Charity has always been at the heart of the Jewish people.
Tzedoka is a positive commandment and is one of the
signs of our lineage from Avrohom Ovinu. Acts of kindness,
compassion and mercy towards others is clearly a Jewish
trait. On the Ten Days between Rosh Hashona and Yom Kippur,
this imperative takes on greater importance because besides
the help our charity gives to our fellow Jews, its merit
shields us against harsh decrees. For just as we show mercy
towards others, so do we ask Hashem to have mercy upon us. In
any case, we certainly wish this mitzva to carry on
throughout the year and this constant reminder will serve
admirably.
There are still many kupos tzedoka, or pushkes,
as our grandparents called them, remaining as mementos from
Jewish communities that no longer exist; these remind us how
Jews in the past took it upon themselves to share what they
had with others lower on the economic ladder, each according
to his means. The box itself, prominently displayed in the
shul, was a constant reminder of one's obligation to care for
others. One example in particular from nineteenth century
Prague stands out. It is a brass alms box with a wooden
plaque behind it that has an inscription that reads, "A gift
in secret turns away anger." On top of the box is a long arm
and an outstretched hand appealing for help. Who could pass
by such a pushke without contributing?
The alms box on display in the Italian Jewish Museum on
Rechov Hillel in Jerusalem came from a seventeenth century
synagogue in Florence. This box also speaks with a clear
message to those who pass by. It was embedded into the shul
wall and has six sections, with each door individually
labeled with its designated charity. The six sections are: 1)
the local poor 2) R' Meir Baal Haness for the poor of
Tiberias 3) the sick 4) synagogue upkeep 5) the poor of
Jerusalem and 6) lighting for the synagogue. One can imagine
that before the days of rapid mail and communications, the
quiet charity box perched on a table or attached to a wall in
the shul was an important receptacle for collecting needed
funds for so many vital causes.
Alms boxes often take the shape of a shul or a home. Silver,
brass or wooden boxes such as these can be seen in shop
windows today around Jerusalem. Square boxes or cylindrical
shapes with locks and latches can also be seen around town
and wherever Jews live.
Making a kupas tzedoka together with your child
teaches the important lesson of giving. Children make
decorated tzedoka boxes in school from tin cans or
plastic containers at the time that they learn about the
mitzva of tzedoka but the message is always
stronger and more meaningful if they first learn this message
at home and put it to practice there, as well.
Perhaps a very concrete way to inculcate this mitzva
is by depositing coins in the box right away for distribution
among the poor people who come to the door. This way there is
no fumbling in purses and drawers for money. The
mitzva of maaser can also be taught to children
-- they can set aside the tenth of their allowances, birthday
money or money earned from chores etc., put it in the
kupa and dispense it as they like as the various needs
and causes arise throughout the year.
The following project is a very simple and basic one with a
new touch -- an outstretched hand. The hand is made from a
glove and is attached to a piece of wood that stands behind a
group of tzedoka containers. A stuffed glove that
resembles a hand is sure to awaken our hearts into giving
charity.
MATERIALS:
1. Disposable latex glove. (Ask your local doctor or
dentist.) Other type of rubber or old leather glove will also
do.
2. Stuffing enough for one glove: pillow stuffing, cotton,
tissue paper, old stockings etc.
3. Glue, masking tape, scissors or knife.
4. Four containers with removable plastic tops.
5. Piece of wood or heavy cardboard approximately 10 1/2
inches by 8 1/2 inches (28 cm. x 22 cm.).
6. Silver or gold spray paint.
7. Paper, stick-on letters, stencil letters, or pencil, pen
or markers and a ruler to make your own letters.
DIRECTIONS:
1. Stuff glove with filling. Fill until the bottom of the
glove. Add exra padding on the palm near the thumb to appear
lifelike. Close the opening with tape or glue.
2. Attach the top four fingers together with masking tape
from behind so they don't separate.
3. Cut an opening for coins and money at the top of each
plastic lid with the scissors or knife (adult supervision
required).
4. Arrange the containers in front of the wooden or strong
cardboard piece.
5. Wrap a long length of masking tape around the cans to hold
them together and in place.
6. Wrap tape around the group of cans and secure to the
wood.
7. Position glove above containers and attach to wood with
glove and/or tape.
8. Cover completely with spray paint. Use good ventilation.
It is preferable to paint outside. Protect and cover painting
area. Best to wear disposable gloves. Let paint dry before
handling.
9. On a piece of white paper or bristol, set on letters,
stencil or write by hand the word tzedoka or a
posuk. Glue on to wood above containers.
10. Write four names, one for each box of its designated
charity: i.e. the local cheder, the shul, the
hospital, the chessed organization etc., and attach to
containers.
Devora Piha, our Creativity expert, offers consultation,
lectures, crafts groups and instruction for individuals and
institutions on creativity and art. She can be reached at 02-
9931-592. Creativity, as you have seen, affects all areas of
our lives, and should be used to enhance and heighten it.
