By Fatima Valentim
“Nature gives without expectation of return – and we should too” – Phra Santikaro, noted monk
Generally speaking, the concept or practice of giving is “universally recognized as one of the most basic human virtues, a quality that testifies to the depth of one’s humanity and one’s capacity for self-transcendence” (Bhikkhu Bodhi, 2010). Read the rest of this entry >>
By Araxi Arslanian
Armenia adopted Christianity as it’s faith in the 4th Century (Payaslian, 2007), and thus boasts the longest tradition of structured Christian philanthropy. Today the Armenian spirit of giving is alive and well (Libaridian, 2004). Armenia is a created state, like Israel. The Diaspora maintain their identity not only through their faith and language, but through their philanthropy (Dobuzinskis, 2005).. Read the rest of this entry >>
By Jamie Tyrrell
Acts of philanthropy occur in almost every population, all over the world. Often these acts stem from religious beliefs. In Islam, Allah is the owner of everything that exists (Jalili, 2006). From this comes the belief that wealth and money should be evenly distributed among the people in order to avoid the concentration of economic power within a few hands (Jalili, 2006). Read the rest of this entry >>
By Linda Innes
The Muslim tradition of sharing sacrificial meat with relatives and friends, and the poor and the needy, occurs during the religious celebration of Eid al-Adha, or the “Greater Eid” or “Festival of Sacrifice”, which is observed annually from the 10th to the 12th of the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Read the rest of this entry >>
By Cody Copeman
Sadaqah is an Islamic word that means “voluntary charity”. This concept includes any act of giving out of compassion, love or generosity and is the non-mandatory form of giving in Islamic culture (Wikipedia, 2010).
Often Sadaqah is made in the form of a “waqf, which is a gift that is used to bring a return, with the profits being put towards charity. Read the rest of this entry >>
By Nadia Ahee
Only recently did the concept of charity emerge in Russian culture. According to Gazetta (2011), as little as 20 years ago, charity did not need to exist because the Soviet government took care of its “less-fortunate” citizens. As a consequence of this, the more fortunate citizens did not feel the need to interfere with these social services.
It was not until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 that the majority of social services were shut down and there became an absolute need for charity. Read the rest of this entry >>
By Danielle Casola
The Latin culture has participated in examples of informal charity and social giving through family and kin networks that dates back to the 1500’s. Until very recently, government agencies and churches, instead of foundations and community driven-non-profit organizations have held the primary responsibility for meeting social and community needs for the Latino immigrants to the United States. Read the rest of this entry >>
By Anita Dundys
The Maori culture of philanthropy is a part of their societal concept: giving, caring and sharing linked to duties, obligations and responsibilities. Theirs is a gift economy, which through its deep connection with the natural world, has developed conventions that emphasize social rewards, loyalty, Read the rest of this entry >>
By Krishna Mistry
Tzedakah, a Hebrew term, translates to the English word charity. However, while charity can be defined as, “generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering” or, “aid given to those in need” many people have argued that there is a large difference between tzedakah and charity. Tzedakah is a fundamental value of the Jewish culture and is a way of life followed by many Jewish people. Read the rest of this entry >>
By Jack Papoff
The Hebrew word for charity is “Tzedakah”. This is for giving aid, assistance and money to the poor or worthwhile causes. Tzedakah is the responsibility to give a portion of ones earnings for the common good. However, charity suggests benevolence and generosity which is an act of the powerful and wealthy to benefit the poor and needy, while Tzedakah means righteousness, fairness or justice.
Historical Roots – At the end of the Jewish worship services the Aleinu prayer states a goal of the Jewish people to “perfect the world under the sovereignty of god”. Read the rest of this entry >>