Tze-da-KAH is Hebrew for justice. It’s most often translated as giving money to the poor or “charity”. The difference is whereas charity has to do with kindness of heart, tzedakah is a commandment and we are obligated to do our part to make the world just no matter how we feel about it. Even the poorest of the poor is commanded to give tzedakah. The traditional amount, based on sources in the Torah, is 10% of our income.
4 Responses to “Tzedakah”
Leave a Reply
Posted in Hebrew Vocabulary
February 28th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
[...] on the 13th of Adar, Purim Eve. 2. Give gifts of food to friends called mishloach manot. 3. Give tzedakah to the poor. 4. Eat a great festival [...]
February 28th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
[...] on the 13th of Adar, Purim Eve. 2. Give gifts of food to friends called mishloach manot. 3. Give tzedakah to the poor. 4. Eat a great festival [...]
February 28th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
[...] Mein Homentashn Our heroes, Mordechai and Esther, put a big emphasis on giving gifts and tzedakah on Purim. There is a custom now of sending gifts, in Hebrew “mi-SHLO-ach ma-NOT” which are usually [...]
February 28th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
[...] Mein Homentashn Our heroes, Mordechai and Esther, put a big emphasis on giving gifts and tzedakah on Purim. There is a custom now of sending gifts, in Hebrew “mi-SHLO-ach ma-NOT” which are usually [...]