The Hebrew word tzedakah, commonly translated as "charity," literally means "justice" or "righteousness." "Charity" connotes a generosity of spirit--giving of the rich to the poor. "Tzedakah," on the other hand, implies that one is fulfilling his or her obligation in doing what is just and right. One is giving not of one's own, but of that which has been entrusted by G-d to him or her, for the purpose of giving to others.
