The Jewish Social Network

By Mark Yaschik, president Jvillage Network

When Rabbi Avrohom Korf came to Florida in the 1960’s as the first shaliach of Chabad, his presence couldn’t have been more incongruous with the average Jew in the Sunshine State.  Yet, year after year and experience after experience, he awoke the neshamas of literally thousands of Jews by helping them perform one mitzvah at a time.

It wasn’t the mezuzah checking or tefilin pushing that made him -- and the entire Chabad movement -- a wild success. His mission was successful because he took one small step toward his fellow Jews and let G-d take over from there.

Kiruv, or Jewish outreach, isn’t my thing. I don’t ride around Atlanta looking for mezuzahs on the doorposts of the homes I pass by. However, I do see my role in the Jewish community as part of a whole and, as such, one that should be taken very seriously. As I walk through the grocery store, take my kids to soccer practice, or stop by the bank wearing a yarmulke, I am showing the world what an observant Jew does and what should be considered acceptable behavior. Even on days when nothing is going right and my patience is shot, I have to remember that the actions I take also represent our rabbis, teachers, and my fellow congregants. A single negative or deceitful experience caused by one Jew can easily open up the floodgates of preconceived notions that the community as a whole has worked so hard to reverse. In essence, at the same time that we are carefully working on our own actions and behaviors, we must also remember our fellow Jew.

In my role as president of Jvillage Network, I talk with leaders of the North American Jewish community that cater to the Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist movements. I can tell you first hand that in many ways we’re all in the same boat. Our communities share the same struggles, the same yearning to come closer to G-d, and have leaders with genuine intent who work tirelessly to enrich the lives of their members and instill within them love of G-d and the desire to perform mitzvahs.

We have a responsibility to love each and every Jew simply because we are all children of G-d, regardless of anyone’s level of observance or knowledge. We daven every Rosh Hashanah, ‘You drew us close, our King, to Your service and proclaimed Your great and Holy Name upon us.’  In other words, we should remember that a Jew is a Jew and that we’ve all been granted a unique and holy soul, or neshama. With that mantle of honor, we’re also accepting the responsibility to lead the other nations with good and honorable actions both inside and outside of our homes.

By setting a good example both within our own families, among our congregations, and with the non-Jewish world, we will be sure to strengthen and enhance our relationships with our various communities and, ultimately, with G-d.  


Happy new year and g’mar chatimah tovah!

Contact Mark to learn more about what Jvillage can do for your organization.