The Gift of Tzedakah

Today the Boulder Jewish Community Foundation (BJCF) presented a check to two local families who recently lost their homes in the Fourmile Canyon fire. The check represented anonymous donations from dozens of members of the Boulder Jewish community to the families affected by the fire. The small private ceremony was held at the Boulder Jewish Day School (BJDS) during regularly scheduled morning worship services. Members of these families, who had lost almost everything with their homes, graciously visited the school to share their experiences, and in the process learned with the students the value of community service based on the lessons of Maimonides in his ladder of Tzedakah.

The families told BJDS students the harrowing story of the fire and brought with them Jewish ritual objects that they had managed to rescue from the flames. One of the family members present, a high school student, presented the students with a magnificent drawing of the fire, ashes and the metaphor of the Phoenix – representing that life can arise from all tragedies. The school plans to display her artwork in a prominent place – daily reaffirming the significance of this message.

In its curriculum, BJDS emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning. Every event represents a teaching opportunity. Today’s event was an opportunity to participate in Tzedakah, helping families in need and demonstrating the importance of the work that BJCF is doing in the Boulder community.

The Boulder Jewish Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. If you’re interested in supporting additional activities of the BJCF and Jewish life in the greater Boulder area, contact BoulderJewish@gmail.com.   Since the organization currently has no employees and all work (including annual tax preparations) is performed on a volunteer basis, all funds available for allocation (100%) are distributed to community organizations. Overhead fees are absent!

Boulder Jewish Day School (BJDS) is an independent accredited community day school serving Boulder, Broomfield, Longmont and the North Metro Denver area. The school offers an Early Childhood Program (2.5 to 5 years) as well as an Elementary program – Kindergarten though Fifth Grade –and after-school programs too. BJDS provides a strong academic curriculum, bilingual programs, Judaic studies, art, music and physical education. BJDS features a low-student to teacher ratio, an active parent volunteer community, and a warm pluralistic environment that welcomes students and families from all backgrounds. BJDS is dedicated to growing the next generation of community leaders. Financial aid is available.  For more information about BJDS or to schedule a tour, please contact us at 303.449.5569 or bjds@qwestoffice.net.