A tzedakah box, also known by its Yiddish word, pushke, is a receptacle for collecting money that is designated for charity. The Hebrew word tzedakah comes from the root tzedek, meaning justice. Giving money and resources to those in need is understood to be an act of justice.
Many families decorate boxes or cans, and make a habit of putting money in them before Shabbat. When they are full the money is taken out and given to a person or organization in need.
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tzedakah
Pronounced: tzuh-DAH-kuh, Origin: Hebrew, from the Hebrew root for justice, charitable giving.
tzedakah box
Pronounced: tzuh-DAH-kuh box, Box or receptacle used to collect and store charitable donations. Also known as a pushke.
pushke
Pronounced: PUSH-kuh, Origin: Yiddish, tzedakah box, a container for collecting charitable donations.
