Reaching out to those in need is central to Jewish being. Jews are commanded to give at least ten percent of their net income to charity. Tzedakah boxes for collecting coins for those in need can be found in central places in Jewish homes. It is common to see Jewish youth, in Israel and in the Diaspora, going door-to-door to collect money for worthy causes.
Tzedakah literally means righteousness in Hebrew. In the bible, tzedakah is used to refer to justice, kindness, ethical behavior and the like. In post-biblical Hebrew, tzedakah refers to charity, giving to those in need.
The words justice and charity have different meanings in English. How is it that in Hebrew, one word, tzedakah, has been translated to mean both justice and charity?
This translation is consistent with Jewish thought as Judaism considers charity to be an act of justice. Judaism holds that people in need have a legal right to food, clothing and shelter that must be honored by more fortunate people. According to Judaism, it is unjust and even illegal for Jews to not give charity to those in need.
http://judaism.about.com/od/beliefs/a/tzedakah_what.htm
Importance of Giving
Rambam's Eight Levels of Charity:
1. The highest level of charity is giving a fellow Jew a gift, a loan, or a job so that he can become financially independent.
2. Giving to the poor in such a way that the benefactor does not know the identity of the recipient nor the recipient that of the benefactor.
3. The benefactor knows the identity of the recipient but the recipient does not know the benefactor.
4. The recipient knows the benefactor but the benefactor does not know the recipient.
5. Giving money directly to a poor person before he asks.
6. Giving after the poor person asks.
7. Giving less than the proper sum, but cheerfully.
8. Giving begrudgingly is the lowest level.
Tzedakah Box
Make a Tzedakah Box to remember the needy during the holiday season.
You Need:
- Empty, Clean Nut Container
- Silver Paint and Foam Brush
- Sequins
- Tacky Glue and Toothpick
- Small Craft of Shiney Blue Wrapping Paper
- Craft Knife and Adult
- Scissors
Instructions:
Remove lid. Remove label from container and paint it with silver paint. Let dry. Use dabs of tacky glue to attach blue sequins in rows along the top and bottom. Cut two stars of David out of blue wrapping paper and glue them on each side of the box.
