Volunteering and Jewish Values

Jewish Tradition teaches us that humanity must play an active role in the world.  The concept of tikun olam—repair the world—expresses the value of volunteering in Judaism. The world may be imperfect, but we have not only the opportunity, but really the obligation to help make it better, more whole.

In fact, the world really depends on people being active not only in their own lives, but in their community’s destiny, too.

Rabbi Shimon the Righteous talks about the 3 “pillars” that the world rests upon: 
Torah, Avodah (“service”, worship) and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of loving kindess). Pirkei Avot 1:2
 

Volunteering is, in essence, holy work, and the Jewish Federation is excited to be your partner in finding meaningful volunteer opportunities locally, nationally and internationally, as well as sharing resources about the Jewish traditions and teachings underpinning volunteerism.