14 Av 5785
Dear Friend,
Yesterday afternoon I walked into Campaign Director, Bobby Naimark’s office to chat. Bobby is a lifelong learner and is constantly sharing articles, videos, and new ideas with me. It is invaluable to share and learn from someone who is 40 years younger.
Bobby often prints and posts ideas on his wall. This was the newest one:
“The Talmud teaches that charity should first be directed to one’s own family and neighbors before extending it outward. This guidance is logistical, and it’s logical. When our neighbors are in a crisis, we are called to act. Ignoring their struggle while sending funds elsewhere creates a spiritual and social imbalance.”
I had to reflect on this one for a long time…..a very long time.
National demographic studies tell us that Jewish households, on average, give higher amounts than non-Jewish households; at the very same time 2/3s of Jewish households who give donate outside of the Jewish community.
Of Jews on the Forbes 400 list (33 individuals) only 1 in 10 give to exclusively Jewish causes with the vast majority of their contributions going to support health, arts, and education.
Clearly, a substantial portion of Jewish philanthropy is directed towards non-Jewish causes and organizations which demonstrate our broad commitment to charitable giving that transcends religious and community boundaries.
Afterall, we are commanded to be Or L’Goyim-a light unto the people.
When I turn the mirror on our community I see organizations like Rachel's Table, originally, an initiative of the Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy Division, which is now an independent non-profit which “works to alleviate hunger and reduce waste of food in Western Massachusetts.”
I see Jewish Family Service of Western Mass. who states, “Rooted in Jewish values, JFS of Western Mass provides exceptional social services to support individuals and families from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.” They do stellar work, especially in resettling and supporting new Americans.
I see the Federation’s “Dignity Grows” initiative which is “in the fight against Period Poverty, a debilitating, often overlooked form of health inequity.” It is true that 1/3 of all Americans cannot afford monthly menstrual hygiene necessities, resulting in chronic absenteeism, job loss and health issues.
They are all doing excellent, meaningful work in the broader community;
they are truly Or L’Goyim!
But what happens if we change just one word and ask each of you to consider being an Or L’Yehudim-a light unto the Jews? How does that change how you give, what you give or who you give to (and I’m not speaking only about your financial capital)?
I’m not saying that there aren’t many worthy initiatives and organizations…Lord knows, I give to many of them, but when it comes to my priority, it is Jewish. “We” support everything in many meaningful ways, yet, very few non-Jewish people support Jewish initiatives or organizations.
We are a very small percentage of the world’s population. Of the 8.1 BILLION people in the world, those who identify as Jewish only number 15.7 MILLION; or less than .2% of the population, and the vast majority live in two places: here in the US and Israel (75%).
When the Federation calls you for support,
It is a gift to your friends and neighbors;
It is a gift to people you know and those you don’t;
It is a gift to help the people of the only Jewish homeland;
It is a gift to people, not to governments;
It is to affect the human condition;
It is not for us; it is for others.
Join and volunteer at a synagogue;
Help a Jewish school program;
Make a meaningful gift to the Federation Annual Campaign;
Create a legacy fund at the Jewish Endowment Foundation;
Come celebrate with your community at Jewnity.
Become an Or L’Yehudim
Shabbat Shalom,