We will be reading this Shabbat from Parashat Mishpatim which expands upon the ten commandments. Among the many laws that instruct us how to create a faithful, responsible and caring community is this law about how treat strangers and makes the connection to our experience of being othered in Egypt.
You shall not wrong or oppress a stranger (ger), for you were strangers in the land of Egypt (Exodus 22:20)
According to Rebbeinu Bahya, The refugee/ger who came from a foreign land and separated himself from his homeland is called גר by the Torah as he resembles a גרגיר, a berry falling off a tree which is separated from its source.
For over three years now, we have been anxiously awaiting for the refugee family sponsored by Beth Tzedec to complete their journey from Eritrea to a refugee camp in Ethiopia, then Adis Ababa on their way to their new home here in Canada. While we know that at times newcomers in this country are discriminated against as the above verse warns against, our intentio is to help this family of five feel loved and cared for.
We are thrilled to share that we have just learned that they will be arriving on March 8.
Hundreds of you have been involved with this mitzvah by donating to Beth Tzedec's Refugee Sponsorship Fund. Thank you!
There is still an opportunity to help in the following ways:
- Join our Refugee Sponsorship Committee and help with our settlement efforts
- Help us find housing- they need a three-bedroom unit which is very difficult to find in this climate.
- Donate or help us find furniture and help transport it, too!
- Donate technology (laptops, computers, phones)
Please email Bari Zittell, chair of the Refugee Sponsorship Committee barizittell@gmail.com to join our efforts.
Yasher Koach to us all!
B'Shalom,
