December 4, 2008

“There is so much wrong in our world,” Dr. Arnold Eisen, chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, said recently. “The congregation not only rises as one, chants as one, prays as one — but often seems to sigh as one. How will we mend all that needs fixing?”

One answer, said Eisen, is tzedaka — by giving as one. On Dec. 7, federations across the state are joining in a show of unity to hold their annual Super Sunday phonathons. In the best of years, the day-long fund-raisers are celebrations of community and caring. And in years like this one, they become more urgent affairs, as the need for tzedaka rises and loyal donors doubt their ability to give as generously as they might like.

Jewish institutions understand the burdens individuals are facing — how one need not lose a job or face a foreclosure to feel the anxiety and pressure that come in times of economic uncertainty. Neighbors are holding back on their spending, waiting perhaps for the next bit of bad financial news or for the inevitable upturn in the economy.

But those who raise and allocate tzedaka funds know that some things can’t wait. Like the need to stock an empty food pantry. Or a visit to an elderly person looking forward to his next meal. Or a counseling session that helps a young Israeli immigrant stay in school and out of trouble.

United Jewish Communities of MetroWest New Jersey knows “there is so much wrong in the world.” But they also know that a community, when its members act as one, has the capacity to fix things.

On Sunday, Dec. 7, expect a call from a federation volunteer. And when the call comes, let us rise as one, chant as one, pray as one — and give as one. It’s the Jewish answer, in good times and bad.

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