We did a Torah-Tuesday series on “Connection and Accessibility” with classes on Elul, Torah, Prayer and Tzedakah (Avot’s 3 Pillars upon which the world rests). The last class was on Tzedakah – charity and acts of kindness.
One of the closing questions was: What does Tzedakah connects us to? Students shared very meaningful answers, so we wanted to share them here:
Raizy R: Tzedakah connects us to our communities, we become invested and involved, we get back when we put in, everyone is enriched by the communal investment.
Ari K: Tzedakah connects us to G-d. Like a father, G-d is greatly pleased when His children are there for one another, care about and help one another. In Alter Rebbe’s Iggeret HaKodesh in Tanya it speaks a great deal of how physical Tzedakah is a tremendous spiritual connector.
Aaron K: Our ancestors! The tradition of giving goes way back in Jewish history. When we give charity today in 2024, we’re connecting and continuing generation after generation of generosity and caring and communal investment and concern.
Yoni S: In way, giving to others connects us to our (inner) selves. When we just do things for ourselves, we tend to get grumpy and malcontent, and it can bring out our worst. But when we do for others, it brings out kindness and a joy and much better and happier side of ourselves.
There were a few other beautiful thoughts shared, trying to recall them!