Staying Connected Through Giving
There is a lovely and important Jewish custom that invites us to mark significant moments in our lives with tzedakah. Whether celebrating a birth, wedding, Bet Mitzvah, anniversary, or milestone birthday, or offering support during illness or the loss of a loved one, Jewish tradition offers us a meaningful way to respond that extends beyond ourselves.
The Hebrew word tzedakah comes from the root tzedek, meaning justice or righteousness. Tzedakah is a mitzvah, a Jewish sacred obligation rooted in our responsibility to others.
The Torah teaches, “Fatoach tiftach et yad'cha,” "You shall surely open your hand" (Deuteronomy 15:8).
Our tradition also teaches, “Al tifrosh min hatzibur,” "Do not separate yourself from the community" (Pirkei Avot 2:4).
At the Danforth Jewish Circle, we share many of life's experiences: We celebrate new beginnings and milestones and stand beside one another through illness, loss, and grief. Some of these moments unfold publicly, while others happen quietly, known only to a few. Let us nurture a DJC community where we share more of these moments, and where donating in honour or memory of someone becomes a meaningful, familiar way to acknowledge them.
Imagine hearing that a fellow community member has welcomed a child or grandchild, then surprising them with a donation in celebration. Or learning that someone is observing a parent's yahrzeit and making a contribution in their loved one's memory. A gift might mark a friend's milestone birthday, or simply express gratitude for someone who has made a difference in your life.
These gestures say something important:
Your joy matters to me.
Your sorrow matters to me.
I am thinking of you.
While tzedakah emphasizes caring for those in need, Jewish tradition also values upholding the institutions that make Jewish life possible. A donation to the DJC in someone's honour or memory recognizes that person while helping sustain the learning, music, pastoral care, and connections that make our community what it is.
When someone in our community is celebrating or grieving, consider making a donation to the DJC. It need not be a large gift; what matters is the thought and care behind it. To make a donation, visit our website and indicate who you are honouring or remembering. You can also contact the DJC office directly for assistance.
May we continue to build our DJC community as a sacred Circle where we know one another's stories, celebrate one another's joys, support one another through sorrow, and sustain the Jewish home we share. And may we go from strength to strength!