The world is built on three pillars: Tzedaka, Tefillah and Torah – good deeds, prayer and  learning – and you can enter that three-pillared doorway with the Daily PledgeTM, a commitment  of just five minutes a day. Becoming closer to G-d is available to all of us – if you only open the  door to it. G-d placed the world in man’s heart, so the three pillars are intrinsic to our very being. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) 

Embrace them in small steps by giving a few moments each day to acts of kindness or making a  charitable donation, saying the Shema and reading a short Torah lesson. That’s the promise of  The Daily Pledge, your gateway to spiritual empowerment and nourishment in just five minutes  a day. 

“He who sows (gives) Tzedaka has a reward of truth.” (Proverbs XI) 

Tzedaka – doing an act of loving kindness – is the number one action mitzvah. You can achieve  it in an instant by depositing money into a donation box or doing a kind deed. It doesn’t matter  how much charity you give, from a small coin on up; it matters that you open your hand and  heed your heart. Taking philanthropic action benefits the recipient, but it benefits the giver more.  You nourish your spirit when you start your day by doing something selfless for other people. 

“Moses commanded the generations to recite the Shema.” (Deuteronomy 6:4) 

Tefillah – After you’ve given your donation, say a prayer, the Shema, a blessing of affirmation  and core belief. Tefillah is the number one emotional mitzvah because it enables you to reach  into your heart to connect with the Divine. When you offer a prayer to the Almighty – even for  the minute it takes to say the Shema and maybe a silent prayer of your own – your day is  immeasurably strengthened.  

“Study of Torah balances everything else.” (Tanya ch 15, p 61) 

Torah study – While this is the number one intellectual mitzvah, it doesn’t require being in a  class, listening to a lecture or having advanced knowledge. Just read thoughtfully for a few  minutes, perhaps a one-page lesson that can elevate and inspire your day. Now you’ve done  something meaningful to strengthen the pillars of the world in your heart, to empower your inner  self. The Daily Pledge is a commitment to spend five minutes each day embracing the three  pillars of Judaism: giving to charity, reaching out to G-d and studying Torah. Day by day, as  people around the world take on this practice, the Daily Pledge creates building blocks in your  spiritual connection and unites you with a kindred community. 

This enriching, lived experience doesn’t take a lot of time, money or attention – just enough to  change your life. 

“A little light dispels a lot of darkness.” (Ecclesiastes 2:13)