Bringing tzedakah home

This week, we discussed the topic of tzedakah, which is a term and idea we use a lot at Temple Isaiah and in Religious School. Each week, we collect tzedakah for the general Religious School fund (YBY is doing quite well so far!) and many of us have tzedakah boxes at home. When I ask the students where the money goes from our little blue box, the answer is always a resounding "poor people". The students certainly understand the need to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

This week, we brainstormed some things besides money that people may need. The list included toys, socks, clothes, shelter, food, water and more. We knew that kids and parents may need different things. Many students talked about how a stuffed animal or toy could provide comfort for a child while a parent may prefer food or shelter.

There are many great resources about teaching tzedakah to your children and making it a part of your family's activities. Check out this article for basic topics you can discuss with your children. I hope you enjoyed the home-made tzedakah box project and will begin filling them up as a family!

Here are some photos from the day. What great creativity!

Looking forward to our next sessions!

Julie and Bridget