Learning about Tzedakah

In the Levana class, we have added giving Tzedakah to our weekly Shabbat rituals.  Tzedakah, literally, righteousness, is the Jewish commandment of making charitable donations and giving to others in need.  We have a classroom Tzedakah box that we put coins in every Friday during our classroom Shabbat celebration.  At the end of the school year, we will decide where to donate our money.

Haley surprised us this week by bringing in her own coin to put in our tzedakah box, which she did with great pride.  We will encourage all of the children to bring in their own contributions, too.

During circle, we hand each child a coin and invite him or her to put it into the Tzedakah box.  We teach them that it is important to give to others, so that if they don't have enough food, clothing, or other necessities, they can get what they need.   This is something we have been thinking about, especially in this very cold weather.

Graham and Haley look on as Harold puts his coin in.

Now it's Graham's turn.

Olivia happily adds her coin!

Shabbat Shalom from Levana!