What are the differences between Chesed and Tzedakah?
(10 minutes) To review the definitions of Chesed and Tzedakah, read the text of the Babylonian Talmud Sukkah 49b. The text outlines three differences between Chesed and Tzedakah. Discuss the similarities and differences between Chesed and Tzedakah. Both try to help people, are positive/good actions, or show that you care. Tzedakah, however, is limited to the amount of money you can give, while the possibilities of Chesed are infinite. Now draw the following table on the blackboard and brainstorm with the students to fill in the table: Tzedakah examples Chesed examples With money Without money To poor To rich To living To dead Some ideas: Tzedakah examples Chesed examples With money Giving money to a scholarship fund Organizing a food drive and giving the initial food donation Without money Greeting someone warmly To poor Buying a hot meal for a poor person Opening a door, inviting them to a meal that you cooked To rich Picking up and returning something that the wealthy person dropped,
