Earlier this week I donated blood, which is something I endeavor to do about every two months. Throughout my childhood my father always donated blood, and my mother once donated blood that was given to a young boy in surgery, helping save his life. I see it as a great expression of gratitude; recognizing that Hashem has blessed me with good health, allowing me to do this special Mitzvah. Yet this week the donation meant more than ever before. Last Shabbos, one of my cousins in Florida, suffered a medical emergency and he’s alive today thanks to multiple rapid blood transfusions. He was in critical condition and thanks to blood donors, strangers who he will never meet, he’s alive today.

In this week’s Torah portion, Toldos, we read about Esau selling his birthright to twin brother Jacob for the “huge price” of a “pot of lentils”. It sounds ridiculous that someone gives up so much for so little, but when someone is trained to be a taker and not inclined to be a genuine giver, it results in unhealthy choices to get, get and get some more. It’s like they don’t even think it through; they’ll take anything as long as it’s available for taking. While in New York last week, Eli Rowe of Hatzolah Air shared this exact point with us. He said that the world is made up of givers and takers and it’s the givers who live with joy and meaning, because giving to others fills our internal cup. Jacob didn’t have an easy life, but his life journey, in Israel and the diaspora, was all about showing up, working hard and sharing with others.

About fifteen years ago we launched Project Dignity to focus on community-based social services. It’s supported by local philanthropists and does so much for people in need, especially for those who fall through the cracks. This week, Chana Laya and I had the great honor of visiting Livingston Healthcare, the hospital at which she was born, to bring toys and dolls for pediatric patients and children visiting loved ones who are hospitalized. The hospital staff were so grateful for our partnership, bringing more joy to a place filled with too much pain. After wrestling with an angel and overcoming, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. We are all the Children of Israel and it’s incumbent on us who carry his name, his descendants, to keep up the tradition of being givers whenever possible and see the value in showing up in service of others.

Donate blood; it’s good for your body and soul.

May G-d guard our brethren in Israel and the world over from harm and send us Mashiach speedily. May G-d protect the armed forces of Israel and the United States wherever they may be!

Before heading with the family to San Marcos, Texas to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of our nephew Matti Weingarten, I had the honor of leading twelve Chevra, soulful members of our Bozeman community, on a three-day trip to New York where we prayed, learned, experienced, celebrated and ate mouthwatering food while taking in the vibes of New York’s beautiful Jewish community. We were also honored to get a better understanding of the organizations that make Jewish life flourish through thick and thin.

In this week’s Torah portion, Chayei Sarah, we read about Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, heading north of Israel to find a wife for Isaac, his master’s son. Isaac’s mom Sarah had passed away three years earlier and it was high time for him to find his loving life partner. When Eliezer arrived to the town where Rebecca lived, he stood at the well and waited to see which young woman would be most generous and kind. When he asked Rebecca for water, she offers to quench the thirst for both him and his camels. He wasn’t just seeking a religious woman devoted to the values of Abraham but wanted a woman who had compassion and humanity etched in her heart, because ultimately it’s kindness that epitomized the Abraham/Sarah value system. Theoretical kindness is not enough, it’s about showing up when it’s most necessary.

During a week of turbulent politics, when, as usual, one part of the country is super happy and the other half not so much, when Montana voted for Kurt Alme and Troy Downing on one side of the aisle and Sam Forstag on the other side, it’s a good time to be gentler and kinder. While in New York we heard from Eli Rowe of Hatzalah Air, Abe Eisner and Avi Sacks of HASC and Rabbi Shlomo Bochner of Bonei Olam, which are organizations that do kindness 24/7. While there are those who seek to trash, to belittle, to gloat and to divide, I pray, and always work towards, an America where we can disagree and still see the humanity in each other. It’s the key to our survival and the key to a healthier community.

Don’t sulk; add acts of goodness and kindness!

May G-d guard our brethren in Israel and the world over from harm and send us Mashiach speedily. May G-d protect the armed forces of Israel and the United States wherever they may be!