Tzedakah Overview

Inspired by Joey Newhouse, graduated of the class of 1986, “In the Tradition of Joey’s Tzedakah Box” curriculum is the cornerstone of Hebrew Day Institute’s Tzedakah program.  This program has had rave reviews in the media and community for its creativity, its hands-on, meaningful learning opportunities afforded our students and the impact it has had in helping causes in the community and around the world.

The program centers on the central themes found in our Jewish texts:

TZEDAKAH: Tzedakah is not charity, "but has come to mean the obligation to
see to the needs of fellow human beings who are unable to meet their own needs."
Tzedakah is obligatory for every Jewish person, no matter how young or old, no
matter how rich or poor. It is a mitzvah to give Tzedakah.

MITZVAH: A Commandment. It is by doing Mitzvot that we help the world to become a
better place.

TIKUN OLAM: To repair (fix) the world. Each of us is responsible to help perfect the
world, which was created incompletely to enable humankind to contribute to ongoing
creation.

KESHER: Connection. Every Jewish man, woman, and child has a connection to each
other. When harm comes to another, it is your responsibility (obligation) as a Jew to
help with that person's needs.

KLAL YISRAEL: Community (congregation) of Israel. "There is an old Hebrew saying:
All Jews are responsible for one another. Being part of the Jewish community is like
being a member of one very large family."

GEMILUT CHASADIM - Acts of loving kindness. Involves our time and personal
connectedness, actions, and commitment to our community.

Some of the organizations supported by this program are Soldiers in Israel Fund, Shephard’s Table, My Father’s House International, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, National Gaucher’s Foundation, Jewish Foundation for Group Homes, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and several Earth Day organizations.