Caring Cooperative Mission, Vision and Values

VISION: A deeply connected and uplifted community through our care for one another. 

MISSION: The CJC Caring Cooperative recognizes the covenantal relationships we share  as CJC members. In support of these sacred relationships, we commit to hold space for  and provide care to each other throughout the seasons of life. 

Olam hesed yibaneh – together, the CJC Caring Cooperative will co-create a world and a  community of loving-kindness. 

VALUES: 

❖ Brit (Covenant) 

The basis of all Jewish living is brit/covenant – the  knowing that parties in relationship have  obligations to one another. Jewish tradition  reminds us of our commitments bein adam  l’chavero – between one another. In this  community, we are mutually responsible for one  another.  

❖ Ḥesed (loving-kindness) 

Hesed – comes in many forms including reaching  out in times of loss or hardship, delivering a  meal, running an errand, or extending a Shabbat  invitation. We all deserve caring action simply  because we share the bonds of interpersonal  connection. Sometimes we will need care and at  other times we will be able to give care. Both  caring for others and letting ourselves be cared  for are part of what makes us fully human. 

❖ K’vod hab’riyot (Human dignity) Created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of Gd, we  can see the spark of the divine in each other. In  recognizing that each human face is, in part, a  face of the divine, we recognize that every  person has infinite worth. We are bound to honor  the worth, dignity and sacred spark of each  human being and to act in ways consistent with  that honor.  

❖ Kehila (Commitment to Community) We can only realize ourselves fully in relationship  to others and that being in community is a sacred  part of our Jewish identity. We strive to be co creators of a community that fully embraces and  serves each of its members regardless of ability,  age, race, sexual orientation, family status,  political affiliation and level of knowledge. We  know that this makes us all stronger.  

❖ Darkhey shalom (Paths of Peace) We strive to heal our little corner of a world rife  with tension and conflict. We will use our  emotional, spiritual, cognitive and physical  energy to work together to generate peace,  healing and joy whenever and wherever possible.  

❖ Raḥmanut (Compassion/Mercy) The Hebrew root of the word raḥmanut is reḥem,  womb, which implies a deep holding and an  abiding safety. Empathy for those who are  struggling reminds us of the importance of  holding one another carefully and creating safe  spaces for one another. It is not enough to simply  feel rahmanut – we must allow it to propel us into  compassionate action for others and for  ourselves