Why and How We Should Teach Children About Charitable Giving

Why We Teach Children About Charitable Giving

Compassion towards others is taught from a very young age in Judaism. A core religious value, the Torah contains many teachings on tzedakah (charity) and chesed (acts of loving-kindness). These principles, along with mishpat (justice and righteousness), anavah (humility), bitachon (trust), and advocacy for the poor, form the bedrock of Jewish ethics. They align with the Jewish concept of tikkun olam – repairing the world – which emphasizes our collective duty to build the world with kindness.

What Should Be Taught

When we say we should teach children about charitable giving, we don’t mean simply lecturing them about abstract concepts. Jewish law, along with the Chabad Rebbes and influential leaders who study it extensively, encourages us to lead lives of active kindness and generosity. That starts with recognizing that the meaning of compassion can manifest in many forms beyond choosing a charity to support. 

Signing up to volunteer, visiting the sick, or helping an elderly neighbor with their groceries are all forms of tzedakah. It’s essential to emphasize that charitable giving isn’t limited to financial contributions. Children can be encouraged to donate their time, skills, or even outgrown toys and clothes.

The key is to nurture a giving spirit from an early age, allowing children to develop empathy and understand the impact of their actions. Parents and educators play a crucial role in guiding this process, explaining the importance of giving back, and helping children decide where to donate tzedakah. 

Who Should Teach It

There is no ‘best’ person to teach children about charitable giving. Famous Jewish philanthropists can serve as great examples of what it looks like in practice, but so can family members, friends, and local religious leaders. Everyone has a divine responsibility to nurture the next generation’s understanding of tzedakah.

Deciding How to Involve Kids in Philanthropy

It may be hard for some children to fully understand the virtue of generosity and the value of putting others first. Some even have trouble recognizing their obligation to share wealth as adults.

The weight of a child’s role in charitable traditions ultimately comes down to their age. Everyone can engage in philanthropy in some capacity, and according to the Eight Degrees of Giving, to various extents. These range from giving reluctantly at the lowest level to empowering recipients to become self-reliant at the highest. This framework provides a useful guide for introducing children to the concept of charity and helping them progress in their philanthropic journey as they mature.

The Life-Long Benefits of Teaching Charity

Involving children in charitable giving not only benefits the recipients but also instills lifelong values of compassion and social responsibility in the young givers themselves. The many psychological benefits of philanthropy can be extremely enriching to developing minds – although adults can certainly benefit from recognizing the good too. 

Research has shown that engaging in charitable activities can boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and increase overall happiness. Creating these positive associations early on in life makes it more likely that children will continue to engage in charitable activities as they age.

The Community-Wide Benefits of Teaching Charity

The Gemara’s interpretations of Jewish values emphasize the importance of tzedakah (charity) as a fundamental aspect of Jewish life. So does the Talmud, which states that tzedakah is equal to all other commandments combined. We’re all taught to live life with a goal of tikkun olam, or repairing the world.

Jews deeply value community not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s the smart thing to do. Our communities thrive through charity and the opportunities to stay connected created by synagogue-wide initiatives. Mutual responsibility, as encouraged by the well-known phrase ‘Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh‘ (All Israel is responsible for one another) sees that everyone can live a life of kavod habriyot (dignity). 

Participation in community-wide charitable activities empowers children to embody this value, understanding that their actions can have a ripple effect far beyond their immediate circle.

How to Teach Kids to Learn to Give Back

Although they won’t be participating in corporate giving programs anytime soon, children can still engage in meaningful philanthropic activities tailored to their age and abilities. Encouraging them to donate a portion of their allowance, participate in community service projects, or even start their own small fundraising initiatives can instill a sense of social responsibility from an early age. These experiences lay the groundwork for more substantial charitable involvement as they grow older and gain more resources and influence.

Giving traditions such as ma’aser kefasim (tithing) and pe’ah (corners) weave acts of kindness into everyday life. The pushka box is another great way to normalize giving in Jewish households. Children often consider a special ritual of dropping coins into the pushka before Shabbat or on special occasions. It’s a simple act that teaches small, regular acts of kindness can accumulate and make a significant impact over time. It similarly aligns with the Jewish principle that the frequency of giving is just as important as the amount of tzedakah given.

Charitable holidays create additional opportunities to practice philanthropy throughout the Jewish calendar year. Families traditionally donate to Chanukah, give during Purim, and make an extra effort to extend hachnasat orchim (hospitality) on Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks) and Lag Baomer.

The Importance of Role Models

It’s critical to have role models and to understand our roots and traditions. When role models reside in our local communities and we establish a personal connection with them, they motivate us to work toward our objectives and stay true to our faith. Jewish youth greatly benefit from having role models who have comparable values, philosophies, upbringing, and even worldviews. 

Involve Kids in Philanthropy Because the Future Depends on It

By involving children in charitable activities, we’re not just shaping individual character, we’re cultivating a generation of socially conscious citizens who are prepared to tackle the world’s emerging challenges with compassion and innovation. That couldn’t be any more relevant than in today’s rapidly changing world. As Israel faces crises of unprecedented proportions, both it and the Jewish diaspora will require a new generation of philanthropists to step up and make a difference. From food security programs to support for widows and orphans, change ultimately starts on the individual level – and every individual starts learning to give in childhood. 

Teach Your Children About Charitable Giving Through Colel Chabad

If you’re looking to teach children about charitable giving, Colel Chabad offers an excellent platform to put these teachings into practice. Among Israel’s biggest charities, our historic organization embodies the enduring Jewish commitment to tzedakah and charity through the lens of the Chabad movement.

From grassroots art fundraisers to large-scale humanitarian aid initiatives, each program we run presents an opportunity for children to understand the complexities of social issues and the power of collective action.

Mass Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

Our Jewish charity organizes an annual mass Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration for orphans who have lost a parent. This event combines hundreds of individual coming-of-age ceremonies, providing each child with traditional gifts and a joyous banquet featuring live music and dancing.

These meaningful celebrations not only honor Jewish traditions but also offer support to children during a significant milestone in their lives. Our commitment to nurturing the next generation extends beyond religious observances, as evidenced by our other youth-focused programs.

Summer Camps

We believe in the transformative power of summer camp experiences, especially for children without father figures or from financially struggling families. Each year, we provide hundreds of children with access to quality summer camps, offering them opportunities for growth, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

Hospital Programs for Children

Colel Chabad stands out among Israeli charitable organizations for its multiple programs dedicated to ill children. We offer Chanukah and summer camp packages, as well as regular bedside visits, to support hospitalized children and their families during difficult times.

Donate Online Today

Whether your child is inclined to support initiatives against poverty, charity funds for orphans, non-profit educational programs, resources for the poor, or community healthcare projects, donations here make a difference everywhere. Digital giving tools make getting involved and making an impact easier than ever. Get started today.