Noar Blog

What is Tzedakah?

Tzedakah (charitable giving) looks a little different at Noar Sunday this year! Instead of collecting change for different organizations throughout the year, Noar students are living and learning this value each week through action, time, and both material and monetary donations. 

Students are learning that tzedakah can be done many different ways. While collecting and donating money to causes throughout the year is always helpful, tzedakah can also look like donating your time to volunteer for a cause, completing an action for an organization, or collecting materials (like food, clothes, etc.) to help those who need it.  

Each eidah (unit) is partnering with a different local organization that Temple Sinai’s Tzedek Committee already has a relationship with. This means there are opportunities for the whole family to get involved in combating economic injustices! Here’s a look at the organizations each eidah will be working with throughout the year. 

Shoreshim (Grades K-1) will be working to combat educational injustice and food insecurity with Backpack Buddies, a local organization that seeks to provide low income students who are dealing with food insecurity with food for the weekend and school breaks. Backpack Buddies relieves hunger, which in turn helps these students improve grades, health, school attendance and self-esteem. Our Shoreshim students have already packed many bags of food for Backpack Buddies during their bayit (homebase) time at Noar this year. 

Chaverim (Grades 2-3) are learning about and collecting tzedakah for Second Helpings to help combat hunger and food insecurity in Atlanta. Second Helpings is a local organization committed to rescuing and redistributing food waste in the city and connecting those with limited access to healthy food with fresh, healthful options.

Orim (Grades 4-5) are learning about houselessness and housing security this year through work with Family Promise, an organization that helps families transition from temporary to permanent housing by providing mentoring, personal finance education, and temporary shelter for families who need assistance getting back on their feet. Temple Sinai recently wrapped up our first week this year hosting Family Promise, with the help of many members of our community! 

Zehut (Grade 6) will be working with groups that fight antisemitism for their tzedakah focus this year.

We're looking forward to a great year of living and practicing this important Jewish value!