How we choose to live our lives

Diane Schwartz, Collier/Lee Hadassah President

Here we are, going on so many months of dealing with our newly ordered lives and, of course, trying to make the most of staying healthy, protecting our families, facing economic challenges and getting along with each other!

Yes, these are difficult times, but we do have choice about how we spend our time and apply our thoughts. Some of us have done this through our wonderful Jewish community organizations and houses of worship.

In Hadassah, we think of others during difficult times, which, as you know, is called Tzedakah and Tikkum Olam. Now is the time, once again, to look outward; to look out for others; to lift our eyes and focus on how we can help or heal our neighbors, friends and loved ones in whatever ways we can.

Reaching out, volunteering and helping others is all part of living our best Jewish life. Hadassah gives its members the opportunity to explore, to develop, and to grow and expand that Jewish Life.

For Hadassah members, Associates and supporters, that means thinking about, and acting on behalf of, Israel and our many commitments to improve life and health for those in need, in Israel, the Region and around the globe.

There are two wonderful world-class hospitals to support and oversee at-risk children to focus on in our three Youth Aliyah Villages, and programs for our own children interested in Jewish life and Israeli life through Young Judea. Also, there is Tzedakah right at home in our communities.

There are many ways through which you can share in activities with Hadassah:

• Creating interesting and fun programs

• Collecting needed items for the Naples Shelter for Abused Women & Children

• Helping to plan our Symposium on Women’s Health and Wellness

• Working on advocacy and legislative issues

Difficult though it may be, this is a time to look outward. It’s a wonderful feeling to spend time thinking of others and doing something about whatever is helpful. That’s the key to volunteering, and that is a Jewish value as well.

Sometimes it’s making a donation; sometimes it’s about “doing.” The important part, is reaching out in whatever way we can, moving outside ourselves. We can elevate ourselves through service and caring. What we choose to do with our time can make a difference. We just have to do it in a different way for now.

Studies have shown that volunteering/ doing good deeds does produce endorphins, so, we can feel well by doing good.

The National Holocaust Museum says, “What you do matters.” This is true in times of strife, suffering and horrors. It is also true in normal and our “new normal” times.

Let’s choose doing well by doing good.