hearts of brooklyn

We found common ground. I can get to one of the organizations providing relief services for victims of the hurricane, Congregation Beth Elohim, by walking through Prospect Park. Last Sunday I signed up for the early meal preparation shift, so I passed through the Park before 8 while the low sun projected the silhouettes of trees into the mist. When I got to the temple it was nearly empty, and the doorman helped me rummage around for the Costco delivery we'd need to make the 600 or so sandwiches that would be taken to Rockaway. I spent the morning folding slices of turkey and shelling eggs, listening to people's stories and engaging in that state of group awareness that one might describe as hive mind. We worked, listening as we told each other stories that were occasionally punctuated by the doorman's singing.

We found common ground. It was and is such an honor to be in the presence of Brooklyn's willing and eager volunteers. It is amazing to know that in many cases there is no where else these individuals would choose to be. It is such an beautiful thing to watch the kitchen and chapel fill with supplies and empty and refill, like a heart. It is sublime to know that this is happening in countless places throughout the city.