By Rabbi Moshie Weisblum
A community can be defined as a group of people who care about each other and feel they belong together. It is made up of individuals who are not just random strangers, but have relationships with each other. They develop trust amongst each other, which unlocks the sharing of ideas, the giving of support, the offering of hope and the assurance of safety.
The formation of a community inherently addresses some of our most fundamental needs as human beings: we want to be loved, we don’t want to be lonely and we want to know that we belong somewhere. It is empowering to feel we have some say in the community issues that affect us and to know that our perspective is appreciated and respected. Being part of a genuine community gives us a sense of home, a sense of family, a sense of belonging and a sense of shared identity. It perpetuates the notion that we are going through life together with others and that the sum is bigger than its parts. And because many of us manifest our interests through the people we spend time with, the community we associate with becomes part of our self-expression.
Being a community member requires behaving in good form and not being afraid to break down barriers, change perspectives or shift goals. One’s intention should always be to bring people together, for the sake of the greater good.
A good community takes pride in its cohesion, with its members respecting and supporting each other regardless of age, gender, race or creed. The community as a whole is a safe and bonded unit that looks out for its elderly and more vulnerable residents and creates a space through which they can be active. Community members raise children together and welcome diversity. They promote and value open, participative development processes, underpinned by a continuous culture of trans-generational learning. A community is somewhere that people want to stay and see their children and grandchildren grow up in.
A community is as unique as it is resilient. When there are problems, it offers solace without being judgmental or suffocating. Established communities will ideally have access to essential services and will value the sense of space and place inherent to its boundaries, enabling people to connect with one another and to develop both individually and collectively.
An excellent example of a real and special community is Congregation Beth Tikvah in Wantagh. It is a warm and amazing community that welcomes everyone. It is comprised of devoted people, who care for all ages, are mutually responsible and attend to the special needs of the congregation. It is a lively and active place with a true sense of extended family, where one can feel a sense of pride about his or her Jewish identity and strengthen their connection with the Almighty. At Congregation Beth Tikvah, we are united in good times as well as sad occasions. We also remember to honor those loved ones who are no longer with us, but who came before us and contributed so much to the community. These qualities combined are what makes us proud to be a part of this congregation.
I invite everyone to join Beth Tikvah’s various events and become a part of its wonderful and thriving community. Inevitably, we all are responsible for one another, and being part of a community can create a more meaningful and happy quality of life for each of us.
I pray to the Almighty for the continued strength we need to serve as a lighthouse of faith and peace in Wantagh. May we perpetuate those values and dreams with dedication and enthusiasm and remain a unified congregation, who rejoices in happy occasions.
May everyone be blessed with good health and prosperity. Amen.
