A Passover Message from Elizabeth Langfelder

Our ability to join together as a group with a common mission builds the foundation for a strong community in which we live. As compassion, justice and loyalty grow, our community grows more and more resilient. It unites. It is then when a person can feel a part of something bigger than oneself. We each make up the building blocks for a robust, thriving community. Our unique passions, skills, thoughts, beliefs, and customs build upon each other to form a united front.

With many different religious communities, people can typically find one to belong to, if desired. I’ve been fortunate to have been welcomed into my temple’s community where I can grow spiritually, feel comfortable asking for guidance, and even extend some help to others. I have found a special group of people and a place that I can call my community. I’ve been united.

This Passover, why not make a personal pledge to be more intentional about the way we treat others? We should strive to be more empathetic, more gracious, and more involved. Strengthen the foundation which already exists in your community. Celebrate the culture. Unite. It is then that perhaps your community will amplify your individual happiness, give you the courage to reach new heights, and give you the power to express yourself. A community cannot exist without individuals. A strong community cannot exist without unity.

Get The AJT Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

Elizabeth Langfelder is an account manager at the Atlanta Jewish Times.