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The Differences Between TZADAQAH & Charity Are Eternal


I have been working on a chapter in our book that is about TZEDAQAH. It is the Hebrew word that is translated as “righteousness,” but which many rabbis, including Jesus, used to mean “alms giving.” TZEDAQAH is the single most important word in the teachings of the Jewish Jesus. That alone should make it the most important word to every Christian too.

Jesus said, “For I tell you that unless your TZEDAQAH surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Torah, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”[i] TZEDAQAH is the way into the Kingdom of Heaven, according to Jesus.

Jesus also said: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.[ii]. . Then they (the group on the left) will go away to eternal punishment, but the ones who did acts of TZEDAQAH to eternal life.”[iii]

If you didn’t know anything else about Jesus than the two quotes above, it would be clear that doing and teaching TZEDAQAH was his highest priority. Therefore, it is important to know as much as possible about what it means. Below are some notes from the Encyclopedia Judaica.

(1) TZEDAQAH is the fulfillment of all legal and moral obligations.

(2) TZEDAQAH is not an abstract notion but rather consists in doing what is just and right in all relationships.

(3) TZEDAQAH results in social stability and ultimately in SHALOM (completeness and wholeness).

(4) TZEDAQAH is not an inherent human characteristic, but rather a trait resulting from sustained performance of obligations.

(5) TZEDAQAH is regarded as an offering brought to God.

(6) TZEDAQAH is not a favor done for the poor; it is something they have a right to receive, and the donor, has an obligation to give.

(7) Not giving TZEDAQAH is tantamount to idolatry, because one worships his or her wealth more than God – just like Adam and Even valued the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden more that the commandment of God.

(8) Everyone is obligated to give TZEDAQAH; even one who is receiving TZEDAQAH must also give TZEDAQAH.

(9) To do TZEDAQAH and justice is more acceptable to God than sacrifice.

What would happen in your community, much less the world, if every Christian made TZEDAQAH their highest priority?

What if every Christian really believed what Jesus said about eternal life being obtained through TZEDAQAH?”

Why isn't TZEDAQAH the highest priority of Christianity today?

What is the highest priority of Christianity today?

I just felt like this is so important for you to understand – I didn't want to wait until we publish the book. Please take time to think about this, pray about it and then do what your heart says. One thing I have concluded is that the Jewish Jesus wouldn't think anyone’s BS (belief system) is more valuable than changing lives by doing TZEDAQAH? Some other Jesus might, however!

[i] Matthew 5:19-20
[ii] Matthew 25:31-33
[iii] Matthew 25:46

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