More Than Words: Jewish Values in Action at Federation

The Charlotte Jewish News, March, 2025

By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist

In Hebrew, there are several common words and phrases that carry profound meaning for Judaism and for our community, encapsulating the values that shape the essence of Jewish life. At Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (JFGC), the words tikkun olam, l’chaim, am Yisrael chai, and tzedakah are more than linguistic expressions — they are the guiding principles that inspire everything they do. Whether you are familiar with these words and phrases or have never heard them, their significance within the context of our community is worth exploring further.

Tikkun Olam: Building and Strengthening Community

Tikkun olam — “repairing the world” — inspires acts of social responsibility and community building. It is the idea that we as Jewish people have a responsibility to try to right the injustices in our world so that we may create a better, more compassionate society for all.

For JFGC, it is the driving force behind the advocacy efforts of the Jewish Community Relations Council, which works tirelessly with local and state officials to make sure that our community’s collective voice is heard. It is also a call to action that fuels programs like Outshine Hate, which combats antisemitism and educates the wider community, and NextGen, which empowers young Jewish leaders to foster inclusive, vibrant communities. The impact of tikkun olam extends globally through JFGC’s overseas allocations and the Israel Emergency Campaign to provide humanitarian aid for Israeli communities affected by the Israel-Hamas war.

L’Chaim: Celebrating Jewish Life

The phrase l’chaim — “to life” — is a toast that celebrates life’s blessings and possibilities. Beyond raising our glasses, l’chaim supports the idea that we should always be living our lives to the fullest. At its core, it is about affirming the beauty of Jewish life, identity, and heritage.

Events like the annual Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration, Israeli Artist in Residence program, and book author programs embody the spirit of l’chaim. By showcasing diverse aspects of Jewish culture, history, and art, Federation ensures that Jewish identity remains a source of pride and celebration.

Am Yisrael Chai: Standing with Israel and Global Jewry

Am Yisrael Chai — “The People of Israel Live” — is a declaration of resilience and unity. It reaffirms the enduring strength of the Jewish people and our unbreakable bond with the State of Israel.

Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte supports this vision through initiatives like the Sue Worrel Israel Center Endowment Fund, which will power the new iCenter for Israel Education and Engagement. The iCenter initiative supports Israel-related programming, from cultural exchanges to educational programs like the Unpacking Israel: Masterclass Series. Whether advocating for Israel on the global stage or fostering personal connections with the Israeli people, Federation ensures that Am Yisrael Chai resonates in every aspect of its work.

Tzedakah: The Soul of Philanthropy

Tzedakah, often translated as “charity,” originates from the root word “tzedek,” meaning justice. It embodies the Jewish understanding that giving is not merely an act of kindness, but a fundamental obligation to create fairness and equity in the world. Through tzedakah, our community is able to care for our most vulnerable and provide opportunities for engagement and social advocacy that benefit everyone. None of what Federation accomplishes would be possible without the tzedakah of community members like you.

As our community’s central philanthropic organization, JFGC brings tzedakah to life through the Annual Campaign. This campaign powers educational programs, engagement opportunities, and supports over 70 beneficiary agencies providing critical services, from addressing food insecurity to creating work opportunities for young adults with special needs. Each dollar raised reflects our greater Charlotte community’s commitment to building a just and compassionate world, fulfilling the promise of tzedakah.

The values represented by tikkun olam, l’chaim, am Yisrael chai, and tzedakah are woven into the fabric of JFGC’s mission. They reflect the organization’s four core objectives: Community, Jewish Identity, Israel, and Philanthropy. These values remind us that every action, from a small act of kindness to a celebration of Jewish culture, advocacy for Israel, or a donation to the Annual Campaign, adds meaning and purpose to our collective story.