RMPS - Int2/Higher - World Religions - Judaism - Education Scotland

Charity
76
THE PRACTICES THAT HELP ACHIEVE THE GOALS
The term ‘tzedakah’ has two meanings – ‘righteousness’ and ‘charity’.
Charity is the right thing to do and so ‘tzedakah’ gradually came to
mean ‘charity’ almost exclusively. It is first mentioned in the Torah as a
characteristic of Abraham (Genesis 15: 6), in the sense of righteousness,
and again in Genesis 18: 19, where it could mean both righteousness
and charity, and it is commanded in Deuteronomy 15: 7–8. In Judaism
all possessions are regarded as coming from God and every person is
but a temporary guardian of what he has been given. Charity in the form
of giving part of one’s possessions away is thus expected of every Jewish
person. This is not simply a matter of philanthropy or generosity but a
duty and an act of justice. Judaism regards the poor as having the right
to food, clothing and shelter and that this must be honoured by the
more fortunate.
The Jewish year provides many opportunities to fulfil this
commandment, e.g. at home before lighting the Shabbat candles, the
mother or woman of the house will drop some money in the charity
box. Before Yom Kippur, people will distribute money to charitable
appeals (see section 4, p46, for the importance of charity in obtaining
forgiveness for sins). There is a charity box in synagogue to which
contributions are made every morning at prayers. Jewish children are
also encouraged to put some of their pocket money into a charity box.
There are many ways in which one can give charity. One can put money
into a poor person’s hand but this may cause embarrassment. One can
donate to a communal charity and, if desired, can do so anonymously.
Judaism regards it as important to preserve human dignity and so
considers some ways of giving charity as preferable to others.
According to Maimonides 1 the best way of giving charity is to help the
individual help himself by assisting him to become self-supporting. In
this way the individual’s dignity is not lost, his self-respect is maintained
and hopefully he reaches a position from which he in his turn can
donate to those less fortunate. One should not give charity grudgingly.
Charity should always be given cheerfully and compassionately.
Charity may involve giving moral aid and comfort rather than or as well
as money or materials. Here, one is giving of oneself. This may be by
helping or visiting the sick, working with the elderly, comforting the
bereaved or taking care of children whose parents are in difficulties.
1 Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, one of the greatest medieval Jewish scholars
RMPS: WORLD RELIGIONS – JUDAISM (INT 2, H)
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