So, here’s a philosophical question – is it more valuable to do good for others when it is easy for us to do so, or when it is really difficult? 

From the perspective of the recipient, I suppose it doesn’t really matter how easy or hard it is for us. All that matters is that their life was enriched by the goodness of others. And that, in turn, they are inspired to pay that kindness and generosity forward in the future, creating a virtuous cycle.

But, for the do-gooder, is there more value in doing good when doing good is harder to do? 

The past 11 months have been really hard for the Jewish community. Since the massacres and kidnappings of October 7^th and the increasing ubiquity and boldness of antisemitism around the world, we have been struggling to make sense of a world that seems upside-down.

It’s hard to have compassion for others when you need compassion yourself. It’s hard to care about people facing poverty and homelessness when you feel your own safety and security are at stake. 

That’s why it’s so inspiring to see what has been happening here at Ve’ahavta.  

Over the past 11 months, instead of fewer people volunteering their time to help others, our volunteer community has grown by 381 people! Instead of fewer people donating funds to ensure our life-saving programs can operate, we have had 407 brand new donors! 

How do we explain this? 

It goes back to our philosophical question. What we see from the Toronto Jewish community is that yes – it is, in fact, more valuable to do good for others when it’s difficult for us. 

In a world filled with injustice, cruelty and violence, doing good for others reminds us that even if we can’t repair the whole world, we still have the power to create kindness, decency. and goodness in our small corner of the world. 

That feels good. 

So, thank you for doing so much good when it has been hard. Your support has meant that thousands of people facing extreme poverty have hope for a better future.

If you are in need of a pick-me-up after the sorrows of the last week, I invite you to join us and sign up to volunteer here and/or donate here.  

Every small act of goodness brings us a little bit closer to creating the kind of world we want to live in.  

Thank you,

Cari Kozierok,
Executive Director, Ve’ahavta