JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 287

Maimonides has always been my personal preference—for it was
Maimonides who brilliantly selected from the systematic thought of
Aristotle—and the rational humanism which was the heritage of the
Golden Age of Greece—to develop the first truly comprehensive
philosophy of religion, based on logic as well as faith. Therefore it
was to the writings of Maimonides that I felt a particular relationship
and was first drawn.

In the twelfth century, Maimonides wrote of the eight degrees of
charity and while each of these steps could merit a scholar's dissertation
or a minister's sermon, I will quote only one:

"The eighth and most meritorious step of all is to anticipate charity,
by preventing poverty; namely to assist the reduced fellowman, either
by a considerable gift, or a loan of money, or by teaching him a trade,
or by putting him in the way of business, so that he may earn an honest
livelihood; and not be forced to the dreadful alternative of holding
out his hand for charity. To this the Scripture alludes when it says:
And thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee, then
thou shall relieve him; yea, though he be a stranger or a sojourner;
that he may live with thee. This is the highest step and the summit
of charity's golden ladder. "

Written eight centuries ago, this passage contains all the essential
ingredients of our most enlightened socio-political thought. It prac-
tically outlines our War on Poverty and is current enough to give di-
rection to the programs of the Great Society. "To anticipate charity
by preventing poverty. " Prevention, not treatment, is the key to latter
twentieth century political action and social service.

The very essence and the goals of the community complex that will
rise on this site correspond to the thesis. The Hebrew Home for the
Aged will provide physical and occupational therapy, religious and
cultural activities, a Day Center and a temporary care program, serv-
ices directed toward rehabilitating and arresting the deterioration of
the mind and body. For many years these symptoms of deterioration
were accepted as natural and normal physical by-products of aging.
Today, we know that to a great extent deterioration is caused by isola-
tion, withdrawal by the anguish of no longer being or feeling needed
by family, friends or community. The mind, like the muscle, requires
flexing to stay fit, stimulation to be strong and involvement to con-
tribute.

Through the services and facilities of the Hebrew Home for the