What is the difference between tzedakah and maaser?
Tzedakah is any giving to those in need or to Torah causes. Maaser is the custom of setting aside a fixed share of your income, usually a tenth, for tzedakah.
Tzedakah & maaser
Giving that keeps the table full.
Tzedakah does not really mean charity. It means doing what is right. Here is how to give well: work out your maaser, understand the special gifts of Purim, and see where giving goes in Hadera.
Tools and guides
Everything about giving, in one place.
Free tool
Maaser calculator
Enter your income and see 10% maaser and 20% chomesh, per month and per year.
Calculate your maaser
Every week
Shabbat food baskets
Discreet, consistent food support so every family in Hadera can sit down to a Shabbat meal.
How the baskets work
Before Pesach
Passover food baskets
Help families through the most expensive week of the year, so they can focus on the Seder.
About Passover baskets
Purim
Matanot La'Evyonim
Gifts to the poor on Purim day, so the joy of the festival reaches everyone.
Learn the mitzvah
Before Purim
Machatzit HaShekel
Three half coins in memory of the Temple's half shekel. What to give and how.
Give Machatzit HaShekel
In Hadera
Support the community
Hospitality, food baskets, learning and children's activities, in English.
See where your gift goesMaaser in four steps
A simple way to give consistently.
- Know your income.Decide with your rabbi whether you calculate from gross or net income. Our calculator shows both.
- Set aside a tenth.Maaser is 10%. Chomesh, a fifth, is a higher level of giving that some choose.
- Give regularly.Weekly or monthly giving is easier than one large sum, and it keeps tzedakah part of everyday life.
- Keep a simple record.A note on your phone or a spreadsheet is enough to see what you have set aside and what you have given.
Quick answers
Tzedakah questions people ask
Should I calculate maaser from gross or net income?
Opinions and circumstances differ. Our maaser calculator lets you try both. For a personal answer, ask your rabbi, or send us a note.
When is a good time to give?
Any time. Many people give a coin every weekday before prayers, and before lighting Shabbat and holiday candles. Before Purim there are also special gifts: Matanot La'Evyonim and Machatzit HaShekel.
Where does a gift to Chabad English Hadera go?
Into community life in Hadera: Shabbat and holiday hospitality, food baskets for families, and learning and activities in English. The donate page explains it in detail.
Give in Hadera
Help someone else feel at home.
A shared meal, a food basket before Shabbat, a child's first community activity. Your tzedakah makes these moments possible.
Let's stay in touch
Your next connection starts with hello.
Join our WhatsApp group for community updates, activities, and ways to take part.