New Girl

Eikev

Being the new girl in a school, can evoke feelings so strong.
'I am afraid I will mess up. What might go wrong?

'Will I be able to handle, limudei kodesh and chol?
'In this new school, what will be my role?

'Will the other girls like me? Will I be accepted by the rest?
'How will I do? will I live up to the test?

'Like most schools, I heard the girls here are nice.
'Or perhaps for being the "new girl" I will pay the price.'

"New girl" the day before, is up all night.
Tossing and turning, in apprehension and fright.

All  the students say things like...
"Oh...Hi. How are you? What is your name?"
"New girl" is now kinda glad, to a new town she came.

However they are nice, but only to a degree.
Welcoming her yes. But they are not quite as kind as they can be.

But a girl named Rachel, goes far beyond the other girls.
And affectionately welcomes "new girl" into her world.

Rachel says, "New girl" don't you worry about a thing.
Into my circle of friends you I will gladly bring.

"And 'new girl' don't worry. If you need help with Chumash or any other subject they teach.
"Text me or phone me. I won't be out of reach."

Rachel is super nice, and they talk for a while.
"New girl" by now feels wonderful, and begins to smile.
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We are taught in this parsha to love converts, as a matter of fact, anyone new.
Which not only includes converts, but also Jews.
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So just like Rachel, who said to "new girl", "By all means feel free to call me on the phone."
The new family in your shul, welcome into your home.

Or the new senior, in your adult care living,
Be welcoming warm, loving, and giving.

The concept of welcoming in, and being warm and kind:
A message from our Torah, a message so sublime