Caregiving

As humans, we are all caregivers for each other – as the TalmudThe rabbinic compendium of lore and legend composed between 200 and 500 CE. Study of the Talmud is the focus of rabbinic scholarship. The Talmud has two versions, the main Babylonian version (Bavli) and the smaller Jerusalem version (Yerushalmi). It is written in Rabbinic Hebrew and Aramaic. reminds us (Shevuot 39a), kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh – all of IsraelLit. ”the one who struggles with God.” Israel means many things. It is first used with reference to Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel (Genesis 32:29), the one who struggles with God. Jacob’s children, the Jewish people, become B’nai Israel, the children of Israel. The name also refers to the land of Israel and the State of Israel. are responsible for each other. Some of us find our roles as caregivers because of life experiences, some of us through our own interest and strengths, and many thanks to both. Whether we are caregivers due to our personal or professional responsibilities, or both, we are lucky enough to be witness to individuals in their full humanity and vulnerability. As such, we also must take care of ourselves in order to be fully present with the Other, reflecting our own humanity and vulnerability back to the people for whom we care.