My first exposure to true tzedakah was my grandmother, who lived in the Carpathian hills of Transylvania.  My parents, who were practically destitute, would send me to spend summers with my very well-off landowner grandparents.  I would observe my grandmother, who always had at hand a container full of change.  Sunday through Friday at noon, there was an endless parade of paupers, coming for a handout or for a cooked meal.  In my grandmother’s kitchen there were never any leftovers – she fed all who were hungry.

I was also a recipient of charity early in my life.  I vividly remember the final rehearsal for a school play in which I had an important singing role, when our principal asked me if I had something decent to wear for the performance.  I was too proud to say no and I showed up, literally, in the same “schmates” rags I wore at the rehearsal.  Two days later the principal introduced me to a parent of one of my peers, who escorted me to the most expensive department store in the city.  There, he had me fitted from head to toe with a complete new wardrobe.  When I got home, my mom took a glance and could not stop sobbing. They were bitter tears of joy.

Although Etole has had a more fortunate life, having been born and raised in America, we both are firm believers that charity pays off.  Whatever you give or donate comes back at least fivefold in one form or another.  Giving from your heart is just as important as giving from your pocket, and we are gratified to be in a position to give and to be a part of the select endowment community.

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