One of the foundations and pillars of Judaism is Charity, Tzedakah.

During our Bar Mitzvah courses here at Shule, I often point out that Charity isn’t an accurate translation for Tzedakah. Charity denotes act of volunteerism, where you choose to do something out of the kindness of your heart. Charity means we weren’t obligated to do so, but we do it anyway.

In contrast, the word Tzedakah comes from the word צדק״” which means correct or justice. From a Jewish perspective to give Tzedakah is an obligation, not voluntary. When an opportunity comes our way to give to someone who is less fortunate, the Jewish heart feels it as a need to give and help.

The Talmud says that you can identify that someone has Jewish lineage in 3 ways, they are merciful, bashful (ie ashamed of sin), and do many great acts of kindness. Its in our very nature to give and help others.

The Parsha this week talks about Tzedaka at length. One of the expressions used in these verses is, “opening your hand.” In the Hebrew it says פתח תפתח״”, a double expression of opening. The meaning of the double expression is not just to give but to give generously and with a smile. The dignity and respect we give to the recipient can be more valuable than the gift.

There is a wide spread Jewish custom to have a Tzedakah box in our home and/or workplace. This box is a beautiful reminder to our family in the home and work partners, that when we are fortunate to have funds or the means to help others, we do it “naturally” and because it is the a moral obligation of “Tzedakah.”

Shabbat Shalom