Pushka

What is Tzedakah? 

Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for philanthropy and charity. It is a form of social justice in which donors benefit from giving as much or more than the recipients.  Judaism teaches that everyone has a responsibility to help those suffering from poverty. Social justice is an important aspect of Jewish communities, where a balance in society between the wealthy and poor can be achieved through helping others. The so-called “ladder of tzedakah” expounded by the medieval thinker Maimonides, one of the best-known Jewish sources on this subject, emphasizes the importance of anonymous, generous giving, and on helping those in need become self-sufficient.

How much Tzedakah should one give?

In Temple Times, every Jewish farmer gave 10% of his produce to the Levites.  Accordingly, the sages determined that it is proper to give 10% of our earnings to Tzedakah.  This is known as “maser”, a tenth.

What is a pushka?

In the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, there was a designated chamber where people could deposit money earmarked for the poor. Those who had fallen on hard times were able to come there and receive sustenance in a respectable manner. In recent centuries, that tradition lives on in the tzedakah boxes (pushkas in Yiddish and kuppa in Hebrew) that are found in Jewish homes.  Our blue plastic box is unique to our Bayit. 

What should I do once I have a pushka? 

Place it strategically in your home.  Make a habit of adding to it each day (especially erev Shabbat).  If your household consists of others, encourage them to make this their habit as well.   Teaching children to be mindful of the pushka on a regular basis inculcates the value of caring for others.  Remember dollar bills can be folded and put in as well as jiggling coins.

How do I get a pushka from HIR?

• Walk by HIR on one of these Sundays and receive a pushka:

• February 5, 12, 26 and March 5 & 26 from 9:30am - 11:00am

• If you have signed up for any daily minyan, you can pick up a pushka on a table nearby

• If none of these options work for you; please email us at pushkas@the bayit.org and we will help you receive one in a safe manner

What do I do with it once I have filled it?

• Empty the pushka, add up the amount and send the shul a check and start collecting again

• Empty the contents of the pushka into a baggie and bring that back to shul and start collecting again

• Email us at pushka@thebayit.org and we will organize a way to get your pushka donation 

What happens to the tzedakah money?

• Our Pushka Project, with tzedakah for Purim and Pesach, begins in Kislev by acquiring a Bayit Kuppa (pushka).

• Purim Time: Matanot L'Evyonim - the funds will be distributed by the HIR clergy team

Pesach Time: Maot Hittim - the funds will be distributed by the HIR clergy team to assist fellow Jews prepare for their Seder