Tag
Tzedakah
13 articles
Judaism and Food Waste: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Tables
Long before 'food rescue' became a buzzword, Jewish law established a comprehensive system for preventing food waste and ensuring that the hungry were fed — from the corners of the field to the leftover customs that shaped the Jewish table.
Building a Jewish Home: What Every New Household Needs
Whether you're a newlywed, a new convert, or simply starting fresh — here is what you need to turn a house into a Jewish home: from mezuzah to Shabbat candlesticks, kiddush cup to tzedakah box.
Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World
From a mystical Kabbalistic concept about gathering divine sparks to a modern rallying cry for social justice, tikkun olam — repairing the world — is one of Judaism's most powerful ideas.
Tzedakah: The Jewish Obligation of Justice and Giving
Tzedakah is not charity — it's justice. From Maimonides' eight levels to the humble pushke on the kitchen counter, Jewish giving is an obligation, not an option.
Parashat Re'eh: Blessing and Curse, Centralized Worship, Kashrut, and Tzedakah
Parashat Re'eh presents the choice between blessing and curse, commands centralized worship in Jerusalem, details the kosher dietary laws, mandates tzedakah for the poor, and lists the pilgrimage festivals.
Judaism and Money: What the Tradition Really Says About Wealth
Judaism does not regard wealth as sinful — Abraham, the first patriarch, was rich. But it imposes obligations: honest business practices, generous giving, fair treatment of workers, and the radical idea that your money is not entirely your own.
Bar Mitzvah Gifts: What to Give and How Much
Everything you need to know about bar and bat mitzvah gifts — how much money to give (and why multiples of 18), the best non-monetary gifts, what not to give, and how to write a meaningful card.
Jewish Philanthropy: How a Culture of Giving Shaped the World
Jewish philanthropy is not charity — it is obligation. From Maimonides' ladder of giving to modern mega-donors like Bloomberg and Pritzker, the Jewish culture of tzedakah has built hospitals, universities, and social safety nets worldwide.
Jewish Charity Organizations: A Guide to Giving Wisely
From the JNF planting trees in Israel to HIAS helping refugees worldwide, here's a guide to the major Jewish charitable organizations — what they do, how they work, and where your money goes.
Judaism and Poverty: The Obligation to Act
Judaism doesn't just encourage charity — it demands systemic justice. From the Torah's agricultural laws to Maimonides' eight levels of giving, discover how Jewish tradition treats poverty as a communal responsibility, not a personal failing.
Core Jewish Values: A Complete List with Definitions
Judaism is built on values. This guide defines over twenty core Jewish values — from chesed to emet, from tzedakah to tikkun olam — with sources and practical meaning.
The Pushke: A History of the Tzedakah Box
The history and significance of the pushke (tzedakah box), from its origins in Eastern European Jewish homes to its role in teaching generosity, and the artistic traditions of tzedakah containers.
Jewish Volunteer Opportunities: A Guide to Tikkun Olam in Action
A guide to Jewish volunteer opportunities organized by category — hunger relief, elderly care, education, environment, and Israel — with major organizations and practical advice for getting started.