For an ongoing discussion of Jewish educational issues (as I see them) check out my blog: "Morah Mary's Musings."
I'd welcome your comments as you react to what I write.
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| Mitzvah Heroes Fund is a 'boutique' non-profit organization that is dedicated to the collection and distribution of funds to various little-known Tzedakah projects. We define “Tzedakah” as pure, decent caring or, simply put, “just doing the right thing."
Based upon Jewish tradition, the Mitzvah Heroes Fund funds both Jewish and non-Jewish programs. And we are devoted to bringing the educational message of Tzedakah to communities and schools throughout the United States and Israel.
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Since the beginning of 2003, Rabbi Howard Gorin, of Tikvat Israel Congregation in Rockville, Maryland, has been nurturing the development of Nigerian Jewry. He has visited Nigeria three times – in 2004, 2006 and 2008 – and is planning his fourth visit for July, 2009. He and his congregation have shipped two 40’ containers to Nigeria. Included in their contents: some 9 tons of Jewish books. He continues to provide spiritual, educational and economic assistance and guidance.
For more information about Rabbi Gorin's work (and how to support it), check out his website. Or contact him directly: hdgorin49@yahoo.com.
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| One of the Nigerian Jews with whom Rabbi Gorin has worked. |
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Much of the work that we do -- and the decisions that we make -- should be values-based. We are obligated, I believe, to listen to the "still, small voice" within us.
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The challenge is that, in most situations, right is not absolute. There are often competing values which should be articulated, considered and weighed in reaching a final decision. I learned this from one of the rabbis I've had the privilege of working with. In the process of decision-making, he taught me to
♦ list all the information I had at hand,
♦ identify competing values,
♦ compare them to each other,
♦ decide which values should carry more weight than others,
♦ rank them accordingly, and
♦ follow through on the decision.
Since values compete -- it was helpful for me to consider other values and be prepared to explain how I had weighed and measured and ultimately reached my decision. Since I often think of only one or two values when I begin my process, he generously shared his list of Jewish values. I am grateful for his teaching.
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