For as long as I can recall, I have admired my wife’s tenacity and determination to help others regardless of circumstances. There were no boundaries or restrictions; instead, there was the simplicity of helping others.
When Myra learned about Wayne Barton in the late 80s, she knew she had to connect with him. Within moments, she established ways to support his goal of helping youth and families in need, particularly during Christmas.
I recall those days remembering Myra’s joy in helping others and how this specific task was paramount and integral to her goal of supporting the community.
Shortly after she met with Wayne, we connected over dinner and spoke of Tikkun Olam and what we had to do, not only as Jews but as humans. Within hours, Myra talked to her circle of friends, encouraging them to support and donate to Wayne’s efforts. Yet, little encouragement did they need as helping others was a natural value, particularly during the holiday season. That phone call to Wayne birthed the Barton’s Boosters, later renamed The Giving Tree.
As the days followed, I recall Myra and her friends shopping from dusk till dawn, ensuring each child and family on Wayne’s list had a gift. That winter our garage was filled with clothing, shoes, wrapping paper, and ribbons, and there I stood, witnessing the essence of community care fulfilled by this remarkable group of women. With our sons at Myra’s side, they observed her tenacity and learned a valuable lesson about compassion. As a father and a Rabbi, I always preached to my boys the importance of Tikkun Olam. Yet, Myra championed the mission beyond my words, thus instilling community outreach as a cornerstone of our family values.
I remember the night we delivered Christmas gifts and holiday meals to families and households, and one word always came to my mind: hope. Myra’s mission was to make hope a reality by fulfilling holiday wishes. Myra had no other agenda than spreading kindness and bringing joy to one’s heart.
Long before the internet existed, Myra looked for no applause or recognition of her efforts, for she believed in being the silent helper as the gift of giving was more integral than the pomp and circumstance. Yet, as her husband, I believe in preserving her legacy and her insurmountable love for her community.
I hope Myra’s mission may inspire you to establish your Tikkun Olam and to be the hope that a neighbor, stranger, or friend may need. When we lead with authentic kindness over the need for recognition, we let the trueness of community care prosper.
Please join me in this holiday season by filling wish lists or donating to The Giving Tree to support our community friends. Your very actions help Myra’s light and mission shine through us.
Rabbi Merle E. Singer | Words with Merle 