When we say we give tzedakah, we say we give charity. In reality, according to the literal translation of the word, we are giving righteousness. The Torah teaches us this week, “You should surely give…but your heart should not grieve when you give.”
 
Pinchas Peli explains that we must learn to give with a smile and not grieve and complain while doing so.
 
Maimonides in the 12th century expounded upon this idea. He wrote, “Whoever gives alms to the poor with a downcast look, all the merit of his action is lost.”
 
I ask each b’nai mitzvah student what tzedakah they have performed in honor of their celebration. It is the highlight of each week to hear how each individual student and family works with their own passion to translate into acts of righteousness. They feed the homeless, clothe the naked, and support the poor.
 
The Talmud considers tzedakah “equal too all of the other mitzvot put together.” In fact, there is not a Jewish community that exists without a charity chest. The needs in this world are endless, on a local, national, and international level.
 
Yet, it is our tradition that gives us the framework to ensure the burden of these needs are lessened, one small act at a time.