For the educatorJewish Thought, Text, and Traditionsmore
Tzedakah frequently is understood as “charity,” referring to giving to the needy and poor, typically through financial means. While charity indeed can be considered one form of tzedakah, its meaning is deeply rooted in the idea of righteousness and justice. The distinction here is that Jewish tradition understands giving charity as a voluntary act, while acting righteously is an obligation and duty. How one gives is just as important, if not even more important, than what one gives. Like many obligations found within Jewish tradition, intentionality is key when it comes to performing acts of tzedakah. It is necessary that when we give, we must refrain from comparing its value to quantity of what is given. In other words, quality far surpasses quantity.
One Jewish act of giving is that of mishloach manot: food, drinks, and even toys to family and friends to ensure everyone can participate in the celebration of Purim, a holiday symbolized by the courage of Esther, who was able to expose the king’s most trusted advisor, Haman, and his plan to annihilate the Jewish people. The custom of mishloach manot emerged to ensure that everyone would have something to eat and drink during the Purim feast.
While traditionally food only fulfills this mitzvah, commandment, contributing to charitable organizations has become part of the mishloach manot practice as well. Nevertheless, this obligation highlights the fact that acts of tzedakah are not just monetary, and requires thought and purpose for its meaning to be uplifted.
Questions for Reflection
- What acts of tzedakah do you do that are not monetary?
- Why do you think that we need to be in the right mindset in order to truly perform the mitzvah of tzedakah, or any of the mitzvot, commandments?
- Jewish tradition teaches that even the poor must give mishloach manot in some way, even if it means exchanging food with a friend or family member. Why do you think that the poor must participate in this obligation as well?
- How do you define righteousness?
- How can you incorporate the value of tzedakah within your classroom?
Sharing The Storymore
Introducing The story
Note: While this lesson is appropriate at any time of the year, you may wish to incorporate it during the time students are learning about the holiday of Purim.
Ask students to tell you what they know about tzedakah and its special significance during the holiday of Purim. If necessary, review the meaning of tzedakah, and forms of giving ( monetary, tangible items, giving of oneself). You can also show the Shalom Sesame Video: “Helping Those in Need” to assist with review.
Reading The Story
Read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein to students. A second reading may be necessary or use this narrated version.
Follow with a class discussion on how the book demonstrates the concept of tzedakah
Using either the SMART Board or chart paper, make a list of all the examples from the book that students provide.
After The Story
Involve students in the following group project to help them understand the various types of tzedakah and the ways in which they can apply them to their own lives.
Review each form of tzedakah with students
Divide students into three groups, each representing a different form of tzedakah.
Group1- monetary tzedakah
Group 2- giving of yourself/ your time
Group 3- tangible gifts
Give each group one of the large pre-cut poster board branches and give each student one piece of cardstock with the apple outline.
Working together, have students suggest examples of different acts of charity for their specific tzedakah group. On their own apple, each student can draw a picture to illustrate one of the examples mentioned (be sure they each select a different one), followed by 3-4 sentences describing their picture. If there isn't enough room on the apple itself, index cards may be attached to the bottom of the apple for additional writing space.
Have students cut out their completed apple and attach it to their group branch, using either glue or tape.
When all apples are attached to their branches, each group will present their pictures and read their sentence(s) to the rest of the class.
These completed branches will then be used as a Giving Tree/ tzedakah themed bulletin board in the classroom, where a trunk will be added.
Evidence of Learningmore
Students will be able to apply their knowledge of tzedakah to a class discussion of
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.
Student’s performance on the group project. Do their pictures and sentences appropriately reflect their assigned category of tzedakah?
HOME AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONSmore
Take a picture of the Giving Tree and send a copy home or post it on your school or classroom web page. Ask family members to discuss the tree, its significance and their child’s contribution. Encourage families to become involved in one or more of the tzedakah opportunities suggested.
Lesson Contributors
Laura Funk, Beth Emet Elementary, Cooper City, Florida