Question of the Week:
I understand the uplifting value of tzedakah, giving charity, and I try to donate often to honour the memory of those I've loved, who lived lives that have inspired me. Lately, however, I've given tzedakah donations to worthy causes in the hope of achieving something I yearn for and dream about - I want my daughter to get married. Is this still charity, or am I bribing G-d?
Answer:
There is a fascinating line in the Talmud:
'One who gives charity and says "on condition that my child is healed from sickness" or "that I earn a reward in the afterlife" - that person is completely righteous.'
This means that giving charity in the hope of selfish gai… Read More »