you’d like the info to be added to the “letter to the nation” WhatsApp lmk. It’s a Divine experience.
P.P.S. At the Dara Horn event — we will be having letter writing to IDF soldiers that will be delivered by hand during the men’s Israel solidarity mission to Israel.
P.P.P.S. We will be inaugurating a beautified bomb shelter for the community in the Gaza envelope — decimated by the greater Westport community. To be a part of it click here.