JOY is found in our shared humanity…

Reconnecting with our own humanity and the humanity of others.

It is hard to believe that we are approaching the 2 year mark when the world was forced to shut down due to a global pandemic. For ALL of us, this has been a trying time, testing our mental and physical health and our resiliency. We have all faced massive changes, adversity, isolation and disappointments. I don’t know about you, but my mental health during the past year has taken a turn towards the darker side. For the past year, many days have been an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows. I started seeing a therapist, and it was the best decision I could have made for myself. I have also found light and joy in volunteering.

In December, I found out a local Jewish synagogue, Rodef Shalom was forming a “sponsor circle” through HIAS (Hebrew resettlement organization). The “circle” would consist of 5-10 local residents who commit to helping an Afghan family resettle here in Denver. Duties would consist of raising a certain amount of money for the family, helping them secure housing and employment, enrolling their children in school, much of what a traditional resettlement agency like Jewish Family Services, African Community Center or International Rescue Committee would do for a refugee family. For the past month I have been super busy helping to resettle 3 Afghan families here in Denver. Here is a 9news clip of us greeting a family at DIA and of the Kabbalah Experience Circle setting up the home for the family.

For me this work, while intense and time consuming has been a bright light in my life. It has given me SO much INNER JOY and LIGHT, not only to be working with the Afghan families directly, but also to be working with a group of committed volunteers has been inspirational and heart warming! Each day my faith in my own humanity, and that of others grows deeper.

If any of you are interested in learning more about putting together a sponsor circle or getting more involved, feel free to reach out.

Here’s to finding more JOY in our lives,

Sharon speaks about her journey towards helping the Hebrew Educational Alliance form a HIAS sponsor circle. In celebration of HIAS Refugee Shabbat, Saturday, March 5th, 2022 @ HEA in Denver.