6164 – The Real Bracha for Giving Tzedaka!
Q. See question above. Rabbi Is that really the answer? How about if someone normally, even for very important mitzvot, always recites a blessing?
A. There is another reason mentioned by Poskim, and it is also the classic explanations given, namely that tzedakah is a mitzvah whose fulfillment depends on another person. A blessing is generally recited only when the mitzvah is entirely within the control of the one performing it. If the receiver denies taking the donation, the blessing would have been recited in vain.
Others explain that it would be inappropriate to recite a blessing over a situation which may cause another Jew pain. Although giving tzedakah is a great kindness, the receiver may experience feelings of embarrassment or shame.
Another reason given is that one of the purposes of reciting a blessing before performing a mitzvah is to acknowledge that Hashem has sanctified us through His commandments, as can be seen in the standard formula for these blessings: “Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us . . .”. Tzedakah, however, is an act that people of all cultures recognize as a moral obligation. Since the uniquely Jewish element of sanctification is not as readily apparent in this mitzvah, the Sages did not establish a blessing before its performance.
Others add that we usually only recite a blessing before a mitzvah which you aren’t obligated to do all the time. A mitzvah like tzedakah, however, applies at all times.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting, Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
Reviewed by: Hagaon Rav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Published: November 6, 2026