fbpx
[additional-authors]
July 29, 2013

My True Purpose

By Joan Praver/Board Member—Volunteer

Sometimes, as I’ve aged, I’ve questioned whether I have made any contribution toward Tikkun Olam, improving the world.  Being asked to be on the Board of Beit T’Shuvah has given me the opportunity to touch the psyche of many of the residents.  By conducting a writing class, where they are encouraged to drop their facades, to reach deeply into their past of addictive behavior and bring some of their hidden life to the surface.  I believe I’ve opened a door and touched their souls.

In this process I have grown to better understand myself and have reevaluated my contributions as a volunteer.  It is said, “If you help to save one life, it is as though you have saved the world.”  I make no claim to that but I do believe I have found my true purpose in having been created.

Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

A Night of Gratitude Honoring Dennis Prager

Latest Articles

“Art Over Hate”

A two-part spotlight of Craig Dershowitz, CEO of the Art Over Hate Collective.

A Jewish Victory

In the face of growing anti-Israel and antisemitic conduct in public schools, the Los Angeles Unified School District has delivered an important victory for our community.

Unbreakable Blue Thread: Reclaiming Our Past and Our Future

I write to you, all you first and second generations, and I assure you from generations five, six and seven that if we keep doing what we need to do, if we stand together, keep our traditions, educate ourselves in our ancient wisdom, keep Hebrew spoken and sung in our midst, we will not only endure. We Jews will thrive.

Unstuck in the Middle with You

Kwall, the Raymond P. Niro Law Professor at DePaul University College of Law, argues for a center defined by enough common commitments to make communal life possible.

Sewage Without Borders

Israel’s water security depends on what flows into the sea on the other side of all of them, and our water policy should start from that reality.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.