Happy Mother’s Day!

Parashat Kedoshim

Dear Friends,

As Mother’s Day approaches, we automatically wish one another Happy Mother’s Day.  It is truly a blessing to be able to feel good about Mother’s Day.  Nevertheless, for various reasons, some of us feel sad on Mother’s Day and it is helpful for us, as individuals and as a community, to be sensitive to the feelings of those around us, even as we celebrate.

This year, Mother’s Day coincides with the reading of Parashat Kedoshim.  This Torah portion begins by introducing the broad concept of holiness and continues with the application of this concept to the everyday details of life.   As we read the details of the Parsha, we see that holiness is to be found in our relationships with God and with parents, with Jews and with non-Jews, with family and with friends, with neighbors close by and with business associates near and far.

Holiness is an aspiration.  It is a goal.  As human beings, we never fully achieve holiness in our lives.  But, we understand the importance of our efforts to strive for holiness.  At the heart of our quest for holiness, lies the Jewish teaching that we are to treat one another with respect. Whether we feel happy or sad this weekend, let us strive to rejoice in our connections with one another.

Let us do our best to make Mother’s Day a time of increased holiness, increased sensitivity and increased blessing for all!

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Gilah Dror