What is a Pushka?
Charity is an integral part of the Jewish tradition and culture. Traditional Jews like to give a portion of their income to charity and they do so faithfully. In fact, there is a saying that Jewish homes and businesses always have a pushka box where members of the family or the business owner collect coins to give to the poor.
If you want to fulfill your duty as a Jew, you might want to learn more about how you can contribute to your pushka box.
What is a Pushka?
Pushka is known as the tzedakah box for the Jews. There is a joke within the Jewish community that there are a few things that make a Jewish home distinct: there’s a tin can or box sitting on a counter. This box is where any spare coins get dropped from time to time. Some Jews put coins in there more religiously while others contribute any extra coins they don’t have a use for.
Pushka is a Yiddish term that literally translates to “little box”. Even though it is little, it’s contribution is big and significant, depending on the cause that you are making a contribution for.
According to the Jewish tradition and based on the teachings of 12th century sage Maimonides, the frequency of giving to the Pushka box is more important than the amount you give.
Why is this the case? According to Jewish teachings, giving one check valued $365 is not equivalent to giving one coin per day for 365 days. The latter holds more value because it promotes the act of giving as a habit.
The Jewish scholars also believe that an individual gains more by giving what s/he has than by the knowledge he obtains. Based on this belief, you can see why the Jews value keeping a Pushka box at home and honoring the tradition of Tzedakah or charity.
What to Do with Pushka?
Once you have a Pushka box, it is important to keep it somewhere strategic. Place them somewhere that is easily visible so you are constantly reminded to give as little or as much as you can each day. If there are other members in your household, encourage them to give to the box, too.
Once your pushka is filled, you can add up the amount you have saved and give the tzedakah money to any pushka project you support. The Jewish scholars encourage giving the money to the poor and needy, or other worthy causes.
This act is based on the Jewish tradition that whatever you possess is not really yours. Every Jew only serves as treasurers and that whatever comes through your hands must be used for good things. And one of those so-called “good things” is the act of giving to people who are in need.
Keeping a pushka box at home is a Jewish tradition that has and will remain strong from one generation to another. There is a belief that by choosing to use your money to bring the most good – to self and to others – is the best way you can reap its benefits.
