It’s clear that are many, many worthy causes, many things that could be done to make our world a better place. Ira Riklis knows that there are opportunities to make a difference everywhere we turn. And, blessed with wealth, he gives generously of his money and his self to more than fifty organizations. But even the wealthiest among us can do only so much, and sometimes regret that we can’t do more.
If you feel that way, Ira Riklis asks that you consider a parable told by his Rabbi. A man standing on a beach sees someone walking along the shoreline towards him. From time to time, the person reaches down to pick up something then throws it into the ocean. The person turns out to be a young boy engaged in picking up starfish and throwing them back into the sea. When the man asks him what he’s doing, the boy replies, “Saving the starfish. If they remain on the shore, they will die.” “But there are many starfish,” the man replies, “and you are just one boy. You’re not making any difference.” At that, the boy reaches down, picks up another starfish and tosses it to in the water before turning to the man to say: “I just made a difference to that starfish.” Even if you don’t have much to give, is there perhaps one “starfish” you could save?