It is a Jewish custom—and has been for ages—that Tzedakah/Charity is given in honor and in memory of a departed soul. This custom hearkens back to the middle ages, when Jews donated charity instead of flowers to honor their dead, as flowers were seen as ostentatious and a waste of resources.

Since Judaism has always placed a premium on life and the living, the idea of sustaining and supporting the living even in times of death was seen as an important way of not dwelling on misfortune but to help those that are alive and in need instead. 

If you’d like to honor your loved one by making a special donation in their memory to help others, please click here.