“Mystique” acrylic paint on stretched canvas; Barbara Mattio; 2012

From humble beginnings as a minor Semitic tribe, the Jews have influenced the development of humankind far out of proportion to their numbers.Their faith is a tripod. The tripod is creation, revelation and redemption.There is a strength within Jews that helps them to hold onto their covenant with Adonai. They have survived thousands of years despite losing their homeland, centuries of persecution, and attempted genocide.

Judaism stresses actions over faith. There are 613 mitzvot, good deeds, that Jews are commanded to follow. Unlike religions that see “reality” as an illusion, Judaism sees G-d as demanding justice and righteousness in this world. Because of this, Jews have a long history as social reformers.

“We are her to act. We are life’s way of gettings things done…Better a moment of awakening in this world than eternity in the world to come.” —–Pirke Avot, early rabbinic sayings

Greatness is what you give.