“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
Corinthians 9:6
Dear Friends,
Yom Kippur — the Day of Atonement — is approaching and as you know it is the holiest day in the Jewish faith. It marks the end of the 10-day period of introspection and repentance that follows Rosh Hashanah.
On this occasion, Jews are encouraged to make amends with God and to ask forgiveness for sins committed during the past year. But it is notable that this important holiday is followed by Sukkot.
Unlike the sombre reflection of Yom Kippur, Sukkot is a joyous holiday. We celebrate the gathering of the harvest and commemorate the 40 years that the people of Israel spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land.
We celebrate the way in which God offered security and protection to the people of Israel during that difficult time. And as we prepare for Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, we cannot forget our many Jewish brothers and sisters who still struggle today.
As God protected our ancestors in the desert, we too must offer protection to those in need. By forgiving others and ourselves at the top of the year, we open our hearts to give.
“Giving” is the root word of “forgiving.” They are linked. For when you forgive, you set your own will aside and are able to give to a person or cause with an open hand and open heart.
It is with that open heart that we ask you to help us in supporting those in need. Vision for Israel was founded on the principles of giving, and we could not help the many families we do without your generosity.
As you accept God’s forgiveness and prepare to rejoice in the Feast of Tabernacles, consider giving protection and aid to the many who will sadly be without it this season.
Consider becoming a monthly donor to Vision for Israel and you’ll play a key part in the crucial ongoing support provided to so many underprivileged families.
Please donate here.
Your friends,
Barry, Batya, and the VFI Team
