In the coming days, we will observe three seemingly unrelated days on the calendar – Rosh Hashana, the anniversary of October 7th, and World Homeless Day. We will mark these days each in their own special way and it would be easy to miss the very Ve’ahavata themes that tie them in common.
Every year brings its personal challenges, and Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, is our designated time to reflect on the year that has passed, consider how we have been, and clarify our hopes and goals for self-improvement in the coming year.
This year, Rosh Hashana will be followed by the one-year commemoration of October 7th, a deeply tragic event that challenged the Jewish people in unprecedented ways and awakened us to harsh realities we thought long buried in the past.
And then, on October 10th, Ve’ahavta will mark World Homeless Day with a virtual Lunch & Learn where we will provide you with an insider’s view from our frontline team who work with people facing extreme poverty and homelessness on the streets of the GTA. This is a chance to learn about the complex problem of poverty, ask questions of our staff, and see homelessness in a whole new light. Register here
So, what could these three days possibly have in common? It is simple and oh so Ve’ahavta. Each one invites us to reflect on how we react to life’s challenges and adversity, and how that adversity can lead us to change and growth.
For myself, when I reflect back on the challenges that I have faced and overcome in the last year, I know how much I have learned and grown as a result. When I consider the Jewish people’s response to the contemporary adversity of antisemitism, I can see how we have stood together, defended ourselves, and grown stronger. And when I consider the magnitude of strength and resilience that is required to survive homelessness and overcome poverty, I am filled with deep admiration for the people who benefit from Ve’ahavta’s services.
It is the nature of life itself to present us with seemingly impossible challenges, in order for us to grow and change; to get knocked down, get back up, and in doing so, have the faith that we will come out better, stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
And so, at the start of this month I invite you to mark each of these special days reminded of the opportunity that adversity provides us, individually and collectively, to prevail and to evolve.
I wish you and your loved ones a year of peace, good health and much happiness.
Cari Kozierok,
Executive Director, Ve’ahavta
