Jewish Federation's "Community Unity" Weekend with Danny Siegel Previewed in Religion Briefs

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Jewish groups to convene for 3-day session on unity By Donna Johnson | American-Statesman Correspondent A weekend program that brings together segments of the Jewish community is designed to leave a lasting message. The Community Unity program, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Austin, B'nai B'rith Jewish Leadership, Hillel, Congregation Agudas Achim and Congregation Beth Israel, is organized to inspire tzedakah, a Hebrew word often translated as charity. "Tzedakah really means justice. And for Jews, tzedakah is not an option but a commandment," said Wayne Silverman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Austin. "Charity and justice are very closely related in Judaism," said Andrea Herrera, assistant to the director of education at Congregation Agudas Achim. "Without charity, there cannot be justice." The program, Jan. 21-23, consists of four events, all featuring Washington, D.C.-based author and lecturer Danny Siegel. Siegel has been characterized as a "mitzvah doer." Mitzvah is Hebrew for commandment or good deed. "Danny is committed to microphilanthropy. Everyone complains about the state of the world, but he believes individuals can and should do something. He believes one person can make a difference and empowers people to act," said Margo Sack, adult programming coordinator for the Jewish Community Center. Community Unity takes this approach at 9 a.m. Jan. 23 at Congregation Agudas Achim with Siegel's lecture "116 Practical Mitzvah Suggestions" and a hands-on mitzvah workshop. Representatives from charitable organizations will discuss the work of the agencies and will solicit volunteers. Participants can engage in different charitable activities on site, including preparing a meal for El Buen Samaritano and making sandwiches for HOBO. Other weekend events include Siegel's lecture "What do Liz Taylor, Paul Newman and Bruce Springsteen Know About Mitzvah We Don't?" at 8:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Hillel Foundation and a discussion on Jewish values at 9 a.m. Jan. 22 at Congregation Beth Israel. Using the Bible, Siegel will identify Jewish values and discuss their importance to the individual and to the community, Sack said. The Jan. 22 evening lecture, "Mitzvah Money Makes Miraculous Things Happen," begins at 7:30 at the Four Seasons Hotel and kicks off the Jewish Federation's annual campaign fund drive. The goal for this year's campaign is $750,000. Money raised by the campaign funds the operation of the federation, which serves as an umbrella organization for the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Services and the Early Childhood Center. The fund drive is especially important this year, Silverman said, because the federation needs to establish a strong campaign before it moves into the new Dell Jewish Community Campus in 1995. "Without a strong campaign, we can't move into the new facility," he said. The campus is named for Dell Computer Corp. founder Michael Dell and his wife, Susan. The campus will be on Hart Lane in Northwest Austin and will include a community center. The campus also will be home to the Jewish Federation of Austin, the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Services and the Early Childhood Center. [Photo caption] Danny Siegel