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Perhaps you have heard this famous maxim from the Talmud: “if you save one life, it is as if you have saved the entire world.” A corollary to that is also true in Jewish thought: if you comfort one life, it is as if you comforted the entire world.

This week, the Sinai community fulfilled this mission. When faced with the insurmountable task of addressing the magnitude of the October 7th massacre and its aftermath, we embraced this meaningful opportunity through one family.  Approached by a man named Eliezer Manor by way of our member Abe Sharony, we hosted the four members of the Vage family, survivors of that awful Shabbat on October 7th. 

On October 7th, Hamas terrorists broke into the family’s kibbutz, Nir Yitzhak, and murdered and kidnapped friends of Dany, Gat, Hila and Shira Vage. Two miles away, at Kibbutz Be'eri, the home of Gat’s parents was burned to the ground. Along with thousands of other Israelis, they underwent deep and lasting trauma. 

Several weeks later they arrived in the United States as part of an organized trip to provide survivor families with relaxation and a short vacation. In a broader sense, it was a chance to connect Israeli and American Jews on a micro level and demonstrate that the Jewish People are One. 

This past week truly brought out the best of our Sinai Family. Our incredible members, Kevin and Cindy Abel, hosted the Vage Family in their home, providing them with an amazing amount of love and care. 

Many members of our community heard about the project, reached out, and donated to make this past week a success. They drove the family all around town, shared their time, purchased gifts and made lasting memories with the parents and their inspiring teenage daughters. Time and time again, this week reminded me to never take for granted the special synagogue community we have here at Sinai. It reminded me that we can truly do ANYTHING. 

Their host, Kevin, shared about his time with the family: 
It was so heartwarming to see that in the face of such tragedy and chaos in their lives and the lives of their community, they’re able to have moments to love and laugh and be human.  I wanted to cry thinking about what they’re going back to, not to mention the trauma that they’ve already experienced that can never be unlived.  But I was warmed by the idea that they have had a wonderful reprieve these last few weeks in America and made new and lasting friendships. 

What a powerful reminder that in the midst of darkness, there are always ways to find a little bit of happiness. And it all starts with having an open mind and a generous heart.

Our Torah Portion reminds us to ask the question: When we are approached, how do we respond? Do we encounter this world with an open mind and heart or are we closed off? Do we have the courage to approach others in our times of need? In the portion’s first word, va’yigash/he approached, we learn that we will only repair our larger Jewish family if we take the first step closer. 

We know there is never a good time, it's always hectic and busy, but if we stop, and say yes to things that really matter, we never know the ways we might be changed and the impact we can have on others. Ultimately, this is what makes life rich, meaningful, and worthwhile. 

We are eternally grateful to the Vage family, the Abel family, and all the members of our community who stepped up, and worked together to make this an incredibly powerful week.  Sadly, we know that there are many other Israeli families who need a break and would love to visit Sandy Springs.  If you are interested in becoming involved with this endeavor in the future, please let me know. Together we will comfort and improve the world one family at a time. 

May it be a Shabbat Shalom for us all.