Tzedakah: Much More Than Charity

Tzedakah is commonly translated as "charity" when it is really so much more! The word "tzedakah" is derived from the word "tzedek" which means "justice." This is because tzedakah is not just a "nice thing to do if you feel like it" — it is an obligation.

Following are some interesting laws related to giving tzedakah, which will help us to see this mitzvah in a new and fascinating light.

Thoughts of Tzedakah

Question: If someone thought about giving tzedakah to a certain person or cause, is he obligated to follow through?

Answer: This is a matter of some debate, but in general, a concrete thought of giving tzedakah cannot be retracted and one should fulfill the intention. A fleeting thought, however, may be discounted.

If Someone Asks, May You Refuse?

Question: Are we obligated to give tzedakah to everyone who asks?

Answer: It is forbidden to send away a poor person empty-handed. However, one may give only a small amount. If even that is not possible, one should apologize and give the poor person words of encouragement.

With regard to professional tzedakah collectors, one is not obligated to give to every single one although it is certainly praiseworthy to do so, as long as the organization is reputable.

How to Give Tzedakah

Question: Does it matter how tzedakah is given — isn't the main thing just to give?

Answer: Tzedakah should be given in a way that shows you want to give. Aside from giving money, one should also give encouraging words and sympathize with the poor person's plight. Ideally, one should also stand when giving the donation, and give it with the right hand.

If a person gives with a grumpy or annoyed expression, then he loses the merit of the tzedakah even if he gives a significant donation. We learn this from the Torah verse: "And let your heart not be grieved when you give to him" (Devarim 15:10).

This applies not only to people collecting for themselves but also to donating to professional tzedakah collectors.

Boasting About a Donation

Question: May one boast about the tzedakah one gives?

Answer: One should not boast about the tzedakah he gives. If a person does boast, not only does he receive no reward, but he is punished for it.

However, it is permissible to have one's name inscribed on a plaque, etc., noting the donation, as long as the intention is not to boast but only to make people aware of the donation.

Accepting Tzedakah

Question: Can someone who can manage without tzedakah accept it?

Answer: One should always distance oneself from tzedakah and endure hardship rather than rely on others.

It is important to note that a person who genuinely needs assistance and refuses to accept it due to pride, is liable for the possible consequences. This applies, for instance, to an elderly person who cannot afford to heat his home, refuses to accept help, and falls ill or worse. Similarly, a person who cannot afford to provide sufficient food etc. for his children and refuses to accept help is considered a sinner.

However, a person who suffices with a simple lifestyle rather than accepting tzedakah in order to live on a higher standard will be blessed with the ability to support others (as the Torah states: "Blessed is the man who trusts in Hashem").