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The long, harsh Iowa winter finally seems to be behind us and now we able to turn our thoughts towards spring and summer, times of hope and renewal.  These are also seasons of celebration across multiple faith and secular traditions, with many weddings, graduations, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and confirmations filling our schedules.

 In my Jewish faith, it has long been a tradition during times of joy, or simchas, to also remember those less fortunate than us by performing acts of tzedakah, or charity in hopes of ultimately achieving tikkun olam, or the repairing of the world.  During these times, remembering those in need can serve as a powerful reminder of the many blessings and opportunities that we have been given every day, adding to the joy of the occasions we celebrate with our family and friends.

 The funny thing is that there is nothing in any of our sacred texts that makes this a uniquely “Jewish” tradition.  One of the most fundamental things that draws the diverse congregations of DMARC together is the desire to help those in need at all times.  This is a crucial part of each of our traditions, so who is to say that other faiths might not “borrow” a little bit and make this a new tradition of their own?

 During this spring and summer’s upcoming celebrations, for you and your congregations, I would like to challenge you to “Share your Joy” with DMARC.  Here are just a couple ways to do so:

• Weddings, graduations, and other events are not cheap, often costing thousands and thousands of dollars.  When planning these events, consider setting aside just 3% of your overall budget to “Share Your Joy” with DMARC.  For a “modest” $5,000 wedding, your 3%, or $150 contribution, would allow the Food Pantry to provide SIX families of 4 with a standard 5 day supply of food.
• Consider designing your own table centerpieces or pulpit decorations containing food for later donation to the Emergency Food Pantry.  This can be a fun activity for the entire family, will help to serve the hungry in our community, and can even SAVE money when compared against the more traditional (and expensive) flower arrangements.  If you’d like, ask your party planner for assistance in creating these.  I’ve attached pictures of just a few of the limitless possibilities for these types of decorations.

Depending on the success of this initiative during the upcoming spring, summer, and fall, “Share Your Joy” may become a more permanent part of our overall Food Pantry promotions.  In order to be successful, however, we need your assistance.

The more widely we can spread this message beyond this edition of The Voice, the more successful we will be.  Please help out the Food Pantry by sharing this article with your clergy, and with your congregations.  Better yet, contact DMARC directly at 277-6969 for an electronic version of this column and its pictures for inclusion in your own congregation’s bulletin.

We cannot achieve “tikkun olam” as individuals but when multiple faiths come together through organizations such as DMARC to “Share our Joy”; we may begin to take larger steps towards that ultimate goal.

If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one.
– Mother Theresa

Shalom,
Ross Daniels

DMARC President