From the earliest moments you begin teaching your children life skills and values. Like brushing your teeth and being kind to others. Like reading and sharing toys. You teach them to drive and you teach them to have concern for those less fortunate. You do your best to teach them to be good people.
As they grow, you do your best to instill your beliefs and better understand their interests and concerns for the world around them. You might share stories at the Shabbat table and perhaps you get involved as a family in local charities or Mitzvah Day.
In school and at home, Jewish children hear of the importance of tikkun olam, repairing the world, and tzedakah. You watch with pride as your children carry coins in their pockets to drop in the pushke at school. Where do these small acts and conversations lead you in teaching them goodness?
As your children get older, you may encourage them to donate their own time and money to help those causes in which they believe. But you know the greatest lesson is the one you demonstrate.
Jewish Baltimore has a place where a little tzedakah and volunteerism have a tremendous impact on those less fortunate, the elderly and children in need.
One of the easiest ways to teach a little tzedakah early on is by getting involved with The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore and making a first time gift in your child’s name. For as little as $5, you can begin a Jewish legacy for your child in Jewish Baltimore. And you can get hands-on with the Jewish Volunteer Connection or Mitzvah Makers on the Move.
That donation, which goes towards The Associated’s Annual Campaign, will have a direct effect in the areas you and your children care most about. Together, you might choose to donate new toys or winter coats to our Chanukah Closet or give a gift that helps winterize homes for seniors.
Your gift will support The Associated’s 14 programs and agencies, and show your child the reach of a single act of kindness. You can make your gift online today at www.associated.org/jewishfuture and visit www.jvcbaltimore.org for ways to get involved.
