Dear Friends,

By definition, chesed reflects imperfection, that someone must go above and beyond what is normally done to help someone else in need. We want God to engage in chesed, because when God engages in chesed, He is going above and beyond what should occur according to the rules of nature. We respond by acknowledging our gratitude and that gratitude hopefully results in creating an even greater dependence on God. This is a positive result. However, when a human performs an act of chesed for another, it can create two classes, the “haves” and the “have nots,” the givers and the takers.

Perhaps God created poverty so that we would develop the character trait of kindness, but we must ultimately wish that there be no people in need, that there be no people who must benefit from our chesed, because chesed represents inequality.

What are the dangers of this type of inequality? First, those engaged in chesed, those who are constant givers must not develop an egotistical vision of himself, but must give with a tremendous sense of humility. Second, the recipients of chesed, the takers, the “have nots,” need to perform chesed, as well. There is an inherent need and desire in each and every one of us to be that light of the menorah, to contribute in every aspect of Judaism. If someone is only always receiving, we need to provide him with the ability to contribute in some way, as well. He deserves not only to receive material assistance, but also to receive a sense of dignity stemming from the fact that he is not only a receiver, but that he is a giver, as well.

As such, I think that we as a community must ensure that not only do we continue our excellent track of chesed, of volunteerism in the community to ensure that local needs are satisfied, from meals, to charity, to assistance in driving places, to babysitting, etc., but we must ensure that we achieve volunteerism from everyone, even from those who are typically “takers.” It is important to find a job for everyone in the community. Even if, at times, I can do a particular act of chesed quicker and more effectively than someone else, it may be better to allow that person to participate in the act of chesed so that

Yael, Ahava, Netanel, Elisheva, Leora, Daniel and I would like to wish the entire community a Chanuka sameiach .

Rabbi Jonathan Muskat