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"Cast your bread upon the waters, for you shall find
it after many days."
Ecclesiastes, 11:1
When it comes to tzedakah, my message is straightforward:
Give and you will get. We must give. It’s our obligation.
But giving is also good for you. Giving generously –
whatever your means – provides a satisfaction that is
deep, meaningful and rewarding in itself. The recognition
you may get for your own personal financial accomplishments
can never compare. Sharing and contributing helps others but
it does you good too.
To preserve the Jewish culture and support the needs of our
community is indeed an obligation – and one that the
Toronto Jewish community steps up to like no other city. But
this should not just be an obligation of the Jewish people.
It should be for everyone. After all, hasn’t the Jewish
tradition given the world so much? Jewish ethics, philosophies
and values were gifts for all – Jews and non-Jews alike.
As such, we all have a stake in keeping Jewish life strong.
Philanthropy is in my genes. I am lucky to have inherited
this value from my parents and their parents.
In fact, my great-grandfather was not a rich man but he was
known in his community to open his home to anyone who knocked
on his door in need.
Whether or not you grew up with philanthropy, if you can
contribute, do so now. Don’t wait for future generations
to decide what to do with your wealth. There are needs today
and there will be needs tomorrow. If you can endow a gift
today you will be supporting the Jewish community for generations
to come. You will be part of a legacy that helps to keep a
5,000-year tradition vibrant and strong.
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