By Elizabeth Katchen

It is difficult to put into words what we are going through right now. The unthinkable, the unbelievable, the heart wrenching and so on… We are in the middle of a global pandemic, something rarely conceived of in the past 100 years.

This is our reality and while it is safe to say that everyone is experiencing a new set of challenges, some populations are harder hit than others.

From a geographic standpoint, currently the United States, Brazil and Russia have staggering numbers of COVID-19 patients, so much so that they have been banned from entering the EU. From a socio-economic perspective, the homeless are particularly vulnerable to the pandemic. Many have pre-existing health conditions and due to physical distancing measures, fewer beds in shelters are available. Further, the usual resources, such as Case Managers assisting in the relocation of the homeless and following up with regular support, have decreased due to the current situation. From a sociocultural perspective, certain ethnic minorities are at higher risk of contracting the virus, of requiring hospitalization, and even of dying from COVID-19. While information is constantly being updated, according to Statistics Canada, those at greater risk include Indigenous populations among others. In addition, Public Health Ontario has announced that sociodemographic and race-based data will be collected and used to plan for public health practices.

Like the rest of the world, the Jewish community has been shaken by the pandemic, both from a physical and an economic stance. Of note, the proportion of Jews dying in the Diaspora as opposed to Jews in Israel is much higher. Israel was able to contain the virus with extremely strict restrictions in place from the outset, despite a recent spike in infections after much of the country re-opened.

The Jewish community, a stalwart within the greater community, has a well-deserved philanthropic reputation. Tzedakah (charity) in Judaism states that the giver benefits more than the receiver. In fact, it is a mitzvah (a commandment) to give 10% of one’s earnings to charity. Children from a young age are taught to give charity – even dropping a few coins in the tzedakah box can be a meaningful gesture. Maimonides, the great Jewish philosopher, identified 8 levels of charity – each greater than the last. Now, during these most challenging times, is a perfect time to review these levels. Beginning with the highest, they are as follows:

Level 1 – Enabling another individual to be self-sufficient.

Level 2 – Giving when one does not know the recipient and the recipient does not know the giver: anonymous giving.

Level 3 – Giving when one knows the recipient, but the recipient is unaware of the giver.

Level 4 – The recipient knows the giver, but the giver is unaware of the recipient. This level allows for less shame to the recipient.

Level 5 – The giver gives directly to the recipient but without being asked.

Level 6 – The giver gives to the recipient after being asked.

Level 7 – The giver gives insufficiently, but still gives with a smile.

Level 8 – Giving in a reluctant manner.

Financial giving is certainly a timely gesture right now, but it is important to address other forms of charity that can also have a huge impact. Volunteering can reduce feelings of loneliness and provide a sense of optimism. Donations of non-perishable items are needed for food banks that are currently under greater demand. Checking on elderly neighbors (at a safe distance or by phone) is surely appreciated at this time. Fostering a pet is another special opportunity if you can safely care for an animal. If you have a special skill such as website development, writing or marketing, do a web search for volunteer opportunities. The list goes on.

Tzedakah is supposed to be done with a full heart. Performed in a less willing manner, the effect is not quite the same. It is said that even presenting someone with a smile, and nothing else, is a form of tzedakah. Please help if you can. Consider what way would be meaningful to you, and do so with a smile.

Elizabeth Katchen was born and raised in Victoria, BC, Canada. She is Executive Assistant to the Programs Department at Toronto’s Schwartz/Reisman Centre and Prosserman JCC.