219. Tzedaka (Charity)

34:1 There is an obligation for Jews to support their needy brethren as we see in Deuteronomy 15:8, “You shall surely open your hand to him.” To turn a poor person away empty-handed violates “Do not close your heart or shut your hand to your needy brother” (Deuteronomy 15:7). Charity is a trait of Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 18:19) and the throne of Israel will only be established through charity (Isaiah 54:14). Giving charity is even greater than offering sacrifices as per Proverbs 21:3, “The performance of charity and judgment will be more desirable before God than an altar.” Israel will be redeemed because of charity (Isaiah 1:27) and a person will never become destitute or come to harm because of giving charity (Isaiah 32:17). God will treat charitably those who treat others charitably (Deuteronomy 13:18). If generosity is a trait of Abraham, then one who is miserly casts doubt on his lineage. God hears the cries of the needy so one should be careful not to aggrieve them. Just as we want God to hear our cries, we should hear the cries of those in need. Also, there is no guarantee that one’s own fortune of that of his desendants won’t change, causing them to require others’ assistance. One must not think that he is reducing his own personal wealth by giving to charity; we must recognize that money is entrusted to us by God for us to use for proper purposes. Giving charity helps to undo harsh decrees a person may have earned.

34:2 Every person must give charity as he is able, based upon his individual circumstances. Even a poor person who lives off of charity must pay a portion forward to others. Even if this is only a small amount, he should not hesitate because his small amount is as significant as a wealthy person’s large amount. The Talmud in Menachos (110a) notes that an offering of an animal, an offering of birds, and a flour offering are all called pleasing to God. It makes no difference to Him how much or how little one is able to give, only what is in one’s heart when giving. However, one who only has just enough to live on should not give charity because his own needs must come first.