Why I Give
I give because my family received support from those who gave before us. We received aid from the local community after moving to this country from Moldova in 1978. Thanks to the Jewish Federation, my parents received help starting new lives in a new country. Several years ago I myself received assistance from the local Jewish community to pursue a graduate degree.
Naturally, I also give because Jewish law commands us to help the less fortunate. Tzedakah is a pillar of the Jewish faith. I wish to carry on this tradition by instilling the values of charitable giving in my own son, Jacob. I feel confident giving to the Jewish Community Federation because I know that aid is channeled to where it is needed most, whether locally, in other parts of the Diaspora, or in Israel. Natalie Zatkin YLD Board Member 2005-6 |
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When I was asked to write a couple of paragraphs this month about "Why I Give," I immediately thought of my beloved Great Grandmother Florence who inspired this characteristic in me. Let me explain. As a boychik, this sage of a lady used to spin amazing stories about her childhood growing up in Latvia near the Baltics. Usually these stories were allegorical and didactic in nature, and there is one I remember in particular despite the hodge-podge of English, Latvian, and Yiddish that jarbled from her mouth.
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Dan Haut YLD Board Member 2006-2008 |
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Why I give. This is a great question. I question the rules with heavy skepticism around Mishneh Torahs definition of the giving levels as well as the 10% requirement of one's annual salary and on and on... Why follow guidelines that were set 2,000+ years ago? As Jews, aren't we supposed to struggle with the rules - i.e. Israel - to struggle with G-d? Yet, I still give. Why?
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Dan Grosh, YLD Board Member 2006-2008 |
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Growing up Jewish in South Africa was easy my brother, sister and I attended Jewish day school K-12; we went to Jewish summer camps, attended synagogue most Friday nights and all holidays. It was simply the way we lived, and we never wondered how this was made possible. My husband, also South African, grew up the same way.
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Nicki Gilbert |
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Encouraging Life Long Leadership
In the early 1980s, Steve Goldman was part of a cadre of young people who participated in a JCFGEB leadership training program in order to enhance their contributions to the Jewish community. In 1983, he received the Moses and Celia Lesser Award, which acknowledged his contributions to the Jewish community and signified more to come. As part of the honor, he received a stipend that helped fund his first mission to Israel. I went, with my wife, as part of the UJC Young Leadership Cabinet. It was an eye-opening experience, says Steve. And, it furthered a lifelong commitment to the community. Four years ago, he helped found the present Young Leadership Division (YLD). read more... Steve Goldman Federation Board Member |
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