Stacey Shubitz
D’var Torah: Drawing Closer to G-d Through Prayer, Deeds of Charity
& Acts of Loving Kindness
Parashat Vayikra is about the laws of animal sacrifice, something that’s hard for modern-day
Jews to connect with. The Torah explains the different sacrifices people can offer to atone for
their sins or their guilt. For some crimes, animal sacrifice was a way to gain forgiveness from Gd.
The Hebrew word “korban” means sacrifice. It comes from the word “karov,” which means
close. By making korbanot, or sacrifices, to G-d, we can bring ourselves closer to the Divine. In
today’s society, we no longer make animal sacrifices. Jews are supposed to offer prayers, give
Tzedakah, and perform acts of loving kindness, in lieu of making animal sacrifices, as a way of
intentionally drawing ourselves closer to G-d.
In Proverbs Chapter 21, Verse 3, it is said, “Doing charity and justice is more acceptable to the
Lord than sacrifice.” We can strengthen our relationship with G-d in many ways. Anything done
with proper intentions can bring us closer to our Creator and to each other.
As members of 21st century society, we’re all busy. However, as Jews we must look for ways to
bring ourselves closer to G-d. There are many tangible ways we can show our dedication to our
Creator. Here are several ways we can bring ourselves closer to G-d.
Donate clothing.
March 8, 2014
1
Stacey Shubitz
D’var Torah: Drawing Closer to G-d Through Prayer, Deeds of Charity
& Acts of Loving Kindness
Our tradition tells us to clothe the naked. Consider cleaning out your closet tomorrow. Donate
anything in good condition that you haven’t worn in more than a year to Shepherd’s Closet,
Goodwill, Dress for Success, or a similar organization.
Say blessings.
We can slow down, open our hearts, and say blessings. I’m sure you’re aware our tradition has a
blessing for virtually everything from hearing a thunderclap, seeing the ocean, and upon hearing
good news. But if you’re like me, you probably don’t know most of those blessings. But don’t
despair, there’s an app for that! Apps like CCAR’s “Daily Blessings” can be loaded onto your
iPhone or Droid and referenced every time you want to express your gratitude for something that
you encounter or experience as you walk through life. Also, any time you want to give thanks for
something new and wonderful, you can always say the Shecheyanu!
Bless the food you eat.
I’m as guilty as anyone for saying Motzi and the Birkat at festive meals only. When I’m dining
alone, which is a rarity, I say HaMotzi before I eat it. This simple act allows me to slow down
and be appreciative of the food that will sustain my body. The Motzi takes several seconds to
recite, but it gives us a chance to praise G-d for bringing forth food. The next time you’re sitting
at the table, elevate your meal to a higher place by blessing your food before and/or after the
meal.
Bless your children.
March 8, 2014
2
Stacey Shubitz
D’var Torah: Drawing Closer to G-d Through Prayer, Deeds of Charity
& Acts of Loving Kindness
If you have children, bless them on Shabbat. We have made this a priority almost every Friday
night since Isabelle has been born. Marc and I lay our hands upon Isabelle’s head and recite the
blessing of a daughter, followed by the Priestly Blessing. I get goose bumps every time we do
this since I feel more connected to my daughter, our Jewish heritage, and to G-d.
Visit the sick.
As Jews, we’re commanded to engage in bikkur cholim, visiting the sick. We can pay house calls
to friends or family members who are in the hospital or who are recovering from surgery. We
can visit a congregant who is in the hospital or a community member living at the Jewish Home.
If you’re unable to pay a personal visit, then you can create cards for those who are living in
rehab facilities or hospitals. For instance, a quick internet search with the words “cards for sick
kids” will yield a variety of organizations you can partner with to send cards to children who are
in the hospital.
Comfort mourners.
Another way we can draw ourselves closer to our creator and to each other is by comforting the
bereaved. We can pay a shiva call. We can send meals or prepare and deliver them ourselves so
mourners don’t have to cook. We can help gather funds if there is a financial need. Furthermore,
we can attend morning or evening minyan so the mourners in our midst will be able to recite
Kaddish. All of these things help those who are mourning the loss of a loved one.
Serve others.
March 8, 2014
3
Stacey Shubitz
D’var Torah: Drawing Closer to G-d Through Prayer, Deeds of Charity
& Acts of Loving Kindness
Set aside a regular time to be involved in a service project. You can set aside an evening a week
to make calls for a cause that resonates with you.You can clean up from a meal once a month at
the Ronald McDonald House. It doesn’t matter what you do or how much time you spend doing
it, it’s the regularity of the act that makes the service you provide important.
Welcome people into your home.
It’s been almost five years since we moved to Harrisburg. I will never forget the hospitality the
Chotiners, Cytryns, Henigs, Lieber/Merwins, and Spaniers extended to us when they invited us
to celebrate Shabbat and Sukkot with them during our first few months in town. It is said “To
welcome a fellow man is to welcome the Divine Presence.” If you want to draw closer to G-d
and to your fellow congregants, consider welcoming others into your home for Shabbat dinner or
another festive meal.
Give tzedakah.
Hillel used to say, “the more tzedakah, the more shalom.” Pick a few agencies or causes to which
you have a strong connection and donate your time and/or money to them. This is a tangible way
to show your dedication to an organization that needs your support.
Make anonymous donations
We can show our dedication to G-d is to give charity anonymously. While it’s nice to be
recognized with our name in a newsletter or on a plaque, it is wonderful to give a donation
without the need for attribution. It is said, “One who gives charity in secret in greater than
March 8, 2014
4
Stacey Shubitz
D’var Torah: Drawing Closer to G-d Through Prayer, Deeds of Charity
& Acts of Loving Kindness
Moses.” The next time you open up your checkbook or make a donation, consider giving it
without your name attached.
Rabbi Elazar said, “doing righteous deeds of charity is greater than offering all of the sacrifices.”
I hope one of the ways I’ve talked about today will bring you closer to your family, your friends,
our congregation, and most of all, to G-d.
March 8, 2014
5