It’s been great, and challenging, on the road.
What is great? I love meeting so many incredible people, connecting to Momentum alumni, as well as partners and supporters. And along the way, I have the pleasure of introducing Momentum to people who may have heard about us but want to know much more.
Some of these new people are philanthropists, and it re-inspires me to not only meet people so dedicated to the Jewish people but also to hear their stories of what inspired them to their generosity. Most share stories of parents and grandparents who instilled in them the responsibility and pleasure of giving.
It made me think back to my childhood and forward to my children and grandchildren. I ask myself if we are modeling generosity and responsibility in the right way so that those values are passed onto future generations.
People often ask if it is alright to support non-Jewish causes, and of course, it is. But Maimonidies teaches in the priority of giving, it’s “family first”, which means our personal family, and the Jewish people. Jews and non-Jews give to hospitals, and we should be proud when we see those plaques in the lobbies of medical centers, but if Jews don’t prioritize and support Jewish causes, the non-Jewish world is not lining up to fill in the gap.
I am grateful for Momentum’s current supporters and welcome so many new supporters to our movement. And I hope and pray that my children and grandchildren inherit the responsibility and giving genes– what greater legacy could we want?
What is challenging? Missing home and family….. But thankfully it’s a reunion Shabbat in Detroit this week with my husband and Minneapolis kids flying in, celebrating the first birthday of our granddaughter, Devora. Yay!