The Greatest Thing in the World is Doing Good
Originally written by Lisa Bodziner, Senior Director of Development, Repair the World
Lisa (left) helps build benches while serving in Israel.
Nearly one month ago today, I found myself standing with 1100 other Jews in the center city of Petach Tikvah. We were preparing to package 1000 boxes of Passover food and goods for 11 of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Jerusalem. Led by Sachi, a youth movement, a special Chesed unit empowering at risk-teens and youth to do good and take charge: Their tagline moved us all: “the greatest thing in the world is doing good!”
At that moment, I found myself surrounded by all types of Jews: ages, stages, life journeys, land of origin, we were all inspired by the youth: celebrating the act of service: packaging and engaging in Chesed: One of the guest speakers, a survivor from the October 7th atrocities shared, the only way for her to go on was to give back and to stay busy through Chessed.
At this moment, I also found myself moved to tears. The emotions that encapsulated much of my recent work trip to Israel were absolutely that of the highs of unity, the inspiration of action in a post October 7th Israel, the outpouring of philanthropy and ultimately, the innate trust and faith that the Jewish people are and will always be the most resilient nation.
Resilience was a theme of my recent trip to Israel because wherever we traveled, from Haifa to Moshav’s around Tel Aviv, to Ofekim, Ir Hagiboa (the city of heroes) to the Nova site itself, the inherent message was, and has always been: we are a people of light and resilience.
During this recent trip my organization hosted the first ever international summit on service in Israel: One of the most palpable messages I heard from a panelist was this: We as Jewish people, have always had an identity defined by passages of time. The Exodus from Egypt, the lunar calendar, time of prayer and gathering, markers in the calendar define our identity, ritual and community. What he said after was, “October 7th was not the next moment on the calendar that defined us, it was October 8th.”
He did not need to explain himself. We all knew in the audience that on October 8th, Jews decided to carry a little more light and to become even more resilient for Am Israel.
- Jewish Federations in North America have raised over $850 million dollars to support Israel since October 7th
- Volunteerism has increased over 60%
- Hostages have taken on more religious observance since their returns home
- Nova survivors are traveling, sharing their stories, creating therapeutic art, music and tours for healing
- Our community in Savannah took on efforts to raise funds to provide Mezzuzot for yeshiva students
- Tonight, a portion of our proceeds raised will go towards Kuma, an organization to support the widows and children of Iron Swords
We thank our committee members and sponsors for giving your time, talent and treasure. We would not be able to do what we do in this community and celebrate in freedom, without your consummate generosity.
It was a privilege to travel to Israel to see, hear, listen, learn and feel upon my return that I have never been more proud to be a Zionist. I encourage each of us to carry resilience and light with us through this Yom Ha’aztmaut celebration and beyond.
Today, and every day, while we recognize 59 hostages are still in captivity and it has been 573 days since October 7th:
We also have the privilege and opportunity to do more good, because the greatest thing in the world is doing good!
Am Israel Chai!
