Jewish Tzedakah

Jewish texts discuss how much to give and to whom.

Rabbinic sources, both ancient and modern, suggest that tzedakah plays an important role in the spiritual life of the donor.

Although often translated as “charity,” tzedakah is not equivalent to charity. Rather, its root means “justice.”

History and Development of Tzedakah. Jewish Tzedakah. Charitable Giving.

What to look for.

A contemporary Conservative rabbi reviews the Jewish legal literature for guidance on how much to ask about a person who solicits us for tzedakah--or whether to give to all who request our help.

The notion that humans are merely stewards of wealth, not its owner, can play into the hands of the greedy.

The best forms of charity make the recipient self-sufficient.