CHARITY: 

The Jewish commandment of charity, or tzedakah, is the obligation to give to those in need and to support the poor and the less fortunate. Tzedakah is considered to be a fundamental aspect of Jewish life and is seen as a way to fulfill the biblical commandment to "open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and to your needy, in your land" (Deuteronomy 15:11).

 

In Judaism, tzedakah is not seen as a charitable act, but rather as a moral obligation and a way to fulfill one's responsibilities to others. The Talmud teaches that tzedakah is equal in importance to all other commandments and that it is a way to bring about spiritual and moral growth.

 

Tzedakah can take many forms, including giving financial support to those in need, volunteering time and resources to help those in need, and advocating for social justice and equality. It is also customary to give a certain percentage of one's income to tzedakah as a way to fulfill this commandment.

 

Overall, the Jewish commandment of tzedakah is an important part of Jewish life and is seen as a way to fulfill one's responsibilities to others and to bring about spiritual and moral growth. It is a way to express concern for others and to work towards a more just and compassionate society.

 

According to Jewish tradition, giving charity, or tzedakah, is seen as a fundamental aspect of Jewish life and is considered to be a moral obligation. The Talmud teaches that tzedakah is equal in importance to all other commandments and that it is a way to bring about spiritual and moral growth.

 

It is also believed that giving tzedakah is a way to fulfill the biblical commandment to "open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and to your needy, in your land" (Deuteronomy 15:11) and to express concern for others and to work towards a more just and compassionate society.

 

While it is not explicitly stated that God judges one kindly for giving tzedakah, it is generally believed that giving tzedakah is a virtue and that it is a way to bring blessings and goodness into one's life. The Talmud teaches that "tzedakah saves from death" (Mishnah Peah 1:1) and that it is a way to atone for sins.

 

Overall, while it is not specifically stated that God judges one kindly for giving tzedakah, it is generally believed that giving tzedakah is a virtue and that it brings blessings and goodness into one's life. It is an important part of Jewish life and is seen as a way to fulfill one's responsibilities to others and to bring about spiritual and moral growth.

 

HOW: 

Giving charity, or tzedakah, is an important part of Jewish life and is seen as a way to fulfill the biblical commandment to "open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and to your needy, in your land" (Deuteronomy 15:11). Here are some general guidelines for giving tzedakah according to the Torah:

 

Determine your tzedakah budget: It is customary to give a certain percentage of one's income to tzedakah. While there is no set percentage that is required, many Jews follow the tradition of giving 10% of their income to tzedakah. You can determine your tzedakah budget based on your income and financial circumstances.

 

Choose a tzedakah recipient: There are many different ways to give tzedakah, including giving directly to those in need, supporting charitable organizations, and advocating for social justice and equality. You can choose a tzedakah recipient that aligns with your values and interests.

 

Give tzedakah regularly: It is important to make tzedakah a regular part of your life and to give consistently. You can set aside a specific day or time each week or month to give tzedakah, or you can incorporate tzedakah into your daily or weekly routine.

 

Be discreet: The Torah teaches that tzedakah should be given discreetly, without fanfare or publicity. It is important to give tzedakah with the intention of helping others and not for personal gain or recognition.

 

Overall, giving tzedakah is an important part of Jewish life and is seen as a way to fulfill one's responsibilities to others and to bring about spiritual and moral growth. By determining your tzedakah budget, choosing a tzedakah recipient, giving tzedakah regularly, and being discreet, you can fulfill the commandment of tzedakah in a meaningful and responsible way.

 

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Different types of charity:

In Judaism, there are traditionally four levels of giving charity, or tzedakah, with the highest level being the most virtuous and the most desirable. These levels are as follows:

 

Aniyei ircha kodmin, or "poor people in your own city": The highest level of tzedakah is to give to poor people in your own city or community. This level of tzedakah is considered to be the most virtuous because it allows you to personally know the recipient and to see the impact of your giving.

 

Aniyei achicha b'eretz, or "poor people in other cities": The second level of tzedakah is to give to poor people in other cities or communities. This level of tzedakah is considered to be less virtuous than the first level because it does not allow for personal involvement with the recipient.

 

L'kaf zechut, or "for the sake of righteousness": The third level of tzedakah is to give to someone in order to protect their dignity or to avoid embarrassing them. This level of tzedakah is considered to be less virtuous than the first two levels because it is not given out of compassion or a desire to help, but rather out of a sense of obligation.

 

B'shogeg, or "by mistake": The fourth and lowest level of tzedakah is to give unintentionally or by mistake. This level of tzedakah is not considered to be virtuous because it is not given willingly or with intention.

 

Overall, these four levels of tzedakah are meant to serve as a guide for giving charity in a way that is virtuous and meaningful. While it is generally considered best to give to poor people in your own city, any act of tzedakah, whether it is at the highest or lowest level, is seen as a way to fulfill the biblical commandment to "open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and to your needy, in your land" (Deuteronomy 15:11).

 

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Volunteering: 

In Judaism, charity, or tzedakah, can take many forms and does not necessarily have to involve giving money. Volunteering time and resources to help those in need and advocating for social justice and equality are also considered to be forms of tzedakah.

 

The Talmud teaches that "tzedakah is greater than all the sacrifices" (Bava Batra 9a) and that it is a way to bring about spiritual and moral growth. Giving tzedakah is seen as a way to fulfill the biblical commandment to "open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and to your needy, in your land" (Deuteronomy 15:11) and to express concern for others and to work towards a more just and compassionate society.

 

Therefore, volunteering time and resources and advocating for social justice and equality are all valid ways to fulfill the commandment of tzedakah and to bring blessings and goodness into one's life. It is important to give tzedakah in a way that is meaningful and that aligns with your values and interests.

 

Overall, while giving money is one way to fulfill the commandment of tzedakah, it is not the only way. Volunteering time and resources and advocating for social justice and equality are also considered to be forms of tzedakah and are important ways to fulfill the commandment and to bring about spiritual and moral growth.