Be a Mensch, Not a Schmuck.

Be a Mensch ... Do Mitzvot!
 

In today's classes, our students discussed being a mensch and made a mitzvah tree to represent the mitzvot they have done and the mitzvot they plan to do this year.  

“Mensch” is a Yiddish word that means a kind, caring, and responsible person.  A “mensch” is a nice guy/gal.

There are many simple actions that even a young child can do to be a “mensch.” These actions have roots in traditional Jewish values:

1.    Giving tzedakah (charity)

2.    Being a friend

3.    Welcoming guests

4.    Taking care of the Earth

5.    Being kind to animals

6.    Honoring elders.

The classes already spoke about honoring elders in an earlier session of the Jewish Cultural School (JCS). Many of our classes honored adults in our community by making a High Holiday cards for the adult members in Machar.  There are other ways to honor elders, like baking treats to share, asking about someone’s life, and offering a smile or a hug.  Giving tzedakah can include donating books you no longer read, contributing to a food pantry, and giving away outgrown clothes.  Being a friend can mean sharing toys, saying “sorry” for mistakes, and making soup for someone sick.  Welcoming guests can mean straightening the house and walking your guest to the car to say “good bye.”  Taking care of the Earth can mean recycling.

The “mitzvah trees” will be on display at our next JCS session on Sunday, October 23rd.

How will you be a mensch today?

Pick up a “Kindness Card” in the lobby on the JCS table on Sunday, October 23rd.  Do the simple action listed on the card.  Talk to your family and friends about how you already express these values and actions as part of your life.  Think about how you can do more.  Make a resolution to make mitzvot part of your life.