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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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13 articles

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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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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3 Lessons on Proper Tzedakah Giving: The Story of Nakdimon ben Gurion
Sep 1, 2025

3 Lessons on Proper Tzedakah Giving: The Story of Nakdimon ben Gurion

Once a wealthy miracle rainmaker in Jerusalem, Nakdimon ben Gurion’s fall from honor teaches timeless lessons on giving Tzedakah.

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Tzedakah Stronger Than Death: Rabbi Yehuda on the Power of Giving
Aug 7, 2025

Tzedakah Stronger Than Death: Rabbi Yehuda on the Power of Giving

“And death is stronger than them all—but charity saves from death.” Discover Rabbi Yehuda’s teaching on the spiritual power of tzedakah.

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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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How to choose a cause

How to choose a cause

Choosing where to give tzedakah can be challenging. Learn how Jewish values can help guide your decision by balancing local needs, personal passions, and the impact an organization has on the people it serves.

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Embracing Education

Embracing Education

Learn how investing in Torah learning helps shape future generations, strengthen communities, and preserve the Jewish tradition.

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Supporting Your Neighbor With Dignity

Supporting Your Neighbor With Dignity

Learn how Jewish tradition teaches us to support others with dignity. Explore practical, Torah-based ways to give tzedakah that preserve self-respect, encourage independence, and strengthen people before hardship becomes a crisis.

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Funding Food Pantries

Funding Food Pantries

Learn why supporting food pantries is one of the clearest expressions of tzedakah. Drawing on Torah, Rashi, the Rambam, and Chazal, this article explores the Jewish obligation to prevent hunger and strengthen those in need before they fall into crisis.

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Sharing With Your Shul

Sharing With Your Shul

Discover why supporting your local shul is one of the most impactful forms of tzedakah. Learn how synagogues serve as centers of Torah, prayer, community, and chesed, strengthening Jewish life for generations.

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How Should You Divide Your Tzedakah

How Should You Divide Your Tzedakah

How should you divide your tzedakah? Explore a practical Torah-based approach to balancing support for poor families, Jewish education, synagogues, and meaningful causes while following Jewish priorities for giving.

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The Power of a Penny

The Power of a Penny

Discover how even a single penny can make a real difference through tzedakah. Learn how small donations, when combined, help feed families, clothe children, and support those in need.

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