The expression of Judaism is through the observance of the Mitzvot--the actions and prohibitions which constitute our very existence. We are familiar with Mitzvot which impact our lives only occasionally, such as eating matza on Pesach, fasting on Yom Kippur or lighting the Chanukiah. The Shabbat guides us on a weekly basis.

More significant, I would suggest, are the mitzvot which are a part of one's daily schedule. Such activities as: honoring one's parents, avoiding gossip, reciting prayer (at home, synagogue, and mealtime), performing acts of kindness, and eating only kosher food are but some of the ways in which Judaism permeates and enriches our lives.

Among the daily Mitzvot is tzedakah--the giving of money to provide for others in the community. The act of giving is not merely an expression of charity, but it is the fulfillment of God's sanctified commandment, a means of celebrating the holiness of our lives. Each gift, no matter the size, represents the performance of Mitzvah. Have this thought in mind when you share your dollars with the synagogue--through dues and building fund, tributes and fundraising appeals. Your act of Mitzvah is providing a spiritual home for you and others, now and in the future. Your yearly gift to Federation's Annual Campaign is a means of being counted as a member of the larger community, and gives you the opportunity to provide for the needs of individuals and organizations, locally and worldwide.

After giving to the synagogue and the Federation, I urge you, if possible, to donate to the organizations closest to your heart. This is the thought process which guides the distribution of our synagogue's Tzedakah Fund. The majority of dollars in this fund come from donations of those attending our daily minyanim.

Among the worthwhile causes with which we are honored to share our synagogue's Tzedakah contributions are: Hillel Day School, Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit, Jewish Theological Seminary, Yad Ezra, the Hillel programs of Michigan campuses.

We are also pleased to use our tzedakah dollars to provide for our brothers and sisters of Conservative Judaism in Israel. Three important organizations which I want you to know about are:

1. Masorti - the organization of more than 40 Conservative congregations in Israel, plus vitally important youth, educational and social activities.

2. The Conservative Yeshiva - A place of learning in Jerusalem for men and women of all ages to engage in the serious study of Jewish texts.

3. The Schechter Institute - A graduate school (over 600 students) and rabbinical school for Israelis, as well as an educational service to Israel's school children and immigrants from the former Soviet Union.