Mem Moment | Aim Towards your עם [Am] or Amore
Parashat Emor “Say”
Abraham Wald, a renowned mathematician, realized a grievous error when engineers studied the bullet patterns of the planes decommissioned during WWII. They focused on where those planes were hit to assess structural vulnerabilities. Little did they understand that they were working with an incomplete sample size, and only making observations to the planes that actually made it back. Sometimes the unseen problems are the hardest ones to solve.
I’m seeking to expand my engagement—not just welcoming those already at my doorstep, but actively reaching out to those still on the way. I was shocked to discover that although 70% of Jewish couples are in interfaith relationships, only 14% of Base attendees are in interfaith relationships. Over the next three months, I will be remedying this oversight by engaging interfaith couples as part of Embark, Togethering, and Honeymoon Israel, welcoming dozens of new couples into our Base Miami community.
This teaching really comes to light in this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Emor, where there is a law that seemingly prevents priests with physical or cognitive disabilities from performing their priestly duties (Leviticus 21:17). Troubled by this ruling, the Rabbis of the Talmud (Megillah 24b) made an important clarification: This rule only applies in communities that have not yet normalized and accepted participation among people living with these differences, but in cases where they are embraced then this law does not apply. This elucidation teaches something astounding!
The person who wants to connect but finds themselves outside of our communities is not blemished; rather, if there are people who want to be inside but find themselves on the outside of the fold, then it is our communities that are blemished. Our task is to fortify the places that are unseen, and to reinforce the sacred spaces that are missing members. When we aim more (Emor) accurately, we live up to the highest ideals of what a holy community should be.