In this week’s parashah, Acharei Mot–Kedoshim (Leviticus 16:1–20:27), we’re reminded of the importance of building an inclusive and welcoming community. In the Torah, we are commanded to love in three ways: to love God, to love our neighbor, and to love the stranger. In fact, the phrase “love the stranger” appears dozens of times in the Torah. Leviticus 19:34 teaches, “The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love them as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”

It’s a simple idea, but not always an easy one. It asks us to remember what it feels like to be new, out of place, or unsure. And to actually do something about it.

There are a lot of rules and laws in this parashah and it’s easy to lose sight of the message, but this is what I’m taking with me this week: building community means making people feel like they belong regardless of who they are or where they come from. That’s what we do at Mem Global. How can you be radically welcoming this week?