Finding Community

For a variety of reasons, I’ve been thinking a lot about community of late. What it means, why it’s important, where we find it, and how we help to create it.

When I think of my Jewish community, I am thinking of Solel. Whether inside the physical building, participating in virtual events/meetings or gathering with fellow Solelniks for a social event. Solel has provided me with a Jewish home, one where I know that everyone who walks through our door – born Jewish, Jew by choice, Jewish adjacent partner, interested individual – all are welcome within our community.

Our members each find their own community within Solel. Participating in Shabbat services (in-person or online), attending adult education programs (in person or on-line), bringing their children to Bet Sefer Solel, sitting on the Board or one of the many committees that keeps congregational life ticking along.

Many of our congregants have ‘found Judaism’ because of finding Solel. At the recent Shavuot Service we heard from the newest graduates of our JIC class and at last week’s Shabbat service we heard from Zach Harper (our newest Rabbi to be). All of them found the Jewish home that was right for them at Solel.

I am so proud that we provide a welcoming environment that says there is a seat in the sanctuary for everyone.

In order to share in our wider community, the Rabbi, Arliene and I attended an event put on by the Peel Interfaith Council where we had the opportunity to meet and spend time with other faith and community leaders. Mkwa, a member of the Anishinabek tribe, spoke about connection and community. Wherever he goes he finds new communities, including while en route to attend this event. He was travelling from downtown Toronto to Brampton via public transit when his phone died. Without the mapping program, he was suddenly lost and unsure as to how to find his way. A chance meeting with a couple at a drive-through restaurant who were also having a bad day (their truck needed water for a steaming engine) led to the sharing of a charger, a lift to the venue, and a long conversation. As we help each other we get to know each other, we share experiences and knowledge, and we all gain from the connections we make and the expanded community we become a part of.

Last, but not least, we recently received a message at the office from an individual, who said that while she was not super religious, she was struggling somewhat since October 7 and was thinking that maybe reconnecting with the Jewish community would help. I have reached out to this individual and hope she will soon be joining us at services to begin to experience all that we have to offer.

And so, I have had the opportunity to be a part of our community, to be a part of a wider community and to welcome others into our community.

I hope you will continue to find your place within the Solel community and that it will provide you with both joy and solace (when needed). Participate and contribute to the areas where you have skills to offer and always feel free to ask for help when needed.

Filed under: President's Message

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