By Marc Brown
Approximately two years ago, I received a call from the incoming Buffalo Jewish Federation (BJF) president, Marjorie Bryen, about the possibility of serving as one of Federation’s Vice-Presidents. In addition, Margie informed me that this position would also include my role as BJF Development Chair. After evaluating my personal time and work commitments, I accepted Margie’s offer and took on this role. Unlike other leadership roles that I have held in a variety of areas that touched upon philanthropy, this role was specifically geared towards philanthropy or tzedakah with the goal of raising funds for worthy causes.
The word Tzedakah in Hebrew contains the root Tzedek, which is “justice” or “righteousness.” When one gives charity, they are helping to create a “just” or “righteous” society. According to the Talmud, all charity helps establish peace in the world and builds the connection between the Jewish people and G-d. (Bava Batra 1:19). According to the Rambam or Maimonides, there are eight levels of tzedakah (Mishna Torah, Laws of Charity, 10:7-14). In the order of importance, Maimonides set these levels as follows: (1) providing an interest-free loan or finding a job wherein the person can use the funds to be self-sufficient, (2) anonymously to an unknown recipient through a fund (ex – Rabbi’s fund) who can then distribute the funds in the most needy way, (3) anonymously to a known recipient, (4) publicly to an unknown recipient, (5) before being asked, (6) adequately after being asked, (7) willingly, but inadequate, and (8) unwillingly or out of pity. Although the highest goal is to provide someone with a job and the ability to be self-sufficient, any form of charity is beneficial because giving tzedakah is a mitzvah and responsibility.
The concept of Maaser is the mitzvah of giving one-tenth of your net income to charity. It is well believed that by giving away one-tenth, you will, in turn, become wealthy. In fact, if you maintain the 90-10 split, it is to continue year after year.
There are also levels of importance with tzedakah. For example, giving to a needy family member is more important than a stranger. Giving to local charities takes priority over charities out of town. In addition, giving to charities in Israel should be a priority over non-local charities outside of Israel.
In addition, many believe that no other mitzvah has the same power as tzedakah. In simple terms, when you take care of others, G-d takes care of you. It is not the amount of the gift, but how you give. According to King Solomon, “[w]hen you give to a poor man, you are lending to G-d.” Accordingly, G-d pays you back in multifold.
There are multiple organizations through the BJF and across our community that are worthy recipients of our charitable contributions. It is my hope that we continue to help each other out and, in turn, help ourselves prosper throughout the year.
Marc Brown is Vice President and Development Chair for Buffalo Jewish Federation and a Partner at Goldberg Segalla LLP, one of Federation’s corporate sponsors.
