Tzedakah (Hebrew:
צדקה) is a Hebrew word commonly mistranslated as charity, rather since it is based on a root meaning justice (
צדק, tzedek). In Judaism, tzedakah refers to the religious obligation to perform charity, and philanthropic acts, which Judaism emphasises are important parts of living a spiritual life.
Jewish tradition argues that the second highest form of tzedakah is to anonymously give donations to unknown recipients. Unlike philanthropy, which is completely voluntary, tzedakah is seen as a religious obligation, which must be performed regardless of financial standing, and must even be performed by poor people; tzedakah is considered to be one of the three main acts that can annul a less than favorable heavenly bad decree.
Traditional Jews give at least ten percent of their income to charity.
Traditional Jewish homes commonly have a pushke, a box for collecting coins
for the poor, and coins are routinely placed in the box.
A standard mourner's prayer includes a statement that the mourner will make
a donation to charity in memory of the deceased. giving to charity is an almost instinctive
Jewish response to express thanks to G-d, to ask
forgiveness from G-d, or to request a favor from G-d. According to Jewish
tradition, the spiritual benefit of giving to the poor is so great that a
beggar actually does the giver a favor by giving a person the opportunity
to perform tzedakah.
for torah quotes about tzedakah - click here
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Please remember those who need it most in Israel when you give tzedakah this year.
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