The Meaning of "Tzedakah"

"Tzedakah" is the Hebrew word for the acts that we call "charity" in English: giving aid, assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes. However, the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of charity. The word "charity" suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the wealthy and powerful for the benefit of the poor and needy. The word "tzedakah" is derived from the Hebrew root Tzade-Dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness. In Judaism, giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act; it is simply an act of justice and righteousness, the performance of a duty, giving the poor their due.

The High Holiday liturgy states that G-d has inscribed a judgment against all who have sinned, but teshuvah (repentance), tefilah (prayer) and tzedakah can reverse the decree.

Community Synagogue provides many outlets for sharing your time, your skills and your resources. A few examples include:

-- Social Action Programs (e.g. monthly drives for food and other goods, Dinner at Noon)
-- Hesed Committee Activities (e.g. helping sick or grieving congregants)
-- Men's Club Blood Drives
-- Contributions to the capital campaign, the synagogue fund or other funds earmarked for special uses (see opportunities for giving section)
-- Generating contributions to the synagogue through special activities such as shopping online via Benevolink or recycling inkjet and laser cartridges (see opportunities for giving section)