Chesed (חסד) is the Hebrew word for “kindness.” It can refer either to acts of kindness taken to help another,1 or a Kabbalistic sefira, the first of the seven emotions or Divine attributes, associated with the right side.

As one of “the three pillars upon which the world stands,” chesed stems from the responsibility of each individual to help others in need.2 Classic acts of chesed (kindness) in Torah literature include visiting the sick, helping to bury the dead, and inviting guests.

The blueprint for acts of chesed is G‑d Himself. We are commanded to “follow in the ways of G‑d.”3 What does that mean? The Talmud4 explains that this means to emulate the acts of kindness that G‑d does. Just as He clothed the naked by making clothing for Adam and Eve,5 so must we provide clothing for those in need. Just as He buried the dead by putting Moses in his final resting place,6 so must we must assist those who need help with burials.

Of course, beyond these examples, any action taken to help or assist another can be termed “an act of chesed.”