Tzedakah by Vanessa

TZEDAKAH

Tzedakah consists of different elements. One is levels. There are eight levels of tzedakah. One being the lowest, and eight being the highest.
Levels
1) Not giving from the heart.
2) Not giving to full potential.
3) Giving appropriately, after being asked.
4) Thinking generously, by not waiting for someone to ask you to give tzedakah.
5) Giving for the sake of giving.
6) “You don’t give to receive”
7) The receiver does not feel obligated to give back to the donor
8) Gives them a head start and more self esteem.

Another element is, charity v.s. tzedakah
Charity comes from the Latin word caritas, which means “From the heart.” As that being said, charity is give voluntarily, while tzedakah must be given with an open hand.

Next is a common question, do you have to be Jewish to give tzedakah?
You do not have to be Jewish to give tzedakah. Think about it… So many non Jews have given Jewish people jobs and many sheltered Jews in World War 2.

Another one is, how should tzedakah be given? The Jewish tradition requires us to give to the poor. Today, we are supposed to set aside, a portion of our income to give to less fortunate people. Children may have limited money to donate. That is why some teachers put together fundraisers to give tzedakah. So children can share giving together instead of organizing it on their own. Adults should give regularly with an open hand.

The fifth element is, what I think about tzedakah? Treat everyone like you want to be treated. In that case I think it is extremely important to give tzedakah, so people can live their lives with less of a struggle, if you wouldn’t have donated. Just remember, every donation counts.