The Attainable Goal of Becoming a Tzadik: A Jewish Perspective Missing in Christianity
The Attainable Goal of Becoming a Tzadik: A Jewish Perspective Missing in Christianity
The Tzadik: A Biblical Ideal of Righteousness
The Hebrew word tzadik (צַדִּיק), derived from the root ṣāḏaq meaning "to be straight" or "cleanse," appears 206 times in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "righteous" or "just." The first person explicitly called a tzadik is Noah, described in Genesis 6:9 as "a just man and perfect in his generations" who "walked with God." Notably, Noah’s righteousness predates the giving of the Torah, suggesting that being a tzadik is a universal human potential, not confined to specific laws or rituals. Noah’s life demonstrates that righteousness involves aligning one’s actions with God’s will, even in a corrupt world.
The concept of righteousness originates with God Himself. In Deuteronomy 32:4, God is described as "the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He." This divine righteousness sets the standard for humanity. Abraham, another pivotal figure, embodies this ideal when he believes in God, and it is "counted to him for righteousness" (Genesis 15:6). Abraham’s dialogue with God in Genesis 18:23-25 further underscores the tzadik as a moral category distinct from the wicked, as he pleads for the righteous to be spared in Sodom’s judgment. Even Pharaoh, an outsider, acknowledges this divine righteousness in Exodus 9:27, admitting, "The LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked."
The ultimate expression of this concept appears in Jeremiah 23:6, where the future Messiah is called "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS" (YHWH Tsidkenu). This name reflects the Jewish belief that God’s righteousness is both a divine attribute and a gift imparted to humanity, enabling people to strive toward becoming tzadikim through faith, moral action, and repentance.
The Tzadik: An Attainable Goal
In Judaism, becoming a tzadik is not reserved for an elite few but is an attainable goal for every person. The tzadik is not perfect in the sense of being sinless but is someone who strives to live justly, walk humbly with God, and repent when they falter. This accessibility is rooted in the biblical narrative, where figures like Noah and Abraham are not flawless but are deemed righteous through their faith and actions. The Jewish tradition emphasizes that righteousness is a process—a lifelong journey of aligning oneself with God’s will through ethical living, prayer, and study.
This attainable ideal empowers individuals to see themselves as capable of spiritual growth. The tzadik is not an unreachable figure on a pedestal but a model for everyday life. Whether through acts of kindness, upholding justice, or seeking forgiveness, anyone can progress toward righteousness. This perspective fosters hope and purpose, encouraging believers to see their efforts as meaningful steps toward a divine goal.
Christianity’s Sainthood: An Unattainable Ideal
In contrast, Christianity’s concept of sainthood often presents an unattainable standard that can leave ordinary believers feeling inadequate. In Catholic and Orthodox traditions, saints are typically individuals recognized for extraordinary holiness, miracles, or martyrdom. The canonization process elevates these figures to a status far removed from the average person’s experience, creating a spiritual hierarchy where sainthood feels reserved for a select few. Even in Protestant traditions, where "saints" may refer broadly to all believers, the emphasis on human sinfulness and the need for divine grace can overshadow the possibility of achieving meaningful righteousness in this life.
This unattainable ideal can foster a sense of spiritual inadequacy. Ordinary Christians may feel that no matter how hard they try, they can never measure up to the lofty example of saints like Francis of Assisi or the apostles. The focus on inherent sinfulness, coupled with the veneration of exceptional figures, can leave believers with a nagging sense of never being "good enough." While Christianity emphasizes salvation through faith, it often lacks a clear, attainable framework for becoming righteous in the here and now, as the tzadik provides in Judaism.
The Biblical Goal: Becoming a Tzadik
The biblical vision of spirituality, as seen through the lens of the tzadik, offers a compelling alternative. Righteousness is not about achieving perfection but about striving to live in alignment with God’s justice and mercy. The tzadik is a dynamic figure—someone who grows, stumbles, and rises again through repentance and good deeds. This aligns with the Jewish understanding of the human condition: flawed yet capable of greatness through effort and divine partnership.
By embracing the goal of becoming a tzadik, believers can find a spirituality that is both grounded and aspirational. The tzadik is not a distant ideal but a living possibility, as seen in Noah’s steadfastness, Abraham’s faith, and even Pharaoh’s momentary recognition of God’s righteousness. This biblical model encourages individuals to take responsibility for their spiritual growth, knowing that righteousness is within reach.
Conclusion: A Call to Righteousness
The Jewish concept of the tzadik offers a refreshing and attainable spiritual goal that is often missing in Christianity’s framework of sainthood. While saints are revered as exceptional figures, the tzadik is a universal calling—a biblical invitation to live justly, walk with God, and grow in righteousness. By shifting the focus from an unattainable ideal to an achievable journey, the tzadik empowers believers to see themselves as capable of meaningful spiritual progress.
The Bible’s vision of righteousness, rooted in God’s own nature as "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS," calls us to become tzadikim in our own lives. This is not a distant dream but a practical goal, attainable through faith, repentance, and action. In a world where many feel spiritually inadequate, the tzadik reminds us that we are all called—and able—to be righteous.
