|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Why do Jews tend to be charitable ("give tzedakah")?
 Jews
tend to be charitable because of "The Holiness Code" (Leviticus,
Chapter 19). It is a basic principle underlying the traditional
Jewish commitment to charitable giving, fairness, human
responsibility, and social justice. These fundamental
values, rooted in the Torah, have led Jews to establish
high standards of generosity for charitable causes. Actually,
the concept of tzedakah extends beyond charity--its usual
translation--and includes the dual concepts of righteousness
and human responsibility--something a Jew is required
to do as a part of her or his Jewishness, not simply a
voluntary act.
Jewish scholar and rabbi Moses Maimonides outlined the
levels of charity. The lowest level of charity is where
one gives unwillingly. The highest form of charity is
to strengthen the hand of the poor by giving a loan, or
joining in partnership or training, to help the individual
out of poverty, and become independent. The highest level
of charity--helping a person establish herself or himself--is
the foremost ideal of our modem social agenda as we address
the complex issues of poverty and welfare and seek the
best ways to help people break the chains of poverty.
The words of Maimonides exemplify the compassion of Judaism
and also vividly show how Jewish sages have sought to
point the way for Jews to help make our world a better
place in which all people might live with dignity and
self-respect.
Most thoughtful Jews believe the remarkable extent of
active involvement of modern Jews in support of charitable
causes and issues of freedom and social justice did not
arise in a vacuum but rather developed out of a religious
and cultural heritage and faith, nurtured and refined
over a period of 4,000 years. This Jewish heritage has
been a very important factor in influencing and encouraging
individual Jews to speak out on behalf of freedom, compassion,
love, peace and justice for all. Therefore, committed
Jews seek Jewish continuity, not just for themselves,
but for all humankind.
see also: Choosing
Judaism: Jewish Concern for 'TZEDAKAH" (Charity) and Social
Justice
|
|
|
