Что означает слово «цаддиким»?

Origins of Tzaddikim

The word “tzaddikim” is the plural form of the Hebrew word “tzaddik,” which means “righteous person” or “just one.” According to Jewish tradition, tzaddikim live virtuous, moral, and spiritually devout lives. They are living examples of the highest standards of ethical behavior and devotion to G-d.

How to Become a Tzaddik?

Becoming a tzaddik is not something that happens overnight. It involves a lifelong commitment to spiritual growth, moral excellence, and selflessness. The summarized guide includes the following:

1. 1. Follow G-d’s Commandments: Adhere strictly to the Тора и еврейский закон, and perform мицвот (commandments) with sincerity and devotion.
   2. Pursue Moral Virtue: Act with смирение, integrity, сострадание, and kindness in all aspects of life.
   3. Perform Acts of Charity: Dedicate yourself to helping others, giving tzedakah, and supporting the community, especially the poor. Charity is a pillar of Jewish life, and through tzedakah, the community thrives as a network of care and support that helps to uplift everyone in times of need.
   4. Refine your Character: Work on overcoming negative traits and developing positive ones, like patience and gratitude.
   5. Develop a connection with G-d: Strengthen your faith through prayer, study, and constant awareness of G-d’s presence.
   6. Serve as a Role Model: Inspire others by living as an example of the utmost spiritual and ethical person.
   7. Seek Constant Growth: Constantly strive for higher levels of righteousness, never settling for complacency.
      

Examples of Tzaddikim

На протяжении всей еврейской истории, many tzaddikim have demonstrated a profound commitment to tzedakah, often prioritizing helping others before their service to G-d. The following are a few examples.

Rabbi Meir Baal Haness (1st century CE -2nd century CE)

Раввин Меир Бааль Ханесс is one of the most well-known tzaddikim in Jewish tradition. He is recognized for his wisdom, Torah scholarship, and incredible добрые дела. 

One of his most famous stories involves a woman who came to Rabbi Meir Baal Haness asking for help because the Romans wrongly imprisoned her husband on a false charge. Unfortunately, she had no way of securing his release, and she feared for his life. Rabbi Meir gave her a lot of money to bridge her husband’s jailers and guarantee his freedom.

When the woman asked, “What if this money is not enough?” the Rabbi told her to mention his name and say, “G-d of Meir, answer me!” He told her this phrase would invoke divine assistance. The jailers initially refused to release the prisoner, but when the woman mentioned, “G-d of Meir, answer me!” her husband was set free.

The story demonstrates the essence of charity by directly addressing the woman’s needs. It also illustrates how empowering giving to others can be and that helping those in need continues to inspire countless Еврейские филантропы today. Many of them dedicate their resources to uplifting individuals and communities like Rabbi Meir Baal Haness did.

Rabbi Aryeh Levin (1885-1969)

Otherwise known as the “Tzaddik of Jerusalem,” Rabbi Levin devoted his life to comforting prisoners, visiting with the sick, and helping the poor. One day, Rabbi Arey Levin was walking in the streets of Jerusalem when he saw an elderly man struggling to walk in torn and hole-ladden shoes. Without any inhibition, Rabbi Levin approached the man and asked about his feet. The man explained that he couldn’t afford new shoes, and his feet were sore and bruised from the old ones.

Rabbi Levin led the man to a nearby shoe store and asked the shopkeeper to fit the man into a high-quality pair of comfortable shoes. The Rabbi paid for the shoes and ensured the man exited the shop with his head held high and no longer in pain.

This small yet profound act personifies Rabbi Levin’s way of living—seeing every person’s pain as his own and addressing it with humility and respect. He didn’t just give charity; he gave it in a way that preserved the recipient’s dignity. Just as Maimonides outlines in his Восемь степеней даяния, this is the true mark of a tzaddik and reflects the highest levels of charity.

Giving Generously to Jewish Charities with Colel Chabad

The phrase “Коль Исраэль Аревим Зе Базе” simply translated means “all Israel are responsible for one another,” and that’s an expression we take to heart at Colel Chabad. Whether you’re familiar with Jewish tales of Tzaddikim and charity or not, what’s important is that you realize the impact of donating to Jewish charities. 

There are many ways to donate and get involved in Jewish charities. As one of the best Israeli charities, we have many ways to donate to Jewish causes, and we can help you choose the best way for you. 

So, whether you’re interested in volunteering with a Jewish charity that helps the poor, are debating to whom you should give your tzedakah first, or want to teach your children about charitable giving, we can help.