What is the tzedakah box used for?

Most Jewish homes had a blue and white tin box for the deposit of tzedakah coins for charity. From early childhood, Jewish children learned their responsibility was to care for other Jews in need.

What is a pushka box?

For generations and generations, Jewish families have kept a Colel Chabad pushka (coin box) in their homes, faithfully contributing a coin or two every day and on Friday’s prior to lighting Shabbat candles.

Can you give tzedakah on Shabbat?

Tzedakah is an ethical obligation that the Torah mandates, also known as a “mitzvah,” or law. Many Jews give tzedakah before Shabbat (the sabbath) and festivals (such as Purim and Shavuot). Its intention is to show the Jewish people’s determination to improve the world.

Why do Jews do tzedakah?

Tzedakah refers to the religious obligation to do what is right and just, which Judaism emphasizes as an important part of living a spiritual life.

Why do the Jews not practice cremation?

Jewish law and tradition consider cremation as destruction of property. Jewish mysticism, or Kabbalah, also holds that the soul does not immediately depart the body. Rather, it slowly leaves the body as it decomposes; cremation therefore is considered to cause pain, even after death.

What is a Pishka?

A tin can, particularly an alms box. Pronunciation: Click here to hear a native Yiddish speaker use this word in conversation. Alternative pronunciations: PUSH-kee, PISH-ke, PISH-kee. German equivalent: Apparently, there is no German equivalent for this word.

What does pushka mean in English?

(Пушка) a gun or cannon in the Russian language, and used to characterize the Russian Tsar Cannon.

How much should you donate for yahrzeit?

Your memorial donation pays tribute to your loved one and makes a big difference for seniors. Yahrzeit contributions of $18 or more will be recognized in The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle. A suggested contribution of $360 will establish a Perpetual Yahrzeit Memorial.

Is Colel Chabad a good charity?

It is also known as the charity of Rabbi Meir Ba’al HaNes. Its current director is Rabbi Sholom Duchman. In 2005 Colel Chabad ranked #117 among the top Canadian registered charities by expenditures outside Canada, with $2,623,290 in expenditures.

Is tzedakah a commandment?

Even so, there is no commandment to give tzedakah on a daily basis, but there are two holidays when it is customary to give tzedakah: on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and during Purim, when amid the frivolity is a clear commandment to give tzedakah, known as “matanot la’evyonim,” (gifts to the poor) over the course …

Why can’t Cohen’s go to funerals?

A cohen must also preserve his ritual purity by avoiding contact with the dead and hence may not attend funerals, except those of close relatives. There are also certain restrictions regarding marriage.