Derech Eretz Corner: Summer! Freedom?

Never from Derech Eretz!

The world simply doesn’t run without it.

Summer is the season when schedules loosen, the weather invites adventure, and we finally have a moment to breathe and catch up with ourselves before the seriousness of a new year begins.

But some things require steady attention, always.

There is a unique and essential service provided by Anshe Emet Synagogue: the dish mikvah. It’s a space that relies not just on function, but on Derech Eretz, courtesy, respect, and shared responsibility. Respecting a communal space that others will use after you is not optional, it’s vital.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. The message is simple:If you see something that needs doing, do it.

If you can’t do it, ask for help.If you have the means, donate to support that help.

When using this facility, ask yourself:

• Do you bring your items already prepped for immersion?

• If not, do you prepare them responsibly, using the trash cans and recycling bins appropriately?

• Please flatten your boxes so the synagogue will not have to pay extra for recycling pickup.

• When peeling off stickers, do you toss them wherever? Or stick them onto trash to be discarded properly?

• If you use baskets for dunking, do you return them to the table where they belong?

• If the small waste baskets are full, do you pile on more, letting it scatter across the yard? Or do you empty them to make space for the next person?

• When you see litter or misplaced recycling, do you ignore it? Or pick it up?

• Do you leave the area neat and clean?

• Do you contribute a donation for the upkeep of the mikvah?