So my boyfriend and I went to a Synagogue for the first time ever, I’m not Jewish and as Southern as sweet tea so this whole experience was new to me. But it was one of those eye-opening experiences that was very refreshing.
I went to a conference at Congregation Bet Haverim, where Rabbi Joshua Lesser introduced a Syrian refugee family who moved to Clarkston, GA to restart their new life. Sitting in and listening to their story of how the community helped them assimilate and how they were able to give back to the community reminded me of old American values. A time when America left the door wide open for everyone to come in and be a part of melting pot.
While I do believe that people should take responsibility for the decisions they make, there are some circumstances in which you need a helping hand. When I grew up there was a sense of community in my neighborhood, these people weren’t just people I lived near. They were extended family, friends, and people I could trust. If you needed the hem of your dress put together, you went to Bobbi-Jean; if you needed help with homework, you went to my mom because she was a teacher, needed your car fixed? Go to my dad the mechanic or our neighbor “Bones.” Everyone had something to offer the community and it made you feel connected.
We as human beings need to throw away this mentality that it’s every man for himself. When we truly become a community and work together it benefits everyone. 