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"The Power of Tzedakah"
Tzedakah is as central to Judaism as the Shema itself. When we say the Shema, we include the phrase "b'chol levav'cha, uv'chol nafsh'cha uv'chol meodecha," which our Siddur translates as loving G-d "with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all you have." The earliest understanding of this phrase directly ties "meod" to material wealth.
Our ancestors considered material wealth a loan, so to speak, from G-d, to use while we are here. The Talmud says: "Give unto G-d what is G-d's, seeing that you and what you have are G-d's." In addition, the Talmud is clear that Tzedakah is not just a nice thing to do, but a requirement for everyone: "Even the beggar who is maintained by charity must himself practice charity."
Hashem created rich men and poor men alike so that they can benefit equally from one another. King Shlomo says, "G-d has made the one as well as the other." (Ecclesiastes 7:14) By caring for the poor and needy, a person elevates himself. When 3 angels, disguised as men, passed by Avraham's tent, Avraham had a great opportunity to do a kindness. At first, it says, "And behold, three men were standing over him." (Genesis 18:2) Since they were angels, they were on a higher level and stood "over him." After Avraham invited them into his home and took care of them, he reached great spiritual heights. It says afterwards that "he stood over them" (Yalkut Eliezer 18:8)
In the Alef Bet, the letters "gimmel" and "dalet" stand for "gemol dalim" ("be kind to the needy") (Shabbos 104a). They represent the commandments that are between man and his fellow man. These letters teach that giving of yourself to others and bringing them close to you is the foundation of human life.
"You shall love your fellowman as yourself." (Vayikra 19:18) Rabbi Akiva says that this is a major principle of the Torah. Fulfilling this commandment is the key to observing most of the commandments (Yer. Nedarim 9:4). It is very difficult to be alone and it interferes with a person's relationship with Hashem. In the Talmud, it says, "Either companionship or death." (Taanis 23a)
One of the commandments of Purim is to give mishloach manot in order to express love and friendship. "Sending delicacies each man to his fellow" (Megilat Ester 9:22) Both the word "ish" ("man") and the word "le're'eihu" ("to his fellow") have the numerical value of 311. A Jew should feel that he and his friend are equal (R' Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld).
All of this is probably not news to you.
When you give Tzedaka, a deeper connection is created between you and the receiver, whether it is a person or a whole organization.
Help spreading Judaism by sending your donations to:
Yosef Mizrachi Kiruv Org.
3 Nelson Road
Monsey, NY 10952
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