Understanding The Importance of Giving Charity Before Shabbat

What Is The Significance of Shabbat? 

Shabbat has been at the heart of Jewish life for centuries. It was first mentioned in the story of Creation in Genesis, which states that the seventh day is set aside as a day of rest and made holy by G-d. It’s also a time to reconnect with family, free from distractions like technology, work, and the stress of everyday life.

Shabbat looks different for every Jewish family. For some, the significance lies in setting aside time for a shared meal. Jews who are more observant will spend the Shabbat avoiding tasks considered “work,” such as cooking, cleaning, and driving. In addition to gathering for meals, they dedicate time to prayer at home and in synagogue.

Preparing for Shabbat

In the hours leading up to Shabbat, Jewish families prepare to create a peaceful and special atmosphere. Homes are cleaned, traditional dishes like chicken soup and cholent are cooked ahead of time, and personal grooming is done, often with care taken in choosing a special outfit.

Candles are lit in the 18-minute period before sunset to usher in Shabbat, typically by the women of the household, accompanied by a special blessing. This act symbolizes the transition from the workweek to a time of rest and spiritual connection. The family gathers around the table for Kiddush, a blessing over wine, followed by the blessing of the challah, marking the beginning of the Shabbat meal. This gathering emphasizes togetherness, reflection, and gratitude for the week’s blessings.

Things to Avoid on Shabbat

While the rules of Shabbat may seem restrictive — no phones, no television, no turning lights on and off — they are actually meant to create a peaceful environment that fosters spiritual reflection and connection with family and community. In addition to the above listed, money should not be handled, meaning tzedakah and other types of charity will need to be given before Shabbat starts. In terms of physically volunteering on Shabbat, you should consult your rabbi.

Shabbat and Charity Go Hand-in-Hand

Tzedakah derives from the Hebrew word tzedek, meaning “justice” or “righteousness.” This connection underscores that giving to those in need is not merely an act of charity but a matter of social justice and moral obligation. Tzedakah embodies the belief that everyone shares a responsibility to support and treat all community members fairly. Like Shabbat, this concept is central to Judaism, with the act of giving serving as a reflection of gratitude for one’s blessings.

Similarly, other Jewish holidays, such as Rosh Chodesh, as well as significant life cycle events like weddings and births, also call for acts of charity. These occasions present opportunities to give back to the community and assist those in need, highlighting the values of generosity and compassion that are fundamental to Jewish tradition.

The Best Ways to Give Charity

Historically, giving tzedakah often involved placing money into a box or container known as a tzedakah box. In the digital age, the act of giving has evolved and is now as simple as clicking a button or downloading the Pushka app. This allows you to give beyond your local community and donate to charities in Israel. Additionally, there are various types of mitzvot one can perform beyond monetary donations, which include Bikur Cholim, the practice of visiting the sick, Tikkun Olam, which translates to repairing the world, and volunteering with Jewish charities.

How Does the Jewish Community Benefit From Charity

The Jewish community benefits from charity in numerous ways. Acts of charity strengthen communal bonds, ensuring that all members, especially the vulnerable and needy, receive support. Charity also fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility among community members across the world, and enables those in the diaspora to support jewish charities and people in Israel.

Donate Now to Colel Chabad’s Charitable Programs 

Colel Chabad was established in 1788, making it the oldest continuously operating Tzedakah network in Israel. After more than two centuries, Colel Chabad is deeply ingrained in the fabric of Israeli society and attuned to the ever-evolving needs of the country’s less fortunate.  

Colel Chabad helps the needy in Israel with:

• nutrition security
• food card distribution
• medical care
• childcare
• children’s education
• seasonal needs
• meals for the elderly

Our programs rely heavily on donations. Make a tangible impact on the lives of Israelis in need by donating today.