JVN Blog

Susan Winton (Chair of JVN Trustees) and Leonie Lewis (Director)

Prayer, Penitence, Charity avert the Evil decree (Traditional Rosh Hashanah liturgy)

What a powerful yet disconcerting phrase to open our New Year message! And Jewish people say this repeatedly throughout the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (New Year and Day of Atonement) services – suggesting that is a wake-up call for all of us to think about the values of our faith and our daily behaviour.

Clearly, most pertinent to JVN are the values associated with charity – Tzedakah. But what actually is tzedakah?

For most Jews, tzedakah is just about giving money. In fact, the word tzedakah is based on the concept of Justice – Tzedek. This means that tzedakah must be grounded with fairness and means that charitable giving should ensure that all the community is able to be sustained.

At this time of year, those in the Jewish community are inundated with charities seeking donations. Between us personally, we have received at least ten different charity Appeals as we go to press – each in its own way worthy, and each seeking to sustain and benefit others.

We too are writing about charity and yes also asking you the reader to consider the wellbeing of others. But we are Appealing not for your money but your time.

This Rosh Hashanah we want you to consider not how much you can give in monetary terms but in commitment terms to sustain the community. Thread your imaginary string in one of these options: I can offer a day a week, three hours a week, once a month or on a one-off basis during the year….. Think how a small act of giving your time, not your money, demonstrates Jewish values in the fullest, most true sense of giving Tzedakah.

The Jewish Volunteering Network offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities – opportunities that will make the best use of your time and commitment: matching your skills and interests for the benefit of the community. Make it your New Year’s resolution to respond and give to at least one Appeal…the JVN Appeal for your Time.

And perhaps the first little bit of your time could be used to visit the JVN website which has a brand new look! Or to read our Autumn/Winter Newsletter below filled with all sorts of insights and news from JVN, and the world of volunteering in general, as well as the very best, latest volunteering opportunities.

We wish all our blog readers a Happy and Sweet New Year, Shana Tovah umetakah!

Leonie and Susan

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