The Jerusalem Tzedaka Box

#T-4
2001, sterling silver and Jerusalem stone
Height 23cm, Width 32x32cm
Limited edition, signed and numbered by the artist

This unique sterling silver charity box is reminiscent of Jerusalem. Inscribed upon
the box is the quote:
עשרה קבין של יופי ירדו לעולם תשעה נטלה ירושלים ואחד העולם כולו
“Ten portions of beauty came down to the world: Nine for Jerusalem and one for
the rest of the world.”
The Jerusalem Tzedaka Box is composed of nine charity boxes in one. In the
center is a removable Tzedaka box. This box represents the Holy Temple and the
relationship of charity that exists between man and G-d. The Torah teaches us
that giving to the Temple is the first stage of giving charity. This Tzedaka box is
embellished with the following verse, from Malachi 3:10:
”הביאו את כל המעשר אל בית האוצר ויהי טרף בביתי“
“Bring all the tithes to the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house.
[for those who serve in the Holy Temple]”
The Talmud (Taanit 9A) reads: “Rabbi Yochanan met the young son of Reish
Lakish. Rabbi Yochanan said to him: “Recite to me the verse you are currently
studying.” The boy answered him, ” עשר תעשר ” [“Tithe, you
shall tithe].”