Tzedakah
Matthew 6:1-4
6 “Be careful not to parade your acts of tzedakah in front of people in order to be seen by them! If you do, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.2 So, when you do tzedakah, don’t announce it with trumpets to win people’s praise, like the hypocrites in the synagogues and on the streets. Yes! I tell you, they have their reward already!3 But you, when you do tzedakah, don’t even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.4 Then your tzedakah will be in secret; and your Father, who sees what you do in secret, will reward you.
Tzedakah is a Hebrew word. It means, "justice" or "righteousness." However, it is often used in the concept of "charity." There is always a "tzedakah box" at a synagogue so people can give towards charity.
There are many different concepts of this idea. The depth described on some Jewish websites is thought provoking. For those who enjoy studying new concepts, this might be one to look into.
This is Chabad's definition:
"The Hebrew word for charity is tzedakah, which actually means “justice” or “righteousness.” There is an important nuance here. In Jewish thought, giving to people in need is not something extra; it’s just the correct, honest thing to do. Our money is not ours. It belongs to G‑d, who has graciously entrusted it to us. It is only right for us to distribute it as He wishes, sharing it with His needy children."
Jesus' teaching on the subject is once again one of simplicity. Give, but do it discreetly. There is no need to flaunt what you are giving. In His mind, the religious people were using these opportunities of giving to make themselves look good. Jesus was reminding people that God looks at the heart. He wanted them to understand that what happens outwardly is not a reflection of what is taking place on the inside.
Most have made this idea of giving discreetly a basic understanding today, however, it is always something to keep in the forefront of our minds. We know we should give. Let's always aim to make our giving thoughtful and quiet. There is no need to boast about what has been given. Also, the idea of "what are you giving" is something to think about. Are you giving the best? The last you have? Sometimes we miss the mark and give because we "have too" not because we want too...
Love and blessings,
Rose
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