Tzedakah [tsedaˈka] or Ṣ’daqah [sˤəðaːˈqaː] in Classical Hebrew (Hebrew: צדקה‎; Arabic: صدقة‎), is a Hebrew word literally meaning justice or righteousness but commonly used to signify charity, though it is a different concept than charity because tzedakah is an obligation and charity is typically understood as a spontaneous act of goodwill and a marker of generosity. 


From the Hebrew word “Tzedakah” this is where the english word called “Charity donation” derived it’s meaning, though in english the word “charity” could refer more to the act of generous giving, whereas the hebrew concept of tzedakah has a deeper meaning which goes beyond the act of generous giving. 

(To give a tzedakah – to give an offering or sacrifice in form a tithe, the godly deeds of givin an offering – karbon to God, mitzvah, or to participate in a philanthropic project or act).

It is based on the Hebrew word (צדק, Tzedek) meaning righteousness, fairness or justice, and it is related to the Hebrew word “Tzadik” meaning righteous as an adjective (or righteous individual as a noun in the form of a substantive). 

In Judaism, tzedakah refers to the religious obligation to do what is right and just, which Judaism emphasises are important parts of living a spiritual life. 


The collective act of giving tzedakah to God always resulted into the physical state of manifesting peace, joy, love, prosperity and godly unity in a community.

Maimonides says that, while the second highest form of tzedakah is to give donations anonymously to unknown recipients, the highest form is to give a gift, loan, or partnership that will result in the recipient supporting himself instead of living upon others. 

Unlike philanthropy or charity, which is completely voluntary, tzedakah is seen as a religious obligation, which must be performed regardless of financial standing, and must even be performed by poor people. 

Tzedakah is considered to be one of the three main acts that can annul the heavenly judgemental decree over a society, and also bring down a favorable heavenly decree of blessings upon one’s house, society or community. 
The term is synonymous with Sadaqah or Saddka (Arabic: صدقة ), an Islamic term meaning “voluntary charity”.