Toward a Renewed Ethic of Jewish Philanthropy.

Abstract

This volume, the nineteenth in the Orthodox Forum Series, capably edited by Yossi Prager, Executive Director of The AVI CHAI Foundation in North America, invites us to rethink the way we go about allocating our philanthropic resources. Will we choose to lend support only to those entities that benefit Orthodox Jews and strengthen Orthodox Judaism? If so, what would Hillel say about sectarianism within the Jewish People? Proverbs 3:17 reminds us: “The Torah’s ways are pleasant, and all its pathways promote peace.” If the thrust of Orthodox Jewish philanthropy is primarily inner-directed, will respect for our Torah way of life be enhanced or diminished in the broader community? The sensitive philanthropist, regardless of his or her own personal or ideological commitments, will feel the pain and the need not only of other Jews, but of fellow human beings—all created in the image of God. The implication of this vision should guide the way we educate in our schools, synagogues, and institutions. It is our hope that the thought-provoking articles in this volume, authored by scholars in diverse disciplines, drawing upon both classical Jewish and contemporary sources, will provide the reader with new insights to inform the philanthropic choices we make individually and as a community. [from Series Editor's Preface]