Charity vs. Responsibility:
Tzedakah and the Jewish Community
“In Jewish thought and tradition, material support for those in need is not a matter of “charity”–a term that implies generosity beyond what may be expected–but a requirement.” - Westchester Jewish Center
Tzedakah is a tenet of the Jewish faith that champions care and altruism for those in need, cultivating a deep sense of duty within the Jewish community for those that may be less fortunate than one's self.
These objects are a collection of both Tzedakah boxes and other objects that are representative of the tenant of Tzedakah in various Jewish holidays and rituals.
Charity vs. Responsibility:
This Tzedakah box is a replica of the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam. The symbolism of the house paired with the denotation of Tzedakah as a core tenant of dutiful and comprehensive giving illuminates the encompassing impact of the Holocaust. It also, however, is representative of the resilience of the Jewish people, and the strength that was needed to pick one another back up after such devastating tragedy and heartbreak.
This is a Tiffany brand Tzedakah box; a limited amount of 1,200 Tiffany Tzedakah boxes were made, and they were distributed as gifts to distinguished donors of the Jewish National Fund.
This silver pitcher is an ornate, hand-crafted sterling silver Tzedakah box, with a small slot in the top for donations.
The menorah is used during Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights. Chanukah is a holiday that celebrates the success of the Maccabees and the miracle of their oil burning for eight days when it should have only lasted for one. The celebration of this holiday includes gift-giving, which ties itself to Tzedakah, especially if the gifts keep with the holiday themes of religious freedom, perseverance, and free speech.
This bench style Chanukah menorah was designed and crafted by Yossi Swed in silver and gold plate. The bottom drawer in the front is designed to catch the wax drippings. The two side pitchers are for oil and wicks, and a small back drawer hold the small tools needed to maneuver the pieces.
The etrog box is used during Sukkot; during Sukkot it is traditional to eat and sleep in a Sukkah, a temporary booth, that is open to the elements. For this reason, Tzedakah during Sukkot could be more focused towards reminding one's self of their vulnerability to the natural world by donating to homeless shelters or spending time in soup kitchens.
This sterling silver Etrog box has a delicate blue velvet lining, and a unique green enamel around the rim. Etrog boxes are used to hold and protect the citron fruit that is used during this Jewish holiday.
The shofar horn is blown on Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish new year) to “represent the shofar blasts that were heard when God descended on Mount Sinai and gave us the Torah.”
Rosh Hashanah Tzedakah work should reflect one’s appreciation for the beauty of the world and the people in it, focusing on artistic projects and cultural heritage.