Working with the generous people in our community is incredibly inspiring and tremendously rewarding. I am fortunate to hear the stories and learn the histories of so many amazing people whose charitable gifts will help to ensure a vibrant future for our community.
Every person I speak with is unique and everyone has different interests and motivations for giving. They know that today their presence is needed for their families and the community and they think about and plan for what will happen when they can no longer be here.
Throughout our lifetimes Jews have faced hardship here at home and around the world and for generations to come there will be new challenges. We are a community constantly faced with changing needs and we continue to respond to challenging situations, as our ancestors did, by being prepared. And, as we have reaped the benefits from those who came before us, so do we plant the seeds for those who will come after us.
The Babylonian Talmud Tractate Ta’anit tells the story of Honi and the carob tree. One day, Honi saw a man planting a carob tree as he was journeying on the road.
Honi asked him, “How long will it take for this tree to bear fruit?” The man replied, “Seventy years.” Honi then asked, “And do you think you will live to eat the fruit of this tree?”
The man replied, “Perhaps not. However, when I was born into this world, I found many carob trees planted by my father and grandfather. Just as they planted trees for me, I am planting trees for my children and grandchildren so they will be able to eat the fruit of these trees.”
Many people in our community have stepped forward to help leave a rich legacy to our future generations. By their generous acts, they have said “hineini, here I am” for generations to come.
They inspire and motivate others to help secure a bright and vibrant future for our community and our people. I encourage all of us to join them and say “hineini” now and for the celebration of our future.
Caren Goldberg is executive director of the Jewish Community Foundation.
Loading ...