Philanthropy is a Jewish characteristic, so let us discuss aspects of this wonderful Mitzvah.

Back in our beginnings in the Sinai Desert, the Israelites contributed freely, first to the pagan Golden Calf, and then also gave to build the Divine Sanctuary. Obsessed with giving, let’s try to channel our giving to good causes.

“Never entertain the perverse thought, ‘I can’t afford to give charity to others, it will diminish what I have for myself…’ the most precious part of your wealth is what you give to the poor, as it says (Isaiah 58:8): ‘Your charity shall go before you to your eternal reward.’” (Tur introduction to Yoreh Deah 247)

Milk or wine
Rabbi Joseph Dovber Soloveichik, the “Beis Halevi,” was instructing his students when a man came with a strange question: "Am I allowed to drink four cups of milk instead of wine at the Passover Seder?"

"Why? Wine is bad for your health?" the Rabbi asked.

"No, wine is too expensive. I am poor and can't afford it."

Instead of answering the man's question, the Rabbi gave him twenty-five rubles. "Now you can enjoy wine at your Seder," he said. After the man left, a student asked the Rabbi, "Why did you give him twenty-five rubles? Only five rubles are enough to buy the required amount of wine."

Rabbi Soloveichik answered, "If he intended to use milk at the Seder, that means he also has no meat, as Kosher laws forbid milk and meat at the same meal. I wanted to give him enough so that he could have a complete Seder."

Charity is a pillar of Judaism, for "Tzedaka equals all the other Miztvot combined.” The Talmud puts it dramatically:

Iron is strong, but fire melts it.
Fire is strong, but water extinguishes it.
Water is strong, but the clouds carry it.
The clouds are strong, but the wind drives them.
The wind is strong, but man withstands it.
Man is strong, but fear weakens him.
Fear is strong, but wine removes it.
Wine is strong, but sleep overcomes it.
Sleep is strong, but death stands over it.
What is stronger than death?
Generosity, for it is written
“Tzedaka delivers from death.”

The word tzedaka derives from the Hebrew word tzedek, "justice." To give to the needy is not only an act of kindness, it is an act of justice, the wealth we own does not really belong to us; G-d entrusted it to us to pass on to those in need. To withhold charity is thus considered a subtle form of theft.

Two forms of charity
The first component of tzedaka is offering physical financial assistance to someone in need. The second is ensuring that he has a dignified existence.

This explains a rather strange Jewish law. A community must provide a poor person not only with the means to live, but also with enough money to be able to give to others. But why? The money will be given to the poor anyway, so why give it to one poor man to give to another? Psychologically, however, it makes sense. Giving is an essential part of dignity. That is why even those who have to receive also have to be able to give. We each need to feel that we are needed.

A hospital patient
In 1986, the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s accountant Shlomo Telushkin suffered a stroke. While Mr. Telushkin was still in the hospital, his son— author Joseph Telushkin— received a call from the Rebbe’s secretary with an accounting question for his father.

Joseph wondered if it was right to bother his father, who had regained consciousness only a few days earlier. The Rebbe’s secretary explained that when the question came up, the Rebbe said, "Ask Shlomo Telushkin." Although told that Shlomo was sick, the Rebbe repeated, "Ask Shlomo."

Joseph Telushkin commented: “The Rebbe knew my father was sick, but he also understood that it was important for my father to still feel productive and dignified.”

The Dead Sea
A sage once observed the difference between Israel’s two seas: the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee is full of life, the Dead Sea has none. How could two seas fed by the same Jordan River be so different? His answer: The Sea of Galilee receives water at one end and gives out water at the other. The Dead Sea receives water but doesn’t give, and if you only receive but don’t give, you do not live, for giving is part of life itself.

Let’s be practical

It is traditional for Jews to place ‘Pushka’ charity boxes in their home, office and children’s bedrooms, where people can drop coins or dollars on a daily basis. The presence of a Charity box redefines the space, and represents a perpetual awareness of the need to give. Our home or office becomes a sanctuary, a hub of kindness that reflects G-d’s will to give and grant life to all of us.

Our children will build a kinder world if they learn the importance of giving. Values are caught, not taught. They are communicated by what we do more than by what we say. Living charitably ourselves ensures that our children will be givers.

Before Jewish mothers and girls kindle the Sabbath candles on Friday evening they place a few coins in the charity box. Giving habitually, rather than sporadically and impulsively, accustoms us to
become more generous.

Try it.