In the Jewish tradition, tzedakah is often translated as “charity,” but the Hebrew root reveals a deeper meaning. Tzedakah comes from the root tzedek, which means justice or righteousness. It is not merely an act of giving—it is an obligation, a sacred duty to uphold justice in the world. In Netzarim Judaism, tzedakah is seen not as an optional act of kindness, but as an ethical imperative rooted in Torah, driven by conscience, and realized in the daily choices of the individual Jew.
Justice, Not Generosity
Unlike charity in the Western sense, which is typically voluntary and often motivated by emotion, tzedakah is a mitzvah—a commandment. It is a form of justice that seeks to correct the imbalances of the world. When a Netzarim Jew gives, they are not simply being generous; they are restoring fairness and fulfilling their duty to God and their fellow human beings.
This reflects our core belief that the Torah is not merely a spiritual document but a guide for creating a just society. The prophets of Israel, who so often cried out against economic injustice, remind us that ritual observance without ethical action is hollow. As Isaiah declared: “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause” (Isaiah 1:17).
Tzedakah as a Tool of Transformation
For Netzarim Jews, tzedakah is also a spiritual act. It is a way of embodying the divine image in which we were created. Every act of tzedakah—whether giving money, providing food, offering shelter, or fighting for systemic reform—is a step toward the Kingdom of God as we understand it: a world of peace, equality, and sacred responsibility.
We believe that God continues to speak through the hearts and hands of those who bring justice into the world. Thus, tzedakah is more than monetary giving. It is advocacy. It is equity. It is creating systems and structures that honor the dignity of every human being.
The Heart of Netzarim Practice
In our approach to Halakha, guided not by the Talmud but by the plain meaning (p’shat) of the Torah and our own informed conscience, tzedakah stands at the center of ethical behavior. The Torah commands us to leave the edges of our fields for the poor, to release debts in the sabbatical year, to treat the stranger, the widow, and the orphan with compassion. These are not mere social niceties—they are sacred obligations.
In the Netzarim view, each Jew is called to be a living example of Torah—a light to the nations. And just as Torah is meant to be lived, tzedakah is meant to be practiced actively, personally, and communally.
Modern Expressions of Tzedakah
In today’s world, tzedakah can take many forms:
- Giving to those in need with dignity and respect.
- Supporting organizations that embody Jewish values of justice and compassion.
- Speaking out against injustice and inequality.
- Volunteering time and skills to help others.
- Creating inclusive communities where all are seen and valued.
We are not required to solve all the world’s problems—but we are required to act. As it is taught in Pirkei Avot (2:16): “It is not your responsibility to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.”
Conclusion: A Just People, A Just World
In Netzarim Judaism, we affirm that tzedakah is not peripheral—it is foundational. It is how we draw closer to God, how we manifest Torah, and how we build a better world. Justice is not something we hope for, it is something we create—one act, one decision, one life at a time.
Let us be a people of justice. Let us be a people of tzedakah.
