Question 1

What is tzedakah?

Accepted Answer

Tzedakah (Hebrew: צדקה) is the Jewish practice of giving to those in need. The word comes from tzedek, meaning justice or righteousness — so tzedakah is not optional kindness but a religious obligation to act justly. It is one of Judaism's central mitzvot (commandments), practiced daily through gifts of money, food, and support that preserve the dignity of the recipient.

Question 2

What is the difference between tzedakah and charity?

Accepted Answer

Charity comes from the Latin caritas — love — and implies a voluntary act that flows from the donor's generosity. Tzedakah comes from justice: giving is owed to those in need regardless of how the giver feels. In Jewish thought, the poor have a rightful claim on our resources, so tzedakah is a duty performed consistently, not an occasional act of benevolence.

Question 3

What are the eight levels of tzedakah?

Accepted Answer

Maimonides (Rambam) ranked giving in eight ascending levels in his Mishneh Torah. The lowest is giving unwillingly; higher levels include giving cheerfully, giving before being asked, and giving anonymously. The highest level is helping a person become self-supporting — through a gift, a loan, a partnership, or work — so they no longer need to depend on others.

Question 4

Is tzedakah a mitzvah (commandment)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Torah commands, "You shall surely open your hand to your brother, to your poor, and to your needy" (Deuteronomy 15:11). The Talmud teaches that tzedakah is equivalent in weight to all the other commandments combined (Bava Batra 9a). It is a positive obligation for every Jew — even someone who receives tzedakah is expected to give from what they have.

Question 5

How much tzedakah should I give?

Accepted Answer

The traditional benchmark is ma'aser — a tenth (10%) of one's income, echoing the biblical tithe. Giving a fifth (20%) is considered especially generous, and the sages advised most people not to exceed that. But tzedakah is measured in consistency as much as amount: even small daily coins in a pushka fulfill the mitzvah and build a lifelong habit of giving.

Question 6

What is a pushka?

Accepted Answer

A pushka is a tzedakah box — a small container kept in the home, classroom, or workplace for collecting coins for those in need. The Yiddish word has become a symbol of everyday Jewish giving: dropping a coin in before Shabbat candle-lighting, at moments of gratitude, or as part of a child's daily routine turns tzedakah into a constant presence in the home.

Question 7

How do I teach children about tzedakah?

Accepted Answer

Start with a pushka at home and let children put in their own coins so giving becomes a habit they own. Tell stories of tzedakah heroes, involve kids in choosing a cause, and connect giving to the weekly parsha. Our Teach and Kids hubs offer lesson plans, projects, stories, and games designed to make tzedakah a living value for every age.

Question 8

Which causes should my tzedakah support?

Accepted Answer

Jewish tradition sets priorities: feeding the hungry comes first, and the poor of your own community and the Land of Israel hold special claims. Vetted causes — food security, support for widows and orphans, Jewish education — are all worthy channels. Explore our Give hub to find a vetted cause that speaks to you and direct your giving where it matters most.

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