Consider Reaching Out to Your Sibling
In a recent discussion about sibling relationships, our weekly class read a poignant story about Rabbi Michael Gold. Rabbi Gold wrote that he and his younger brother had a bitter fight and for a full year did not speak. During that period, Rabbi Gold learned that his brother lost his job, was behind in mortgage payments and might lose his home. Rabbi Gold and his wife sent his brother money.
“Why did I send him the money?” Gold asks. His response is not what I would have expected. He did so out of honor to his parents. He recalled how his father once demonstrated to him that he wanted his boys to take care of one another. Ultimately, Rabbi Gold and his brother reconciled.
If you’ve been estranged or even distant from a sibling, this strikes me as a very good time to reach out to him or her (unless there’s a danger in doing so). And if things don’t go smoothly after the first call (a call, not a text), I suggest trying again. Even if it doesn’t bring you closer, there’s a good chance you’ll feel better having reached out. There’s little to lose and potentially very much to gain—for you and your parents.
— Rabbi David Woznica