People often ask, “Why does the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas/ United Jewish Community have a separate women’s campaign each year? Does it really matter whose name a gift to the organization is made in?” It may not be a life or death issue, but the concept of Jewish women’s philanthropy is deeply rooted. The tradition begins with the ancient teaching of tzedakah, the righteous giving to those more needy than you. Judaism teaches us to love learning, to do good deeds, to practice tzedakah, and to be responsible for one another. We are commanded to participate in the concept of Tikun Olam – the repair of the world. Each one of us, especially the woman of the house, is responsible for helping to make the world a better place. 

 “Aishet Chayil – A Woman of Valor,” which refers to a lovely quote from Proverbs, is a hymn traditionally sung to a woman of the house on the Sabbath. “She spreads out her palms to the poor and extends her hands to the destitute.”
 
Tzedakah – A Family Tradition
For many of us, tzedakah began with our grandmothers, who set the example for giving with “pushke.” The Yiddish word pushke is derived from the Polish word puszka and means “a little can or container kept in the home, often in the kitchen, in which money to be donated to a charity is accumulated.”  One of the most convenient ways in which to give money to people in need is to keep a pushke in one’s household. There is a strong link between home life and the teachings of tzedakah, as the woman of the house is traditionally the one who teaches her children the meaning of the pushke and what it represents. She encourages the household to give whatever they can by dropping coins into the box. The pushke is important to the commandment of giving tzedakah because it allows Jews to give anonymously. The pushke serves as a means for each member of a household to contribute, both children and adults alike, fostering the importance of giving among all age groups.  The donations can then be given to a specific charity or divided up among organizations in the community that needed assistance.

The Women’s Campaign of the United Jewish Appeal was founded as a modern expression of this tradition. Through a woman’s involvement comes the education of all family members. In the beginning, children gave nickels and dimes and extra savings from allowances. In the past, women’s giving was labeled “plus giving.”

Making a Gift in Your Own Name
Now women make a gift in their own name, in an amount they deem appropriate. Last year Women’s Divisions across the nation raised more than $178,105,000. That is no longer “plus giving.” It is life giving…giving that makes a difference. The Women’s campaign of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas/ United Jewish Community has many opportunities for women to give tzedakah. For example, the strength and vitality of a woman’s gift can be established through the Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) program. The creation of a LOJE enables the gift to go on in perpetuity. Establishing an endowment ensures continuity and provides a legacy for children and grandchildren.

So why a woman’s gift?
The United States government gives Israel billions of dollars in grants for foreign aid – money crucial and vital to Israel. In determining its support, Congress considers how much money is raised by the American Jewish community, as well as the number of individual contributors. When you make a gift to our women’s campaign, you are giving two gifts – the gift of your money AND the gift of your name.

For more information about Women’s Philanthropy, please contact the Federation office at 732-0556 or email us at info@jewishlasvegas.com