This week, it come to light, that gentile beggars are taking advantage of the generosity of the Jewish Community by disguising themselves as Jewish beggars. Armed with a few Hebrew words like “shabbat,” “shalom” and “Sedaka,”they're making much more than they'd make in their own neighborhoods! Of course Jews have no problem giving to gentiles (as a heartwarming story this week here) , they just didn't like that they were falsely representing themselves.
What do you think about panhandlers who man the exits off of I-95, some of which might be using the funds for drugs or alcohol?
Would you give Charity to someone who might not be deserving?
A beautiful answer lies in the enigmatic curse of the Prophet Jeremiah to the people of Anatot (referenced in the Haftarah this Shabbos). Frustrated with their disobedience to G-d. He cursed them with a strange curse 'that whenever they give charity, it should be to the undeserving'.
What is the meaning of this strange curse?
As a lover of Israel, the prophet Jeremiah understood that the sinners of had no merit of their own to be found worthy before G-d. Their only saving grace would be to force G-d's hand, per se.
The way of G-d is measure for measure- the way we treat others is the way G-d treats us.
When one gives charity to people undeserving of your kindness, then G-d is forced to do the same with us- to give us despite the fact that we might be found wanting. Jeremiah used this curse as a last chance to redeem the sinners.
So go ahead- Give Charity even to those you may feel are undeserving of your kindness. Each time you do, you are making sure that G-d will have to be kind and good to you too, even if He feels that you might be undeserving as well!!!
Wishing you a Shabbat of Generous Spirit,
Rabbi Dovid and Chana Vigler
Chabad of Palm BeachGardens
7025 Fairview Lane
Palm Beach Gardens FL 33418
See our Full Schedule of programs at www.JewishGardens.com/Calendar
Community Annoucements:
Community Kiddush Luncheon this week is sponsored by Ed Gabelman in lovng memory of his father, Julius, on the occassion of his Yahrtzeit and his recent retrun from China.
Friday Night Services, weekly at 6pm
Shabbat Morning begins at 930am, Sermon at 1130am.
Kiddush Community Luncheon just past noon. All welcome.
Please let us know if you would like an Aliyah.
Kiddush Community Calendar: wwwJewishGardens.com/Kiddush or email[email protected]
Pray for our Soldiers:
Our hearts and souls pray for our aliant soldiers who have entered the Gaza Strip to defend our homeland from vicious rocket attacks. We wonder what we cand o to help. In times of distress, Jewish People always recite chapters from the book of Psalms that 'pierce the heavens and shatter the evil decree'.
In an unprecedented show of global unity, a weebsite has been created that allows anyone to join in a global sequence fot he Tehillim (Psalms). In the past few hours 22,290 Jews have joined to complete the book of Psalms 570 times! Join the campaign by clicking here .
If you want to read the Tehillim in English, click here.
Two more things you can do:
- Men can lay Tefillin - it doesn't need to take more than 3 minutes.Here's how
- Women can Light Shabbat Candles- 'how to' video , Tonight before7:58pm.
National Jewish Retreat
The National Jewish Retreat in Chicagois in two weeks- there's still time to jointhis life changing Woerld Class learning experience: www.JRetreat.com
Let 5000 People know about your business:
Our Jewish Art Calendar and Program Guide is in currently being prepared. Feature your business to 5000 local Jewish homes and businesses. And you can support the Jewish Community Progamming at the same time! Fill out this form by clicking here or call the office at 561-624-2223. Printable form is here .
Membership:
As we prepare for the High Holidays, we are offering two complimentary seats to our Members. Please consider becoming a Member of our Shul:www.JewishGardens.com/Join