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A Message of Welcome

from Rabbi Larry Bach

Welcome! We say to you, b'rukhim haba'im, "blessed are you who enter." The phrase evokes our shared Scriptural tradition, calling to mind Psalm 118: "Blessed are you who enter in God's name; we bless you from the House of God."

Our Jewish tradition places hachnasat orchim - welcoming guests - among the acts whose worth cannot be measured. We are taught to be like Abraham, whose tent was open on all four sides, that no wayfarer should face a closed door. You are doing us a tremendous kindness by allowing us to host you during your sojourn away from your own church building.

And your tradition, too, makes hospitality a core value. You learn of it in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus teaches (Matthew 25:35): "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." How wonderful it is to note that the Greek word "to welcome," used in that verse is from the root meaning "to bring together," and is related to the word "synagogue!"

May the experience of sharing worship space allow each of us to grow stronger in our respective faith traditions, and may it bring blessing to our communities.

B'shalom - In Peace,

Rabbi Larry Bach