Among the mitzvot found in Parshat Reay, is the mitzvah of Tzedakah (charity). You shall take tithes (Aser Taser) from all the produce of the crop that the field produces every year (Deut. chapter 14). According to the Torah, a minimum of one tenth of ones income should be distributed to charity. This commandment is expressed with the words Aser TAser. The Torah could have said only Aser which would mean give tithes. Why a double expression, Aser Taser? Our sages explain that the word Taser should be understood as, Tasher, which means you will be wealthy. Hence, the Torah tells us, If you give tithes (aser), it will bring you wealth (tasher). We also find this message later in the Parsha, If there be among you a needy person... you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your needy brother... because for this the L-rd your G-d will bless you in all your work... According to Torah, charity is not an expense, rather a good investment. In addition to the physical act of giving charity, we must also perform it with heart and soul. The Torah states, You shall give him and your heart shall not grieve when you give to him because for this the L-rd your G-d will bless you in all your work. The Talmud teaches us, Whoever gives charity to a poor person is blessed with six blessings; and whoever speaks to him soothing words is blessed with eleven blessings. Thus, one who gives charity in a manner that comforts the poor person receives seventeen (6+11=17) blessings! The Midrash tells the following tale: The three Talmudic sages, Rabbi Elazar, Rabbi Yehoshua and Rabbi Akiva, were once collecting funds to support Torah scholars and they came to the mansion of Abba Yudan, a wealthy merchant who donated generously to charity. Abba Yudan saw them arriving and he paled in despair, for he had just lost all his money and was unable to assist them. When his wife realized his distress, she advised him to sell half of their remaining field and donate the money to charity. When the sages received his gift, they blessed him saying, May G-d replenish your loss! Indeed, Abba Yudan was later plowing in his field when his cow stumbled into a hole and broke her leg. Upon attending to the wound, Abba Yudan suddenly discovered a magnificent treasure buried in the hole! When the sages later visited the neighborhood again, Abba Yudan came to greet them. Your blessings brought me great wealth! he exclaimed. No, they replied, it was due to your charitable deeds! Your generous contribution found favor in G-ds eyes and it brought you great wealth! Moshiach NOW!!!
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 03:58:16 +0000
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