I.
It is good to give tzedaka before morning prayers. With lighter pockets, prayers rise higher.
It is good to give tzedaka before fasting. With another’s hunger filled, ours becomes more holy.
It is good to give tzedaka before Shabbat. The candles will glow more warmly; our rest will be filled with joy.
It is good to give tzedaka after Shabbat. The week will go more smoothly for us and others.
It is good to give tzedaka before a journey. The travel will be safer.
It is good to give tzedaka after a journey. The travel will be richer.
It is good to give tzedaka generously. One can enjoy one’s own wealth more.
It is good to give tzedaka often. It is a blessing forever.
II.
Let us not be the spoiled brats of Jewish history— our generation—the wealthiest, healthiest, safest, freest our people have ever known.
Let us not be free to ignore the poverty of the hungry whose soul is eaten, whose clothes are shredded, whose heart despairs, whose back is bent from begging.
III.
Let us never forget how good it is to give with an open hand, an open heart and all our might— to repair, to be just, to be worthy of the covenant.