Well, actually, Bea Frum attained the age of bat mitzva (a daughter of the commandments), which means she is a woman in the eyes of Jewish Law. And, Bea gave a wonderful drash (commentary on the scriptures), as part of her assuming the mantle at our Orthodox synagogue. (The National Synagogue, under the expert leadership of Rav Shmuel Herzfeld and Maharat Ruth Balinsky Friedman.)

Bea was discussing the weekly portion of Kdoshim, the last few chapters in the 3rd book of the Tora, Vayikra (Leviticus).  One of the most famous phrases in this portion is “You should not seek revenge or bear a grudge against your neighbor; instead you should love your neighbor as you would love yourself. I am the Supreme Being.” Pretty profound in and of itself- and, as such, it is theoretically part and parcel of each of the 3 major religions in the world. (More in theory than in practice, unfortunately.)   But, Bea brought an different example for our shul.

She mentioned that she hardly knows her neighbors. And, she wondered when she goes off to get a treat for herself at Starbucks, shouldn’t she bring something back for them…

Which immediately struck a chord within me. As you know (if you read my blog), I spend most mornings at St. Elmo’s (my favorite coffee shop), reading my papers, and solving the world’s problems with my friends.

Each morning, when I arrive, I drop my knapsack and helmet on the floor (you didn’t know I rode my bike there?), leaving my paper at my seat and, before I go to the counter to fill my coffee mug (perhaps, I should call it a small pitcher), I inquire of my compatriots if they need a refill.

I’ve often been asked why I do that. And, until now, I really had no good answer. It’s just been protocol for me. But, in retrospect, it’s protocol because I try to follow the precepts of my religion. Bea is right- we need to be there for our neighbors. I’m already up, I’ve got my wallet out (ok, I use a prepaid credit card at St. Elmo’s, but you get the idea)- why not offer my assistance to my compatriots?  (Examine the doctrine of Mentschen I discussed a few weeks ago.)

To be honest, over the almost two decades this has been my practice, two others have begun to do so. I won’t embarrass them- or the others who don’t- by stating their names, but I do wish to acknowledge that I appreciate their efforts (J and D- you know who you are).

It’s a little thing. But, if you do that little thing, a few other little things, pretty soon, you are treating your neighbor the way you hope to be treated.

Let’s start a movement.

By the way, after I posted this, I saw that Rav Shmuel posted this short video (it’s only 4 minutes, the rest is blank) by Bea Frum… Enjoy… (Oh, and those are the steps of the National Synagogue.)

Share this: