"When we welcome people into our lives, it not only sustains others but perhaps more importantly, we get sustenance from those relationships as we claim our humanity".

Barbra Wiener spoke these words Erev Rosh Hashana, 5765, in her d'var torah. She spoke about building a caring community. To fully accomplish this we need to develop a new attitude "Hineni, here I am" ready to be called upon.

Yad B'yad reminds us to say "hineini" even in our busy schedules. Sometimes it means providing meals for congregants in need or helping out with shiva, it could mean offering a ride to services or a doctor appointment for someone or opening your home to a new member.

It could be as simple as remembering to wear a nametag at services in order to create a more welcoming atmosphere.

Sometimes it means sending a "get well" card to someone you don't know. One member was so moved by the number of cards he and his wife received after a recent illness, he was overwhelmed and felt even more committed to the Shir Tikvah community.