As we come out of a lovely High Holidays and end of Sukkot tonight, I’ve been thinking about the kind of community we want to create for our community in the year ahead.

‍

Sukkot turns our attention outward. We open our sukkah and think about who we welcome inside. The Jewish value of hachnasat orchim, or welcoming guests, asks us to look beyond our immediate circle, notice the people around us and bring them in. It’s a value that I think speaks to all of us, regardless of our individual traditions or backgrounds.

‍

Last week, I saw a J story unfold that captures that beautifully.

‍

Tenija, one of the familiar faces many of you see around campus, along with members from our security team and Julie from facilities, noticed a senior walking along our sidewalk who seemed exhausted and in need of help. Without hesitation, they stepped in: getting her water, offering comfort, working with the paramedics and helping her find transportation home.

‍

She was someone passing by who needed care, and our team took action.

‍

That’s our J. That’s your J!

‍

It’s part of what I hope we all experience here: a community that welcomes the people who walk through our doors and extends that same care far beyond those doors. A place where tikkun olam (repairing the world), kindness and unwavering hospitality are things we teach our children, and strive to model for them every day.

‍

As we think about who we welcome into our sukkah this year (whether a physical one or simply the spaces we create for others): family, friends, community and especially those beyond our usual circles​, I hope we carry that spirit with us.

‍

A big shout out to Tenija, Julie, and our Security team! Thank you for reminding us that the impact of J Los Angeles reaches well beyond the walls of our campus, and for helping us show our community what it means to care for the world around them.

‍
‍

David Siegel