April 23, 2008
You Never Know
Several years ago we became familiar with the work being done by a Chicago-based organization called MayaWorks (http://www.mayaworks.org). MayaWorks is dedicated to helping women in Guatemala–women living in remote areas of the country. There are many services that MayaWorks’ volunteers and staff provide but the one that literally caught our eye was the now famous MayaWorks kippah. Many Mayan women possess creative talents–weaving, crocheting–hand-arts we might call them and MayaWorks has sold the items they made for years. One of the organization’s Jewish volunteers, though, recognized the possibilities of Judaica, particularly kippot. The rest, as they say, is history. Mayan women have been creating the most beautiful, colorful kippot which can now be found at weddings, b’nai mitzvot and other simchas throughout this country. In the world of clothing and fashion, you might say they were a hot item!
Kathleen Morkert, the outgoing Executive Director of MayaWorks forwarded the following e-mail this morning. She had just received it from a young woman named Susan and she knew that we would be moved by what Susan shared…
Good Morning,
My name is Susan and as a young girl I was adopted from Guatemala and have lived in the US since 1981. I am Mayan from a small Guatemalan village and I am also Jewish. Although I have traveled to Guatemala, I have never found a way to combine my religion and my heritage, both of which are so very important to me. In fact it has been difficult to identify with my culture when it is so intermingled with a strong Catholic/Christian faith.
I wanted to let you know that I am incredibly moved that I can purchase Judaica items created by Mayan woman. It is a unique way two parts of me that always seem so disconnected can come together beautifully. My faith and my culture can now share a place in my home, not as separate individuals but as familia and mishpacha. I am buying all the Judaica I can find on your site, kippah for my husband, a shalom weaving for my home.
Please know that your organization is not only helping Mayan women in Guatemala, it is also helping one in the US, if in perhaps, a different way.
Peace and Love,
Susan
We were moved to tears by this note…it said so much and proved once again that, particularly in the world of tzedakah, you never know just how meaningful things can be.
The MayaWorks kippot, by the way, are truly stunning. Consider them if you are having a simcha. We can tell you how to purchase them–be in touch.
