Tzedakah by Adina

Charity vs. Tzedakah

Before the lesson in class today I thought that charity and tzedakah were synonyms. Once the class was over I realized that I was completely mistaken. Charity comes from the Latin word “from the heart” and that is exactly what it is. You donate when ever you want and as much as you feel is suitable. This is usually based on our emotions. When it is the case that you are feeling generous then charity is a very good thing. Although it may not be every day that we are feeling so kind. What will the needy do on theses days? This is where tzedakah comes in. Tzedakah is realizing that our emotions can not govern our acts. We are obligated to help the less fortunate whether we are feeling generous or not. It is our Jewish duty, it is not up to kindness. Tzedakah may not only be giving money it can be our time or talent.

Levels of Tzedakah

The Rambam talked about eight levels of giving. Although all of these steps are tzedakah the Rambam looks at the first as least praiseworthy. It is “giving reluctantly and with regret” an example of this is when you are forced to give and you try to bargain your way out of it. The second level is “giving graciously but less than you should” an example of this is when you have a very high income and you give what seems to be a large amount to most people but it is not close to ten percent (which is the minimum amount). The third one is “giving what you should but only after being asked”. The next step is “giving before you are asked”. The fifth is “giving with out knowing the recipient but the recipient knows the identity of the donor”. The sixth is “giving anonymously” which seems to me to be the same as the next one which is “giving with out knowing the recipient and the recipient not knowing your identity”. The highest level is “helping the recipient become self supporting through a gift or a loan or by finding employment for the recipient”. I agree that this is the highest level because you have not only helped them once but you have changed their lives and made them self sufficient.

Can kids perform tzedakah?

I believe that kids definitely can. This is because while you are young you have a lot of time and energy to give. Tzedakah is not only giving money but giving as much as you can like time and talent which most kids have a lot of. Kids may not be able to give as much money as adults but they can give just as much or more of them selves. Also kids learn the importance of tzedakah in school so they can be just as informed as adults

What tzedakah has to do with Judaism?

First of all the Talmud introduces us to tzedakah and teaches us about it. One thing it teaches us is that we should live each day of our lives with joy and appreciation but to also help someone else in need to experience the wonderful feeling of appreciation. Another reason I think tzedakah relates to Judaism is on Jewish holidays we do not only read from the torah and thank Hashem for the great occasion but we give tzedakah. Also a way we celebrate Jewish milestones is giving tzedakah. It is also a Jewish custom to give 10% of your income to tzedakah. All in all I think tzedakah has to do with Judaism but anyone Jewish or not can defiantly share a part of them selves by giving tzedakah.

How should tzedakah be given?

It should be given straight from the heart on a regular basis. While we are giving it we should realize how fortunate we and make sure it is not just based on your emotions. While you are giving tzedakah I feel it is important that you are giving a piece of your self that the recipient will be able to treasure and build off of the rest of his or her life.