In the announcements of eJewishPhilanthropy, the section titled “Major Gifts” usually reads like a ledger of generosity measured in dollars: a foundation endows a program, a donor funds a building, a family establishes a scholarship. This week, however, one item stood out for its utter unconventionality:

“Israeli women have so far donated 46 liters (12 gallons) of breast milk through the Sussman Family Foundation Human Milk Bank for nursing mothers who have been called away for reserve duty or other war-related activities.”

There was no dollar amount, no gala or naming opportunity. Just milk.

At first glance, the announcement feels almost out of place in a philanthropy column. Yet it may be one of the most profound acts of giving listed there in months. Because the sacred practice of giving does not only happen through wealth. Sometimes it happens through the body itself – usually in the form of blood, sweat and tears. This is something entirely different. Philanthropy often privileges what can be counted. We tally campaign totals, celebrate seven-figure gifts, and track endowments with precision. These metrics matter. Institutions depend on them. Communities are sustained by them.

Perhaps the most striking part of the announcement is not the donation itself, but the fact that it appeared under “Major Gifts.” That placement forces us to reconsider what we mean when we talk about philanthropy.

Perhaps the most striking part of the announcement is not the donation itself, but the fact that it appeared under “Major Gifts.” That placement forces us to reconsider what we mean when we talk about philanthropy.

But the donation of breast milk reminds........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)