March 2007

How does one show gratitude and happiness the Jewish way? One way is by helping those who are less fortunate.

This teaching comes from the story of Purim as told in the Book of Esther. Mordecai instructs the Jews to celebrate their delivery from the wicked Haman by “sending gifts to one another and giving presents to the needy.” The gifts that we send to one another are tasty morsels of fruit, candy and baked sweets. The “presents to the needy” is interpreted as tzedakah that benefits at least two people in need.

Congregation Chaverim is not a stranger to the mitzvah of helping those who are less fortunate. This is, in fact, one of the unique features of our congregation. For example, during the past several months we participated in Project Hospitality. We were one of 32 synagogues and churches working with the Salvation Army to provide temporary shelter to Tucson’s homeless. On four nights we opened our doors to provide dinner, conversation, a movie, overnight shelter, breakfast and to-go lunches for several dozen men.

As I said, many synagogues and churches participated in this worthy project. What strikes me as significant is that over twenty percent of our membership was involved in our share of this program. Some volunteers made dinner, some slept overnight at the synagogue, some came at 6:00 am to serve breakfast and clean up, others did a variety of other tasks. In all, over 55 people pitched in. I think this is a remarkable display of generosity and caring.

But I am not surprised: generosity and caring are hallmarks of our congregation. I’ve seen that when asked to help out, our members willingly roll up their sleeves and get to work.

So in the spirit of the Purim mitzvah of tzedakah, I have a request of each of you. The Jewish community is holding a diaper drive. Yes, a diaper drive! We are collecting unopened packs of baby and/or adult diapers for the Southern Arizona Community Diaper Bank. Diapers may seem like a pedestrian item given the enormous problems that face our country and the world. But our tradition teaches that tikkun olam begins with those closest to us. And if members of the Tucson community don’t fill this particular community need, who will?

We are told that over 4,000 diapers are needed every day for families in need in Southern Arizona. Here is my proposal: each member of Chaverim--whether adult or child--donates two dozen diapers. If we did this, we would come close to providing two days’ worth of diapers for the Diaper Bank. This is such an easy, straightforward way to make a difference for those struggling to maintain good hygiene and dignity. The diaper drive continues through March 12. Please bring your “presents to the needy” to the congregation’s office during the day, or at the Purim carnival, Shabbat services, religious school, and all other Chaverim events.

P.S. Even when we aren’t feeling especially grateful or happy, it is a good idea to be generous towards those in need. We might even find that gratitude and happiness emerge out of such deeds of tzedakah and lovingkindness.

L’shalom
Rabbi Helen