Torah Study > Chapter 4: Tzedek, Tzedakah, & Chesed > Text 5
What does the text suggest are the benefits and limitations of chesed
and tzedakah?
There are some ways of giving that transcend even tzedakah. These are
known as acts of chesed, loving-kindness. The unique elements of chesed
are that they are done with one’s time and not one’s money, they connect
people one to the other, they often cannot be reciprocated, and they can
be performed by anyone, regardless of their economic or social standing.
An additional distinction this passage does not mention is that chesed is
voluntary while tzedakah is obligatory.
What do the rabbis mean when they say that chesed can be done
with one’s time, toward the rich and toward the dead? Name some
cases where this is true.
TOP OF PAGE
Which is easier for us to do—tzedekah or chesed? If tzedakah is often
easier, why should we bother with chesed? If chesed is easier, why
should we bother with tzedekah? How should we choose which one
to do?
If we are wealthy enough, can we (should we) hire someone to do
the works of chesed for us?
TOP OF PAGE
