Tzedakah: How Much Should You Donate? : News

In the old days, Jewish people used to pool their money and pay Tzedakah. That common fund was later utilized to provide help to the poor in the locality. The funds were collected from each family by an elected person called ‘Gabbai Tzedakah’ and then spent on charitable causes depending on the local need. One of the many roles of that person was to figure out how much each person should pay to the community Tzedakah fund. While this job was not without its challenges, it did answer the question of how much Tzedakah one needs to pay.

In the modern times, however, this question has reemerged, and it now confuses a lot of people who want to make rightful contributions to charity. Now, because Tzedakah is an obligation, there are certain guidelines involved. Most Jewish families contribute around 10 percent of the total income to the poor. This 10 percent rule is in accordance with the Jewish law and it is calculated after tax deductions.

The obligatory donation of 10 percent may sound like a modern day addition to the age old custom of Tzedakah but it actually has its roots firmly embedded in ancient Jewish law. The moral duty of contributing one tenth of the agricultural produce is explicitly instructed in the Torah and it’s described by the Hebrew word ‘ma’aser ani’. Even though there are many Jews today who hold non-farming jobs, the rule of giving one tenth away to charity is just as relevant..

Now, the most common question asked is regarding the strictness of this rule. What if you are doing very well and can spare more than just 10 percent? What on the other hand happens if you are in a financial misery and cannot possibly contribute as much? Giving away 10 percent of the total income is something that most Jewish families follow but there are exceptions to the rule.

What Happens to People Who Cannot Afford to Pay Ten Percent of Their Income?

First of all, someone living in an impoverished condition can opt to pay less. These people should donate as much as they can and their contribution towards Tzedakah should not force them to become a liability to others. This is why the minimum amount that needs to be given as Tzedakah annually is set as $2. However, this just for people who are living in poor conditions. People with a decent living are obligated to contribute at least 10 percent or one tenth of their total income.

For people who can afford more, Jewish laws encourage a contribution of 20 percent of the total income. Folks with higher means are also asked to form a community and help poor people with whatever they need without any fixed upper limit set on the total contribution. Wealthy people are in fact obligated to provide everything they possibly can to help the poor as long as it falls under their boundary of affordability. However, the money given should not be for luxuries but for providing sustenance to people who are truly needy.

In the ancient times, donating a set amount as Tzedakah was enforced by law and the community. Today, however, there is no such legal obligation and the decision of how much to pay is completely personal. Jewish individuals can decide how much they want to donate and how they wish to do so. If you are an average earning Jewish person, then paying 10 percent of your net income is often recommended. We also suggest honestly evaluating your financial situation before increasing or decreasing your Tzedakah contribution.