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...