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| When translated into English, the root "tzedakah" means charity -- giving to those in need. Tzedakah is part of the 10 Commandments and holds a very high place in Judaism. Tzedakah is derived from the Hebrew word tzade-dalet-qof, meaning righteous, fair, or just. Giving or donating, in the Jewish religion is not a generous act, but also considered to be a just act. It is a performance of duty. In Jewish literature, the sages have said that tzedakah is the highest of all commandments. In fact it is equal to all other commandments combined. Tzedakah is what grants us forgiveness from our sins. According to the Yom Kippur literature, a judgment has been inscribed for those who have sinned. Repentance, prayer, and tzedakah can reverse the decree. Certain kinds of tzedakah are considered to be of greater merit than others. Maimonides organized the different tzedakah into a hierarchical list. From the least to most meritorious they are: Giving begrudgingly. |