We talk a lot about tzedakah, naturally, and usually give links of places where you can donate. But, of course, we shouldn't overlook the many other, and just as important, ways to give that aren't necessarily just a matter of writing a check. Sometimes, giving can mean rolling up your sleeves and helping, being present, lending a hand, collecting and donating items, or just living simpler, more conscious lives.
Enter Hazon (Hebrew for "vision"), an organization started in 1999 with this vision:
"Our vision is to create a healthier and more sustainable Jewish community– as a step towards a healthier and more sustainable world for all. Our vision is of a renewed Jewish community: one that is rooted in Jewish tradition, engaged with the world around us, radically inclusive, passionate and creative… and that recognizes that there are shivim panim l'torah – seventy ways to understand the Torah… and ultimately to live Hazon's theme-quote: Torah is a commentary on the world and the world is a commentary on the Torah…"
How are they living this wonderful, but very ambitious ideal? Through programs such as different food/health programs to educate members of our community to make smarter, healthier food choices and to consider the benefits of local and organic food as well as bike rides to raise money for various project-causes such as Cycling for Peace and environmental bike rides in various cities. You sigh up, do a little fundraising and voila. Challenging yourself, improving your fitness, educating yourself and helping to heal the world with these events, some even with a zero-carbon footprint. Check out their "People of The Bike" the Jewish environmental bike ride in NY, the Arava/Hazon bike ride in Israel, and the many other ways on their website for you to do something very positive on two wheels.
Digging deeper into their website, you'll also notice their volunteer page, listing specific types of volunteers they could use a hand from. But, like any nonprofit, they can use our dollars, too.
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