The Mitzvah of Tzedakah -- Much More than 'Charity'

The Mitzvah of Tzedakah

The mitzvah of tzedakah (giving charity) is one of the most important commandments in the Torah, with exceptional power to uplift the soul. The Torah commands us to care for those who are in need: "If there is among you a poor man ... you shall not harden your heart, nor refuse to give to your poor brother" (Devarim 15:7-8). This commandment is not only a personal obligation but also a social one, encompassing the fundamental values of loving others, compassion, and kindness.

Importance of the Mitzvah

1. The mitzvah of tzedakah is one of the greatest commandments in the Torah, as the Talmudic Sages said: "Tzedakah is equal to all the other mitzvot combined" (Bava Batra 9a).

2. One who gives tzedakah emulates Hashem who sustains and provides for His creations.

3. Since tzedakah preserves human life, it saves from death, as it is written: "And tzedakah delivers from death" (Proverbs 10:2).

4. The Sages said: "Whoever saves a single life from among the Jewish People, the Torah considers it as if he saved an entire world" (Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5).

5. Tzedakah brings the final redemption closer, as the Sages said: "Great is tzedakah, for it brings the redemption closer, as it is said (Isaiah 56): Thus says Hashem: Keep justice and do righteousness [tzedakah], for My salvation is about to come, and My righteousness will be revealed" (Bava Batra 10a).

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The mitzvah of tzedakah is not optional. Although it is commonly translated as "charity," this can be misleading as this implies that it is a matter of individual choice. In fact, the word more accurately translates as "righteousness" and it is an obligation that the Torah places on each individual and on society as a whole. Its purpose is to ensure that the sick and elderly, orphans and widows, who cannot sustain themselves, are provided for.

In the Talmud, the Sages relate an incident where giving tzedakah literally saved someone from death:

"Benjamin the Righteous was in charge of the tzedakah fund. Once, during a year of drought, a woman came to see him. 'Rabbi, support me,' she requested. He replied, 'I swear that there is nothing left in the tzedakah fund.' She said to him, 'Rabbi, if you do not support me, a woman and her seven sons will die.' He then decided to support her from his own funds.

"A short while later, Benjamin fell ill and was on the verge of death. The ministering angels said before Hashem: 'Master of the Universe, You said that whoever saves a single soul from among the Jewish People is considered as if he saved an entire world. What of Benjamin the Righteous, who sustained a woman and her seven sons? Should he die at such a young age?' Immediately the Heavenly decree was rescinded, and twenty-two years were added to his life."

The mitzvah of tzedakah provides us with ongoing opportunities to change the world for the better, to give new life and strength to those in need, and to make ourselves better people. Tzedakah can save the lives of others and add years to our own lives. Let's start today and open our hands and hearts to those who are in need. Even a small act of kindness can make a big impact.