Charity in Torah: More Than Kindness, It's a Spiritual Obligation

Tzedakah (charity) isn’t just kindness — it’s a mitzvah with deep spiritual impact. Learn who should give, how to give, and why it brings lasting merit to both giver and recipient.

Why Is Tzedakah So Important?

The Torah commands us to give tzedakah according to our means. Neglecting this mitzvah is not just a lack of kindness — it’s a serious transgression. The Torah warns us, “Do not harden your heart and do not close your hand.”

According to the Sages of the Talmud, a person who withholds charity is called beliya’al (a wicked person), and is considered as if he served idols, one of the very worst aveirot (sins).

What Does the Giver Gain?

Giving tzedakah never causes financial harm. On the contrary, one who has compassion for the poor is shown compassion by Hashem. Tzedakah shields a person from harsh decrees and can even save a person from a decree of death in times of famine. When someone opens their hand to give, the gates of Heaven open to receive their prayers.

The merit of tzedakah radiates throughout time. As the Torah says, “And his righteousness endures forever” — and this is unlike other mitzvot, which create spiritual light for only a single day.

Must a Poor Person Give Tzedakah?

Yes. Everyone is obligated to give tzedakah, even someone who themselves receives charity. A person who wants to merit spiritual growth must overcome their yetzer hara (evil inclination) and give with a generous hand.

Who Should Receive It?

Tzedakah should be prioritized for a ben Torah (someone who dedicates themselves to full-time Torah study). As our Sages said, “If you seek to give tzedakah, give it to those who exert themselves to learn Torah.”

If someone is fortunate enough to have children studying in Torah institutions, they should make every effort to support them according to their means, especially if they are not living at home. However, one should not give all of their tzedakah to their own children — some must be directed toward others in need.

How Should Tzedakah Be Given?

Ideally, we should give tzedakah before praying in the morning, starting the day by thinking of others and concerning ourselves with their needs.

When we give tzedakah, we should do so with a pleasant expression — joyfully and wholeheartedly. If someone gives charity with a sour expression on his face or with obvious resentment, they forfeit the merit of the mitzvah, even if they gave a large amount. Aside from that, they also transgress the Torah prohibition: “Let your heart not feel bad when you give him.”

Must We Give to Everyone Who Asks?

If someone asks for tzedakah, we should do our best not to turn them away empty-handed. Even a small amount is meaningful.

If even a small amount is impossible, or you’re out on the street with no money with you, apologize and give the person some encouragement and a smile.

Are Women Obligated in Tzedakah?

Yes. Tzedakah is not a time-bound mitzvah (a mitzvah that can only be fulfilled at a specific time, such as taking the Four Species on the festival of Sukkot), and therefore women are just as obligated as men in this mitzvah.

Ma’aser: Tithing One’s Income

While there is no absolute obligation to tithe from one’s gross income by giving ten percent to charity, this is an extremely widespread custom and the Torah views it as a source of blessing. This tithe is called ma’aser (literally, “a tenth”).

If someone is in financial difficulties and cannot give a full ten percent of their gross income, they should at least do so after deducting household expenses. However, someone whom Hashem has blessed with wealth should give their full ma’aser to support the poor and the needy, Torah scholars, and Torah institutions. One is permitted to give more, but no more than twenty percent of one’s earnings.

Ma’aser may also be used to support one’s own children once they have reached the age of six, even if they still live at home. This includes paying for the tuition of one’s children at Torah institutions, and also their wedding expenses.

In fact, the general principle of tzedakah is that those closest to us come first in the order of priorities.

Tzedakah is more than a “nice” thing to do — it’s a mitzvah that shapes how we relate to others and influences how Hashem relates to us. Whether we are supporting Torah, giving to the poor, or providing for our own children, tzedakah remains one of the most enduring ways to bring blessing into our lives.