StudentandAthlete.com > Sports > 2008 Detroit JCC Maccabi Games > Tzedekah

Posted: August 1, 2008 Keywords: Sports, JCC Maccabi Games, Charity

   

   Participants in the 2008 Detroit JCC Maccabi Games will take part in efforts to fight hunger and provide sporting equipment for those less fortunate as part of the game's tzedekah projects.

 

   In Judaism, "tzedakah" refers to the religious obligation to perform charity, and philanthropic acts, which Judaism emphasizes are important parts of living a spiritual life; Jewish tradition argues that the second highest form of tzedakah is to anonymously give donations to unknown recipients. Unlike philanthropy, which is completely voluntary, tzedakah is seen as a religious obligation, which must be performed regardless of financial standing. Jews are taught that everything ultimately belongs to God and humans are the caretakers of what they possess. Humans are obligated to share their blessings with others to help create justice in the world.

 

   Both local and visiting athletes participating in the Maccabi Games, along with others in the Metro Detroit community will donate nonperishable food items that will go to Yad Ezra in Berkley, the Gleaners Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan and Leket, the Israeli National Food Bank. Local synagogues, temples, and the Jewish Community Center have also been participating in the food drive.

 

   Visiting athletes will bring items with them to donate during the week of the Games. There are receptacles at both Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit buildings in West Bloomfield and Oak Park, and at many synagogues and day schools where donations are already being accepted. All kosher food items will be donated to Yad Ezra. All non-kosher items will be donated to Gleaners. An anonymous donation based on collected food will be forwarded to Leket in Israel.

 

   In addition, Detroit JCC Maccabi Games participants will also be donating gently used athletic clothing and equipment to be sent to children in countries around the world, including Israel, through the Global Gear Drive.

 

 The Global Gear Drive is a program that was established by the International Alliance for Youth Sports to put sports equipment in the hands of children living in developing regions around the world that wish to take part in quality sports activities but are unable to due to shortages of equipment and the lack of facilities in their countries.

 

   This past year, in conjunction with the JCC's Kenny Goidman Basketball League, the athletes from the Detroit delegation collected numerous boxes of equipment for this program.

  

The Global Gear Drive is always in need of:

* soccer balls and cleats

* baseballs, gloves, and bats

* volleyballs

* basketballs

* uniforms and sports apparel

 

   Donations of new or gently used sporting goods will be accepted at the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit in West Bloomfield through the end of the Games.