A Sports Dinner Invocation

I was recently invited to give the invocation at the annual JCC Sports Hall of Fame fundraiser dinner.

I opened with the following story --

There’s an old line that asks, “What does a Jewish woman make for dinner?” And the answer is: “Reservations.”

I then proceeded to suggest a different punch line, one which is more positive and truer and more accurate. Instead of saying, “reservations,” I suggest the answer to the question should be, “Donations.”

I then went on to explain that during any typical week, there are a number of dinners sponsored various Jewish organizations. It is possible to make a contribution and eat out just about every night of the week.

The significant point is that this is a reflection of our Jewish values. As a people and community, it is truly remarkable to note how much we do on behalf of others. We Jews should take pride in our collective and individual philanthropic efforts.