Shabbat Blast

Dear CBO Family,
 
There are two important values in Judaism that work together to provide for the needs of the needy in our community.
 
We learn in a Mishnah based on our Haftorah:
"And anyone who does not need to take [charity] and yet takes, will not depart from this world before he actually needs [charity] from others.
And anyone who needs to take and does not take, will not die of old age until he supports others with his own money. Concerning him the verse says: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose hope is the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:7)."
 
When we look at this text we are reminded that giving tzedakah is obligatory. It is not something nice to do when someone in need comes before us. Our tradition obligates us with mitzvot because they are necessary for someone other than ourselves and also for a meaningful life.
 
In a modern commentary (English Explanation of Mishnah Peah 8:9:1) we are taught: “On the other hand, when addressing the poor person, the rabbis emphasize to him that he must strive to do everything he can to prevent himself from having to take tzedakah. A person who takes tzedakah when he doesn’t need it, will in the end become truly in need of tzedakah.”
 
This teaching does not come to tell us that it is improper to ask for help. Indeed, one needs to ask for help when he or she is in need. But one should take care to prevent himself from falling into poverty in the first place. This is not always possible. Issues of mental health, failed business, lack of health insurance, overwhelming debt, and also lack of education play roles in leading to a life of poverty. And when someone hits that place it is our role as a community to do everything to lift them up, hopefully before they hit rock bottom. 
 
We take care of others and we must take care of ourselves so that we do not need to ask. We are even forbidden from giving too much tzedakah in case that might impoverish us. With this in mind, we strive to bring more peace, security, and wholeness to each person.
 
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Bernstein

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How to Organize Your Home

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Science and Judaism: Tradition and Modernity Shavuot

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