I take much pride in being Jewish, it is the core of my identity. I’m actively involved in my local community and think of Judaism as more than a religion; it’s a way of life. I wear a necklace with a Hebrew prayer on my neck and take pride in telling people about it when they ask about the strange script

As a Jew, I believe that humans were made BeTzelem Elokim, literally “in G-d’s image.” Meaning, we each have G-dly characteristics and should aim to parlay them into our daily life.

Now, I know that you’re thinking, “What is this whack job talking about?” When I say G-dly characteristics, I don’t mean that we’re capable of splitting seas or curing the blind. What I mean is that we are all capable of having a high moral character.

So, when I see Jewish people acting BeTzelem Elokim, I’m even more proud to be Jewish.

Living in a well-established, strong Jewish community, I often see acts of kindness and generosity. But what left a resonating impression on me was a visit to Los Angeles this summer.

I go to Los Angeles every so often to visit family and spend time with old friends. I became curious when a good friend of mine was busy every Thursday night and didn’t have time to spend with me. She explained that she had been working for an organization called Tomchei Shabbat, supporters of the Sabbath.

One Thursday night, I decided to see what this Tomchei was all about. I went with my friend down to the warehouse where the operation took place. There were a couple dozen volunteers packaging boxes with challah, food and wine for the Sabbath. The large room was filled with these packages and the volunteers who were assembling them.

Later, other volunteers packed the boxes into their cars and drove them to families in need. My friend and I delivered the boxes discreetly so that the recipients wouldn’t be embarrassed about the large gifts. The organization gave us an address, but no name; we didn’t know to whom we were delivering.

Tomche runs completely by donations of money and time from the greater Jewish community. Volunteers take their time to buy food, package it and deliver it to families in need. They do this on Thursday so that the families will have food for the Sabbath and more to get them through the week.

The beauty of this process was clear to me the first time I saw it. Thursday night is usually a night to go party, but these young people came here to do something more meaningful. They came here together to give.

Unfortunately, since I live in Seattle, I don’t get to see the Tomche operation very often. But, a giving project is nothing new to the Jewish community. I’ve been involved in a Jewish community for my 22 years and the generosity never ceases to amaze me.

With the New Year upon us — Rosh Hashanah — it’s time to reflect about what we could do better. I hope people keep in mind bettering themselves and acting in a more G-dly way.

Reach opinion editor Natalie Sikavi at opinion@dailyuw.com.