Focus on Culture: Giving

As we watch the people of Japan go through this terrible natural disaster, it is a good time to bring up the topic of charity with your children.

"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. However, the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of charity. The word "charity" suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the wealthy and powerful for the benefit of the poor and needy. The word "tzedakah" is derived from the Hebrew root Tzadei-Dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness. In Judaism, giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act; it is simply an act of justice and righteousness, the performance of a duty, giving the poor their due.

Many families have (or create) something called a Tzedakah Box to collect money. Once the box is full, they can give the money as they see fit. The money may be given to an individual, charity, really anyone in need!


Interested in helping the people of Japan? 


American Red Cross, you can donate directly on their website or, you can text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation, and Food For the Hungry, you can donate directly on their website atwww.fh.org.