This week I had the privilege of attending two programs in the New Hope/Lambertville community. On Wednesday I enjoyed a free lunch and fellowship made possible by The Bridge Lambertville, Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church, and First Presbyterian Lambertville. It was a wonderful opportunity to sit with other community members, including other local clergy, our congregants, and even Mayor Andrew, the mayor of Lambertville.
This monthly, in-person meal is completely free and open to the entire community. There are not many opportunities to sit with other people, including many from other backgrounds and walks of life, and enjoy a meal. In this time when many of us are experiencing a fragmented and isolated life, this is a remarkable antidote. The next meal will be offered on December 10th.
I will also note that many people who in the past have come out for these community meals were absent, many from Hispanic backgrounds. It is always important that we note who is missing from the table- both metaphorically and literally. We are commanded by our Torah and tradition to feed everyone- especially the most vulnerable in our society. No one should live in fear of being rounded up by ICE agents for partaking in a free community lunch. However, this is the current reality of which we live.
On Thursday Friends of the Free Library of New Hope & Solebury hosted a book launch for their recently published Vibrant New Hope: Our 21st Century Stories. This project is a part of a library sponsored speaker series in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Vibrant New Hope is filled with one-page stories of local individuals and organizations within New Hope, including our own Kehilat HaNahar. If you are interested in purchasing your own copy to support the library: Vibrant New Hope
This past Tuesday was also Veterans Day. I want to take a moment to remember and celebrate the great service of our veterans and active military members and their families. I have included the prayer we will be reading tonight in honor of these Americans who put their lives on the line to serve our country.
Prayer for Veterans Day by Aliza Berger
Ribono shel olam, we who have dedicated our lives to protecting this great country, who have used our strength and our wisdom to safeguard the ideals of freedom and democracy, we ask for Your presence now.
Watch over us, guide us, teach us, and inspire us. Remind us that we are stronger together.
May we, as veterans of this great nation, be blessed with clarity of purpose. Our military missions are complete. But we continue to serve the best interests of our beloved country.
Lord, we know that some of our brothers and sisters are in need of healing. Please bless them. Heal them. Give them strength. Please bless our medical professionals too with the wisdom to find treatments and cures that will help our veterans to come home and live in peace.
Adonai tzuri v’goali, Lord, You are our Rock and our Redeemer. Thank you for your blessings each and every day and for empowering us to be a blessing unto these United States of America.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Janine Jankovitz she/her
Kehilat HaNahar 85 West Mechanic St. New Hope, PA 18938
