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| Path: Main Street : Resources & Library : Research Articles : Feature Article |
The values that sustain the world's oldest civilizationby Leslie L. Dan
July 3, 1996; Canadian FundRaiserThe religious values that have sustained the Jewish people for more than 3,200 years, still apply. One of the most important books I have ever read, and one which left a lasting impression upon me, was by Max Daimant, entitled The Indestructible Jew. The theme of this book was profound, yet simple. It pointed out that throughout the past 4,000 years some seven major civilizations arose and disappeared but only one civilization remained - retaining its original character, value system, spiritual values, and central beliefs - and they were the Hebrews. Gone are the Persians, the Babylonians, the Egyptians, the Etruscans, the Romans, the Greeks …only the Jews who, some 3,200 years ago embraced monotheism and despite many ups and downs in history, constant persecutions, vilifications, expulsions - still exist.
I asked the question: "How was this possible when so many powerful nations disappeared? How was it that a tiny group of Hebrews managed to preserve its religious and cultural identity and kept flourishing despite so many obstacles?"
I deliberated and found two main reasons: our covenant and special relationship with God, and the teachings and the practice of our Torah and our sacred books.
Some 3,200 years ago an extraordinary event took place when God selected a small tribe of Hebrews and led them out of slavery in Egypt and made a covenant or an agreement with them, saying: "You Hebrews keep my laws and commandments - I shall keep you and lead you to the promised land." And this indeed happened. In short, one of the reasons why the Jews have lasted for the past 3,200 years is because God made a covenant with the Jews which God intends to keep as long as we keep our part.
The second reason for our survival is the teachings and the practices of our Torah, or Bible. In short, God wanted to create a world based on love, compassion, respect for others, and the maintenance of religious practices, in order to guide and save mankind. I, for one, firmly believe that if God created the universe and mankind, God has to provide us with a protective umbrella to survive and lead a civilized life. For this purpose the Torah was created.
There are many important commandments in the Torah, but one of the most important deals with the concept and practice of Tzadakah or charity. Imagine, some 3,200 years ago, when mankind lived under barbaric and savage conditions, a small group of Hebrews engaged in far-advanced humanitarian practices, such as charity, helping the poor, the widowed, the sick, which today we would clearly define as modern "social action". Even today, many nations have not yet fully adopted such lofty practices. For example, our Torah clearly says that when you gather the crops of your field, you should leave the corners for the poor. I could quote many other passages dealing with widows, orphans, the poor, even traveling visitors.
But the most succinct and detailed instructions about charity come from the Talmud, which has many specific passages describing the desirable conduct in helping the poor. Let me cite just two from Bava Bathra chapters. "Charity is equal in importance to all other commandments combined." Or here is another: "Who gives charity in secret is greater than Moses."
Our Talmud goes even further, saying that the amount of the donation should be about 10% of one's net income. Understandably, not everyone can give this amount of donation; some can give more, others can give less. But what is important is the concept of charity and making it virtually mandatory to all Jews.
Having absorbed the teachings of our sacred books, I came to the conclusion that I must engage in charitable activities, to the best of my financial position, because that is one of the important teachings of our faith.
Based on a speech by Leslie Dan to the Jewish Fund of Toronto, 1995 Negev Dinner Tribute, Toronto, November 26, 1995. Leslie Dan arrived in Toronto from his native Hungary in 1947 with little English, no family, and $5 in his pocket. Working as a lumberjack and waiter, he earned a degree from the University of Toronto's School of Pharmacy in 1954, followed by an MBA degree in 1959 when he established his own business, distributing medical supplies overseas. His private firm, Novopharm Limited, now employs 2,900 people worldwide, with 170 devoted to research and development. He has won numerous awards for the many charitable causes he has supported, and was honoured by the Jewish National Fund of Toronto at the 1995 Negev Dinner Tribute for his support in the continuing work of reclaiming for agriculture a desert area of Israel known as Arava.
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