FEATURE Impact India: giving beyond the Jewish community

Members of Shaarei Shomayim with Rabbi Cheses at the Gateway to India

Between a Jew’s bar or bat mitzvah and his or her wedding day, there are no planned life-cycle events. During these crucial years of identity formation – let’s say from ages 12 to 25 –  Judaism lacks those special, personalized rituals designed to anchor a Jewish teenager or young adult in the chain of our tradition. 

In the beginning of May, I embarked on a 12-day service and learning trip to India with 20 Jewish university students and four staff members. My synagogue, Shaarei Shomayim Congregation in Toronto, under the leadership of Rabbi Chaim Strauchler, was the lead partner in this initiative, along with Ve’ahavta, Hillel of Toronto, JLIC (Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus) and Project TEN.

The goal of the trip was to impact 40 underprivileged children from the Colaba slums in Mumbai through an enrichment camp. It was a transformative experience that compelled all of us to think deeply about who we are, what we would be willing to stand up for and what the world needs from us. These bursts of clarity were informed by the Jewish texts that we studied daily and the intensive reflection circles with which we concluded every evening. 

Sometimes it takes going across the globe, to a totally foreign place, far away from home and the comforts of daily routines, to experience moments that help shape identity.  

I am so proud that an Orthodox synagogue championed a global tikkun olam initiative that allowed observant participants to be comfortable. It was not simple, but strictly kosher food was always available. We made time for optional daily prayers and Shabbat was observed with honour. It is so important to show the young members of our community that being observant does not need to restrict, limit or inhibit certain opportunities but can actually enhance them. 

Project Gabriel, our Indian partners on the ground, told us that our enrichment program, gave these underprivileged children an incredible boost of self-confidence and enhanced their ability to work with their peers in a group setting. These are small things that can make significant differences. 

We served seriously and we learned seriously. We studied and grappled with Jewish texts and brought their values to life. We connected our hands and feet to our sacred tradition. 

One session we organized focused on how to prioritize giving tzedakah dollars. We tasked the group with determining how to dole out 10,000 rupees (about $200) charity. Should it go to help the victims of the earthquake in Nepal? To the Jewish community centre in Mumbai? To a group that provides education to kids in the slums? We provided a source sheet with Jewish texts and asked the participants to allocate the money based on Jewish values. This led to a heated debate and conversation that lasted hours. 

The midrash teaches that Abraham began his relationship with the Creator by travelling: Rabbi Isaac compared Abraham’s journey to a man traveling from place to place until he sees a palace in flames. He wonders: “Is it possible that this palace lacks a caretaker?” The master of the palace replied: “I am in charge of the palace” (Genesis Rabba 39:1).

The palace represents the beautiful world, full of order and structure, while the flames signify the chaos and disorder that threaten the beauty. Abraham discovers God in the order and disorder of the world around him. Our India trip was an Abrahamic experience for many of the participants. 

On the last evening before we headed to the airport, we sat in a circle and each of us wrote an appreciation to every other member of the group. On the plane ride home, I opened up my appreciation sheet and read some of the comments. 

Without sharing personal details, here are a few comments: 

“Rabbi, thank you for showing me that it is possible to explore the beauty and diversity of this planet without compromising Torah and Jewish law.”

“Thank you for allowing me to feel compassion for total strangers.” 

“Thank you, Rabbi, for helping me realize what my specific passions are.” 

“Thank you for inspiring me to feel that I can make a small but significant change in this crazy big world of ours.” 

Reading those notes, I felt truly validated in my decision to become a rabbi. 

Rabbi Noah Cheses is assistant rabbi at Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, Toronto.