How is our organization rooted in Jewish values?
Kindness Initiative San Diego is a non-profit organization whose mission is to change lives by assisting vulnerable San Diegan Jewish households in their journey towards self-sufficiency. The organization is based on the Jewish value of philanthropy and helping out fellow Jews. The Jewish value of philanthropy is deeply ingrained in Jewish tradition and is rooted in the belief that every individual has a moral obligation to assist those in need. The Torah and Talmud contain many commandments and teachings that emphasize the importance of helping the poor, and Jewish history is filled with examples of individuals and communities who have fulfilled this obligation.
The Kindness Initiative assists in alleviating poverty by meeting the basic physical and psychological needs of vulnerable Jewish households through a comprehensive, coordinated, collaboration of service providers and caring volunteers. The organization is funded by generous members of the San Diego Jewish Community, and registration for membership is easy and there is never any charge for services or resources provided by Kindness Initiative.
One of the central tenets of Jewish philanthropy is the concept of tzedakah, which translates to “justice” or “righteousness.” Tzedakah is not just about giving money to the poor, but rather about fulfilling one’s moral obligation to assist those in need and working towards a just society. The Talmud teaches that tzedakah is not just an act of charity, but a duty that every person has towards their fellow human beings.
Eligible members receive assistance navigating and applying for customized services and resources to help improve their lives in a dignified and respectful manner. The purpose of Kindness Initiative is to elevate the quality and responsiveness of coordinated services, provided through a network of volunteers and service providers, who meet the standards of Kindness Initiative for care and service performance. All standards for service are evaluated through the lens of Jewish values.
As the Midrash, TanaDevei Eliyahu Rabah states, “All Jews are responsible for each other. We are like a ship where a hole has been ruptured in one room. It cannot be said that one room has been ruptured; the entire ship is ruptured.” Kindness Initiative San Diego embodies this principle by working to assist all vulnerable Jewish households in the San Diego community. Furthermore, in Jewish tradition, helping the poor is not just a commandment, but an opportunity for personal growth and spiritual advancement. By assisting those in need, we can fulfill the mitzvah of tzedakah and make the world a more just and compassionate place. The Kindness Initiative San Diego is not just an organization, it is a community of people united by a common goal of helping others and working towards a more just and compassionate society.