More Blessed to Give

Rebbe Nachman on Charity

by Chaim Kramer

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Some Laws of Charity

God willing, in about two weeks we will begin a deeper study of tzedakah and its positive influence upon those who give and indeed upon the whole world. However, we first need to present certain basic laws of charity, upon which these essays will be based. The following is adapted from Shulchan Arukh, Yoreh Deah Chapters 247-251 and from the Kitzur Shulchan Arukh (Code of Jewish Law) with some light shed on contemporary issues.

1) It is a mitzvah to give charity according to one's ability. The Torah makes mention of this mitzvah several times, in order to emphasize that one not be hard-hearted when asked to give charity. After all, someone's life may be hanging in the balance.

Even though social services and charitable organizations exist, the lesson still has practical importance today. For example, many families suffer hunger because they must try to from meager pensions or social security. In addition, each winter there are elderly people who die from the freezing cold because they cannot afford to heat their homes.

2) As long as one has sufficient income for himself and his family needs, he must give to charity. (How much, will be discussed in next week's essay.)

What is considered sufficient income is debatable. I'm sure everyone, including me, has a different opinion based on his own needs. Logically, though, enough money to pay one's NECESSARY bills - such as telephone, electricity, gas, mortgage/rent, basic clothing and food - is considered sufficient income. On the other hand membership in a video club, even if considered a legitimate expense for one's mental/emotional well-being, indicates that one can afford a few extra dollars (or shekels or pounds) for charity.

3) Every community must appoint supervisors to oversee its charity needs. These supervisors are authorized by the community to determine how much individuals should contribute weekly to the community's general charity fund. The community should appoint people to collect these contributions. The collectors and supervisors are responsible both to the community and to the poor to make sure that the distribution of funds is made properly, in regard to both the needs of each poor individual and the contributions of the donors. To a person not designated by the community (one "collecting at the door") only a small amount need be given.

Today, most cities have welfare and social services departments which "collect" (through taxes) monies distributed for social welfare projects. However, those who are involved in charity know that there exists a wide discrepancy between the collected taxes and the amounts distributed. This is because there is no responsibility to the community or to the poor.

Many synagogues have established charity accounts for their members. These funds are usually administered by the rabbi and a committee. Due to privacy issues and other concerns, one should consider very carefully if it is worthwhile working for such a committee or asking for its help.

One is permitted to ask an individual from outside the community who is collecting to show a letter of recommendation from a reputable individual. (Ordinarily this letter will be from a well-known rabbi or organization.) One should ask to see this letter before writing the check. (A different set of "rules" pertains to those claiming to collect on behalf of an organization. This will be addressed in future essays when we deal with priorities in charity.)

4) "How much should one give to the poor? Whatever his needs are!" If he needs clothing or utensils for his home (e.g., pots and pans, a broom, a bed) he should be given these items. Investigating such matters must be done discreetly, always taking the feelings of the poor person into account, so as not to embarrass them.

Again, today, the needs for a person and his/her home are ever-changing. Especially with social services, these needs are much neglected, because everyone thinks someone else or another agency is taking care of the poor person's needs. Thus, these expenses are barely covered. There are many needs that some widows or orphans have of which the average person is totally unaware. Those with special needs children have other pressing needs, and there should be individuals or agencies that look in on their needs.

Those who are involved with the distribution of charity must find ways to investigate every case. Each legitimate need should be met with an open heart, without increasing the suffering of the poor by putting them through needless anxiety because of nonsensical requirements and a multiplicity of forms which only delay providing the necessary aid. Nonetheless, verifying legitimacy is certainly recommended.

5) One who gives to the poor with a dour and sour face loses his reward.

Nothing is worse than rubbing a poor person's poverty in his face. Our Sages teach that one who gives charity to a poor person receives six blessings, whereas one who also offers encouragement [to hope for a brighter future] will receive 11 blessings! In contrast, one who embarrasses a poor person (or any person for that matter) loses his portion in the World to Come. If the donor gives to the poor person with a dour face, the donor is, in effect, delegitimizing that poor person. The donor loses his money and his mitzvah!

6) One does not have to give charity to an evil person, but may, if he wants to.

Such charity is less efficacious. The evil person, if kept alive, might repent, therefore he might be considered a worthwhile cause. If, however, the wicked person would use the funds to commit further sins (e.g., immoral deeds, stealing, murder), then not only is it NOT a mitzvah to give him, it is a grave sin. (Support the Palestinian Authority in any way is an example of this.)

As to whether one should give funds to an addict who will spend the money to support his habit (e.g., alcohol, tobacco) rather than on basic, genuine needs, there are various opinions. The answer can only be determined in light of the addict's circumstances. In nearly all cases though, the best thing to do - the most charitable act - is to wean the person from his dependencies.

7) The greatest charity is to try to help support a person before he falls into the category of "needy."

One who can help another by providing seed money for a legitimate business venture, by lending money so that he can avoid bankruptcy or by teaching him how to properly manage his financial needs, is performing the greatest act of charity, namely, helping a person not to become needy. As the old adage says, "Give a man a fish, he'll eat today. Teach him to fish, he'll eat for the rest of his life." By helping a person get on his feet and stay on his feet, the person will not need charity. The same applies to teaching a person a business, profession or trade. The result is that he, too, will able to help support others. With this attitude, helping and/or teaching others a way to be self-supporting, helps eradicate poverty and build strength of character and self-assurance from which a person can be sustained for his whole life.

Next week, God willing, we will examine a few more laws of charity and then, God willing, we will begin our study of the ideas behind charity.