Harriete Estel Berman has created this installation called Tzedakah (charity) as a meditation on charity as well as a functional piece of Judaica. The artist cut and shaped a selection of vintage enameled charity boxes (several from the Jewish National Fund) into envelopes to express the check-in-an-envelope style of giving most commonly practiced today. While reflecting contemporary sensibilities, the piece resonates with thoughts about the importance of charity in Jewish life.
		Harriete Estel Berman (American, b. 1952) Tzedakah (alms container) San Mateo, California, 1999 Pre-printed steel with aluminum rivets; installation of 50 envelopes Each envelope: 3 1/2" x 6 1/4" x 1/2"; entire installation: 42" x 35" x 1/2" The Jewish Museum, New York: Museum purchase; Judaica Endowment Acquisitions Fund