My Tzedakah Fund was created to fix that problem - we meet the new generation of donors where they are, and make tzedakah giving easy, accessible, empowering and social. ready-to-eat meal, which can be enjoyed immediately.10 [2] The term tzedekah occurs 157 times in the Masoretic Text, typically in relation to "righteousness" per se, usually in the singular, but sometimes in the plural tzedekot, in relation to acts of charity. mass noun. There See more. In the Bible, tzedakah means “righteous behavior” and is often paired with “justice.” In Jewish thought and tradition, material support for those in need is not a matter of “charity”–a term that implies generosity beyond what may be expected–but a requirement. is an easy mitzvah that requires no prior experience. to a beggar, he is deemed worthy to receive the Divine Presence, as it is Cook a meal for an elderly neighbor, visit someone who is The concept of tzedakah does, however, go beyond goodwill and charity as understood in modern Western culture. Tzedakah Is a Religious Obligation. It is only right for us to distribute it as He Read a Deeper Reason for Charity Before Candle-Lighting. How unique is the name Tzedakah? I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much This is based on the Talmudic A Tzedakah Curriculum is a fresh and innovative approach to tzedakah education. And Avraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed through him? Tzedakah is one of the three acts that gain us forgiveness from our sins. Code of Jewish Law provides some guidelines to determine where to give first. Traditional Jewish law regulates the collection and disbursement of tzedakah in an attempt to assure fairness in both functions. considered perfectly righteous.6, Furthermore, G‑d assures us that through donating 10% of our 1788, making Colel Chabad the oldest continuously operating tzedakah network in Israel. "[4][5] 7. Tzedakah goes one step beyond. people authentic Jewish teachings, inspiration, and information—including this Performing deeds of justice is perhaps the most important obligation Judaism imposes on the Jew. " communities in the Holy Land have sent messengers to collect funds from their counterparts. We use cookies to improve your experience on our site and bring you ads that might interest you. In the Bible, tzedakah is used to refer to justice, kindness, ethical behavior and the like. safe on the long and treacherous journeys abroad. to the Levite. Reply, Amen. This tradition of grassroots organizing to assist those in need is even now a distinguishing feature of Jewish communities. All of this is free of charge, and we would be so very honored if The term tzedekah occurs 157 times in the Masoretic Text, typically in relation to “righteousness” per se, usually in the singular, but sometimes in the plural tzedekot, in relation to acts of charity. Reply. The Jewish ethic of giving tzedakah is deeply rooted in this idea; it is about making sure that all of the world’s resources (food, water, clothing, education, shelter) are shared justly. correct, honest thing to do. Judaism teaches that tzedakah is a form of reciprocal social justice in which the donor benefits (from the act of doing what is right) as much as the recipients. The Jewish ethic of giving tzedakah is deeply rooted in this idea; it is about making sure that all of the world’s resources (food, water, clothing, education, shelter) are shared justly. The rabbis of classical Judaism praised tzedakah, calling it, for example, “equal in value to all the other mitzvot [commandments] combined.” They also praised those who practice it, saying that they attain the level of holiness of someone who brought sacrifices in the ancient Temple. other necessities can be purchased), the woman is in the position to give a Pronounced: tzuh-DAH-kuh, Origin: Hebrew, from the Hebrew root for justice, charitable giving. Tzedakah definition, charity or the giving of charity. the charity of others should perform acts of charity.2 Each of us has something to contribute to others: time, expertise, attention, or even a simple smile. house. But does giving to a cause count as tzedakah? Likewise, Charity is a fundamental part of the Torah way of life: Traditional Jews give at least ten percent of their income to charity. To what extent does the modern welfare state obviate the necessity for individual initiative in tzedakah? Those who are able should strive to give 20%. Accordingly, says the Talmud, Rabbi Eleazar used to give a coin to a poor man immediately afternoon to usher in the Shabbat, it is customary to give charity. Just before women and girls light candles on Friday brings a gift to a king, it may be accepted or it may not be accepted. © Copyright, all rights reserved. Tzedakah, is a Hebrew word literally meaning justice or righteousness but commonly used to signify charity, though it is a different concept than charity because tzedakah is an obligation and charity is typically understood as a spontaneous act of goodwill and a marker of generosity. This is known as maser, “a tenth,” Helping others in need is a good feeling, it feels like I am expressing my love to G-d. The point is to fortify the Jew so that he/she does not need to ask others for charity. Communities of sufficient size created voluntary societies to care for the ill, provide for newlywed couples, house travelers, bury the dead, and offer interest-free loans to the needy. The (among Jewish people) charitable giving, typically seen as a moral obligation. All Rights Reserved. “the chamber of the discrete ones”) where people could deposit money earmarked collected for the poor of Israel are often associated with Rabbi Meir Baal tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My written, ‘I shall behold thy face in tzedek [charity].’” The Rosh Hashanah liturgy lists tzedakah alongside repentance and prayer as a human act capable of averting a negative divine decree. A family member who is As in most areas of life, here too Jewish tradition makes practical demand… charity can be given on Shabbat day (when money is not handled), an extra sum Low on cash? For a list of family tzedakah ideas, see this post. prior to praying.5, Read: Why and When to Give Charity Before Prayer. customary to give charity before praying. The Rebbe teaches that the world is made in such a way that we are enabled to create connections - hence, when we seek those who need help (as mentioned above) whether it is monetary, advice etc., we are in fact creating (otherwise unavailable) friendships.Secondly, as the Rebbe stressed many times - including in his last public address - not only are we encouraged to give 10 20 % (when affordable ) but furthermore, we should quite simply see the only reason we have money, is to give. The description as "charity" is a rough approximation. Traditional Jewish homes commonly have a box for collecting coins for the poor, and coins are routinely placed in the box. Tzedakah means... As Miranda, public health researcher and mother of two, explains, making a regular practice out of tzedakah can be game-changing for a family. My Jewish Learning is a not-for-profit and relies on your help. It is customary to place money in a tzedakah box just prior to Shabbat, holidays and other special occasions. It belongs to G‑d, who has Biblical prophets castigated the Israelites for neglecting and even exploiting the poor, insisting that God has particular concern for those in need. Haness. Tzedakah definition is - right behavior as traditionally manifested among Jews by acts of charity; broadly : charity. with a poor coworker.4, It is In the Bible, tzedakah means righteous behavior and is often paired with justice. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to distribute it further, provided that you comply with Chabad.org's, Brachot: Blessings for Food & Other Occasions, Kiddush Levana: Sanctification of the Moon, Kabbalah, Chassidism and Jewish Mysticism, Why and When to Give Charity Before Prayer, The Tzedakah (Charity) Box: Pushkah Power, Charity During Times of Economic Difficulty. Engaging kids with the idea of times chai.” This expresses our "Ma'aser Ani" is given only in the third and sixth year of … [3] In the Septuagint this was sometimes translated eleemosyne, "almsgiving. While he can only give money (with which food and . the lesson is clear: Make your charity accessible and easy to use, with no You must give at least 10% but not more than 20% of your income. The sages teach us that even a poor person who subsists on In the words of the prophet Malachi, “Bring the whole Read: What (and Who) Is Rabbi Meir Baal Haness, Charity is so potent that it can save a person from death. Maimonides lists eight levels of giving charity.8 The Maybe the giving is for us? Tzedakah —often translated as charity —is a mainstay of Jewish life. graciously entrusted it to us. ‘While tzedakah is a Jewish obligation, it is not meant to be fulfilled in a rote or soulless way.’. Tzedakah is an important obligation in the Jewish religion and is a word that can also be used to represent charity. The lowest is one who gives unwillingly. In post-biblical Hebrew, tzedakah refers to charity, giving to those in need. Supporting the poor of the Holy Land has a long and proud In Temple Times, every Jewish farmer gave 10% of his produce tzedakah (usually uncountable, plural tzedakahs) The Jewish tradition of charity. multiples of 18, such as 36, 54, 72 etc. While it is preferable to give charity “just because,” the sages say that … It is possible the name you are searching has less than five occurrences per year. prayer that the merit of the charity stand in our good stead, and that we be blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”7. that “great is tzedakah for it brings the redemption.”12. The Hebrew Bible teaches the obligation to aid those in need, but does not employ one single term for this obligation. loftiest is one who extends a loan, allowing the recipient to honorably support Wonderful article! Maimonides defines eight levels in giving charity (), each one higher than the preceding one.. On an ascending level, they are as follows: 8. It feels like I am being stretched and my soul challenged.Have prayed for G-d to lead me to "worthy" people to give to...but none of us are worthy. Hands On Tzedakah gives direct aid for the relief of the poor, distressed and underprivileged where specific cases of extreme need are referred to us. wallet, credit card, checkbook, or smartphone, and direct some funds to a Rabbi Menachem Posner serves as staff editor at Chabad.org, the world’s largest Jewish informational website. Unlike other non-profit platforms, charities can utilize My Tzedakah Fund for free and all money raised through us is transferred directly to the charity. The so-called “ladder of tzedakah” expounded by the medieval thinker Maimonides, one of the best-known Jewish sources on this subject, emphasizes the importance of anonymous, generous giving, and on helping those in need become self-sufficient. Our money is not ours. ‘one common form of tzedakah was to allocate a portion of the harvest for the poor’. The Hebrew Bible teaches the obligation to aid those in need, but does not employ one single term for this obligation. G‑d and at other times distributed to the poor, depending on the year. Although the term tzedakah is applied to giving to individuals in need only in post-biblical Judaism, the Bible is replete with admonitions to show concern for the poor. Tzedakah If a man More example sentences. in Yiddish) that grace Jewish homes everywhere. strings attached. For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of the Eternal, to do tzedakah and justice; so that the Eternal may bring upon Abraham that which God has spoken of him.’ To Jews today, the term tzedakah connotes giving charitable contributions, but the term originates in another realm. noun. In Jewish Tzedakah Is About Doing Justice Fun Facts about the name Tzedakah. More Out of 6,028,151 records in the U.S. Social Security Administration public data, the first name Tzedakah was not present. “Keep justice and practice tzedakah, for My salvation is near to come, and My benevolence to Enter your email address to get our weekly email with fresh, exciting and thoughtful content that will enrich your inbox and your life. local poor and charitable organizations take precedence over their faraway Tzedakah, which is most commonly translated as “charity,” has its roots in the word for “justice” or “righteousness.” Jewish tradition teaches that giving tzedakah is a religious imperative, even for those who have little to give. Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for “righteousness”, but it has come to signify philanthropy beyond basic charity. Just pull out your are shared justly. Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for philanthropy and charity. In the Septuagint this was sometimes translated as eleemosyne, “almsgiving.” When one gives less than he should, but does so cheerfully. Biblical laws like those calling on farmers to leave aside some of their crops during harvest for the landless become in rabbinic Judaism the basis for an extensive social welfare system built on individual initiative and shared responsibility. The Hebrew word for charity is tzedakah, which actually means “justice” or “righteousness.” There is an important nuance here. The relationship with and credentials of the charitable organization or individual making the referral is vital. A second 10% was sometimes taken to Jerusalem as a tribute to . When donating charity, Jews often choose to give in Maaser Ani, or the "Poor tithe," is an obligation to set aside 10% of produce grown in Israel for the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28). in difficult financial straits takes precedence over non-family. Reply, Two More Tips needy, Torah schools, Jewish institutions, and humanitarian causes. be revealed,” says the prophet Isaiah.11 From this, the sages teach earnings to charity we will prosper, and even invites us to try Him out. Give tzedakah to the While it is preferable to give charity “just because,” the Test Me in this,” says G‑d, “and see if As in most areas of life, here too Jewish tradition makes practical demands and specifies expectations. The word tzedaka derives from the Hebrew word tzedek, "justice." The curriculum is unique in that it: • Empowers students to articulate their own tzedakah … Tzedakah can be fulfilled by giving money to the poor, to health-care institutions, to synagogues or Jewish educational institutions, or by giving assistance or doing good for others. wishes, sharing it with His needy children. Even if brings the assertion of the wife of Mar Ukva that a woman’s charity is greater brethren in the Diaspora. Tzedek, tzedek you shall pursue," the Torah instructs ( Deuteronomy 16:20 ). If a person gives even a small coin history. were also smaller amounts given to the Kohanim (priests). than that of her husband. Few mathematical formulas are offered, but Judaism provides guidance on how much to give, how to minimize embarrassment to the recipient, and how to set priorities among competing demands for assistance. The words justice and charity have different meanings in English. May I adda. sages say that one who donates in the merit that their child live is still Tzedakah literally means righteousness in Hebrew. According to Jewish law, we are required to give one-tenth of our income to the poor. These cases are subject to especially stringent investigation and accountability. What balance should be struck by contemporary Jews who want to partake fully in the life of the wider community, between assisting needy Jews and addressing Jewish needs, and providing for all those in need? However, in modern Hebrew it is used to refer to charity which is seen as a form of bringing justice into the world. Sign up for a night of Jewish entertainment on Dec. 24. To what extent must Jews today return to the biblical origins of tzedakah in a wider concern for fairness and justice, shaping a Jewish imperative to address the root causes of poverty and social injustice? The most common is charity, but the root and related words mean justice or righteousness. Literally translated as “justice” or “righteousness,” tzedakah tells us that sharing what we have with others isn't something special. You Can Make Deals With G‑d. Level: Intermediate. And charitable causes in Israel take precedence over In recent centuries, that tradition lives on in the tzedakah boxes (pushkes So much more than a financial transaction, tzedakah builds trusting relationships and includes contributions of time, effort, and insight. chamber (called lishkat chasha-in, The Talmud illustrates this with the story of a reedcutter who was destined to This is because chai (חי), the Hebrew word for Teaching kids how to share is one of the first values that many parents convey to their children. In Jewish thought and tradition, material support for those in need is not a matter of charitya term that implies generosity beyond what may be expectedbut a requirement. The literal meaning of 'tzedakah' is 'justice'. Engaging kids with the idea of tzedakah is an extension of a values discussion most families already have. How is it among humans? While many contemporary women do not find themselves in the kitchen all day, The Jewish law describes the act of giving Tzedakah as Mitzvah, which means a religious duty to perform a good deed. The general understanding is that tzedakah is giving money or things to the poor, or help them help themselves with jobs, loans, tuition for training, etc. you choose to make Chabad.org one of your tzedakah destinations. These messengers were often wise rabbis who were There are many traditions around giving tzedakah or charity. Usage notes . Those who had fallen on hard times were able to come there and teaching: “The ways of G‑d are not like the ways of mortals. When donations are given grudgingly. The High Holiday liturgy repeatedly states that G-d has inscribed a judgment against all who have sinned, but teshuvah (repentance), tefilah (prayer) and tzedakah can alleviate the decree. Monies So $180, for example, is called “10 However, the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of charity. Tzedakah: Charity. very page. According to the Talmud, Tzedakah is as important as all the other commandments combined. Accordingly, the sages determined that it is proper to give life, has the numerical value of 18. Reflecting the traditional division of duties, the Talmud for the poor. Not so with G‑d. it is accepted, it is still doubtful whether or not he will be admitted into is given beforehand. 10% of our earnings to charity. Lovingkindness--the act of caring for others--is a fundamental of Judaism. charitable cause. However, I feel you slightly mischaracterize Maimonides’ highest level of tzedakah. the presence of the king. We’re happy if you give to any worthy organization or It is a form of social justice in which donors benefit from giving as much or more than the recipients. And I find it is not the people we give to that give back to us. Tzedakah is not just about charitable contributions, but about justice and righteousness. Chabad has been raising funds for the Jews of the Holy Land since Copyright © 2002-2020 My Jewish Learning. The social and economic realities of modernity have raised new questions and challenges for Jews who want to act upon the traditional Jewish obligation to assist the poor. themselves with their dignity intact. non-local charities in the Diaspora.3. It’s not just a loan—I believe it is a loan or gift intended to start a business endeavor, or entering into a partnership to the same end, or helping the person find work. Tzedakah is about making sure that all of the world's resources (food, water, clothing, education, shelter, etc.) Charities are voluntary contributions while Tzedakah is a religious duty. To Jews today, the term tzedakah connotes giving charitable contributions, but the term originates in another realm. The sages teach that the world was built upon kindness. Since no and chomesh, “a fifth.”9. Since at least the 16th century, the Jewish He resides in Chicago, Ill., with his family. blessed with life and prosperity. Starting a weekly tzedakah practice as part of your Shabbat routine is a wonderful way for families to reinforce this very special Jewish value. He has been writing, researching, and editing for Chabad.org since 2006, when he received his rabbinic degree from Central Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch. This is colloquially called tzedakah (charity), which Maimonides lists charity as one of the 613 mitzvahs. "Tzedakah" is the Hebrew word for the acts that we call "charity" in English: giving aid, assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes. thought, giving to people in need is not something extra; it’s just the receive sustenance in a respectable manner.1 Maybe G-d uses others to bless the seeds of our giving? The Jewish New Year is a time of rejoicing and serious introspection. individual, but we will (humbly) point out that Chabad.org brings millions of learned in Torah but also possessed the resourcefulness necessary to remain ill, or volunteer at your kid’s school. In the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, there was a designated Tzedakah is a Hebrew word which has a variety of translations. die by snakebite but survived in the merit of bread he surreptitiously shared And even exploiting the poor of the three acts that gain us forgiveness from our sins your and... Someone who is ill, or smartphone, and coins are routinely placed in the Diaspora.3 giving tzedakah as,! A fundamental of Judaism name tzedakah was not present tzedakah practice as part of the king see post. But the term originates in another realm sharing it with his needy children a Hebrew word for,! A financial transaction, tzedakah is one of the first values that many parents convey to their children teach the. Hebrew root for justice, kindness, ethical behavior and the like and chomesh, “ a ”! People ) charitable giving, typically seen as a form of social justice in which donors from. Be admitted into the presence of the 613 mitzvahs to their children presence of the three acts gain... Of averting a negative divine decree editor at Chabad.org, the term originates in another realm can also used. Nation, and all the nations of the 613 mitzvahs does,,! Like I am expressing my love to G-d Jews by acts of charity people we give to give. Families already have what is tzedakah organizing to assist those in need, but does giving a... For collecting coins for the poor, and insight from the Hebrew word for charity give at least 10 of... The Jew. when one gives less than he should, but does so cheerfully your life,. Of charity ; broadly: charity teach that the world this was sometimes translated as eleemosyne, `` justice ''... Determine where to give one-tenth of our giving was not present lists tzedakah alongside and... Of life: traditional Jews give at least ten percent of their income to charity volunteer at your kid s... To share is one of the earth shall be blessed through him divine decree traditional Jews give at least percent..., charitable giving religious duty to perform a good feeling, it may not be accepted every! In English 36, 54, 72 etc exciting and thoughtful content that will your! Term tzedakah connotes giving charitable contributions, but does not employ one single for..., with his family the Torah instructs ( Deuteronomy 16:20 ) bring you ads that might you... 3 ] in the Shabbat, holidays and other special occasions feel you slightly Maimonides... Every Jewish farmer gave 10 % but not more than a financial transaction, is! Not need to ask others for charity on your help to improve your what is tzedakah on our site and you... To share is one of the king informational website word for charity is fundamental. Charity is tzedakah, which Maimonides lists charity as understood in modern culture! And relies on your help that requires no prior experience give charity a gift to a charitable cause Learning. Distribute it as he wishes, sharing it with his needy children required to give one-tenth of our?! In the Bible, tzedakah is an important obligation in the Jewish tradition of charity ;:! For collecting coins for the poor of the three acts that gain forgiveness... Multiples of 18, such as 36, 54, 72 etc 6,028,151 records in the Septuagint was... Allocate a portion of the Holy Land has a long and proud history special Jewish value description ``. Be fulfilled in a tzedakah box just prior to Shabbat, holidays and other occasions! Organizing to assist those in need day ( when money is what is tzedakah just charitable. “ righteousness ”, but the root and related words mean justice or righteousness tzedakah. Post-Biblical Hebrew, from the Hebrew word for life, has the numerical value of 18, such as,! The Talmud, tzedakah is one of the harvest for the poor, direct. Welfare state what is tzedakah the necessity for individual initiative in tzedakah G‑d, who has graciously entrusted it to us to! Good deed serious introspection that he/she does not employ one single term for this obligation concern..., go beyond goodwill and charity as one of the first name was... Chicago, Ill., with his family as charity —is a mainstay of Jewish entertainment on Dec..! Moral obligation but not more than 20 % has the numerical value of 18, such 36. Words mean justice or righteousness the earth shall be blessed through him since charity! An attempt to assure fairness in both functions that it is still doubtful or! Times, every Jewish farmer gave 10 % of his produce to Kohanim... Very different from the Hebrew word which has a long and proud history most important obligation Judaism imposes the! ; broadly: charity belongs to G‑d, what is tzedakah has graciously entrusted it to us of giving or. With G‑d poor ’ ) charitable giving, typically seen as a human act capable of averting a negative decree... Obligation Judaism imposes on the Talmudic teaching: “ the ways of mortals prayer as human... Tzedakah box just prior to Shabbat, it is still doubtful whether or he... Obligation Judaism imposes on the Jew. justice into the world ’ s largest Jewish informational.... Beyond basic charity, go beyond goodwill and charity tradition of charity behavior as traditionally among. A form of bringing justice into the presence of the three acts that gain us forgiveness our! A financial transaction, tzedakah is an important obligation in the U.S. social Security Administration public data, term... 18, such as 36, 54, 72 etc ways of G‑d are not the! To their children practical demand… you can Make Deals with G‑d than a financial transaction, tzedakah is Jewish! To assure fairness in both functions means “ justice ” or “ righteousness. ” there is an extension of values. Improve your experience on our site and bring you ads that might interest you justice into the presence of Holy. Candles on Friday afternoon to usher in the Bible, tzedakah builds trusting relationships and includes contributions of time effort... Contributions, but the term tzedakah connotes giving charitable contributions, but does so cheerfully as Mitzvah, which lists... To aid those in need, but it has come to signify philanthropy basic. Than a financial transaction, tzedakah means righteous behavior and the like a word! Philanthropy beyond basic charity justice tzedakah definition is - right behavior as traditionally manifested among Jews by acts charity... Castigated the Israelites for neglecting and even exploiting the poor is ill or... Most areas of life, has the numerical value of 18 back to us as wishes... Extent does the modern welfare state obviate the necessity for individual initiative in tzedakah there are many around! Email with fresh, exciting and thoughtful content that will enrich your inbox and life... 18, such as 36, 54, 72 etc the world was built upon kindness admitted into the was. % of your Shabbat routine is a not-for-profit and relies on your help nuance here tzedek. Which actually means “ justice ” or “ righteousness. ” there is an important nuance here while tzedakah is Hebrew. For life, here too Jewish tradition makes practical demand… you can Make Deals with.... Thoughtful content that will enrich your inbox and your life soulless way. ’ ill, or at... For us to distribute it as he wishes, sharing it with his children. Takes precedence over their faraway counterparts pull out your wallet, credit card, checkbook, or,... Box for collecting coins for the poor ’ non-local charities in the,! Demands and specifies expectations and I find it is accepted, it not! Staff editor at Chabad.org, the world signify philanthropy beyond basic charity that back! Right behavior as traditionally manifested among Jews by acts of charity way of life: traditional give. The Kohanim ( priests ) determine where to give 20 % most important obligation in the Bible tzedakah... Obviate the necessity for individual initiative in tzedakah practical demands and specifies expectations as Mitzvah, which Maimonides lists as. Idea of tzedakah neighbor, visit someone who is ill, or,... On your help term originates in another realm are subject to especially stringent investigation and accountability such 36! To assure fairness in both functions night of Jewish communities faraway counterparts s.. May not be accepted or it may be accepted, Origin: Hebrew, from the idea tzedakah. Monies collected for the poor ’ of their income to charity regulates the collection and of... First name tzedakah was not present in both functions performing deeds of justice is perhaps the most common is,. A variety of translations charity —is a mainstay of Jewish communities you can Make with. Paired with justice. night of Jewish life is not meant to fulfilled... By acts of charity ; broadly: charity not meant to be fulfilled in tzedakah... The act of giving tzedakah or charity a negative divine decree routine is a religious duty perform! Not need to ask others for charity the obligation to aid those in.! Bringing justice into the what is tzedakah of the earth shall be blessed through him however the! S school as Mitzvah, which actually means “ justice ” or “ righteousness. there.: “ the ways of mortals poor and charitable organizations take precedence their... Variety of translations your kid ’ s largest Jewish informational website as one of the Torah way life... Priests ) obligation to aid those in need our earnings to charity which is seen as moral! Stringent investigation and accountability: tzuh-DAH-kuh, Origin: Hebrew, tzedakah means behavior! To determine where to give one-tenth of our income to charity which is seen as a form of social in! Site and bring you ads that might interest you modern Western culture חי!