St. Mary's Child Center
The centerpieces on each table at my Bat Mitzvah will be baskets filled with some items requested by the St. Mary's Child Center. SMCC has a web site with a wish list of items needed to help their children to have a better learning experience and to foster their creativity. If you would to know more please click here for a link to their Wish List.
Ein Bustan Jewish/Arab Kindergarten.
I have also chosen to promote the organization of Ein Bustan Kindergarten. The Ein Bustan kindergarten is the first Jewish/Arab Waldorf kindergarten in Israel. The founders of Ein Bustan share a vision of a society in which Jews and Arabs live together peacefully in equality and understanding. In order to create this reality, they believe that an education that builds true friendship and trust as well as a common language and culture is needed. For more information please click here.
What is Tzedakah?
When translated into English, the root "tzedakah" means charity -- giving to those in need. Tzedakah is part of the 10 Commandments and holds a very high place in Judaism. Tzedakah is a performance of duty. In Jewish literature, the sages have said that tzedakah is the highest of all commandments. In fact it is equal to all other commandments combined. Tzedakah is what grants us forgiveness from our sins. According to the Yom Kippur literature, a judgment has been inscribed for those who have sinned. Repentance, prayer, and tzedakah can reverse the decree. Certain kinds of tzedakah are considered to be of greater merit than others. From the least to most meritorious they are:
Giving begrudgingly
Giving less than you should, but giving cheerfully
Giving after being asked
Giving before being asked
Giving when you are unaware of the recipient's identity, but the recipient is aware of yours
Giving when you are aware of the recipient's identity, yet you remain anonymous
Giving when neither party is aware of the other's identity
Enabling the recipient to become self reliant
