What Is Tzedakah?

Rooted in the Hebrew word tzedek (justice or righteousness), tzedakah frames giving as a moral obligation rather than a discretionary choice. Resources are understood as entrusted to individuals to be used responsibly for the common good. Giving tzedakah reflects values of responsibility and care for one another.

Tzedakah is woven into daily Jewish life. Giving is encouraged at every level, and even small acts matter. Tradition prioritizes support for vulnerable people — such as the poor, widows, orphans, and strangers — reflecting values of compassion, equity, and shared responsibility. Synagogues, schools, and community organizations create structures for tzedakah, making it a collective practice.

Customs like placing coins in tzedakah boxes, dedicating a portion of income to charitable causes, and marking life events with donations highlight its significance. Many experience tzedakah as a path toward spiritual growth, cultivating humility, empathy, and gratitude. Tzedakah boxes in homes, classrooms, and communal spaces help make Jewish giving a daily habit.

In ancient Israel, laws and customs embedded social equity into everyday life. Biblical mandates such as leaving field corners for the poor (pe’ah), allowing gleaning, and giving tithes (ma’aser) provided safety nets. Sabbatical and jubilee years aimed to reset economic disparities and prevent entrenched poverty.

Over centuries, Jewish communities formed organized systems of tzedakah. Medieval funds supported dowries, medical care, food, and burial needs; responsa literature and communal ordinances guided fair distribution and accountability. In later periods, charity societies (hevrat tzedakah), guilds, and cross-community networks coordinated aid for challenges ranging from migration to disaster relief.

Thinkers and leaders shaped tzedakah’s evolution. Maimonides codified levels of giving, elevating forms that maintain dignity — such as anonymity and enabling self-sufficiency. Rabbis, philanthropists, and organizers established institutions, endowments, and partnerships that adapt to changing needs, including tzedakah boxes that encouraged widespread participation in giving.

Core texts anchor tzedakah in Jewish law and ethics. The Torah commands care for the poor and the stranger, while the Prophets center justice as a religious duty. Rabbinic sources and halachic codes set expectations for individuals and communities. In the Mishneh Torah, Maimonides outlines guidelines that include prioritizing family and local needs, acting with discretion and respect, and maintaining fairness.

In practice, giving is regular, proportionate, and thoughtful. Many designate a percentage of income — often a tenth — while balancing household needs and communal responsibilities. Donors are encouraged to assess impact, give in ways that preserve dignity, and avoid waste. Transparency, accountability, and equitable distribution are key to proper tzedakah. Different Jewish communities express these principles through their traditions and contexts. Some emphasize detailed halachic guidance and communal funds; others prioritize social justice initiatives, policy advocacy, and inclusive philanthropy. Across approaches, the core remains: prioritize need, act with compassion, and pursue justice. Tzedakah boxes and community funds provide practical tools for giving tzedakah consistently.

Supporting JDC is one of the most effective ways you can give to your fellow Jews. Through a one-time, tax-deductible donation, you can deliver food, medicine, homecare and other crucial assistance to the world’s most vulnerable Jews. WIth a monthly gift to Jews in need, you can ensure they have a sustainable and ongoing source of unwavering support. You can also dedicate your gift to someone special by donating in honor of a loved one. 

Want to inspire others to give? Then start a JDC fundraiser of your choice, providing humanitarian aid to vulnerable Israelis, Jews in Ukraine, or strengthening our global mission. You can also use your bar or bat mitzvah, birthday, wedding, or other special occasion to show up for Jews in need. Other tax-deductible ways to give include planned giving, donor-advised funds (DAFs), and crypto.