tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20223795.post8005849253620652893..comments2023-10-28T16:01:04.598+03:00Comments on Torah Thoughts: B'har: on equal footingRafi G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00699851287106903971noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20223795.post-62071138265336881202007-05-11T20:48:00.000+03:002007-05-11T20:48:00.000+03:00Nice.I heard recently from R'Tatz that the express...Nice.<BR/><BR/>I heard recently from R'Tatz that the expression used related to tzedakah is "gomel tzedakah" which could be translated as "to wean tzedakah". That is, you give tzedakah with the purpose of putting the other person back on his feet and not just to keep giving.<BR/><BR/>I am almost sure I read this expression somewhere in Chumash. But I can't find it right now.<BR/><BR/>Shabbat Shalom.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20223795.post-54346295051035392482007-05-11T00:28:00.000+03:002007-05-11T00:28:00.000+03:00very nice! shkoyach!very nice! shkoyach!Rafi G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00699851287106903971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20223795.post-87891149058363825512007-05-11T00:23:00.000+03:002007-05-11T00:23:00.000+03:00Yesher Koach!Please G-d, people should read your a...Yesher Koach!<BR/><BR/>Please G-d, people should read your article and take it to heart.<BR/><BR/>To <B>sweeten-up</B> your words a little bit, it can be suggested that the Hebrew word צדקה (tzedakka) comes from the Hebrew צדק which translates to righteousness (not charity as צדקה is often translated to.)<BR/><BR/>The difference:<BR/><I>Charity</I> implies that one is giving to his fellow Jew out of the giver's good nature, kind heart, or whatever other person motivations. The reasons for charity, as sincere as they may be, are still motivated by the giver's own self.<BR/><BR/><I>Righteousness</I>, on the other hand, implies that one is giving not because of his/her own personal motivations, but because it's the "right thing to do." <BR/><BR/>For instance, when Reuven realizes that that second slice of bread on his plate actually "belongs" to the poor Shimon down the street (despite the fact that Hashem put it on Reuvens own plate) then giving it over to Shimon is the "right" thing to do -- and not the charitable thing to do!<BR/><BR/>In fact, taking it a step forward it can be said that second slice of bread never belong to Reuven to begin with, Hashem simply deposited it with him so that he can gain a mitzvah when he <B>returns</B> it to Shimon, its rightful owner.<BR/><BR/>(Incidentally, the word "Mitzvah" comes from צוותא meaning togetherness -- Reuven walking over to Shimon to return that slice of bread creates togetherness between them.)<BR/><BR/>Tzedakka, then, is a mitzvah infused with a sense of responsibility than it would have been if it was only plain charity.<BR/><BR/>When Jews see the concept of tzedakka in this light, with the true meaning of צדק, it is a receipt for a healthier society -- with lots of togetherness.Futzumanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06126619456398119540noreply@blogger.com