Light the way for others less fortunate
Christmas Fund can spark change in the community, writes Rabbi Shaul Osadchey
Both Hanukkah and Christmas share the theme of bringing light into the world. The light of love and compassion can illuminate a world darkened by pain and suffering. Light can lead us from the shadows of despair into a brighter and more hopeful existence. Light is also a symbol of the human soul as we learn from Proverbs 20:27, “The human spirit is the light of God.”
Within each of us, God implants a divine spark. Each of us has the obligation to tend to this spark and to fan it into a flame that will light up one’s own life and the lives of others. A lit candle can be snuffed out or it can burn out or it can kindle other candles. When the flame is passed on to others, the flame will continue to burn long after the original candle has been extinguished.
Our task this holiday season is to touch other lives with our own so that our blessings and the light of our aspirations and dreams can infuse goodness and joy into the lives of those less fortunate. There are many ways that we can ignite hope and comfort in others. A word of encouragement, a gentle touch of friendship, time spent with those who are alone and stepping forward to volunteer at a soup kitchen, the food bank or a homeless shelter are shining examples of Tikun Olam — the Jewish concept of mending our broken world.
In addition, the tangible gift of money is one of the most effective ways that we can enable charitable organizations to best affect those in need. That is why, as a Rabbi, I encourage you to support the Christmas Fund of the Calgary Herald. Through your generosity, Calgarians from all religious, ethnic and racial backgrounds will receive the light of joy and goodness during this holiday season.
Become a candle that passes its light onto others so that we can kindle greater warmth and love in our wonderful city.