Pushka also means handsbreadth, palm in Aramaic (פושקא), equivalent to Hebrew Ama (אמה). This is the source for the name of tzedaka (charity) boxes, since they are like an outstretched hand begging for charity.
The most common tin can called with this name is the charity box usually containing metal coins. It was initially employed by the Kollelim of the Yishuv haYashan to fund the semi-annual Halukka, but are today utilized by many other charity organizations to collect funds. A live example is the Kolel Chibas Yerushalayim which still exists and operates in the same manner since its foundation. The Ashkenazi custom is to donate money in likelihood of the sage Rabbi Meir Baal Haness before candle lighting every Friday evening or any special occasion.
Another common can with this name, is the silver etrog box which is used by most Ashkenazic Jews who are calling it Etrog-Pushka.
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