If you’re feeling like everything is on shaky ground recently, let this be a stable patch of earth for you today. In the Jewish tradition, on Passover we put an extra place setting or simply an extra wine glass on the table for the prophet Elijah. Not only does this symbolize hope and redemption, it’s also a metaphor for extending our home and livelihood to those in need of it. To me, this seder practice acts as a kind of donation to my community. We can all benefit from more love and care as many people struggle to make ends meet right now.
When I think about why I make donations to and participate in crowdfunding for friends, acquaintances and strangers on the internet who are suffering a medical issue, experiencing homelessness or just need money for something to eat, I also see it as a socially responsible investment in my community. What can we expect to get from this world if we don’t have anything to give?
Another donation-related Jewish tradition is tzedakah, meaning justice or righteousness. According to Jewish thought, giving to others isn’t considered anything extra, it’s simply the right thing to do. So, growing up I would bring two quarters to Sunday school every week as my tzedakah, and it would go to a number of organizations chosen by my synagogue. I never questioned it—it was the norm. (I’m sure some kids were stealing those quarters for themselves though!)
I have since been passionate about donating, and when the year 2020—which now seems like both a distant dream and still our same horrifying reality—reared its ugly head, I was donating to anyone I possibly could. The Black Lives Matter movement and Black activists all over the country were highlighting organizations to donate to that had previously not received as much attention. One Chicago-based, queer Black woman-led organization I’ve donated to is Assata’s Daughters. This year, my focus has been on abortion funds. I recently donated to the Yellowhammer Fund, located and helping people in the Deep South.
The financial implications of a donation are up to you and what you can afford. If you really want to get organized, you can fit donations into your budget. You can also choose if you want to only donate to local organizations, or if you’re willing to expand your reach. If you donate your old clothes, include that in your charitable donation deduction on your taxes. (A written acknowledgement such as a receipt is required by the IRS for any donation, cash or otherwise, of $250 or more.) I save any emails I get from the donations I make in a folder and when I do my taxes, I add them all up. The basic donation question on TurboTax is generally based on an approximation, but this gives me a good idea of how much I donate per year.