Special needs adoption from a Jewish perspective.

Special needs adoption from a Jewish perspective.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Ethics of the Fathers Day 14

In Chapter 5, we read,

There are four types of contributors to charity. One who wants to give but does not want others to give--is begrudging of others. One who wants that others should give but does not want to give--begrudges himself. One who wants that he as well as others should give, is a chassid. One who want neither himself nor others to give, is wicked.

I find this an interesting commentary on fundraising for special needs adoption.  Fundraising gives others an opportunity to participate in the mitzvah of rescuing an orphan, without demanding that they take the same leap of faith as the adopting parents.  Trying to do it all yourself is not only making your life harder -- but it is begrudging of others, by depriving them of the opportunity to be a part of the miracle.   Likewise, avoiding participation on the grounds of "I'm not called to it" is not necessarily evil, but it is begrudging oneself.  Avoiding a mitzvah is missing an opportunity!

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