Chesed (or Hesed, Heb. )חסדis the Hebrew word for "kindness." It is one of the primary classes of Mitzvah (Jewish religious commandments), and is considered a Mitzvah unto itself as well. Chesed is also one of the primary attributes and names of God in Judaism. As an attribute, it is the seventh attribute of the 13 attributes of God used to call on God for help ("Rav Chesed"), and the fourth attribute in Sephirah on the tree of life in Kabbalah. Tzedakah/G’milut Hassadim/Tikkun Olam How? Incorporate as a part of the celebration of bar/bat mitzvah. The bar/bat mitzvah can allocate a percentage of their monetary gift to a designated charity, and/or ask guests to make a contribution to a selected charity such as canned food for a food bank. Parents can also demonstrate such ‘activity’ by choosing to make a donation to charity in place of something such as table centerpieces. Make tzedakah a part of weekly allowance; or some set schedule of taking a portion of allowance received and give it to some sort of community activity/cause. Show support for school tzedakah, chesed or community volunteer projects. Where? Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger Ve’ahavtah Daily Bread Food Bank North York Harvest Out of the Cold Which piece of the ‘tzedakah puzzle’ will you be?
Resources The Humongous Pushka in the Sky, Danny Seigel Mrs. Katz and Tush, Patricia Polacco Partners, Deborah Shayne www.dannysiegel.com