The second person, although concerned, does not cry, and in fact has to rush away. But, because his religion commands him to give 10 percent of his income to charity, he gives the poor person one hundred dollars. If we simply look at the dollar amount, then the person who gave the most money did the better thing. Remember, in this example, both individuals had the same income and expenses. This suggests that even charity is becoming a somewhat selfish act.
Some people care less about the good their money is doing than about how they feel giving it.
Tonight, I would like to talk about Tzedakah. Tzedakah is usually translated somewhat inaccurately, as charity. It literally means justice or righteousness. The word Tzedakah derives from the Hebrew word Tzedek, or justice. Performing deeds of justice is perhaps the most important obligation Judaism imposes on the Jew.