Dvar Tzedek

August 22, 2011 by AJWS Staff

Dvar Tzedek: Parshat Re’eh 5771

It happens to me on a daily basis: I return home from work, check my mailbox and am almost inevitably confronted by solicitations from organizations representing worthy causes, asking me to donate money to fight hunger, prevent disease, protect against violence or educate children. Even though my family allocates 10 percent of our income to …

August 15, 2011 by AJWS Staff

Dvar Tzedek: Parshat Eikev 5771

If you ask people why they’re involved in community service, few—if any—would include personal reward or accolades on their list of motivations. There seems to be an expectation in our culture that good works should be accompanied by a Mother Theresa-like abdication of personal benefit. Admitting otherwise generally elicits squeamish responses. And yet, public service …