As You Have Been Given So Much, Give Back!

You have received

• From the A-mighty, “who has sustained you through this day,” to quote Jewish prayer;
• From family—who have stood by you throughout your illness and your recovery to date;
• From friends and neighbors;
• From teachers and the educational opportunities they gave to you;
• From jobs that you have held, even part-time gigs like baby sitting or lawn mowing; and,
• From your country.

Give back!

Anybody can give a friendly smile and a greeting to each person met in the course of a day. It is a good way to give back when you are feeling unable to cope with undertaking volunteer work or just bringing a meal or snack to a neighbor in need, visiting someone who you know is sick, or other charity that involves more time, patience, and “feeling 100%” yourself. 

The Jewish tradition is that you should give to members of your family first, and then in concentric circles those further outside your home.