It seems that I can’t go anywhere without someone wanting to
alleviate my burdened purse of any loose change that may be hiding within its
many inside folds and pockets. Whether I am buying a coffee, grocery shopping,
picking up the dry cleaning or going to the pharmacy; charity boxes are on
every counter, cashiers ask if I would like to make a donation to something or
a pan-handler is asking for change. Heck, even when I purchased my ‘dog
repellent’ a portion of the sale went to the breast cancer society. Seriously. As
much as I appreciate the good intention behind it, one can only be bombarded so
much before it becomes too much and you want to give to no one.
Many families keep pushke boxes in the home to teach their
children to give to others, usually to their synagogue. We were taught to help
those in need and give where and when we can, whether it’s a few dimes in the
box, canned goods to the food bank, or buying a pizza slice at school to help
raise money for whatever. But is giving a few coins here and there, making a monthly
donation, supporting a child in need or writing a massive cheque enough? Is a
shiny new wing of a building or a new park really healing the world? Do we need
to build another school or just try to fix up the existing ones? Are we giving because
we are told that it is the right thing to do, that as Jews we should and have
to, or are we giving because we truly want to? Either way, you can’t beat that
tax receipt. Right? Many synagogues have tikkun olam programs where they choose a charity or project that they are raising money for with the intention of bringing together the congregants to perform their duty of giving to others in order to heal the world. Traditionally, the act of tzedakah says that Jews are supposed to give 10% of their income to charity or whatever they can give. If you were to look around our Jewish neighbourhoods you will see all the benefactor’s names who have given their share (or more) on the sides of buildings, busses, ambulances, benches, halls, trees, plaques and walls of various materials – this by the way, drives me nuts. Why does one have such a need of recognitions that they advertise their name in large font letters for anyone walking by to see? Thank you should be enough, but I digress..
Maimonides said there are 8 levels of giving tzedakah, with
consideration that the needy receive the contributions in the most respectful
and least shameful way possible;
1.
Giving grudgingly, or with regret
2.
Giving less than one should, put pleasantly
3.
Giving what one should, but on request
4.
Giving before one is asked – reducing one’s
shame of having to ask for help
5.
Giving without knowing the recipient, although
the recipient knows who you are
6.
Giving without making known that you are the
giver
7.
Giving when neither you nor the recipient know
each other’s identities
8.
Helping someone to become self-supporting
through a gift, loan or finding employment
I can honestly say that I have touched every one of these
levels at one time or another. Giving doesn't always mean you are a generous or good person. A man can write a $20,000 cheque or give someone a job and still be
a self-centered arse. Nothing to be admired. I’ve given to Tim Horton’s charity
lots of times but never saw their camp or been to one of their hockey games.
I’ve given pan-handlers change but never asked what they will do with it and
I’ve given to the cancer society not knowing if any of my money went to the patients
or administrative costs. We give without thinking or knowing, just assuming its
going to the right place and we did the right thing. On with our lives!
Three years ago I purchased a car so I could go from work to
school to home without taking the bus late at night. Her name is Kitty Boo. I
also made a promise that when I could, I would volunteer myself and Kitty to
Meals on Wheels. Now that school is (finally) over, I have joined the ranks and
will be given my own route next week. My recipients are seniors with various
ailments who need this service to survive. They have limited mobility, income
and pantry items. Some are Holocaust survivors and have seen the absolute worst
of the worst that I cannot and would not want to ever imagine. At the very
least, I can bring them their dinner, make a little small talk and I hope to be
able to share some of their stories in the future. I am doing this purely for
selfish reasons - it’s my car, my time and I don’t need anyone’s permission to
do it! I am helping because I can, it keeps me busy and they need volunteers. Tzedakah doesn’t always have to be about money. The world can be healed with words, kindness and actions. Instead of donating to the food bank, GO and help to sort the cans. Instead of giving to a charity, volunteer for them. Heck, say good morning to a stranger or your neighbour because you just might make their day a little nicer. It’s our duty as Jews and as human beings. God gave us this world and everything in it, it’s our job to take care of it and frankly, it needs a little dusting.
Baby steps..
