Since I’m hardly an expert in text study, I’m unsure whether the concept of mentoring appears in our people’s ancient writings. But I do know Hillel’s famous words, “Whoever saves a life, it is as though he has saved the entire world.”

That adage informs the work that Judi and I have done over three decades mentoring children and adults with disabilities through the Jewish Big Brother and Big Sister Association.

My mentoring journey began in 1992 when I was matched with a 11-year-old born in El Salvador and living in Mattapan, brought to the U.S. by a single woman who performed relief work as a nurse during the Salvadoran civil war. He was raised Jewish but lived in an African-American neighborhood. We shared a love of sports and went to Patriots, Celtics and Red Sox games and trips to the baseball and basketball halls of fame. He and his mom journeyed to Minnesota to attend our wedding. He later become a father, and he now teaches public school.

When we became empty nesters, I was matched with my second little brother, then 12 and living in Needham. He is likewise consumed with sports, and we spent time at the Garden as well as playing hoops, kayaking, hiking and taking cooking classes. He aspires to go into accounting; the profession will be privileged to have him.

Judi took the plunge into mentoring and matched with a sweet 61 year-old woman with special needs. They go to musicals, movies and museums, or just to get their nails done. When she joined us for Rosh Hashanah, our friends fawned over her.

Both of us derive exceptional joy from our matches. We believe we are making a difference in the lives of our mentees. If you have the time for a life-affirming experience, know that the “dividend” will exceed your investment.