The liturgical song "Al Shlosha Dvarim" is drawn from Chapter 1:
The world stands on three things: Torah, the service of G-d, and deeds of kindness.
This is the model of Jewish practice: Study is very important, hence our reputation as "people of the Book". We also place a great emphasis on prayer, ritual, and practice. In some cases this leg of the tripod is misunderstood, or taken out of context -- even by the practitioners themselves! The view of Jews as preoccupied with "excessive laws" comes from this. But "deeds of kindness" are just as important. Jews are disproportionately represented in charitable organizations of all sorts.
I am right now embarking on a project to motivate my faith community to become more involved in the orphan crisis, as part of my participation in the Landmark Education program. My goal is to create a supportive environment within the congregation which will educate about and advocate for orphans in need, as well as support families who are taking on a special needs adoption. I hope that this would become a space where families that are able to do so would be motivated to move forward instead of being overwhelmed and alone.
I believe this is also given as a reason why Jews tend to be politically liberal. (As a wag of the early 20th century put it, Jews are the only ethnic group that earns like Episcopalians but vote like Puerto Ricans.)
ReplyDeleteJews have a very long history emphasizing charity and tikkun olam, "repairing the world". As such, causes that claim they will overturn the existing order for the good of the masses have long attracted Jewish followers in disproportionate numbers.