• International Day of Charity: from generosity of heart to the wisdom of the soul

    Not long ago, in 2013, the United Nations established one of the most important days of the international community – the International Day of Charity. The date was chosen not accidentally: on September 5th reposed Mother Teresa, who devoted her entire life to charity serving. For her merits to the world Mother Teresa (Agnes Gange, Boagiu) became the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize "For activities to help sufferers". And the Catholic Church canonized Mother Teresa. However, the history of mankind keeps the memory of good deeds, and not only about personalities. Because the names of most of the do-gooders are usually unknown: act of kindness loves peace and humility. Natural is the question – why charity is necessary? And what is the meaning of the International Day of charity? In fact, making good deeds is what distinguishes Human life from all other living creatures. The charity promotes the establishment of constructive dialogue between different cultures and religions, generations and nations. After all, charity aid is the good and long-lasting tradition of many peoples of the world, especially the Jewish. Hesed and tzedakah are so much intertwined that one gives life to another, reducing suffering and providing life of the people as a whole. The benefactor, sponsor, patron, volunteer also gets a lot for his spiritual life. Namely, what, you will ask? A great answer to this important question can be obtained in "Discorsi about weekly chapters of the Torah." People say that one day a very important visitor came to Rothschild and during the conversation he asked if he could ask one indelicate question. After receiving permission, the visitor asked: - Tell me, what is the amount of Your property? - I'll check, said Rothschild. He walked over to his desk, took out one of the accountant’s books and opened it. - Sorry, Baron, but You took the wrong book, rushed his Secretary to help, this is the book of registration of the tzedakah that You give. I know, I know, replied the Baron, - But my entire estate can be lost in the war, my factories will be destroyed, and the money will lose price. But these donations are mine. That cannot be taken away by anyone... Indeed, "as we ask G-d to listen to our needs, the same we do have to listen to the requests of people in need. You need to remember that life is a revolving wheel" (Arieh Ben Efraim – editor’s note). Really, just helping another person, we better understand the essence of life; feel our usefulness, satisfaction and true meaning of life. To many of the people that provide charitable assistance, their good deeds help them to find themselves. After all, people's requests relate not only to money but also to a moral support to overcome numerous life obstacles, realization of personal and civil rights. That’s why charity means not only money but also time, knowledge, energy that people share with each other. Also ICF "Jewish Hesed "Bnei Azriel" provides a diverse and comprehensive assistance for more than 20 years. In the framework of the charitable programs the Foundation is solving an incredible amount of problems of its wards – material, financial, socio-cultural, household, legal, spiritual... Kiev Hesed cares about 10 thousand people and each of them is served with an individual approach. Perhaps, that is why the wards of Hesed call it their kind and warm home, a large and beloved family. ICF "Jewish Hesed "Bnei Azriel" always keeps abreast of the newest ways to help their wards: the Foundation staff know about the needs of each mentee and develop new forms of attracting charitable assistance. Therefore, in addition to 15 charitable programs, mentees receive assistance through the targeted assistance projects. In these projects, the Fund collects donations for the "dream" - the innermost desires of those whose mobility is limited, and life circumstances are extremely difficult. Fundraising is held at charitable events, organized by Kiev Hesed together with partners, as well as in the Internet. And people's hearts respond to the call for help, doing good deeds and doing good with joy. However, neither the projects nor the Fund's programs could be implemented, if there wasn’t an active participation of our sponsors and partners. Therefore, ICF "Jewish Hesed "Bnei Azriel" congratulates everyone with the International Day of charity, and expresses its sincere appreciation to the American Jewish Distribution Committee "Joint", the organization for material claims against Germany "Claims conference", the organizations of World Jewish Relief (UK) and the "Foundation of Friendship", "Christians for Israel" and "Olive tree" (the Polish Republic), Jewish communities, synagogues and centers, state and municipal authorities. The Kyiv Hesed would like to heartily thank its volunteers, who gratuitously share their knowledge and achievements, participate in organizing events and collecting donations, for the warm hearts, kindness, time and energy. On this holiday – the International Day of Charity – ICF "Jewish Hesed "Bnei Azriel" wishes to everyone who is already helping us and whose heart is ready to respond to the call for help, that compassion and humanity were the core motif of your life and lit with joy your spiritual worldview, the mean of development and strengthening of Your relationship with God. Let Your good deeds become for You an inexhaustible source of good health, luck, love and happiness! Let Your gift of humanity remains in the hearts forever and exemplifies the wisdom of the soul for all people! Mazal Tov!

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