We have added something a little different to this issue of the Messenger. The folded house that is included is not just any house; it is a Tzedakah box. We decided to make a Tzedakah box in the shape of a house because there is a strong link between Tzedakah and the home - Tzedakah should start at home.

Tzedakah means righteousness and has always been a Jewish tradition. The giving of Tzedakah is a fundamental Mitzvah in Jewish life. The verse says: "Tzedek, tzedek tirdof" -- justice justice you shall pursue (Deut. 16:20). There's a basic human responsibility to reach out to others. Giving of your time and your money is a statement that "I will do whatever I can to help." Being a cornerstone of Judaism, no Jewish home is complete without a Tzedakah box, or a “pushke,” as it was commonly known. It has been traditional for the woman of the house to put money into it before lighting Shabbat candles. Many people give children money each week just prior to Shabbat, to teach them the commandmentof Tzedakah. The money collected was used to help the poor and the needy, the elderly and the orphans, both at home and in Israel.

We ask all of you, not just women, to continue this age-old beautiful tradition. Assemble the box (you will find assembly instructions on page 5) and put it next to your Shabbat candles or in a convenient place. Teach your children or grandchildren about the importance of helping others. Fill it with spare change or dollars either daily or on a regular basis. We are planning a Tzedakah Box Round-up in May. We will let you know about the details as we get closer to the date. Of course, if you fill your Tzedakah box ahead of May, you may bring it to the Federation office.

This Tzedakah Box project is being chaired by Vice-president Todd Herman. Liz Ackerman has been a valuable committee member.

In keeping with the tradition, the proceeds from the Tzedakah box project will directly benefit two important programs. Locally, it will benefit our Family Emergency Assistance Fund. It will help needy families pay their heating bills and provide cash assistance for food and medications. In Israel, your Tzedakah Box money will help a wonderful program at the Emek Medical Center in our Partnership 2000 community Afula-Gilboa called Emek4Kids. The money will be used to improve medical care and services for the sick children at the hospital. Please see page 5 for more details about Emek4Kids.

It will be your choice on how you would like to use your Tzedakah Box money. You may designate it for one or both projects.

The box may hold a small amount of money, but when we put all this change together, we will help change someone’s life in a big and positive way. From our home to another home, “together we make change.” Not only will you make someone else feel good, but you will too. We thank you and look forward to seeing you all in May at a Tzedakah Box Round-up.