What is an Orthadox Jew's view of when to give to tzedakah?

Answer 1

"Tzedakah" is the Hebrew word for the acts of charity. Giving to charity is a fundamental part of the Jewish way of life, it is an obligation in Judaism.

Traditional Jews give at least 10% of their net income to charity, even young children learn to collect and donate to charity. Even recipients of charity are obligated to give something, but people should not give to the point where they themselves become needy.

A few of the outlets for giving money is: to the poor, to health care institutions, to synagogues or to educational institutions. There are levels of giving charity, from the least meritorious to the most exemplary, are:

• Giving begrudgingly

• Giving less that you should, but giving it cheerfully.

• Giving after being asked

• Giving before being asked

• Giving when you don't know the recipient's identity, but the recipient knows your identity

• Giving when you know the recipient's identity, but the recipient doesn't know your identity

• Giving when neither party knows the other's identity

• Enabling the recipient to become self-reliant

Judaism teaches that people in need have a legal right to food, clothing and shelter that must be honored by more fortunate people. According to Judaism, it is unjust and even illegal for Jews to not give charity to those in need.

Anytime is a good time to give tzedakah, but some especially good times to give are:

• Whenever you are approached by a person qualified to receive charity.

• At prayer, especially after the morning prayer (called shacharit).

• After a fast.

• In remembrance of the dead.

• When one goes on a trip, it is appropriate for others to give the traveler money to distribute upon arrival.

• When one eats, he or she should feed the poor.

• Prior to holidays.

• When one has money he cannot keep and no one to give it to, he should should give it to tzedakah.