Summary

The article discusses the concept of Tzedakah, a Jewish principle of giving to the poor, as explained by the author's friend, Tikva.

Abstract

The article begins with the author's visit to their Jewish friend, Tikva, who has a comfortable and happy life. Tikva attributes her prosperity to the practice of Tzedakah, a Jewish principle of giving to the poor. Tzedakah, which comes from the root word Tzedek meaning righteousness, is the idea that Jews must create a just society to meet everyone's basic needs. It involves donating money, food, and clothing to the poor, and it is separate from supporting other entities like schools, hospitals, research organizations, and churches. Tikva and her family practice Tzedakah by donating money to an Israeli cause for the poor, cooking meals for elderly neighbors, and providing free medical services to those in need. The article ends with the author expressing their admiration for Tikva's charitable culture and their distress over childhood hunger and poverty.

Bullet points

The author visits their Jewish friend, Tikva, who has a comfortable and happy life.
Tikva attributes her prosperity to the practice of Tzedakah, a Jewish principle of giving to the poor.
Tzedakah comes from the root word Tzedek, meaning righteousness.
Tzedakah involves donating money, food, and clothing to the poor.
Tzedakah is separate from supporting other entities like schools, hospitals, research organizations, and churches.
Tikva and her family practice Tzedakah by donating money to an Israeli cause for the poor, cooking meals for elderly neighbors, and providing free medical services to those in need.
The article ends with the author expressing their admiration for Tikva's charitable culture and their distress over childhood hunger and poverty.

Tzedakah!

The idea of giving to the poor.

Tikva, my Jewish friend & I have been best friends for the past fourteen years. We were once co-workers at the local hospital, and although we live in different states now, we have a strong friendship bond.

During our visit on June 4th, I am intrigued by Tikva’s life of comfort & proficiency. She seems to be happy & lacks nothing.

She has one son, a medical doctor, and two lovely, well-mannered grandchildren.

I am delighted to witness her friendly relationship with her daughter-in-law, Sarai.

So I ask her, “What is your secret, friend? You have a dream life!”

Tikva says she was raised to believe in Tzedakah. Her parents instilled this belief in all their children. Then she explains:

The Shulhan Arukh- the seminal legal Jewish code from the 16th century- clearly shows that all Jews should give 10% of their income to the poor (Tzedakah.)

So donating money, food & clothing to the poor is Tzedakah.

Supporting other entities like schools, hospitals, research organizations & churches is separate & not Tzedakah.

Tzedakah comes from the root word Tzedek, meaning righteousness.

It is rooted in the idea that Jews must create a just society to meet everyone’s basic needs.

Tzedakah is not combined with other obligations.

Tikva sincerely believes that her faithfulness in giving has provided her with untold gifts & accomplishments in her life. Not only that, she feels happy to give to those in need.

She donates money to an Israeli cause for the poor.

Yesterday Tikva cooked ten meals for elderly neighbors in her area. So it is not always a gift of money.

Her son provides free medical services to elderly folks at his clinic who have no means to pay.

Tikva tells me that in Israel, one in five Israelis lives in poverty. Wow! I could not believe it. But here is a video if you have time to get depressed!

So I am blessed to learn from a beautiful charitable culture and a special friend who is delightful & generous.

I am deeply distressed by childhood hunger & poverty, yet original photos often show these children smiling. It breaks my heart.

Thank you, readers, for reading my article.

A Reference to confirm: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/ask-the-expert-medical-research-as-tzedakah

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