A famous and very rich man was once asked, “What are you worth?” The rich man thought for a minute and then named a figure. His questioner did not believe him. “You are famous as one of the richest men in the country. Surely you are worth more than that.”

With a smile, the rich man replied, “You did not ask me how much I own. You asked me how much I am worth so I told you the amount I have given to charity so far this year – because we are worth what we are willing to share with others.”

In a modern society, we need to remind ourselves of the importance of giving, in terms of both money and time. Some people are content with what they have. Others are in despair because they have so little. Through giving, we help to bridge the gap.

We are fortunate to have so many voluntary organisations which work hard to bring help to those in need, and comfort to people who are struggling with poverty and disease.

If we share our love, friendship and trust, the more we all have. Healthy communities are built on cooperation, on all of us giving and sharing.

Altruism, doing something good for another person, is an important virtue. We become good people, and good citizens, by understanding that we, like the rich man, are worth what we are willing to share with others.

Acknowledgement: Adapted from Credo written by Professor Jonathon Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregation of the Commonwealth.