Relating to the Needs of Others

UWCC received a donation from an east coast Rabbi and his wife last week. When I called to thank them, a beautiful story unfolded. 

For the last year, the two of them have been traveling to broaden their awareness of need in communities around the US. Along the way they worked towards their goal of giving to every United Way in America. He talked about the concept of Tzedakah, and he explained it like this:


When it comes to dealing with the poor, we get it wrong so often.

Even the wording we use is misleading. We use words like, “giving,” “charity” and “philanthropy”. They imply that relating to the needs of others involves generosity or caring, and is somewhat optional.

Charity comes from “caritas” which has to do with the heart and from which we get the word caring.

Philanthropy means a love of people.

Even the words, “giving” and “donation” imply that we own the things we are giving away.

Tzedakah is the Hebrew word we inherited for relating to the needs of others.  Though it is translated as “charity” that distracts from the main point.  It is better understood as citizen’s obligation, responsibility or righteousness.  Its shades of meaning don’t revolve around feelings, they overlap with justice.  We don’t do tzedakah because we are so moved or because it feels good.  Those are nice side effects that are often present.  We do tzedakah because we must.


This conversation reminded me of one of the fundamental reasons we do this. We help because it’s a part of the definition of community.  Because the world we want to live in can only exist if we share, when we can, with the vulnerable. If we behave like family.

Rabbi Jeff Glickman and his wife Mindy-Lu have a website and podcast about their tour if you’d like to find out more about them.

UWCC Board Membership Info Session 3/22/21 12:15pm

It feels good to give back. To family, to friends, to community.  A variety of ways exist to do it, one of the most prominent in Clatsop County is board membership.

You’ve met the people who are veterans of the trade. They’re attending events and fundraisers as if it’s their favorite hobby, talking to fellow charitable humans, excited to introduce others to the importance of their cause.

But is that the only way to be a good board member?

Nope.

A solid board will attract a diverse set of skills, accompanied by a diverse set of perspectives and personalities. A balance needs to exist between the members excited to advocate, and the  members who support the cause a little more “behind the scenes”.

The people who make up a board matter, and a good fit is so important to progressing the mission.

To learn more about the UWCC board, how it functions, expectations of board members and how to apply to become one, an informational session is being held 12:15-1pm on Monday, March 22nd. Come with questions prepared or just to listen.

Contact Kassia for more information and a link to the session.