In addition to being required, there are some “rules” or etiquette that goes along with the act of tzedakah. For one, the donor should be careful not to offend the sensibilities of the recipient; give anonymously, if possible; If not anonymously, give with a smile and a kind word, etc.
There is much discussion in Jewish religious literature about who benefits more from the act of tzedakah, the donor or the recipient. Just about everyone agrees that the blessings attached to giving, far outweigh anything that the recipient gets. In fact, some feel that the recipient is actually an agent of G-d in helping to spread Holiness.
There are tons of people throughout the world and also here in Israel with their hands out for help. In my little corner of the world, our neighborhood in Efrat, there is a very special lady who sits in our little strip mall every Friday to receive tzedakah. This little gray-haired lady never asks for anything, but she just might be one of the highest paid people in Efrat; not really, but she should be.
You see, she always has a super-friendly smile and warm words and blessings for everyone, including my dog, Bandit. I don’t know how many people come to her every Friday, but it must be hundreds. We all look forward to seeing her and giving tzedekah, but more important is the warmth that she spreads to all of us.
You see, this lady (probably not right to use her name) just seems like she MUST be one of G-d’s messengers. She radiates warmth and love to everyone, with an enthusiasm that infects everyone within 50 meters (about 55 yards).
How would you respond to a person, angel, like this? Probably like the rest of us; you’d give charity, tzedakah, with joy and love in your heart. And, like the rest of us around here, you’d go out of your way to receive a pre-Shabbat blessing from this messenger from G-d.
Thank You, HaShem, for the messengers and teachers that You send to us to teach us Your ways.
Be Well, Y'all
Mel
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| Almond Blossoms - Springtime in Efrat |
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