Rebecca Shapiro Thesis (11 May 2011).pdf - Brandeis Institutional ...

Tikkun Olam. Rabbi Isaac Luria saw repairing the world, as the act of "fulfilling God'soriginal intention for creation" and in modern times connotes social action and socialjustice. 173 Each of these words and their nuanced definitions reveal that the act of givingin a variety of ways is at the core of Jewish tradition.AEPI draws on this rich history of Jewish philanthropy in its 3 rd EditionPhilanthropy Manual produced in 2006. The manual serves as a detailed guide forchapters to use as a resource for philanthropic events and projects. In its conclusion, itnotesthe highest degree of tzedeka is one who holds the hand of a man reducedto poverty by handing him a gift in order to strengthen his hand, so that hewill have no need to beg from others. You now have the tools to join theranks of more than 93 years of philanthropy and tzedaka through the menof Alpha Epsilon Pi 174This statement reflects AEPI's commitment to serving as a resource for philanthropyprogramming on the part of its chapters, and demonstrates the fraternity's commitment toa Jewish approach to philanthropy. The manual shows that philanthropy must meet morethan the expectations of secular Greek life, in which philanthropy is mandated. It adds aJewish component to philanthropy, as philanthropy is a Jewish value and a keycomponent of leading a proud Jewish lifestyle. In August 2010, at the nationalconvention, AEPI announced support for seven philanthropies. 175 Although the fraternalorganization had intended to vote on three of the seven organizations listed below, thebrothers of the fraternity passed a motion to adopt all seven. These philanthropies173 Sara S. Lee, "Reparing the World from the Perspective of Jewish Tradition," Religious Education 85,no. 3 (Summer 1990).174 3rd Edition Philanthropy Manual," Alpha Epsilon Pi, Philanthropy Manual, accessed April 28, 2011,http://www.aepi.org/?page=PhilanthropyManual.175 AEPi's Official Philanthropy," Alpha Epsilon Pi, Philanthropy, accessed April 28, 2011,http://www.aepi.org/?page=Philanthropy.50