Our Jewish Communal Values

Transliteration Note: The underlined 'h" [ H or h ] is pronounced as a guttural 'ch', as in the composer 'Bach'.

Home - Bayit
Aging in one's community means more than "Aging in Place." It means living in a caring, multi-generational community that knows something about who you are and where you have come from.

Visiting Those in Need of Healing - Bikkur Holim
One of the cornerstones of a Jewish community is attending to those who are ill. Attentive companionship helps speed the healing process.

Health and Wellbeing - Bri'ut
One of the greatest challenges of aging is isolation. Shtetl 2.0™ will help promote physical and mental health by expanding members' social connections.

Empathy with Others - B'tzelem Elohim
Every person's life is sacred; everyone deserves dignity and respect.

Compassionate Action - Gemilut Hasadim
Being of service to others is a way of giving back for all the kindness we have received in our lives.

*Covenanted Caring - Hesed
Hesed, loving-kindness, is the caring we bring to members of our communities and our families simply because we are connected.

Being Part of a Self-Governing Community - Kehillah
All Shtetl 2.0™ members will have the opportunity to contribute to the life of the community by providing services to other members or assisting in village governance or programming.

Lifelong Learning - Limmud
"Who is wise? The one who learns from everyone." (Ben Zoma, Pirkei Avot 4:1) As a community, we will open ourselves to learn from one another and from what we each have to teach.

*Guarding Speech - Sh’mirat Halashon
What we say can build people up or tear them down. Using words with restraint and wisdom helps to create a safe environment that supports the community.

*Joy and Celebration - Simha
Joyously marking Shabbat, holidays, and lifecycle milestones with friends and family, food, drink, and music helps us appreciate what we have, acknowledge transitions in our lives, and make the most of life.

Healing a Broken World - Tikkun Olam
Through activism, mentoring, and discussions, we hope to help others create the healthy environments they need for living and aging in America.

Economic Justice - Tzedakah
No one will be denied the services of Shtetl 2.0™ because of lack of resources.

[Adapted from https://chaivillagela.org, with *additions adapted from “Attitudes, Beliefs and Values Shaping Jewish Practice” from A Guide to Jewish Practice by David A. Teutsch © 2000, 2003, 2012]