Tzedakah, Tzedek and Chesed

The word tzedakah (literally “righteousness”) derives from tzedek. While the two terms share similar connotations, tzedakah refers more specifically to the performance of charitable acts. Tzedakah can refer to monetary donations by individuals, as well as to volunteer work organized by temples, community centers or other groups. The Talmud identifies tzedakah as the most essential moral obligation in Judaism.

Tzedakah represents a strict obligation under Jewish law. The Torah stipulates that Jews must give 10% of their income to charity every three years, while the Talmud describes this donation as an annual obligation. Historically, Jewish communities oversaw the assessment and collection of these_ _funds in a manner that resembled taxation. 

Jewish philosopher Maimonides (c. 1135-1204 CE) established a hierarchy of tzedakah. Writing in the Mishneh Torah (c. 1170-1180 CE; literally “repetition of the Torah”), he describes eight levels of giving, ranked according to the intention of the giver, the value of the gift and other criteria. According to Maimonides, the lowest (eighth) level of tzedakah refers to acts of giving that occur unwillingly or reluctantly. Conversely, the highest form of generosity occurs when the giver provides a level of assistance that enables the recipient to improve their lives in a lasting way, thereby liberating them from dependence on others. 

The third concept, chesed, refers to feelings of “kindness,” “benevolence” or “love” between people. A sense of overabundance underlies chesed, inspiring acts of giving that exceed expectations or specific needs. In the Old Testament, chesed refers to the covenant God forms with the people of Israel, while the Kabbala school of Jewish mysticism asserts that all of creation arose out of chesed – a manifestation of God’s love for humanity. 

Tzedek, tzedakah and chesed remain vital aspects of modern Jewish life. These principles stimulate charitable giving, promote community engagement and strengthen interpersonal relationships. More broadly, an ongoing commitment to tzedek informs social justice movements throughout the global Jewish community. Rooted in the foundational teachings of Judaism, these ideals continue to guide the pursuit of a just and equitable world.

Contributors: Maha Tazi, Stephen Meyer