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Teaching Resources

Lesson plans, discussion guides, and printable materials to help educators and parents teach Tzedakah with depth and clarity.

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17 lessons

The AlephBet
Lesson PlanMiddle School (Grades 6–8)

The AlephBet

Explore a middle school lesson on Talmud Bavli that uncovers lessons about tzedakah hidden within the Hebrew alphabet. Students learn how the letters ג and ד teach proactive, respectful, and dignified giving.

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Faces of Generosity
Lesson PlanUpper School (Grades 9–12)

Faces of Generosity

Explore Faces of Generosity, a high school lesson on Pirkei Avot that examines different attitudes toward tzedakah and generosity. Students analyze classic Mishnah texts, discuss Jewish values, and reflect on the type of giver they aspire to become.

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Who is Impacted by Tzedaka
Lesson PlanSelf Guided Learning

Who is Impacted by Tzedaka

Follow this self guided learning experience and learn about tzedakah as a core Jewish obligation of justice—not mere generosity

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How We Give: Methods, Priority & Sensitivity
Lesson PlanSelf Guided Learning

How We Give: Methods, Priority & Sensitivity

Follow this self guided learning experience and learn about tzedakah as a core Jewish obligation of justice—not mere generosity

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Why We Give: Values & Spiritual Meaning
Lesson PlanSelf Guided Learning

Why We Give: Values & Spiritual Meaning

Follow this self guided learning experience and learn about tzedakah as a core Jewish obligation of justice—not mere generosity

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What Tzedakah Is: Obligation & Foundation
Lesson PlanSelf Guided Learning

What Tzedakah Is: Obligation & Foundation

Follow this self guided learning experience and learn about tzedakah as a core Jewish obligation of justice—not mere generosity

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Lesson PlanMiddle School (Grades 6–8)

An Open Hand and an Open Heart: A Lesson on Tzedakah from Devarim

This lesson plan for middle school students explores the Torah's teachings on poverty and tzedakah by analyzing verses from Devarim 15:4-11. Students will learn that tzedakah is about more than just giving money; it's about having the right attitude and empathy.

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Lending to Hashem MS
Lesson PlanMiddle School (Grades 6–8)

Lending to Hashem MS

This lesson plan, designed for middle school students, uses the midrash from Vayikra Rabbah 37:2 to explore the concept of tzedakah. The objective is for students to analyze how giving to the poor is likened to "lending to Hashem," and to reflect on how this changes their perspective on charity. The lesson includes a text study, guided discussion questions, and creative independent review activities to help students connect ancient wisdom to modern-day actions of kindness and generosity.

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Lesson PlanMiddle School (Grades 6–8)

Maot Chitim: Pesach and Community MS

This lesson plan, designed for middle school students, explores the concept of Maot Chitim (collecting funds to ensure everyone can celebrate Passover) through a series of engaging activities. Students will participate in a Think-Pair-Share activity, a text study of sources on Maot Chitim, and a creative group project to create a video or skit. The objective is for students to understand the importance of community responsibility and compassion, and to apply these values to modern contexts. The lesson culminates in a reflection on how to practice the values of Maot Chitim in their own lives.

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Lending to Hashem HS
Lesson PlanUpper School (Grades 9–12)

Lending to Hashem HS

This lesson plan, designed for high school students, uses the midrash from Vayikra Rabbah 37:2 to explore the concept of tzedakah. The objective is for students to analyze how giving to the poor is likened to "lending to Hashem," and to reflect on how this changes their perspective on charity. The lesson includes a text study, guided discussion questions, and creative independent review activities to help students connect ancient wisdom to modern-day actions of kindness and generosity.

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Tzedakah and Family Dignity
Lesson PlanUpper School (Grades 9–12)

Tzedakah and Family Dignity

This high school lesson plan, designed for grades 9-12, uses a close reading of a section from the Talmudic text, Ketubot 48a, to explore the tension between tzedakah (charity) and the dignity of the family. The objective is for students to analyze competing Halachic perspectives, reflect on how Jewish law balances financial responsibilities with communal obligations, and connect these ancient values to contemporary issues. Through discussion and text study, students will grapple with questions of prioritizing community needs versus an individual's dignity, particularly in a case where a husband is absent.

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Tzedakah as a Moral Imperative
Lesson PlanAdults / Community

Tzedakah as a Moral Imperative

Explore Rabbeinu Bahya’s powerful interpretation of the sin of Sodom as a communal rejection of tzedakah and compassion. This adult learning lesson examines how societies can either foster kindness or legislate against it.

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