Shabbat Shalom from Cantor Arielle Reisner

In this week’s parashah, we learn about one of our most important values, hakhnasat orhim, welcoming in guests. Abraham and Sarah were approached by three strangers to their tent and Abraham ran to greet them and offer them food and drink. Abraham’s instinct is the right one – to rush to a stranger’s side, make sure they are comfortable, and help them find their way. We try to teach and model this idea in all of our work at Park Avenue Synagogue.??

While we love to embrace others, whether you have been coming for years or just one day, following Abraham’s example is just the first step. Greeting people, giving a smile, and offering to help is a great way to engage, but we can go further than that. We can show up for others when they feel disconnected, find small groups for them to be involved in, or just reach out when we haven’t seen them in a while. This is the way we will welcome our guests and build a stronger community. Shabbat Shalom!?

Cantor Arielle Reisner