Tzedakah Questions & Answers

Banking has always been a Jewish profession, and in truth, every Jew is a banker. I may have money in my pocket, but it was merely deposited with me . . .

I recently completed a major business deal and made a profit of several hundred-thousand-dollars. I live a rather simple lifestyle and was wondering if you could offer some advice on what I should do with the money.

We give charity, and pray for health, wealth and a good year. Are we "bribing" G-d?

Right now, he acts stingily. Somewhere, deep inside, hides his inner philanthropist.

Says the Talmud, Rabbi Eleazar used to give a coin to a poor man and immediately begin to pray.

Tzedakah is not merely an act of kindness; it is a Divine commandment and a cornerstone of Jewish life. Why, then, did the Sages not institute a blessing before its performance?

Here is what you need to know about how the cost of living can be calculated against certain gains, lowering your rate of maaser.

Quiz yourself on this important and special mitzvah!

In a time of need, some have the custom to give charity for Israel (called tzedakah of Rabbi Meir Baal Haness) and pray, “G‑d of Rabbi Meir, answer me!”

Does it still count as charity? How can one ever be sure that the money goes to the right cause?

When a person gives charity, he is not sanctifying merely his food, or some other possession, or his mental capabilities; he is giving up something in which he invested his whole self...

We spend so much money, time and energy on synagogues, Jewish schools religious institutions. Wouldn't it be better if we applied all those resources to alleviating all the suffering in our world?

The mezuzah on our front door seems to act as a beacon that draws charity-seeking individuals to our door at all hours of the evening and night. Frankly, we are considering removing it!

I often give tzedakah, charity, in memory of loved ones and people who have inspired me, but lately my motivations have changed. I've been donating to worthy causes in the hope of achieving something I yearn for and dream about - I want my daughter to get married. Is this still charity, or am I bribing G‑d?

I know we are meant to give a tenth of our income (after tax) to charity. What if I volunteer my time for a charity? Can I deduct that from the required ten percent?

All humor aside, Jewish communities have historically done the honorable work of accommodating and supporting schnorrers with dignity.

Where does this tradition come from, and does it have any true significance?

I have a menorah, it is gold-plated, it cost about $50. To buy anything better, anything more expensive, would have seemed self-indulgent; who would benefit but my own family and the shopkeeper?

Is legislation that ties programs like SNAP and Medicaid to work requirements consistent with Jewish law?

Discover the ancient roots and mystical interpretations of the number 18 - a symbol of life, blessing, and mercy.

Yizkor is recited four times a year: on the last day of Passover, on the second day of Shavuot, on Shemini Atzeret and Yom Kippur.

G‑d is surely not a hypocrite. If He tells us to do something, He should do it Himself as well. So shouldn't G‑d be obligated to feed the poor? Why doesn't He help His own children rather than commanding us to do it for Him?

If the foundation for G‑d’s forgiveness and atonement was initially the sacrifice on the altar, how does one now find forgiveness and atonement, since the Temple and physical sacrifices no longer exist?

I have a friend who, whenever he says that he will or will not do something, always adds the disclaimer bli neder (lit. “without an oath”). What’s up with that?

I've always had a hard time saying "no" to people. So everyone assumes that I'm always available. And when I need something, no one even offers...