Tzedakah Quiz

Tzedakah, or righteousness, is often interpreted as charity, because Judaism views giving as the ultimate act of righteousness. As in most areas of life, here too Jewish tradition makes practical demands and specifies expectations. How much do you know about Tzedakah?

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Question 1. What does the Hebrew word “tzedakah” mean literally?
 Giving
 Charity
 Righteousness
 Humility

 

Question 2. The prohibition against humiliating a beggar comes from which Jewish text?
 The Torah
 The Talmud
 The Mishnah
 Proverbs

 

Question 3. Which of the following is not a loan regulation found in the Torah?
 A creditor was forbidden from seizing as collateral tools necessary for the debtor’s livelihood
 A garment pledged against a loan was to be returned for the night
 A creditor was forbidden to enter a debtor’s home to take a pledge
 Interest must be charged on loans of money and food

 

Question 4. True or false: Jews traditionally give tzedakah just before Shabbat and festivals.
 True
 False

 

Question 5. According to a rabbinic teaching, when a beggar stands before you asking for money
 You should ignore him
 You should cover your eyes
 You should know God's presence is with him
 You should know that God has abandoned him

 

Question 6. According to the Talmud, before giving money to an organization, what should you do?
 Ask your friends if it really does good work
 Find out if it serves the Jewish community
 Find out if the person running the organization is trustworthy
 Volunteer at the organization

 

Question 7. According to Jewish law, how much tzedakah must one give?
 25% of one's income
 3% of one's income
 However much money will feed a family for a week
 There are no set requirements, just guidelines

 

Question 8. The corners of fields, which were designated for the poor, are called
 Tzedakah
 Pe'ah
 Pushke
 Ma'aser

 

Question 9. True or false: The halakhah (Jewish law) regarding interest-free loans apply to Jews and non-Jews.
 True
 False

 

Question 10. What does gemilut chasadim mean?
 Donating money
 Bestowing acts of kindness
 Living righteously
 Living greedily

 

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