PJ Library founder Harold Grinspoon with a sampling from his tzedakah box collection
Tzedakah comes from the Hebrew word for justice, and it means doing the right things by helping people or causes in need. There are lots of ways to do tzedakah, but the most common way is giving money to the poor or other worthwhile causes. Tzedakah can also include donating food, clothing, and other necessities, or volunteering one's time to assist the needy. The overarching goal of tzedakah is to insure that the world's resources (food, water, clothing, education, and shelter) are shared justly.
As a parent, modeling charitable acts is a great way to teach your child the value of tzedakah, and studies have found that it leads to marked increases in children's self-esteem and feelings of empowerment. When your kids are included in tzedakah projects, they discover that they can make a difference in the world.
If you're looking for some resources and guidance on how to make tzedakah part of your family's life, please check out the links below.
Tzedakah on Social Media
Learn How to Play PJ Library Kindness Cards Games
Tzedakah Music
Learn more about Tzedakah
PJ Library Tzedakah-Related Books