The Full Guide On Tzedakah Box or a Charity Box

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Tzedakah boxes are traditional Jewish gifts and comprise some of the most beautiful and unique Judaica designs. But what is a tzedakah box, and why should you have one at home? Read on to learn more.

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What Is Tzedakah?

What Is Tzedakah?

‘‘Tzedakah’’ is a word that comes from the Hebrew word, ‘’צדקה. Often mistranslated as ‘charity’, this word really has connotations with justice and righteousness. Why is the difference important? Charity is rooted in an individual’s desire to give to others, simply because they have chosen to. Tzedakah, on the other hand, is a ‘mitzvah’, a commandment that one is obliged to do regardless of whether they wish to or not. The outcomes of tzedakah and charity might be the same–clothing the poor or feeding the needy–but the motivation behind them is not.

 

To modern, Western ears, this idea sometimes sounds a little strange. Isn’t doing something small out of the goodness of your heart better than doing something big out of sheer obligation? This is an understandable question, but it fundamentally misunderstands and discredits tzedakah.

Cast your mind back about two thousand years. Imagine you are living as a poor and socially disadvantaged person. Perhaps you’re a sick widow with four children. Who will provide for you? Now, cast your mind back two hundred years. You’re a bright young person who could accomplish incredible things, if only you had access to education. Who will provide for you?

In an era before welfare states and social safety nets, before women could work, and before scholarships were available, all issues like these were resolved by one body – the community. The purpose of tzedakah is to unite the community and make sure everybody is provided for. In this way, asking why a person should do tzedakah is a little like asking them why they should pay their taxes, or help a friend in need. If charity is doing something because it’s kind, tzedakah is doing something because it’s right.

 

What Is a Tzedakah Box?

 

What Is a Tzedakah BoxNow that we’ve established what tzedakah is – a moral obligation that Jews have towards their community (and the public at large) – we might be asking ourselves how it is done. It’s easy – everyone from the community gives, and we end up with a larger sum than we could have hoped to achieve individually.

 

Using this every little help’s philosophy, communities use a tzedakah box to collect small amounts on a regular basis. A tzedakah box is a box with a coin slit at the top, through which people deposit coins. The coins do not have to be high in value, as long as they are dropped in often and by as many people as possible.

 

Originally, traditional tzedakah boxes were enormous and built into the synagogue. There were usually a few in place at a time, each donating to a different cause. Over time, this practice evolved, and now tzedakah boxes are seen in much wider contexts, although usually in smaller models. You might see a tzedakah box in the offices of a Jewish business, or even in a Jewish-owned restaurant.

 

A most prominent difference is that nowadays, tzedakah boxes are found in private homes. There are two purposes to this:

  1. The tzedakah itself. Although we all aspire to be a strong part of our communities, the pace of modern life has caused us to spend far more time at home and far less time volunteering or gathering. The physical location of tzedakah has therefore moved to our homes, although it of course still exists in public settings as well.
  2. Symbolic meaning. Our homes don’t only show the world what we value–they also remind us what we believe in. Tzedakah boxes, more than simple vessels for donations, have become instantly recognisable as symbols for righteousness and justice, as well as piety. For this reason, tzedakah boxes found in homes are often elaborate and beautiful in their design and use fine materials such as sterling silver.

 

What Is the Tzedakah Box Used For?

 

A tzedakah box is used to collect and store money used for righteous causes. This is its most practical use. However, tzedakah boxes are also symbols of charity and righteousness.

Tzedakah is a highly important Jewish value. Alongside prayer and study, it is considered one of the three pillars that hold up the world.

For all of our charity boxes collection

What Is a Charity Box Used For?

A charity box is also used for the collection and storage of money. This may prompt you to ask the question…

What Is the Difference Between a Tzedakah Box and a Charity Box?

What Is the Difference Between a Tzedakah Box and a Charity Box?

You may have seen a box with a slit at its top, not unlike a tzedakah box, in many settings. Donation boxes are used in churches, libraries and museums. They nearly always collect money for charities, or, if not, for the upkeep of the institution to which they belong.

A charity box refers to any collection box that is used for selfless giving. It is a wider term than tzedakah box, which has a specifically Jewish connotation that is embedded with belief and tradition as well as humanitarian values.

Often, English-speaking Jewish people may use the term interchangeably, referring to their tzedakah boxes as a ‘charity box’.

 

What Should I Put in a Charity Box?

What Should I Put in a Charity Box?

If the box is in a public setting, it is best to put in only coins and folded notes. If you only have a checkbook on you, ask if this is alright–not every organization will have the means or time to cash a check if it is put into their charity box.

While other items, such as clothing, non-perishable food, wine and bread, and so on, are often needed, the charity box is not the right place for them. Get in touch with the organizers of the charity or event instead.

 

I Would Like to Buy a Tzedakah Box. How Do I Choose One?

 

Sterling silver Jerusalem tzedakah box
Sterling silver Jerusalem tzedakah box

The modern Judaica market is full of options. Learn more about what’s available below to find the right tzedakah box for you.

Many Jews believe that their tzedakah boxes ought to reflect the importance of the mitzvah by being well-crafted and stunningly designed. A silver or sterling silver charity box is a common option owing to its beauty and durability.

A traditional tzedakah box is usually cuboid or cylindrical in shape, with a slit on the top. Many options like this are available, in a variety of color and material options. This shape is simple and instantly recognizable, making it ideal not only for homes but also for businesses.

However, designs are increasingly deviating from this formula. Tzedakah boxes now come in more creative shapes, bearing similarities to house Tzedakah boxes, to towers Tzedakah boxes, and to Jerusalem shpe Tzedakah boxes. These styles are certainly fancier, but they have a symbolic value that is particularly beautiful and fitting considering the importance of tzedakah to the Jewish faith.

There is also a difference in terms of size. If you’re looking for a practical tzedakah box that will be placed somewhere in which many people will want to donate through it, you will of course need a bigger size. If the tzedakah box will be in a private part of your house, mainly intended as a reminder of your spiritual duty to others, a smaller one in a design that inspires you may be a better option.

Smaller options can also be used for travel, for those who wish to be reminded of the importance of the mitzvah of tzedakah even outside of the home. This is particularly relevant for business trips.

 

In Summary

A tzedakah box is a practical tool for making a real, positive change in the world we share. But beyond that, it’s a symbol of heritage, responsibility, and faith. Keeping a tzedakah box in your house–and using it–-is the ultimate sign of your respect towards both your belief and your fellow people.

Nadav Art by Avi Nadav offers you many variations and interpretations on the traditional tzedakah box, from modern tzedakah boxes to traditional tzedakah boxes, and many other Judaica products, you can find everything on our website.

Common Questions and Answers - FAQ

The concept of Hidur Mitzvah (beautifying the mitzvah) teaches us that we should seek to perform the mitzvahs in beautiful and decorated ways.

It is customary to put money for tzedakah before Shabbat, in holidays and other special occasions.

You can create a box made of carboard that should be a larger than the space you want to fill. Then, fill the bottom of the cardboard with paper or used newspaper. You can decorate it.

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