Children are never too young to learn about Tzedakah. We have a Mitzvah crib where we collect diapers, wipes and baby supplies as well as gently used baby equipment for a day care center in the Urban core where their whole clientele are homeless or in tremendous need.
We have barrels for our Food Pantry: Harvesters and we collect blankets and jackets for Project Warmth for the homeless.
The children collect money, Tzadakah, each Friday before we light candles and then we give it as a group to a selected fund. We teach the children about where the money is going.
During this time of year we are faced with the reality of those who are less fortunate than we are. In a small group setting we asked the children if they could help explain what tzedakah is and why it is important:
"Give people the money who don't have any. They need toys and maybe a new tv."
" Its money. Somebody else who doesn't have any money. The money can help them get what they don't have in their house. Like the tornado victims in Joplin who had to come to Kansas City from Joplin because all their houses blew down. There was only one hospital to stay up and help the people."
"Tzedakah is for Shabbat. You put it in the can, eat challah and sing the special songs. Not everybody has clothes and toys."
"It's money. The whole world should get the tzedakah to pay for their food and their toys and clothes. Everyone should have what they need. It makes me feel good to help them!"
No comments:
Post a Comment