Tzedaka

Tzedaka, which is often translated as “charity”, derives from the root צ,ד,ק which – as in Arabic – has the meaning “correct” or “just.” Since at least the time of the prophets (Amos 5:7), tzedaka has been primarily equated with justice. The commandment to pursue justice (tzedek tzedek shall you pursue, Deuteronomy 16:20) is one of the most strongly stated in the Torah. From this perspective it becomes apparent why Jewish tradition teaches that giving charity is not merely a “good deed” but rather is the fulfillment of an obligation. Many biblical commandments legislate the requirement to give gifts to the poor.

Some of the special mitzvot (s.v.) dependant upon living in the Land of Israel (s.v.) entail leaving portions of one’s agricultural crops to be harvested by the poor. These charitable gifts to the poor – which are commanded in Leviticus 23:22 and described in the book of Ruth 2:2-3 – are a good example of the obligation of tzedaka.

Psalm 24, which teaches “The earth is the Eternal’s and all that fills it (v. 1)” conveys the idea that wealth and possessions are not ours to hoard and we must share them with others who are less fortunate.  The significance of tzedaka is so central that it is said to be equal to all the other commandments together (Talmud BB 9a) and the concept features in the liturgy of the High Holidays alongside repentance and prayer.

Because tzedaka is a commandment, Rabbinic Judaism has guidelines for its fulfillment.  Everyone—even one who is a recipient of tzedaka—is obligated to give to those less fortunate.  Maimonides described eight levels of tzedaka ranging from the lowest: giving but unhappily, to the highest: giving happily and anonymously.  Still higher is helping the poor to become economically independent.

A related concept is gemilut hasadim which is used to describe “acts of lovingkindness” which are good deeds which one person does for another.

Jewish tradition sees gemilut hasadim as a vitally central concept:

The world stands on three pillars: Torah, Service of God and gemilut hasadim (Pirkey Avot 1:2)

Gemilut hasadim, can also be described as humanly conferred grace (hesed).

Press on pics for source
Rossing Center logo

More about Judaism

Rossing Center logo
  • All
  • Jewish Basic Concepts
  • Jewish Communities
  • Jewish festivals
  • Jewish Life Cycle
(Venice) La distruzione del tempio di Gerusalemme -Francesco Hayez - gallerie Accademia Venice
Tisha B’Av

Tisha B’Av is a Jewish day of fasting, symbolising the peak of the three week mourning known as Bein ha-Metzarim. It is considered the most …

Introduction: Who are the Jews?

Who exactly are the Jews? There are those (including many Jews themselves) who see them as a religion (like Christianity or Islam) while others see …

The Jewish Calendar – Introduction

Every human culture has particular ways of marking time, calendars and festivals—usually, both feasts and fasts. It is human to seek meaningful ways of marking …

Torah

While often mis-translated as “law” Torah means “teaching.”  Torah is used in the widest possible sense including teaching, wisdom, doctrine, heritage and tradition and can …

Mitzva

Mitzvot (pl.) are commandments.  The Talmud calculates that the number of mitzvot commanded by God in the Torah is 613.  These are divided into positive commandments (248 things …

Hazal
Sages – Hazal

Hazal is an acronym for the Hebrew words Hakhameinu Zikhronam Livrakha (our sages of blessed memory) and refers primarily to the rabbis of the Talmudic period.

The group known as the sages came into being in the second Temple times and continued until the Arab/Muslim conquest – a period of over 1,000 years.  The Sages were dedicated to interpreting the Written Torah (s.v.) and applying it to Jewish life.  According to their own tradition (Pirkei Avot 1:1) the Sages inherited the traditions revealed to Moses orally, passed them on and developed them further.  Belief in the Oral Torah is the most important characteristic of this group.  They are the creators of the Mishna, Talmud and Midrash (s.v. Torah – oral).