‎Let’s be honest, the past months have been extremely painful for anyone who cares about the reputation of Jews. Sadly, the onslaught of antisemitism and outright bigotry leaves Jews and all people of goodwill shaking their heads in dismay and despair. While bigotry and allegations of impropriety seem to always carry itself at the speed of light, what is not shared or rarely discussed in the media is the everyday stories of compassion, generosity, and kindness that personifies our people.

What you won’t see on WhatsApp, X, or Facebook is what’s really going on in the Orthodox Jewish community behind the salacious headlines. Morally questionable news sites ( I’m being kind) don’t seem to report on the tens of thousands of cases of potatoes, grape juice, and Pesach staples distributed without cost to needy parents with hungry children. Nor do agenda driven podcasts or blogs pay a drop of precious attention to the seismic economic impact communal charity funds have made on local economies despite the global market meltdown and stubborn inflation. To thousands of struggling people wishing to celebrate the Passover holiday with dignity, however, these campaigns and distributions are a real lifesaver. The numbers are indeed staggering and worthy of significant coverage, though few seem interested in reporting on the extraordinary good works the Orthodox Jewish community is renowned for. No surprises here.

But while many of our own people have their heads buried in their smartphones, absorbing the days latest shmutz packaged as “breaking news”, tzedokah funds, pesach collections, supermarket gift card handouts, food distributions, Rabbeyim appreciation organizations, and shul maos chitim campaigns have dominated the communal landscape across the Jewish globe. From Johannesburg to Jerusalem, Flatbush to Far Rockaway, Lakewood to Los Angeles, Boro Park to Boca, and everywhere in between, Pesach distributions have been undertaken ‎to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. That’s millions!

*Encouraged and guided by our Rabbonim and communal leaders, we have witnessed the dramatic emergence of multiple chessed organizations, and their impact in cities across the globe has been immense and immediate. Local Jewish communities have rallied together in common cause and in ways once seemingly unimaginable. It is our must vulnerable and neediest brethren who have benefited the most. But make no mistake, everyone has benefited from the renewed spirit of achdus.*

And so with all of the materialism and purported flaws we often hear so much about, the Jewish community has stepped up in a way that matches the great chessed generations ‎of Jewish history past. More broadly, our incredible network of charitable givers includes the most prominent and generous baalei tzedokah Klal Yisroel may have ever known.bThese philanthropic heroes have collectively raised the bar to unparalleled heights in charity and good deeds. The beauty of it all is that it’s mostly done quietly and behind the headlines to spare the “have nots” from public embarrassment and humiliation.‎ In a world that remains fixated on flaws and imperfections and thrives on defamatory headlines, can you possibly think of a more important story to share? And yet it’s not even mentioned as an afterthought, even around our own tables. That should change immediately. Our children need genuine role models, humble heroes, and news stories that we can all be proud to share. ‎This is it.

So dearest brothers and fellow Jews, as you sit in shul this yom tov, look around and chances are you probably know one of the collectors, drivers, packers, warehousers, organizers, donors or benefactors that makes Am Yisroel the great nation we are. Tell your kids and show them what authentic superheroes look like. Equally important, thank Hashem for gifting our “selfish” generation with so many selfless individuals. Their largesse has a cascading effect on all of us. After all, the adage of a high tide lifts all ships, couldn’t be more appropriate or timely.

So I say ignore the naysayers, the haters and cynics, and look in the mirror and at your community and smile. You know the truth There’s so much to be proud of. One can only imagine Hashem’s Nachas and pride in his children. Indeed, Mi Kiamcha Yisroel!

Chag Kosher V’someach to all.

‎Chaskel Bennett

[email protected]

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