There is an old tradition in eastern European Jewish communities; there existed buildings that were used for their tzedakah. There was one door to enter the building and one door to exit. You entered the building alone and you either donated funds into the “pushke” or you took funds from the “pushke.” No one ever knew whether you had put funds in or had taken funds out.
This tradition reflects what tzedakah is about. Many years ago we had to take funds from the “pushke” when we needed help. When we were on our feet again, we began putting money into the “pushke” in the form of contributions to Jewish agencies. The Jewish Community Foundation will continue to help those in need from our “pushke” through the Mesa Family Tzedakah Foundation.
