TO LIFE

In Judaism, human life reigns supreme, and saving lives takes precedence over all other contingencies. “Whoever destroys a soul, it is considered as if he destroyed an entire world. And whoever saves a soul, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.” [Jerusalem Talmud].

Giving to the poor, is a form of  a life-enhancing obligation in Judaism, a duty that cannot be rejected even by those who are themselves in need. Some sages have said that “tzedakah” is the highest of all commandments, equal to all of them combined, and one of the three acts that gains us forgiveness from our sins.

"Tzedakah" is the Hebrew word for the acts that we call "charity" in English: giving aid, assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes. However, the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of charity. The word "charity" suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the “haves” for the benefit of the “have nots”. The word "tzedakah" is derived from the Hebrew root meaning righteousness, justice or fairness. In Judaism, giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act; it is simply an act of justice and righteousness, the performance of a duty - giving the poor their due.

The laws pertaining to “tzedakah” are set out specifically in Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and in the book of Ruth.

In general, Jews are required to give one-tenth of their income to the poor, after payment of taxes. The obligation includes giving to both Jews and gentiles; a study reported in the Jewish Journal indicated that Jewish "mega-donors" (who give more than $10 million a year to charity) found that only 6% of their mega-dollars went to specifically Jewish causes.

To name just two amongst the many Israeli organizations which give humanitarian and often life-saving aid throughout the world:

The UN, through its Population Fund, has given its 2018 award to the Wolfson Medical Center in Israel  known as SACH (Save a Child’s Heart organization). The organization has saved the lives of more than 4,500 children from Africa, South America, Asia and the Middle East, including the Palestinian Authority. Israeli hospitals continue to treat children from Hamas-led Gaza and the PA’s West Bank , often without payment and in times of war.

For the eighth consecutive year, an Israeli medical delegation travelled to rural areas in Ethiopia to perform much-needed eye surgeries to many of the blind men, women and children. The delegation is led by 88 year old philanthropist Morris Kahn. When asked what motivates him at his age to leave the comfort of his home for the difficult and sometimes dangerous journey, he answered: “I can’t only sign a check…Giving my time, sharing my talents and being actively involved is the way to find a higher purpose, transcend difficulties and achieve fulfillment and meaning in life.”  In many cases, it is not only sight that is restored, but saving the lives of the patients. Several of the infants who were born with abnormalities and believed to be impure and cursed, would otherwise have been sentenced to death.

The tragedy of the trapped 12 boys and their soccer coach in a cave in Thailand is an ongoing story of approximately three weeks. Amongst the first responders was an Israeli company which provides emergency mobile communications tools in areas without reception. These very expensive devices were voluntarily donated.  In addition, Israelis are part of the support team for the divers entering the maze of caves.

As Morris Kahn added: “We live once; this is not a rehearsal. Make it count.”