June 25, 2008 at 8:31 pm (Uncategorized)
Tags: tikkun olam, tzedakah
Tzedakah is a large component of the reform temple community. Tikkun Olam has been the word used most — it means repairing the world. What is Tikkun Olam? What are you supposed to do? What is its purpose?
I went to university with a bunch of hippy wannabees. The desire to align with the favorite political idea was strong. It was impassioned. But it all seemed to be part of the college experiment to find out who you are. I enjoyed watching but I seldom participated. Over the years I have had many friends that continued this path as adults. It never worked for me. These political causes in way off lands didn’t resonate.
The programs of Tikkun Olam feel much the same to me. Maybe I am just mapping my previous experience into this one. However, much of what I read and see seems to be an expression of a political leaning or a self identification.
Tikkun Olam is a concept started by Isaac Luria the great figure who’s writings were the beginning of the kabbalah. Before the beginning G-d was everything. He occupied all dimensions. At one point He decided he wanted to create and had to move to one side. In this new space G-d was able to begin creation. During this process He decided to contain some of His divine energy in a vessel. The vessel shattered and G-d’s divine light was spread around the world. Part of our responsibility as humans is to gather this divine light and reconnect with G-d. This is Tikkun Olam. The act of repairing the world is to connect with G-d, not with ourselves. Tikkun Olam is fundamentally a spiritual challenge to find the G-d sparks in all places and in all human beings. While finding these G-d sparks and guiding them back to connect with G-d you are performing Tikkun Olam. This is repairing the world.
I am seriously interested in the new websites that offer to bring people together to make connections to enable a person help themselves. This is an effort I can fall behind. Teach Johnny to fish, then Johnny can do what he needs to survive. Here are some examples:
Lend to people around the world. Send micro loans to business owners who are looking to grow. http://www.kiva.org/
Lend your time to people. Help others and earn points for others to help you when needed. http://www.timebanks.org/
It would be amazing to convert a service like timebanks into a Tikkun Olam enabler. Imagine offering an hour of your service to someone in need. That person in need can then do something for someone else. This would create a community of Tikkun Olamers.
What do you think?
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June 8, 2008 at 10:22 pm (Uncategorized)
Tags: charity, giving, tzedakah
I was thinking about giving the other day. NPR had an article on Eunice Shriver Kennedy. John and Bobby’s sister. She created the Special Olympics. Something struck me about her story. Here is a quote
“Shriver saw that just as political roles were limited for her, many
more opportunities were limited for people with mental retardation.
Shorter says she rejected the role of society woman and took over the
family foundation.”
She had all the opportunity in the world as powerful and wealthy as she was to give to charities, to donate, and to offer her time. But she refused to do that. She went further. She gave in the best way possible. She gave the best she had to offer with her status and power.
“She had the genius to see that she, in fact, was capable of major
achievements helping these kids, and that’s what she did. She dedicated
her life to it,” says Shorter.
What does it mean to give to tzedakah or to charity? Give your money, your things, or your time to help people. Do you do that to your fullest. Up to 10% of your earnings? Is this your sacrifice? Is it the best you have to offer? (The burnt offerings given to G-d had to be blemish free – they had to be the best you had to offer,)
My family has pondered this question. We found it a challenge to meet the standards of tzedakah which we wanted. We started to rethink giving in this town where we live. It is expensive to live here. However, for all the taxes we pay there is a huge set of resources the town has available especially within the school system.
Since we cannot meet the financial expectations of tzedakah we thought we could offer something better. We have a beautiful home, lovely neighborhood, terrific school and plenty of opportunities. We agreed that we would share this with someone who has not had this. We offered to take in a refugee from Sudan.
On Wednesday we had a 16 year old girl come live with us. She was born in Sudan, brought to Egypt when she was three, brought to the us when she was eight and shipped around our foster care system until now. She has a bright smile and an open attitude and has been a lovely addition to our home. We hope everything works out and we can give her what she has not had until now.
I believe we are giving the best of what we have to offer: our home, love and opportunities.
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June 4, 2008 at 7:35 am (Uncategorized)
Tags: action, do, intention, tzedakah
Is having intention enough?
I intended to go to service last Shabbat. I did not go.
I intended to give tzedakah to the homeless as I was walking to the bus. I did not give.
Is the thought enough? I had good intentions. I believe this is the Jewish definition of sin. I missed the mark. I missed the opportunity that was laid out infront of me.
Doing something with intention requires action. Judaism is a religion of action, not just faith. Whenever I am in New York City and I have to walk several blocks to the office I make sure to set aside a dollar and my change in my pocket. I prepare the money for the first homeless person or homeless collection box I see. I know where these people usually are. I could conveniently take another route. However, I start off my trip with the intention to give money. I give the money each time. I have done it frequently enough that it is natural and I feel compelled. I feel compelled not by the individuals but as a Jew giving tzedakah with intention. Perhaps a little connection is starting to open up.
Try it. Take out the money and put it in your pocket ahead of time. Give. Remove all judgements and reasons why you shouldn’t. Do it because it is right and do it with intention.
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