Being God's Hands - A reflection on Parashat Ki Teitzei - September 16, 2016

When are our hands God’s hands?

• When we offer comfort with a supportive touch
• When we extend a hand in friendship or to share something that is ours with a friend or neighbor
• When we lift someone up who has fallen, figuratively or literally
• When we present another person with a gift out of gratitude and generosity
• When we write a note that affirms someone’s value to us by their actions and their presence our lives.
• When we bring a donation to a food pantry
• When we serve a hot meal at a soup kitchen to someone who would not otherwise have that nourishment
• When we provide guests in our homes or congregations with refreshment to show sincere hospitality
• When we write words that provide food for thought that can lead someone to make a difference in the world
• When our hands make musical instruments play sounds that reach the depths of our souls
• When we keep a beat in time to music that fosters a feeling of unity
• When we water plants or trees in our yard or tend to a garden
• When we take bottles, cans, papers or other items to a recycling center
• When we fashion a piece of art that inspires others
• When we engage in work that benefits others
• When we present someone with recognition or reward for the good work they have done
• When we fix something that is broken
• When we build something that can bring contentment, relief, or hope
• When we use our words rather than our hands in the midst of conflict
• When, if there is no other choice, we use our hands to protect a potential victim of a violent act
• When we raise our hands, or put our hands on our hearts, to show respect and to declare our commitment to goodness and freedom
• When adults place theirs hands on the head or shoulders of a younger member their family to give a formal blessing
• When a child takes the hand of an adult as they cross the street together
• When a handshake indicates a job well done
• When we place a contribution for a worthy organization into an envelope, or make a donation online, offering a helping hand
• When we see the joining of hands as symbolic of what we know to be true: that we are all connected as part of one people and one world.