As the etymology of that term [charity] (from the Latin root caritas, or "love") implies, charity is a voluntary act of love by one person fo another. The analogous Hebrew term tzedakah (from a root meaning "to be just") has an altogether different connotation: tzedakah is an obligation rather than a voluntary act of grace, an obligation inherent in one’s membership in the community. Although benevolence (khesed, in Hebrew) and acts of loving-kindness (gemilut khasadim) are valued, Jewish tradition holds that the poor should not be dependent on them; as human beings they have the right to a decent life - hence the non-poor are expected to help, in accordance with their means. As Jacob Neusener puts it: "The Jew no more ‘gives’ tzedekah than the citizen ‘gives’ incomes taxes to the government. You pay our taxes because you must." From: Charles Silberman, A Certain People: American Jews and Their Lives Today
“Between 1305 and the early 1800’s. the House of Taxis ran a form of pony express service all over Europe…. Its couriers clad in blue and silver uniforms, crisscrossed the continent carrying messages between princes and generals, merchants and money lenders.” –Alvin Toffler, The Third Wave We may think we are the first generation consumed by rapid communication but we are not. Throughout our history it has been a priority. Of course, now in the 21 st century we must ask: are we better or worse for it?
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