The Beauty of Giving

One day I was forced to trail behind a bent over, elderly man as I was rushing to get my first cup of coffee at Dunkin Donuts. As he got to the door, he opened it and gestured for me to walk in first. I did and then I suggested he go before me to order, but he insisted that I order first and when I protested, he stated, “Please don’t take away my blessing.”  Years later I still think of this moment.

This older gentleman taught me how it feels to give and how special it is to make a difference in someone’s life one act of loving kindness at a time.

Throughout our heritage and history, our convenant and mission remains the same and is derived by our teachings of Torah and our Jewish values:    

    Caring for the less fortunate
    Respecting the elderly
    Encouraging family ties
    Welcoming the stranger

How fortunate are we as Jews to learn from and lead by example. How fortunate are we to have Federation to enhance our efforts.

How fortunate are we to be part of a people that is passionate about social justice, tikkun olam and giving.

Ultimately, for centuries, we as Jews have inculcated the life lesson: Giving is what makes living meaningful, memorable and significant.

- by Linda A. Hurwitz, National Campaign Chair of The Jewish Federations of North America