Fare thee well? (a rhetorical question)

We Jews have such a rich tradition around the concept of giving and assisting others. In the preparation for the JYTF meetings, I encounter so many wonderful, lively, and interesting texts and ideas on the topic. I often marvel at how complex and intricate the details are in some of the references I find, all in the basic premise of improving another's situation and partnering with the Creator.

So, with such a foundation, imagine my bafflement at a recent opinion piece featuring a study of giving habits, both in the broader population and the Jewish population: http://www.forward.com/articles/120593/. In truth, I was shocked. Once I emerged from a bit of my own hypocrisy, I thought, how can we possibly explain/excuse this away, what with the virtual giving guidebook(s) we have in our culture?

The other point made in the piece is the definition of tzedakah. How broadly should it be defined?

So, what do you think: did the figures surprise you? What is tzedakah, in your view? Is Jill Jacobs making some good points, or just holding Jews, unfairly, to a higher standard?

Thoughts to ponder in the 'giving season'

The media has dubbed this time of year the 'giving season.' Any tzedakah-savvy person knows that all year is the time for giving. But we sometimes benefit from the media focus on giving.

Two cases in point: just this week the NY Times has run two articles on the general theme of giving. The first one covers research done on small children, showing that the urge to help is innate: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/science/01human.html?_r=1&ref=health. The second article explores the benefit to the giver, not so much the receiver: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/health/01well.html?ref=health.

So, what do you think: is helping an innately human trait? Or something that we teach? Does giving to or assisting someone else relieve the physical or emotional symptoms of one who is ill?