13 Days of Awe
For almost a year now, I’ve been an active member of Temple Beit T’Shuvah which is part of Beit T’Shuvah treatment center.
Each Friday night at shul I would question, “Why am I here?” I don’t suffer from addiction, and I don’t have any connections to the “house.”
One night a board member spoke about tzedaka. She said imagine going to lunch or a movie with a resident. What that would mean to them. Then she said, “You don’t have to spend time with them. But give the money so that they can go out.”
I didn’t connect with that plea to give at all.
Tzedaka for me is an opportunity to give and receive. Each week when I put money in the box I think of people who may need extra-strength to get through the challenges of the week. I bless them with that power.
The great thing about blessings is that they come back to you. So, I too am receiving that energy to overcome the daily obstacles.
As I don’t have the funds to support BTS the way it needs, I give of myself and my time.
I take residents out for a meal.
I joined the Running for Recovery LA Marathon team and work out with House community members every Sunday morning at 7am.
I support Baked T’Shuvah by buying challah for my dad on Friday nights at shul. When I see that not all of them have sold after services, I buy another to give to a resident.
I support a few residents with daily memes that remind both of us that life is challenging but that the struggle is worth it.
One of my favorite residents has really struggled with sobriety this year. Twice he left the house.
I haven’t heard from him since November and yesterday we reconnected via text.
This morning, he sent me his morning gratitude list and 13 days sober was number one. Coffee was number seven.
I replied that coffee was higher up on my list.
But then I thought him resetting his counter for the third time this year. I then replied,
You should add gratitude for the strength to be able to do this every day. You hold so much power inside of you. I am in awe.”
I now know why I go to Temple Beit T’Shuvah.
I go for the connection and the privilege to witness courage, strength, and faith.
I’m reminded that it’s okay to fall if you get back up and try again.
I want to wish everyone a Good Shabbos and if you have a moment, please help me help BTS.
Think about the blessings you need and remember, when we give tzedaka, those blessings come to us.
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