By Arlene D. Schiff / President, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires

We are blessed to live in a community where generous donors invest in our future. Some have been doing so for 50 years; others have engaged more recently. Some are full-time members of the community; others spend only a few months in the Berkshires. All understand it takes financial resources for our small, vibrant Jewish community to thrive.

Our community is also blessed to have a strong volunteer base — from those who serve on organizational boards and committees to those who deliver kosher meals to homebound seniors, work at local food pantries and cultural venues, and mentor students. These volunteers embody a different kind of giving, one that Jewish tradition holds equally sacred.

The Missing Piece

In her recent article “More Than Money” in the journal Sapir, Cindy Greenberg, president and CEO of Repair the World, notes that tzedakah — charitable giving — has enabled the continuity and reach of Jewish communal life. “Yet something essential is missing when we define Jewish responsibility primarily through financial contributions,” she writes.

Greenberg points out that “Judaism calls us to a more complete engagement, one that pairs the efficiency of giving money with the transformation that comes from giving time — that is, from service.”

“Whether we devote our time to the Jewish community or more broadly to universal justice,” she continues, “service is the spiritual work of our people and essential to thriving Jewish life. We are commanded 36 times in the Torah to care for the orphan, the widow, and the stranger—more than any other commandment. This is a sacred obligation, and a healthy one. It strengthens Jewish engagement, cultivates a sense of purpose, makes a real social impact, and builds bridges across lines of difference.”

The Shift Away from Service

Studies indicate Jewish Americans volunteer at significantly higher rates (49-80%) than the general population (28%). Despite this impressive showing, Greenberg makes the case that “as Jewish communities gained economic power after World War II, a new sector of paid professionals emerged.” This professionalization, while valuable in many ways, resulted in fewer Jews seeing volunteering as part of their Jewish identity.

Why Volunteering Matters

Volunteering offers us a sense of purpose, a connection to something larger than ourselves. According to Greenberg, “research consistently shows that volunteers experience lower rates of depression, greater life satisfaction, and stronger social connections.”

The impact on Jewish identity is particularly striking. Evaluations conducted by Repair the World found that 71 percent of Jewish participants reported that their volunteer experience deepened their sense of belonging to the Jewish community. When we serve, we don’t just help others — we discover who we are.

Building Bridges in Difficult Times

Greenberg also noted that service strengthens Jewish relationships with non-Jews. “In a time of rising antisemitism,” she writes, “serving alongside our neighbors fosters solidarity and mutual understanding. Rather than focusing on countering extremists, we have an opportunity—through service—to engage with neighbors who share our commitment to building a better world.”

Close contact and collaborative action – both naturally fostered through service – decrease anti-Jewish attitudes. We become not abstract “others,” but people working side by side toward common goals.

Living Our Values Out Loud

As Greenberg eloquently states, “It’s not only what Jews give, but also how we show up that matters.” Our financial contributions sustain important programs, services, and institutions, but our presence — sharing our skills, and giving of our time and hearts — transforms both giver and receiver.

Greenberg concludes with this powerful thought: “When we serve, we live our values out loud. That’s how we build a strong Jewish future — not just by giving what we have, but by giving who we are.”

In our Berkshire community, we see this truth lived out every day. Our volunteers don’t just support our community — they are our community. May we continue to give both generously and personally, ensuring that the next generation inherits not just our resources, but our commitment to service.

The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ Tikkun Olam Volunteer Network connects community members of all ages with service opportunities that make a difference in our community.  For more information, contact our coordinator of volunteers, Heidi Katz, at [email protected].

Photo: Rebecca Harris, Lindsey Brown, and Claudia Braunstein volunteered on the Purim gift bag project.