While many people think of tzedakah as charity, the word actually means "justice," specifically, 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.
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. Learn more, find ideas for tzedakah projects, and kick off your family’s own tzedakah practice with the resources below.
Recommended for children 5 to 6 years old
While working in his grandfather’s bakery, Benny learns the joys of giving and receiving, caring and gratitude.
Recommended for children 5 to 6 years old
As Dalia explores tzedakah with her friends, she creates a box where she can keep the money she’s saving to help those in need. In the process Dalia, her friends and her little brother Yossi learn about the power and joy of giving to others
Recommended for children 5 to 6 years old
Noah loves everything about summer camp -- except swimming. Nothing can get Noah into the pool until he learns about the camp swim-a-thon that will help give other children a chance to attend the camp he loves.
Recommended for children ages 6 and up
In the early 1900’s on the Lower East Side, a seven-year-old girl learns lessons of community, generosity, and courage from the Jewish immigrant population.
Watch
These short videos teach children—and parents—how to “get with the giving.”
Get With the Giving via Shaboom! from BimBam
Helping Those in Need via Shalom Sesame
What's Jewish about Giving? A Video For Parents! via BimBam
Do
Listen to the Afternoons With Mimi episode about tzedakah
Make and Decorate a Tzedakah Box
Turn an old matzah box, cereal box, oatmeal container, or tissue holder into a special tzedakah box. Being part of creating a special box for weekly tzedakah contributions helps kids feel extra invested in the practice. While you color, create, and draw, you can also brainstorm ideas for ways to use the money in the box.
Start a Routine
Kids understand that when they give presents to friends or family or share a favorite toy they make the people around them happy. As kids get older, and their sense of empathy develops, they also understand the concepts of fairness. Tzedakah is about making sure that all of the world's resources (food, water, clothing, education, shelter, etc.) are shared justly. Starting a weekly tzedakah practice as part of your Shabbat routine is a wonderful way for families to reinforce this very special Jewish value. For a list of family tzedakah ideas, see this post.
More
Age-Appropriate Tzedakah Ideas
Making Tzedakah a Shabbat Tradition
Tzedakah 101 via MyJewishLearning
Teaching Tzedakah to Children via kveller.com
November 16, 2017