What is the maximum percentage of net worth one should give to tzedakah?

The practice of giving to tzedakah, or charity, is deeply embedded in Jewish law and ethics. According to Halacha, the guideline for charitable giving is that an individual should ideally contribute one-fifth of their net worth to tzedakah. This percentage reflects a balance between generous giving and maintaining one’s own financial stability, ensuring that the giver can continue to support themselves and their family while fulfilling the sacred duty of helping others.

This principle is derived from interpretations of the sources in Jewish texts, which highlight that giving too much could lead to financial distress for the giver, thereby negating their ability to contribute in the future. Therefore, the correct answer signifies a thoughtful approach to philanthropy, allowing a person to give significantly while also safeguarding their own resources.

In contrast, a recommendation to give one-tenth of their net worth might be seen as a minimum standard of tzedakah, but it does not reflect the maximum guideline. Giving half of one's net worth could lead to a precarious financial situation, and donating all of one's net worth would be impractical and unsustainable for individual well-being. These standards are established to encourage meaningful contributions without compromising the donor's future financial security.