REFLECTIONS ON GOOD AND EVIL

Michelangelo painting Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the L-rd G'd to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

RAMBAN, GENESIS 2:3
"And know that there is more encompassed in the words “to do,” for the six days of creation are akin to the days of the existence of the world." [AJWS translation]

According to Ramban, the creation of the world is not completed, but in the continual process of creation.

ECCLESIASTES RABBAH 12:14
What is it about Good and about Evil? It is said in the name of the house of Rabbi Yanai, one who give a poor person a small amount of money in public, for it happened once that Rabbi Yanai saw a certain man give some money to a poor person in public, it is better that he not give him than that he gives him now and disgraces him. The house of Rabbi Shiloh says, one who gives charity to a woman privately brings her into suspicion. [AJWS translation]

PSALMS 34:12-20
Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you what it is to fear G'd. Who is the man who is eager for life, who desires years of good fortune? Guard your tongue from evil, your lips from deceitful speech. Shun evil and do good, seek amity and pursue it. The eyes of G'd are on the righteous, G-d's ears attentive to their cry. The face of G'd is set against evildoers, to erase their names from the earth. They cry out, and G'd hears, and saves them from all their troubles. G'd is close to the brokenhearted; G'd delivers those crushed in spirit. Though the misfortunes of the righteous be many, G'd will save him from them all. [JPS translation]

RAMBAM, LAWS OF TEMPERAMENT 6:7
If one observes that another committed a sin or walks in a way that is not good, it is the person’s duty to bring the erring one back to the right path and point out that he/she is wronging him/herself by this evil course, as it is said, “You shall surely rebuke your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:17). One who rebukes another, whether for offenses against the one who rebukes him/herself or for sins against G'd, should administer the rebuke in private, speak to the offender gently and tenderly, and point out that the rebuke is offered for the wrongdoer’s own good, to secure for the other life in the World to Come. If the person accepts the rebuke, well and good. If not, the person should be rebuked a second, and a third time. And so one is bound to continue the admonitions, until the sinner assaults the admonisher and says, “I refuse to listen.” Whoever is in a position to prevent wrongdoing and does not do so is responsible for the iniquity of all the wrongdoers whom that person might have restrained.

MISHNA AVOT 5:13 - There are four types of charity givers:
- One who wishes to give, but that others should not give: their eye is evil towards that which belongs to others.
- One who wishes that others should give, but that they themselves should not give: their eye is evil towards that which is their own.
- One who desires that they themselves should give, and that others should give: they are pious.
- One who desires that they themselves should not give and that others too should not give: they are wicked. [translation by USCJ, edited for gender neutrality]

Give away more money

Give away more money - You will become richer! Charity To Assist Growth. By Ronn Torossian

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or donations can often be seen as window-dressing, but if done right, corporate (and personal) responsibility encompasses giving and the highest form of fulfillment. Earning my living helping corporations (and individuals) utilize the media and public forums to build their brand, we are often asked if certain charitable initiatives will help companies make more, or be portrayed better and my professional answer is always – Only if you are dedicated to it and really believe in it.

Other than the divine blessing and requirements of donations (tithing), we also merit many business realizations from giving to charity. In his book “Giving”, former President Bill Clinton tells of an African tribe he encountered as a result of his “Clinton Foundation”, that has a unique way of greeting each other. When someone says ‘hello’ the other greets him with “I see you.” It’s a powerful message in a world where differences are usually quite visible. Clinton testifies on his amazement with the amount of individuals and business alike that share so many causes and are actively contributing to organizations, NGOs, and charities.

To “win” at corporate responsibility and giving requires dedication. Celebrities, who walk around hospitals one-time, attend fundraising events for NGOs or make a public donation without sincerity can often be seen, with good reason as insincere. I don’t rule out the possibility that some play the game in a very strategic and bleak approach to the issue of giving. But it shouldn’t undermine those individuals, businesses and “even” corporations who are devoted to a larger goal than their own sales and profits.

I was raised in a home where giving wasn’t an option – it was a requirement, whether your money, time, attention or thoughts. For me they are part of a holy, higher value and I believe all people should give, regardless of how much or how little they have. The almighty rests his blessing on those who give, and certain “karma” if you will, shines your life and interactions with people.

Charitable donations raise a company (and individuals’) self image and self awareness. Helping and giving makes you feel good, and more focused on your purpose in the sector or your role. It allows organizations (and people) to be balanced and focused, and lessons jealously, allowing you to feel accomplished and focused on earning even more.

Yet another business benefit is the amazing people you meet at non-profit organizations you care about – you meet people who care about issues similar to you, and as you develop a bond over time, naturally you can make life-long friends, and also naturally beneficial business relationships. (And some of the people you meet through charities can be completely inaccessible in the “real world” but can be reached via the charity you devote your time and effort to).

These people can even evolve into your biggest clients as they did for me. Am certainly not saying to join, or get involved in CSR for business relationships – Join if you believe in and want to help the cause… but of course always expand your network.

Here are some initiatives to consider:

Social Responsibility acts: Whether an individual or major corporation, engage in corporate good. Your employees might very much identify with a list of causes that they and you can embark around the neighborhood you work from, or individual causes. Match donations, or offer time to causes. Can even allow corporations to be rallied as a team around a cause, which becomes useful for corporate morale.

NGOs and Dinners: Beside the obvious goals met when you attend a dinner and the objectives it fulfills with your contribution, you get to meet very interesting people who share the notion that our common humanity is vital. That is your evening and opportunity to mingle, bond, and make new connections. The cause can set the basis for self-reflection and encouragement to support the benefit you attended.

Programs: This is where unique resources come to place. Participate in programs where you can make a difference. PR firms of course can assist in media work, restaurants with food, and the like. Promote the cause like you’d help a loved one.

There are many ways and means to give. The initial act is the most important and ultimate fulfillment that you will gain, and remember that it is never too late to start – Just do it. Give the money away, the blessings of every kind will be returned to you in many multiples. That’s a personal and Public Relations guarantee.

Ronn Torossian is president and CEO of 5WPR, one of the 20 largest independent PR agencies in the U.S. Named to the “40 under 40” list of PR Week & Advertising Age, Ronn Torossian was a semi-finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and may be reached at Rtorossian@5wpr.com and followed on twitter @rtorossian5wpr

Jewish Joint Distribution Committee - Brazil

In 1636, Jews built the Kahal Zur synagogue in Recife/Br

Jewish history in Brazil dates back to the time of the voyages of Christopher Columbus. Gaspar da Gama, a Jew by birth, but later kidnaped and forcibly baptized, accompanied Portuguese admiral Pedro Alvares Cabral when he landed in what is now Brazil in 1500, beginning a more than 500-year presence in the New World.

Brazil is the largest country in South America, occupying half of the continent’s land mass. It is also the largest economy in the region. Formed primarily after 1920, Brazil’s Jewish population is currently the 10th largest in the world. Ethnically diverse in origin, its Ashkenazic component is primarily of Polish and German descent, while much of the Sephardic population is of Egyptian descent. Nearly all Jews live in urban areas, with São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city, having the largest Jewish community, followed by Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre.

Brazil is a federation; consequently, the Jews in each state have an organization of their own. The central body representing all Jewish federations and communities in Brazil is the Confederação Israelita do Brasil (CONIB), founded in 1951. This umbrella organization includes 200 associations engaged in promoting Zionist activity, Jewish education, culture, and charity.

Need
Income disparity is a major problem throughout Brazil, including in its Jewish communities. There is a need to create development and income opportunities to ensure a self-sustainable future. Attention to the enrichment of Jewish culture and heritage is also needed.

Response
JDC acts as a partner and consultant to the Jewish communities of Brazil, helping to enhance services, community development initiatives, and outreach activities. JDC’s efforts include:

Opening the Ariel Job Center in Porto Alegre, which provides training and job placement help
Monitoring a microloan fund for the community of São Paulo
Workshops for small Jewish communities in the country’s interior

Impact
JDC support is enriching Jewish community development in Brazil through training programs and exchanges. These include:
- The 2nd Latin American Conference for Homes and Day Centers for the Elderly, held in São Paulo in November 2009, brought together representatives from Jewish care facilities in eight Latin American countries
- The Albert Einstein Jewish Home for the Aged and Hospital in São Paulo—the largest Jewish hospital in Latin America—partnered with JDC for the event

Repair the world: Long Term Service

Tikkun Olam (Repair the World)
Framed Print by Gad Almaliah

The phrase in hebrew "Tikkun Olam" - Repair the world, was first used to refer to social action work in the 1950s. In subsequent decades, many other organizations and thinkers have used the term to refer to social action programs; Tzedakah (charitable giving) and Gemilut Hasadim (Acts of Kindness) and progressive Jewish approaches to social issues. It eventually became re-associated with kabbalah, and thus for some with deeper theological meaning.

No matter how you can help, a little, more or less, or whenever. The important thing is to help with love and truly dedication, believing that a small spark can ignite the fire that will light up and restore the world.

LONG TERM SERVICE (3 months-2 years)

Are many program opportunities geared towards making a long-term difference in a community. The Jewish community also has several long-term service fellowships like Avodah: The Jewish Service Corps, the JDC’s Jewish Service Corps and Ralph I. Goldman Fellowship, Adamah the Jewish Environmental Fellowship, and the Jewish Organizing Initiative (JOI).

PUBLIC SERVICE (1 year-a lifetime)

Most people identify public service as governmental work — everything from being a firefighter to running for elected office. But working for a non-profit is another meaningful form of public service that allows you to be directly involved in the life of a change-making organization.

PHILANTHROPY (Anytime)

- Non-Profit: If you have the financial resources to give big — great! — but you do not need a million dollars to support the work of an organization. Virtually all non-profits have links on their website that allow you to give as little or as much as you can online. And don’t just wait until the end of the year – your donation is important all year round.

- Micro-Loan: Donating through micro-loan organizations like Kiva extends the life of your gift. The money you give supports new business ventures in developing countries, and eventually is paid back, allowing you to “re-donate” the funds to someone else.

- In-Kind: Giving charity is not just about money. You can also donate goods like an old car, clothing, cell phone or computer to directly provide for people in need, or support the work of a start-up organization.

The framed print above, you can find it here: Gallery Judaica

Hasdei Naomi - Food to the Needy

Hasdei Naomi was founded in 1984 by Rabbi Yosef Cohen.

While sending his small children to school, he noticed that there were children arriving with torn briefcases and worn out clothing and he was deeply disturbed by this sight and felt badly for those families.

Rabbi Cohen, went, himself, from door to door, collecting food products and distributed them to the poor. After a while an entire array of volunteers was added, storage warehouses were formed, mobile collection-carts were distributed for collecting products. And today, Hasdei Naomi supports over a thousand families on a permanent basis as well as many others from time to time.

“Hasdei Naomi” takes care of those children and sends their families a box of basic products, such as canned goods, oil, vegetables, bread, laundry powder and sweets for the child. Dozens of products are being sent every month to more than 5000 families. The value of one box is about 500 NIS (today 500 Israeli shekels = 143.95 U.S. dollars).

The boxes which are given to needy families and widows, are distributed by a messenger from a courier service, in order to disguise the purpose of the mission and to spare the women and children the unnecessary embarrassment.

Donate to Hasdei Naomi; Click aqui

Network Of Orphanages & Children's Homes

http://www.kazembeorphanage.com/

KiteChild are the world's first network of ophanages and children's homes. We provide visibility and promote support by mapping and exposing the needs of our members to the greater online community.

Kitechild Mission

Kitechild is the first online network for orphanages and children’s homes around the world. The mission is to provide space on the web that will increase systematic wide- scale communication and cooperation among national and international child care providers.

Equally seek to provide visibility by both mapping the needs and endeavors of child care givers as well as promoting online awareness to encourage our generation of web users to become informed and involved.

Belief is that by increasing transparency and global awareness of the state of child caring organizations, can improve the way they are run and in turn, the children living in these challenging situations will have access to greater opportunities.

Want to know more about KITECHILD?
Orphanages Network - Partners - Donations: Click here.

'Justice and only justice will we should follow'

Nowadays nothing is more important than being fair and make acts of loving-kindness

The name "Tzedakah" comes from Hebrew and means exactly; "social justice with charity". This word tzedakah has a wider significance, because charity is not only give when you have. Tzedakah assumes that what you have, in left is missing to someone.

The concept of "Tikkun Olam" - "Repair the World" has to be part of our principles. If we can not end poverty, at least try to help our neighbors out of it, if you donate one jacket, for example, you practicing a mitzvah (commandment, precept).
The Hebrew word "tzedakah" is commonly translated as "charity" or "tithe" and is partly wrong. The "charity" implies that your heart motivates you to go beyond the simple function. Tzedakah, literally means "righteousness", ie, do the right thing with responsibly.

A "tzaddik" also is a person of integrity, someone who fulfills all its obligations.
The verse says: Tzedek, tzedek you should follow - Justice, justice you should follow, that thou mayest live and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. (Deut. 16:20)

There is a basic human responsibility to be fair to the next. Nobody needs to be rich to do justice. Give with joy, you can donate money, time, clothes, foods, kindness or something. Doing this is a statement that "I do what I can to help."

This is the Jewish concept of "Tikkun Olam" - "Repair the World".

What is the best charity?

The obligation to give charity (tzedakah) can be fulfilled by giving money to the poor, to health institutions, synagogues or to educational institutions. It can also be fulfilled by supporting your children beyond the age when you are legally required, or the support of his parents in their old age. The obligation includes giving to both Jews and Gentiles.

Contrary to popular belief, Jews not only take care of our own sake, rather, a report of the study indicate that the Jews "mega-donors" (who give more than $ 10 millions per year to charities) found that only 6% of their mega-dollars were specifically for Jewish causes.

Levels of Charity
Certain kinds of tzedakah are considered more meritorious than others. The Talmud describes these different levels of tzedakah, the Rambam organized in a list. The levels of charity, from the least merit. for the most meritorious, are:

1 - Giving unwillingly.
2 - Giving less than you should, but giving it cheerfully.
3 - Giving after being asked.
4 - Giving before being asked.
5 - Giving when you do not know the identity of the recipient but the recipient knows your identity.
6 - Giving when you know the identity of the recipient but the recipient does not know his identity.
7 - Giving when neither party knows the identity of another.
8 - Giving, helping and allowing the recipient to become self-sufficient, so that no more will be needed to charity!

Relief Center In Israel - Meir Panim

Mission
Meir Panim’s mission is to prevent poverty, distress and dependence on governmental aid or charity, and to build self-esteem and independence amongst needy populations in Israel. Meir Panim is the largest conduit of its kind, dispensing vital food and social service programs to those who need it most. Our commitment is to the people of Israel and under no circumstances do we discriminate based on race, ethnicity, or religious observance.

For nearly a decade, Meir Panim has been steadfast in its dedication to the needy of Israel. Meir Panim's dynamic programs reach out to all victims of poverty - young and old alike - restoring hope into the lives of thousands each day. Meir Panim aims to be not only a provider of food and social service programs to those who need it most, but a symbol of strength to meet the daily challenges of the impoverished of Israel.

MEIR PANIM - Numbers and data 3,000 Devoted, responsible, regular volunteers representing all shades of Israeli society give of their time, energy and talents, enabling Meir Panim and POG to continue their ongoing work. 5,000 Alternating volunteers each year from delegations from abroad and youth groups. 14 Elegant restaurants are situated in the centers of towns, and serve hot, nourishing meals each day, with 3 courses at every meal. List of Branches: Jerusalem, Tzfat, Dimonah, Sderot, Kiryat Gat, Kiryat Malachi, Kiryat Arba, Haifa, Akko, Chatzor, Tiberias, Or Akiva, Be\'er Sheva. 2,400 Guests eat each day in the restaurant chain. 1,200 Meals on Wheels are delivered each day to elderly and handicapped people who are homebound and cannot go to the restaurants. The shipping is handled by volunteers. 5,000 Hot Meals are distributed each day to children of underprivileged families who study in long school-day programs in playgroups, schools, and welfare clubs. 5,000 Food cards are distributed to elderly Holocaust survivors throughout Israel prior to the Holidays (Rosh Hashana & Passover). 30,000 Hot meals will be distributed to children in educational institutions in towns in the Negev each day, starting from the 2010 academic year, through the "Food Factory for Negev Children" program. 800 Food cards are distributed every weekend to underprivileged families in Kiryat Malachi. 8 Welfare Clubs are run in Meir Panim branches during the afternoon hours in cooperation with the Bnai Akiva, Ezra and Hatzofim youth movements. The clubs are run by professional teachers and provide academic reinforcement as well as meals and enrichment. They are accompanied by special parenting schools. The clubs function in the following locations: Acco, Hatzor, Kiryat Gat, Tiberias, Or Akiva and Safed . 3 Clubs for the elderly are run in Meir Panim branches during the morning hours, in the following cities: Acco, Kiryat Arba and Tzfat. The participants enjoy cultural activities such as art, sudy of the Hebrew language and lectures, as well as a hot lunch. 64 Handicapped and emotionally disabled people are currently integrated in rehabilitative work programs in Meir Panim kitchens, in Kiryat Malachi, Dimona and Acco. They assist in preparing and packaging food, and receive a symbolic salary in exchange for their work. The Food Factory for Negev Children will integrate another 150 rehabilitation patients. Can you help? Click here to donate

The Meaning of the Word "Tzedakah"

Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for the acts that we call "charity" - Giving aid, assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes.
However, the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of charity.
The word "charity" suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the wealthy and powerful for the benefit of the poor and needy but the word "tzedakah" is derived from the Hebrew root Tzadei-Dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness. In Judaism, giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous or magnanimous act; it is simply an act of justice and righteousness, the performance of a duty; giving for the poor as their due.

Tzedakah: Charity

I come back to remind everyone:
What is meant by charity in our lives?

Tzedakah - Charity is a fundamental part of the Jewish way of life

Jews traditionally donate at least ten percent of their income to charity. The the homes of Jews generally, have a "pushke" (a box for collecting money for the poor). Young Jews continually going from door to door to collect donations for various worthy causes.

- In the prayer of mourning (when the moment of death), it is common to include a statement that will make a donation to charity in memory of the deceased.

- Donating to charity is an almost instinctive Jewish response to thank God, to ask forgiveness from God, or to ask a favor from God.

- According to Jewish tradition, the spiritual benefit of giving to the poor is so great that when a "poor" needs help, in fact he (poor) is making a favor to the person who can help you. The poor is that giving the opportunity to perform Tzedakah. In fact, the poor is who is actually helping the donor.

- A study by leading charities in the world, found that 24.5% of all the "mega-donors" (people who donate more than $ 10 million a year for charity) are Jews. Jewish generosity is not limited to Jewish causes ...

Charity in the Festival of Lights!

Celebrate Hanukkah also helping the environment and doing charity.


On Chanukah, it is traditional to give children Chanukah Guelt - Money Hanukkah. One reason for this custom is the opportunity to offer them positive reinforcement for exemplary behavior, and encourage them to donate a portion to tzedakah - charity. This commandment (mitzvah), helps children understand the importance of charity (tzedakah) also when they are adults.

Some useful examples for charity on Hanukkah:

Ner Shel Tzedakah (Candle of Justice)A project for the sixth night of Chanukah Dedicating the night of Chanukah 6 to learn about the problem of poverty. Donate the value of gifts (or the gifts themselves) that would otherwise exchange on that night to organizations that help the poor.

Light Among the Nations
If each family had one light bulb with a CFL (compact fluorescent lamps), it would have the same impact as removing 1.3 million cars off the road. Celebrate Chanukah taking action to resolve the crisis of climate change. This campaign is to involve the community Jewish education, advocacy, and concrete measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Visit the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL) to find out how you can participate in this important campaign.

Sustaining the Light: A Social Justice Program Guide for Chanukah. A new program guide of the Commission for Social Action, which highlights the themes of social justice of Chanukah - the environment, economic justice, children's issues, religious freedom - and describes the activities that flow from them. In the guide you will find ideas of social action program for families, social action committees, youth groups and other groups synagogue. We hope this material will help you make your Chanukah observance one that inspires acts of righteousness (Tzedek) and tsedaká (charity).