Participant 661454

Joseph Hample Before
Joseph Hample After

Joseph Hample

shaved to cure childhood cancers!

Apr 1, 2014 • Time TBD

Event: 36 Rabbis Shave for the Brave

At: 36 Rabbis Shave for the Brave

Chicago, IL US

Conquer Kids' Cancer

Fundraising

$435Raised

$1,000 GOAL

$1,000 GOAL

(888) 899-2253

Download Donation Form

Participant 661454

Participant 661454

Milestones & Stretch Goals

$ 435
  • GOAL 1,000 $

Every 2 minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer. Help me fund the research that will save their lives!

Fundraising

$435Raised

$1,000 GOAL

$1,000 GOAL

(888) 899-2253

Download Donation Form

Participant 661454

Recent Donors

View All
  1. Richard S MacDonald 4/1/2014
  2. Mr. Bradley K Milam 4/1/2014
  3. Margalit Persing 3/31/2014
  4. Mr. Robert Klein In Memory Of Mr. Harold Klein 3/27/2014
  5. CNS In Memory Of Suzanne Kossak 3/25/2014

Celebrating 25 Years

St. Baldrick’s started as a grassroots effort 25 years ago, driven by people who believe in helping kids with cancer.

National Partner

I shaved to raise money for childhood cancer research with: JEWISH MORGANTOWN

Apr 1, 2014 • Time TBD

Event: 36 Rabbis Shave for the Brave

At: 36 Rabbis Shave for the Brave

Chicago, IL US

I shaved to raise money for childhood cancer research with: JEWISH MORGANTOWN

“You shall not shave your head for the dead” (Deuteronomy 14:1). Why does a rabbi shave his head for a kid who died of cancer?

1. Because it’s a fundraiser. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation (a whimsical name honoring a nonexistent divine) funds more in childhood cancer research grants than anyone but the U.S. government.

2. Because cancer patients lose their hair. Embracing baldness in solidarity with cancer patients is an extension of bikkur cholim, visiting the sick.

3. Because bikkur cholim is one of the commandments rewarded both in this life and in the World-to-Come (Talmud Shabbat 127a).

4. Because I’m largely bald anyway. Deuteronomy 14:1 actually says, v’lo tasimu korchah bein eineichem la-met, you shall not make a baldness between your eyes for the dead. If what’s banned is shaving the front of the head, I don’t have much hair there to begin with.

5. Because Sam Sommer was only 8 when he died of leukemia on December 14, 2013, in Glencoe, IL. This amazing child wrote, "I don't want to die! I want to grow up and marry someone! ... I want to see David (his brother) be President! I want to see Dad get old and wear diapers! … You're going to put me in a box and put me in the ground… Why did I have to get cancer when I was just a kid before I got to do things?”

6. Because a rabbi should be able to explain why God allows the innocent to suffer, but I cannot. The best I can do is mourn with the family and friends of the deceased.

7. Because my colleagues are doing it. On March 31, 2014, dozens of Reform rabbis will shave their heads at the convention of the Central Conference of American Rabbis in Chicago, at the behest of Sam Sommer’s parents (both rabbis).

8. Because it’ll be fun to attend the CCAR convention, but if I don’t commit to doing so in advance, something will probably come up and I won’t go.

9. Because Sheryl Grossman asked me how Tree of Life Congregation can participate. Sheryl Grossman is my Community member, a teacher in my Sunday school, a beautiful Jew, and a person with a deep connection to the Sommer family and the cause of pediatric cancer.

10. Because it’s a temporary thing. As we read in the Samson story, “After his hair was cut off, it began to grow back” (Judges 16:22).

Please support me, and have a hairy day.

Rabbi Joe Hample

My Roles:

  • Shavee
  • Team Captain

Your Roles

Barber Details

St. Baldrick’s Honored Kids

Kids with cancer are our reason for it all. They’re the inspiration behind our event and the reason we’re helping fund childhood cancer research. We believe all kids should be able to grow up and turn their dreams into realities. Join our event or make a donation, and click the photos below to read their incredible stories.

Recent Donors

View All
  1. Richard S MacDonald 4/1/2014
  2. Mr. Bradley K Milam 4/1/2014
  3. Margalit Persing 3/31/2014
  4. Mr. Robert Klein In Memory Of Mr. Harold Klein 3/27/2014
  5. CNS In Memory Of Suzanne Kossak 3/25/2014

Celebrating 25 Years

St. Baldrick’s started as a grassroots effort 25 years ago, driven by people who believe in helping kids with cancer.

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