Blizzard 2010 & Chesed

Posted on December 26, 2010

Everyone is gearing up for the storm and going to the supermarket to make sure they have everything they need. I have never seen a supermarket as busy as Stop & Shop this morning and I think that the storm provides all of us many opportunities to actively help others and make the world a better place. Here are a few examples:

  • Do hands on projects at home to help others. You can make birthday cards for senior citizens, write letters of support to Gilad Shalit’s family or American soldiers overseas, create bookmarks for a local literacy program or make and decorate a tzedakah box. You are only limited by your imagination and the supplies you have.
  • When you are outside shoveling and cleaning your car help your neighbor.
  • Visit elderly neighbors and make sure they are okay.
  • Think about how you want to improve next year and write yourself a letter and put it away in your haggadah. On Pesach you will have an opportunity to read it and reflect on who you are and what you have achieved.
  • Spend time with your family and do something you would not normally do. Your kids will remember their snow days the rest of their lives. Here is your chance to shape their memories and do something special.
  • Discuss your year-end giving and let your children play a role in determining which agencies you support.
  • Help out around the house.
  • For those of you stuck in an airport, hosting guests/family or being hosted by friends/family as difficult and frustrating as the situation is try to put things in perspective, be patient and remember that it can always be worse.

Stay warm. Stay dry. Stay safe. And do whatever you can to help those around you.

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