Footsteps on Righteous Crowd this Week!
Footsteps scholarship recipients come together to celebrate their educational endeavors. Pictured above are just some of Footsteps’ 103 scholarship recipients. Coming to Footsteps with little to no basic secular education, Footsteps members overcome many hurdles to pursue an education of their choosing.
Footsteps
Assisting Formerly Ultra-Orthodox Jews
In this week’s Torah portion, Lech Lecha, God says to Abram, “Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” Rashi interprets the line “lech lecha” as “go for yourself” or for your own benefit. Inspired by Abram who left the land that he knew and set out on a new journey, we are supporting an organization that helps people start a new journey in their lives. Footsteps is the only organization in the United States providing comprehensive services to people who have chosen to leave their ultra-Orthodox communities and begin new lives.
Read our interview below with Footsteps Board Member Shelly Kivell.
What is the mission of Footsteps?
Based in New York, Footsteps provides a range of services including social and emotional support, educational, legal and career guidance, workshops and social activities and access to resources. Footsteps offers former ultra-Orthodox Jews a safe, supportive and flourishing community to turn to as they work to define their own identities, build new connections and lead productive lives on their own terms.
Why did you decide to support Footsteps?
I believe people have the right to choose the kind of life they want to live. People should not be prohibited from participating in a path of their own choice.
How would you connect the work Footsteps is doing with a Jewish value?
The highest form of charity in the Jewish tradition is not just giving money but facilitating the ability of the recipients to create their own lives. Footsteps, through its services and support groups, allows participants to thrive in their newly chosen paths.
What are some stories about Footsteps that are meaningful to you?
Hearing about a man who never received a secular education past 7th grade but came to Footsteps and was able to get an engineering degree with the help of Footsteps or hearing about the legal services that Footsteps provided to a woman seeking a divorce from an abusive husband and helping her gain custody of her children.
What are some non-monetary ways for others to get involved with Footsteps?
Tutoring and test prep. Career advising. Interview prep skills. Pro bono professional services.
To learn more about Footsteps click here.