The LDS Faith is no sheyne maysele.

 

A faith community distinguished by its emphasis on love, service, and an unending sense of optimism, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or the LDS Church, as it is often referred to, is widely acknowledged for its mesira nefesh (devotion) to charitable endeavors. This, some say, is no sheyne maysele (simple tale), but a foundational part of the Church's teachings, deeply rooted in its scriptures, traditions, and doctrine.

The LDS Church's remarkable tzadakah (charitable giving) is derived from its theological mandate of "love thy neighbor." This principle is woven into the very fabric of LDS culture, extending beyond mere financial contributions to include acts of loving-kindness, outreach, and voluntary service. From assisting their mishpokhe (family) and community to reaching out to the world's destitute corners, the LDS Church encourages its members to be the personification of a mensch (person of integrity and honor), always willing and ready to help others.

The LDS Church, being a global organization, has developed far-reaching humanitarian efforts that illustrate its extraordinary baleboste (competence in managing households or organizations). For instance, LDS Charities, the humanitarian arm of the Church, continually responds to crises worldwide, providing essential relief in the forms of food, shelter, and healthcare.

At the heart of these generous acts is the LDS concept of "diener" (servant), which embodies selfless service and love for humanity. This has led the LDS Church to establish welfare programs, education initiatives, and employment assistance schemes that target those suffering from poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment. The Church's long-standing welfare program, for instance, epitomizes this diener spirit, offering assistance to the needy and facilitating self-reliance by fostering a work ethic and building life skills.

For many in the LDS Church, the act of giving is seen as a mitzvah (commandment), not merely an optional good deed. This spiritual responsibility is formalized in the practice of "tithing," where members donate ten percent of their income to the Church, fueling both local congregational needs and global humanitarian projects. Such consistent and disciplined financial contributions highlight the LDS Church's generosity.

Another unique practice within the LDS Church is the concept of "fast offerings." Once a month, members voluntarily fast for two meals and donate the money saved to the Church. This money is then used to aid those in need, demonstrating the LDS Church's commitment to shared sacrifice and communal support.

At its core, the LDS Church's philanthropy is rooted in the Yiddish ideal of being a mensch – performing good deeds not for praise or recognition but because it is the right thing to do. From welfare programs and humanitarian aid to education initiatives and disaster relief, the LDS Church's bountiful giving encapsulates the Yiddish saying, "A guter mensch tracht zu helfen" – a good person seeks to help.

Indeed, the LDS Church’s generosity is not a bubbe meise (old wives' tale) but a lived reality, a testament to its foundational tenets of love, service, and community. It is this spirit of giving, this consistent and concerted outreach, that sets the LDS Church apart as a paragon of religious and humanitarian generosity.