Why I volunteer

By Liz Jaffe, Chair Human Needs Committee, JCRC member

I am pleased to describe how my tikkun olam/social action/social justice volunteerism reflects my Judaism. I have been involved with volunteering since my childhood, when I was always eager to help my parents in their local community efforts. As I got older, I felt it important to help those around me who were not as fortunate as me. My efforts involved joining social justice organizations — both in my Temple in Westchester, through UJA-Federation of NY, and after coming to Naples, through the Tikkun Olam Volunteers at Temple Shalom and the JCRC at our Federation. I thrive on hands-on-activities.

As I said, my passion for social justice is integral to my Judaism. It really defines who I am and what I believe in. It also reflects how I view others in the community. If a friend cares about others and takes action to make their lives better, I respect them as they help to make the world a better place.

My volunteer work with the dementia/respite program at the Baker Senior Center Naples is very important to me. I see how difficult daily life is for caregivers. My role as a volunteer affords them the respite time they need. In addition, I get to have great pleasure from the fun I have spending time with the program participants.

The JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Council) has many subcommittees working with programs in the Greater Naples area. I am confident anyone reading this with an interest in helping others will be able to find an appropriate outlet to satisfy their desires to volunteer.

You will gain much more than you give – I can promise you that!