This week’s Parsha contains several Mitzvos relating to Tzedaka, the proper giving of charity. As we have now moved within ten (10!) days of Chodesh Elul, the Days of Mercy, it is important for us to know how we best can demonstrate mercy to others, and actually put this mercy into actual practice. It is not by “sheer coincidence” that the Torah reminds us of the Tzedakah imperative at this time. As Chazal teach--even a poor person must give tzedaka (Gittin 7B). We provide below several important points relating to the mitzvah of Tzedaka from the Sefer Mi’el Tzedakah and the Sefer Pele Yoetz, among others:
1. According to the greatness of the Mitzvah is the Yetzer Hora which fights it. Chazal (Eruvin 65B) teach that “Adam Nikar BeKiso”--one can tell much about a person by what he does with his money.
2. There is a special accomplishment in giving Tzedaka to those who are “Amalei Torah--to those who toil in Torah study.” Chazal (Shabbos 105B) remind us that “Talmid Chochom Hakol KeKrovov--all are like his relatives.” Accordingly, he should be given preference in Tzedaka treatment, much as one gives a relative such preference. When one gives Tzedaka to a Talmid Chochom, he is also supporting Torah study quantitatively and qualitatively (for removing even a portion of his financial burden will give him greater peace of mind to learn), he is honoring the study of Torah, and is considered as if he brought Bikkurim to the Kohen in the Bais HaMikdash (Kesubos 105B), and increases peace in the entire world (for Talmidei Chachomim increase peace in the world). From a spiritual rewards perspective, Chazal (Pesachim 53A) teach that one who supports a Talmid Chochom will be zoche to sit in the Yeshiva Shel Ma’aleh, and that the currently unfathomable rewards of the future that the Neviim describe relate to one who supports a Talmid Chochom in business and to one who marries his daughter to a Talmid Chochom (Brachos 34B).
3. One should give more to those who obviously qualify as true aniyim, but one must always remember that “VeRachamov Al Kol Ma’asov--Hashem’s mercy extends to all of his creations”--and so should ours. If we recite this Pasuk three times a day in Ashrei, we must realize that Chazal are reminding and reinforcing this concept within us, day-in and day out. Once HaRav Schach, Z’tl, was walking to the Kosel and saw a blind Arab begging on the road. HaRav Schach, to the surprise of his accompaniment, gave the Arab (who could not even see that he was Jewish) something, and commented these very words--VeRachamav Al Kol Ma’asav. It is important to put matters in a Torah-true perspective, as the Sefer Tomer Devorah (Chapter 2) writes, “One should say in his heart, if this poor fellow were very rich, how much would I delight in his company as I delight in the company of So-and-So. If he was dressed in handsome garments like So-and-So, there would be no difference in my eyes between them. If so, why should he lack honor in my eyes, being that in Hashem’s eyes he is more important than me, since he is plagued or crushed with poverty and suffering, and is therefore being cleansed of sin....”
4. The value of the Tzedaka is in accordance with the need and suffering of the poor person, and so giving before YomTov, or to help make a Chasuna, or if a child is born, is giving at especially fitting moments.
5. One of the highest levels of Tzedaka is giving without the recipient realizing that he is receiving--such as buying items from him, or using his services, at a higher than usual price, or selling things to him or providing him with services at a discounted price.
6. The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (34:1) writes that what will walk ahead of a person after 120 years are his acts of Tzedaka, as the Pasuk (Yeshaya 58:8) states--”VeHalach Lefanecha Tzidkecha Kevod Hashem Ya’asfecha--your acts of tzedaka will precede you and the glory of Hashem will gather you in.”
7. One should commiserate with the poor person (Iyov 30:25), and then give BeSever Panim Yafos--with a pleasant countenance. If one has no money to give, one should at least give tzedaka with his words of appeasement and caring.
8. In addition to the Torah’s Mitzvas Aseh to give tzedaka in this week’s Parsha, the Torah also warns us with a Lo Sa’Aseh in the Parsha--“Lo SeAmetz Es Yodicha VeLo Sikpotz Es Yodicha Mai’Achicha HaEvyon....do not harden your heart and do not shut your hand against your needy brother.” The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 478) movingly writes, “...but rather train your heart, under all circumstances, in the quality of generosity and compassion, and do not reckon that the matter will result in any lacking for you---because the Torah openly states “Ki Biglal Hadavar Hazeh Yevarechicha Hashem Elokecha (Devorim 15:10)--because for the sake of this thing, Hashem will bless you.” The Chinuch concludes, “His bracha for you for a brief instant is better for you than any number of treasures of gold and silver!”
Important Numbers
