By Rabbi Ronit Tsadok, Director of Project Kavod
As a recent transplant to Seattle, I have been anticipating this weather shift with curiosity and a bit of trepidation. Many people have offered advice as my family adjusts from sunny Los Angeles. The number one thing I have heard: you need the right gear. A good jacket, gloves, warm socks. This is the way to weather the weather, to adjust to a new environment and a new home.
In light of my own move, I have been thinking of the many refugees who work with our Refugee and Immigrant Services (RIS) team at JFS, whose lives have been upended, and who find themselves resettling here. Last year alone, we had the opportunity to work with over 1,600 people who left their homes for many reasons, and who look to our team for support with housing needs, job guidance, and more.
I am reminded of one of the most powerful lines in the Torah, which comes almost immediately after the Israelites leave Egypt.
“You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the soul of the stranger, having yourselves been strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 23:9)
The Torah is reminding the Israelites, and us, of the Jewish story. How many times have we been the other, mistreated, expelled, or forced to flee to protect ourselves? Each one of us, whether through Jewish history or our personal experience, can imagine the feelings of instability and vulnerability that come with being in a new city or country, learning a new culture and norms and how to manage our day-to-day needs.
As we pull out our waterproof winter coats and cozy socks, how can our understanding of the soul of the stranger motivate us to action? How can we ensure that those in need also have the right gear for the cold and rainy weather ahead?
The JFS Winter Warmth Drive is an opportunity to support refugees who are resettled by our Refugee and Immigrant Services team. We are eager to offer not only protection from the elements but also comfort and respect by donating new items between now and December 15. Find our Amazon wish list here.
Together, let us fulfill the mandate of the Jewish tradition to care for those most marginalized, vulnerable, and often mistreated, to build a society in which all its members are treated with kavod, dignity.
If you’d like to know more about our work with refugees and immigrants, you can learn more here.
If you’d like to learn more about volunteering, you can visit here.
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