Tzedakah — Charity / Justice
Hebrew: צְדָקָה
Tzedakah (literally “justice” — from tzedek, righteousness) is the giving of money or aid to those in need. In Chabad it is described as the mitzvah equivalent to all other mitzvot combined.
The Inner Dimension
Tzedakah as Birurim
The Alter Rebbe teaches that when money is given for tzedakah, the physical currency becomes sanctified — the materiality of the coin is transformed into a vehicle of holiness. This is a direct example of birurim (elevating the sparks embedded in material reality).
Kaf Tzedakah: The Open Hand
The giver of tzedakah opens their hand — releasing their grip on wealth, recognizing that they are merely channels, not true owners. This act of bittul (releasing the sense of ownership) is itself a profound spiritual practice.
Tzedakah and the Heart
The Talmud teaches: “Tzedakah saves from death” — not just physical death but spiritual death. Giving tzedakah opens the heart, which otherwise tends to close inward. The open-handed giving of tzedakah is the antidote to the ego’s tendency to contract.
The Rebbe’s Emphasis
The Lubavitcher Rebbe placed enormous emphasis on tzedakah, teaching:
- Give before every prayer
- Give generously and regularly
- The giver receives more than they give
- Tzedakah hastens the redemption
Sources
- Tanya, Part I Chapter 37; Iggeret HaKodesh
- Alter Rebbe
- The Rebbe, numerous sichos