Giving

It’s a funny kind of thing, yet it works. When someone is down and out, giving to help others might seem counterintuitive, but it’s the ticket to prospering. Both (the giver and the recipient) benefit.

Even when there’s no money, no livelihood; setting aside money (a bit more than ten percent of one’s income) to help those in need, will help the giver. Because G-d helps those who helps others.

Similarly if someone is emotionally in the dumps. By gathering energy to help others (for example, volunteering to visit people in hospitals, or giving support and encouragement to someone who needs it), it can uplift the giver.

The Torah tells us (Deuteronomy 14; 22) “You shall surely tithe,” and the Talmud comments (Taanit 9a) “Give a tenth (to charity) in order to become rich.”

The prophet Malachi (3; 10) tells us to tithe, and that G-d asks us to please test Him, and see if He doesn’t then open up the channels of heaven and shower us with so much blessing, that we will not even have enough room to store it all.

Later, at the end of the chapter (which is the last chapter of the Prophets), Malachi tells us to remember the Torah that G-d commanded Moses at Mount Sinai, for Israel; and that G-d will send Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and awesome day of G-d, and he will restore the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers.

The Talmud (Baba Basra 10a) tells us that charity will hasten the Redemption.

When Israel was attacked on October 7, and the country was at a very low point, Israelis united and gave their utmost to help one another.

They gave from their hearts. They showed that the nation’s heart is alive, beating and giving life, reviving the Jewish people.

And now, as G-d shows us tremendous miracles, Israel thrives as a superpower, standing up to the entire world, victorious. Israel is teaching the nations moral values, as instructed by G-d at Mount Sinai.

And as G-d’s light increasingly illuminates the world, perhaps we will soon merit the ultimate Redemption, with the coming of Moshiach. A time when G-dliness will be seen by all. A time when the world will be at peace, with people helping one another, and serving the Creator “with one shoulder.” (Zephaniah 3; 9)

May it happen very soon.