Shabbat is one of the greatest gifts that God gave us, the Jewish people. It’s a day when we put our phones down and disconnect from the noise around us. We don’t cook, drive, or turn on the lights. We actually get to sit down and rethink life and ask ourselves, “Am I really getting closer and closer to God, my Creator? Am I really getting closer and closer to Hashem?”
So many of us, unfortunately, are heartbroken, very sad, and scared. I’m not getting into those details, but the horrifying stories, reports, news, and images that are coming out of the terrible massacre that happened to the Jewish people, to us, the Am HaNivchar (the Chosen Nation). But we want to take action. We need action. We’ve got to do something. What do we do? So we have an opportunity this week: Parashat Bereshit (the first Torah portion), which starts off our whole Torah for the whole year.
This Shabbat, if unfortunately you’re a person who doesn’t keep Shabbat yet, first of all, know that we love you. This Shabbat, try to take it upon yourself not to drive, not to cook, not to turn on the light, or to keep the whole Shabbat. And if you’re a person who keeps Shabbat but sometimes breaks it here and there, this Shabbat, keep it to the fullest extent. We need people to take action. I’m talking to myself. We need people to do something that’s fair, child, to grow. So keep Shabbat this week. Do it. Be a hero. Don’t hesitate. Do not hesitate. Actually keep Shabbat. Keep Shabbat this week. And make sure you tell your friends, your family, your neighbors. Go out of your comfort zone. Go out there and tell people, “This Shabbat, come to my house for a meal. This Shabbat, I’m going to pick you up. We’re going to walk to the shul (synagogue) together.” Make sure your friends and your family keep Shabbat this week. Be a hero. Be a leader. Klal Yisrael (Jewish people) needs you. The Jewish people need people to take action.