Republican vs. Democrat

There has been much debate lately as to how much of a role government should play in redistributing wealth. There are those who feel that the government should collect taxes to help those who are struggling and there are those who feel it is not the government's role. 

Everyone needs to give back

While there are a number of well-meaning devoted Jews on both sides of the issue, one thing is often overlooked. Redistribution of wealth is an important Jewish value. The only thing up for debate is how and by whom should the distribution be done. 

There is a reason people are in need

The Talmud tells us that poverty exists to give people an opportunity to be kind to one another. If everyone was self-sufficient, the communal and social bonds that connect the community would be much thinner. Helping others, the primary function of the Greensboro Jewish Federation connects us to each other with bonds of Tzedakah.

We were given money to help.

The money that we encounter is not our own. Even though it feels like it is ours, it is not. It is merely on loan. We didn't "earn" it, not the old-fashioned way and not a new-fashioned way. The money that we have is a gift from G-d.

Each of us gets a set amount

The money we earn is decided every year at Rosh Hashanah. (I know because every year around this time, my allotment runs out) One can work very hard and not "make" money and one can make money without working too hard. G-d is a factor in our success that is too often overlooked.

Give from the first and not the last

This week's Torah portion reminds us. It speaks about the Bikkurim, the first fruits. We dedicate to G-d our first and our best, not the leftovers. One doesn't say once I have a house, a car, a vacation, and the kid’s college fund fully funded then I will give to Tzedakah. If so, one would never give. One gives a portion of the first dollar, one's first fruits. Make G-d a partner in your endeavors and your success will be unbounded.