Sweet Charity

Charity the Neo-Vegan Way: It's not tithing, but it helpsI’ve been thinking a lot about charity this year.  I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m a slacker.  However I may “want to give”, I just don’t unless someone (usually a homeless guy or NPR or the firemen) comes begging.

So in January,  I made a New Year’s resolution to begin tithing, and then we had some unexpected turns in the road, and now I’ve put off the whole process until the road straightens back out.

Which sucks, I know… but that’s the truth. 

 So today I went online to find out what the “rules” are on Jewish charity. And I found this.

The Torah commands us to give 10 percent of our earnings to people in need, based on Leviticus 25:35 and Deut. 15:7-8. This is called Ma'aser, literally "one tenth" (hence the English word "tithe"). This is colloquially called tzedakah (charity), which Maimonides lists charity as one of the 613 mitzvahs.

Ten percent of a person's wages after taxes should be set aside for tzedakah. Business expenses and Jewish education costs may be deducted from the 10 percent. (Some people deduct only two-thirds of a boy's Torah education cost.)

So now I’m really really ashamed of my own lack of Jewish charity all these years, and my absolute disorganization in all charitable matters…

And since misery loves company, I want to know. Honestly. Please answer?  You can anonymize yourself if you like…

How much do you give each year?  In cash money?