Holiday tzedakah efforts benefit community

Did you know that, according to the National Retail Federation, consumers spent $60 billion on Black Friday? During the holiday season, it is easy to be consumed with your own family’s wants and needs for new toys and gadgets. Unfortunately, many families in our community cannot afford even a few simple Hanukkah gifts for their children.

Maimonides, the great Jewish philosopher and doctor, born in Spain in the 12th century, taught that the second highest level of charity is one in which the recipient has no knowledge of the charity’s source, also known as “matan b’seter.” Through the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s annual holiday drive, community members are participating in this mitzvah and helping families have a more joyous Hanukkah. 

For the past few years, the Alliance has been collecting gift cards, toys, books and other gifts for at-risk children in the community. These families are referred to the Alliance by Jewish Family Service, partner schools and the Living on the Edge professional team.

Through the Living on the Edge poverty initiative, scholarship assistance at Jewish camps and day schools, and services through Jewish Family Service, these children are sustained year-round by programs supported by the Alliance’s Annual Campaign.

Julia Keizler, a staff member and teen who works part-time at the Teen Lounge at the Alliance’s Dwares JCC, is dedicated to inspiring more tikkun olam. Last month the teens raised money for Breast Cancer Awareness month. This month, the teens decided to participate in a toy drive. The teens will be collecting gifts and wrapping them before they are distributed. The Teen Lounge is one of many programs supported by the Alliance’s Annual Campaign that inspire youth to be involved in the Jewish community and to be active members of society.

For more information about the 2017 Annual Campaign, the Jewish Alliance or to make gift, contact Michele Gallagher at mgallagher@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 165, or visit jewishallianceri.org

STEPHANIE HAGUE is the philanthropy officer at the Jewish Alliance.