The Charlotte Jewish News- August 2025- Page 5
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte
The Power of Words
Mitzvah as More Than a Good Deed
By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist
In Hebrew, there are several common words and phrases that carry profound meaning for Judaism, for Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, and for our community, encapsulating the values that shape the essence of Jewish life. 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.
Mitzvah is one of those Hebrew words many people think they understand, often translating it simply as“ a good deed.” In truth, its meaning runs much deeper. The word mitzvah comes from the Hebrew root tzav, meaning“ commandment”— an obligation, not a suggestion. It carries weight because it speaks to communal responsibility and the idea that our actions matter.
Mitzvot( plural) come to life most powerfully when they are part of something shared. When individuals act with compassion and commitment, when they choose to support one another,
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especially with children, peers, or colleagues who may be unfamiliar with the issues or influenced by misinformation. Yet these conversations are essential. Avoiding them allows harmful ideas to go unchallenged. Honest, respectful dialogue helps build understanding, strengthen Jewish identity, and create environments where people feel safe and seen.
“ Equipping our community with knowledge is one of the strongest defenses we have,” said Douglas Greene, Jewish community relations director at Federation.“ We are using a threepronged approach to educate students, educators, and parents about the realities of antisemitism and how to respond with care for the vulnerable, invest in education, or stand up against hate, their personal choices begin to shape the character of a community. At Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, that sense of collective responsibility is strengthened by our network of people and organizations working together to turn intention into impact. Whether it’ s providing food security, mental health care, protecting Jewish institutions, nurturing Jewish identity, or standing with Israel and global Jewry, these mitzvot are not isolated efforts. They are the foundation of a community that refuses to stay still in the face of challenge, and that continues to move forward together.
Mitzvot are not reserved for grand gestures or rare occasions. They are embedded in the everyday— in small acts of generosity, in standing up for someone in need, in giving thoughtfully, and in helping others feel seen and valued. They offer a framework for living with purpose, inviting us to view the world not only as it is, but as it could be, and to take part in shaping that vision. By bringing intention to even the simplest moments, mitzvot elevate daily life. They guide how we treat one another, how we build community, and how we root our actions in meaning.
A mitzvah is not only something we do— it reflects who we are called to be. In times of uncertainty, it reminds us that we have the power and the responsibility to act with meaning and to live our lives with love and care for each other.
confidence. Whether it’ s helping someone understand what they’ re seeing online or giving our community the resources to address bias, our goal is to make sure facts, not fear, guide the conversation.”
As this school year begins, families, educators, and community members are encouraged to take proactive steps: to talk openly about bias, to seek out trustworthy information, and to build the kind of culture where learning is rooted in empathy and truth. Education is not just about academic success. It is about shaping the values and character of the next generation.
FEDERATION IMPACT: BENEFICIARY AGENCY SPOTLIGHT
As a means of bettering our greater Charlotte Jewish community, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte allocates donation funds to local Jewish organizations who embody Jewish values and overall better our community. In recognition of their work, we at Federation wish to bring attention to these organizations and the good that they do.
Since opening its doors at Queens University of Charlotte in 2016, the Stan Greenspon Center has become a leading voice in Holocaust education and Jewish studies throughout the region. Its work supports educators, students, and community members by providing meaningful access to training, programming, and resources rooted in historical truth.
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte has been a proud partner of the Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education Center since its inception, working together to advance Holocaust education, strengthen Jewish identity, and combat rising antisemitism. From co-creating educational resources to joint workshops with Federation’ s Outshine Hate initiative, the partnership reflects a shared
commitment to building a more informed, compassionate, and resilient community.
What began as a response to increasing demand for Holocaust education in Charlotte has grown into an institution with national reach.“ At the Stan Greenspon Center we believe that Holocaust education is essential not only to honor the memory of the past but to safeguard the future,” said Katie Cunningham, assistant director.“ We believe that education is the most powerful tool we have to combat hate and build a more informed society. In a time of increased antisemitism and historical distortion, our mission is more urgent than ever: to educate, to remember, and to inspire action.”
In 2025, the Greenspon Center sharpened its focus, dedicating its energy to two core pillars: Holocaust education and Jewish studies. These pillars shape the Center’ s work— from its nationally recognized Certification in Holocaust Pedagogy( CHP) program to school visits to public programs exploring Jewish history, Israel, culture, and antisemitism.
Looking ahead, the Greenspon Center is preparing to expand its presence with plans for a permanent Holocaust exhibition and education center in Charlotte, a vision that will ensure the lessons of the past are preserved and accessible for generations to come. Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is honored to support this vital work and help ensure its continued impact across Jewish Charlotte and beyond.
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