Message From The Rabbi

Rabbi Max Miller

Today, we honor our veterans—our fellow citizens who answered the call of duty. These brave women and men have sacrificed years of their lives in service to our country. While the words “Thank you for your service” are appropriate, they don’t fully express the debt of gratitude we have for our veterans of the armed forces. We can better understand the decision to dedicate one’s life to the service of others through the lens of the Torah.

In this week’s Torah portion, we read about the epitome of service and sacrifice. Abraham sits at the opening of his tent and spies three strangers approaching. Before the strangers can utter a word, Abraham rushes to greet them. Abraham is to serve those in need, even if he doesn’t know them. Later in the parasha, we read the tale of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Isaac—his most precious treasure. The depths of Abraham’s inclination to serve and sacrifice are astounding, but these values are at the core of what it means to be a good human. 

On this Veterans Day, may our armed service members know the gratitude of a thankful nation. May God see their selfless acts of bravery and heroism as g’milut chasadim, acts of loving kindness to our country. May the devotion of soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, officers, and enlisted alike, inspire us to serve our fellow citizens with selflessness and sincerity.

L'shalom,

Rabbi Max