בס''ד
There are occasions when one hears a seemingly
satisfactory answer to a question, only to realise upon further probing that it
does not in fact resolve the problem at all. One example takes place in an interesting
exchange between Turnus Rufus and Rabbi Akiva, when discussing the mitzva in
our Parsha of giving to the impoverished amongst us. The infamous Roman governor posed the question
that if G-d loves the poor so much, why does He not simply provide them with
adequate resources so that they do not need the assistance of others? Rabbi
Akiva answered that the reason for there being those who are destitute is to
provide a means by which those who donate are able to be saved from the negative
consequences in the Next World. This
ostensibly neat solution however still leaves us with the question as to why
Hashem does not simply create another mitzva in its place, without the need for
poverty, that would similarly give us such an opportunity for salvation?
Giving charity
is a tremendous mitzva no matter what form it takes. But as with all mitzvos, there are levels of
performance and varying degrees of perfection with which one can engage in it. The Saba MiKelm zt’l explains that the mitzva
of Tzedoko is not merely the transferral of funds from one’s own pocket into
the hands of the underprivileged, but is a process of developing one’s love for
another human being. The contemplation
of that which they lack and empathy for their situation is the only way to
achieving perfection in this mitzvo. By
truly considering the needs of another, perhaps beyond one’s own, one cannot
help but cultivate a feeling of compassion and friendship towards the
beneficiary of your kindness. This
unifying principle of the Torah and the outcome it engenders cannot be achieved
without this process of Tzedoko.
Those of us who are in the privileged situation
to do so, are, I am sure, generous donators towards worthy causes. But how much thought do we put in to the
giving that we do? When someone in need
extends their hand to us, how much do we actually stop to try and feel what
they may be going through? The act of
giving itself is of tremendous worth, but if we are to achieve the fulfillment
of this mitzva to the highest degree, let us try to stop, just for a moment,
and reflect upon the recipient’s pain and suffering of being in this position.
Doing so will be conferring on ourselves even more than we have given to the
other, creating deeper feelings of humanity and love within us.
*May the warmth
of Shabbos spill over to each other*
לעילוי נשמת לאה בת אברהם
לרפואה שלימה: שרה יעל בת ברכה אסתר
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