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Ready - LEARN CPR and ASHVILLE STILL NEEDS TENTS

According to the Talmud, it is the obligation of every father to teach his son how to swim.  It's a famous passage, not only for its straightforward statement of Law (which is rare in the Talmud) but also because it mandates teaching something physical which was, in fact, a favorite Roman sport.  (Generally, the only things the Rabbis and the Romans liked in common were the hot mineral baths at Tiberius, still operating today!) 

The Rabbis, however, did not conceive of swimming as yet another opportunity for the guys to splash around naked or even an invitation to exercise.  For them, it was a preparedness thing.  Men should be able to save themselves and others (apparently their wives and mothers and sisters--but I digress) in the event of an emergency.

In Judaism, preparedness is about three things:

    1.)  Being aware of, even anticipating possible dangers ahead of time;

    2.)  Watching for possible emergencies; and 

    3.)  Having the skills and/or equipment to meet the crisis.

    Oh, and maybe 4.)  Cultivating the courage and self-confidence to step right in.

This teaching is so fundamental to Judaism that the very first Jew, Abraham, demonstrates it in the first book of the Torah, and this week's parsha.  As the portion opens, Abraham is "sitting in the opening of his tent during the heat of the day."  It's high noon in the desert and a dangerous time for any human.  Abraham is doing the safe thing, keeping still in the shade.  Its a good time to nap, but Abe instead is sitting up, at the edge of the shade, watching the desert.  He knows that if anyone is out there moving they are probably lost and in trouble.  This is an essential aspect of his righteousness--anticipating danger, keeping watch, staying ready to respond.  Three 'men' do appear, and he leaps up with water at the ready and beseeches them stay.

Next Sunday, Nov. 24th, we all have the opportunity to expand our readiness.  CBS is offering a CPR and Defibrillator Class.  10:30am-12pm. There is no cost to attend.  If you want to fulfill the mitzvah of preparedness, please RSVP through the signup link provided in the announcement below.

Recently, on the national news, there was an interview with a Jewish boy--in kippah and some sort of Jewish scout uniform--who saved a man's life with CPR.  "It was a mitzvah," he told the newscaster, "and I was happy to have the opportunity to fulfill it." 

Saving lives is a Jewish thing.  Thinking about it ahead of time and getting properly trained is Very Jewish.  

AND SPEAKING OF ABRAHAM'S TENT, ASHEVILLE STILL NEEDS THEM!  Please bring camping gear to the temple by Dec. 1st so they can be taken to people in desperate need!  This is also a basic mitzvah (command) and quintessentially what Jews do.

BTW, another way Jews provide for effective crisis response is by having a Rabbi who is here for personal and family emergencies, medical, interpersonal, communal.  Please put that on your doorposts and remember it.

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Congregation Bayt Shalom, PO Box 2713, Greenville, 27836  – Attn Treasurer