opinion
Robin Hood Got it Half Right
Steve Rosenberg
A 14
MARCH 23, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT
Regardless of
how one feels
about Robin Hood
or Little John, at this time of year, we must really
consider tzedakah and taking care of Jews in need.

Even with available data, donors are often driven by
emotion and passion. Gifts are often reactive and not
proactive. People become involved in organizations
for three reasons as I often write about:
Meaning Signifi cance
Lifestyle When you factor in Jewish organizations, a fourth
quadrant can be added: guilt. I give because my grand-
parents gave; therefore, I must carry on the tradition.

Passover is upon us. As we clean out our chametz
and prepare our kitchens for this important holiday,
let us not forget our duties to take care of those less
fortunate. Philanthropy is easy; you don’t have to
be a millionaire to give. Philanthropy is the power of
ordinary, everyday people coming together to extend
the impacts of other everyday people.

Robin Hood could have had a much more signifi -
cant impact had he understood that the real power
in philanthropy is about inspiring others to realize
their potential to become leaders, and to get up off
the bench and make a diff erence — either with the
checkbook or their time. One person getting involved
can inspire others to do the same. Gen Z is leading
the way in its involvement with nonprofi ts. They don’t
wish to give and sit back. They want to know what
impact their investment has, and they want to roll up
their sleeves and volunteer and be involved. That is
where Robin Hood swung and missed.

Anyone can stand up and ask others for money —
“Give because I’m giving and I will give because you
give.” But show people the passion of your involve-
ment and why you care, and perhaps they become
involved in a more meaningful and deeper way.

I don’t have the answers, and I know that 50 years
after the fact, Robin Hood didn’t either. Maimonides,
though, was way ahead of his time; he knew the
power of tzedakah and the importance of Jews
taking care of each other. This won’t end Jew hatred,
and it won’t stop anti-Zionism, but it will make us
stronger as a people.

Remember, we are only 16 million individuals world-
wide. Despite what you read, we don’t control the
media, the banks, Hollywood or anything else. We
can, however, take control of our destiny and how we
care for those less fortunate than ourselves. ■
Steve Rosenberg is principal of the GSD Group and
board chair of the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of
Fame. daz2d / istock / gettyimages
s we approach the Jewish festival of
Passover, we will also recognize the 50th
anniversary of Disney’s animated fi lm,
“Robin Hood.”
Why link these two together? Because at Passover,
we begin our seder with the words: “Let all who are
hungry come and eat. Let all who are needy come and
celebrate Passover.” This powerful call to reach out
and help those less fortunate than us comes just as
we begin to recall the foundational story of our people,
as we highlight the integral part that Jewish charity, or
tzedakah, holds in Jewish beliefs and practice.

The legendary Robin Hood of English folklore, in
a slightly diff erent manner, also believed in helping
the poor. However, his method involved stealing
from the wealthy. Generations have grown up with
a heroic ideal of robbing from the rich and giving to
the poor. Robin Hood’s superhero-like skills in both
archery and swordsmanship seemingly made him
popular with young people, while his social ideals
typically endeared him to their guardians.

These days, Robin Hood might be called a woke
progressive socialist for his methods and theories as
a hero to the working class and an oppressor to the
rich. But his intentions always seemed innocent, and
his movies certainly sold a lot of tickets.

Regardless of how one feels about Robin Hood
or Little John, at this time of year, we must really
consider tzedakah and taking care of Jews in need.

Maimonides famously outlines eight levels of giving
with the most important level identifi ed as helping
sustain a person before they become impoverished
and dependent on others.

Competition for the Jewish dollar is immense in
today’s world. There are many good organizations
seeking our philanthropy, and while it might seem
like some are using arrows or swords, the reality is
that all of them have good in mind. Some are set up
to help Jews in need in North America, Israel and
worldwide. Others fi ght Jew hatred and intolerance;
and some work tirelessly on Jewish life and learning,
as well as building a brighter Jewish future.

Regardless of what motivates you, it is incumbent
upon all of us to give. Giving can both feel great
and be great. But great giving is much more diffi -
cult than it has been in the past. We are deluged
with infographics, Hollywood-caliber videos from
recipients and data to analyze impact. While NGOs
are becoming more sophisticated, so are donors.