Unlike charity, from the Greek caritas, Tzedaka is not a voluntary donation to the needy. As Jews we are OBLIGATED to help the needy. Torah demands that we not turn a hardened heart to our brothers. There will always be needy among us, reminds Deuteronomy. I remember a conversation many years ago with rabbi Gurvis and one of my classes. We were so proud that we gave tzedakah because it made us feel good about ourselves. He told us that was well and good, but fining Tzedaka is an obligation. The class had ann interesting conversation about obligation v. charity. I still mud remind myself about obligation. Telushkin quotes Prager who says its great if your heart is into the donation, but until the heart catches up, one is obligated to give anyway.
Obligation smacks at the soul of feel goodism. Sometimes we have to do it, not because we want to, but simply because it is part of the covenant of being Jewish. We must reacquaint ourselves with the concept of obligation - it’s not one we’re particularly comfortable with these days.
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