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In-depth reading on Tzedakah — what it means, its Torah sources, parsha insights, and how to give today.

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7 articles

Vayishlach - How Tzedakah Can Heal Relationships: Insights from Yaakov & Esav

Vayishlach - How Tzedakah Can Heal Relationships: Insights from Yaakov & Esav

Yaakov’s reunion with Esav in Parashat Vayishlach reveals the healing power of tzedakah. Through thoughtful giving, Yaakov softens Esav’s heart and turns years of tension into reconciliation. The story teaches that tzedakah is not only material support, but a powerful tool for restoring trust, repairing relationships, and bringing peace.

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Filling the World with Kindness: Ben Yehoyada, Tishrei, and the Power of Tzedakah
Dec 25, 2025

Filling the World with Kindness: Ben Yehoyada, Tishrei, and the Power of Tzedakah

The month of Tishrei, from Rosh Hashanah to Simchat Torah, weaves together judgment, joy, and divine compassion. Tzedakah lies at the heart of this season, transforming judgment into kindness and filling the world with chesed. As the Ben Yehoyada explains, giving with justice and intention sweetens divine decrees and connects us to an everlasting chain of G-d’s kindness. Acts of tzedakah during Tishrei—whether through charity, hospitality, or thoughtful generosity—are not just moral obligations but metaphysical forces that uplift individuals, families, and the world itself.

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Opening Your Hand Today: Ancient Mandates for a Modern Tzedakah World
Dec 24, 2025

Opening Your Hand Today: Ancient Mandates for a Modern Tzedakah World

Tzedakah remains one of the most timeless mitzvot, guiding us to open our hearts and support others with compassion and foresight. From preventing hardship before it occurs to addressing individual needs with sensitivity, the Torah’s ancient mandates fit seamlessly into today’s digital world. Modern tools—automated donations, online campaigns, and targeted support—allow us to give consistently, thoughtfully, and with dignity, fulfilling the mitzvah of tzedakah in both spirit and action.

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The Tanya on Charity in Times of Hardship
Oct 16, 2025

The Tanya on Charity in Times of Hardship

A teaching from the Tanya, Chapter 16, on how charity, especially during times of hardship, draws down Divine mercy, atones for sins, heals the soul, and brings blessing into our lives.

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When and How Charity Can Be Reallocated According to the Talmud
Sep 2, 2025

When and How Charity Can Be Reallocated According to the Talmud

Explore the Talmud in Arakhin 6a–6b on tzedakah flexibility—how charity can be reallocated while honoring the donor, fulfilling vows, and serving the community.

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The Four Types of Charity Givers — From Self-Interest to Selflessness
Aug 10, 2025

The Four Types of Charity Givers — From Self-Interest to Selflessness

Every act of giving reflects a mindset. Learn the four types of charity givers and what they reveal about our values and the impact of generosity.

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The City That Banned Tzedakah: Sodom’s Tragic Legacy
Aug 7, 2025

The City That Banned Tzedakah: Sodom’s Tragic Legacy

Sodom, the city that banned charity, wasn’t destroyed for immorality alone. Rabbeinu Bahya explains how criminalizing kindness led to divine judgment—and why it matters today.

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