I sit here listening to Little Jazz practicing Eleanor Rigby and Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds on his trumpet, and I think further of the opportunities for hachnasat orchim - "welcoming of guests" - provided during Sukkot, and year-round.
So today I had the sacred chance to consider how "welcoming" is related to our value of bikkur cholim - visiting the sick...I went to the hospital to visit a member of our congregation (a friend and neighbor too!) who just had a pacemaker implanted yesterday, following a few months of treatment following an M.I. He's doing great, and we actually had a wonderful time discussing some passions we share: Abraham Lincoln, historiography, evolution, psychology of groups, and even the eternal question "Is it good for the Jews."
Though this friend is in great shape, even following a serious episode of helth concern, I am reminded of our ongoing, precious responsibility to take care of ourselves and others. Whether it's now, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, or any day of any year - we need to be conscious about our efforts to live healthy, fulfilling, intentional lives.
Just a thought for the fifth eve of Sukkot.
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