Why I give. This is a great question. I question “the rules” with heavy skepticism around Mishneh Torah’s definition of the giving levels as well as the 10% requirement of one’s annual salary and on and on... Why follow guidelines that were set 2,000+ years ago? As Jews, aren’t we supposed to struggle with the rules – i.e. Israel – to struggle with G-d? Yet, I still give. Why?

There is a strong intrinsic value knowing that I did the best I could to make a positive impact. To me, Tzedakah is not just about donating money, but donating time, thought, action while educating each other towards the betterment of society. I give in many ways. As an executive recruiter, I often offer career coaching for free. With a number of prospective clients, I will present resumes on a pro-bono basis for the unconditional benefit of the candidate and client. Participating on the YLD Board is important to me to know that we are growing and creating a vibrant community in the East Bay. I look forward to working with my colleagues to create programs that inspire others to partake and identify within this community.

If today were my last day on Earth, I want to look back on life with happiness for what I have given to the community. Yehuda Berg summed it up best recently “While it's important to earn a living, save for retirement, and have nice things, this is not why we came. We didn't show up simply to have a nice life." To me, giving back is a crucial part of this mission to push ourselves outside of ourselves.